Why I'm downsizing my reptile collection

[@GoHerping]

Like most vids, this one was early access for Patreon members. More are already posted there including the next vlog if you'd like to join! patreon.com/goherping P.S. still have many reptile videos on the way, for those of you who have asked me, I'm just trying to do a bigger variety. I appreciate the support and look forward to what's coming in the future.

[@blackberryp2202]

Ok

[@jurassicparkreptiles1816]

Ok

[@haroldcallahan4887]

Is that a milk snake on the thumbnail?

[@GoHerping]

@@haroldcallahan4887 corn

[@benjaminparker1881]

I’ll only become a patreon if my name gets to be in a video even though it kinda means nothing

[@rust-2450]

Honestly, I've noticed your interest in reptiles dwindling for a while now. I'm proud of you for admitting it and decreasing your workload, instead of just piling on more reptiles for views. I hope your find that passion again, but I'll watch you regardless

[@LilSinger097]

I think part of that has to do with the neighbours. I really hope once they have stuff sorted out that they will rekindle their passion

[@wildnaturalista]

I completely agree, you should always do what's best for you.

[@liabobia]

I'm sure you've thought of this but just in case: depression disorders are underdiagnosed in young men, and often present as apathy and loss of interest coupled with mood swings. Even if that's a factor for you, reducing your workload is probably the best thing to do right now. Just take care of yourself and consider talking to a professional.

[@Cat-di9lg]

I have been diagnosed with deppression and he does seem to have the symptoms I had at my worst point, and symptoms my sister in law had with her mood swings before getting on medication. Not trying to diagnose anyone, just trying to help.

[@DaneH64]

i dunno if you should diagnose people, but this is true, when i had depression i felt this

[@nicholaslopez6384]

Everyone goes through hard times stop labeling people with disorders you asshole

[@86fifty]

Replying to give this comment a bump, it's important stuff

[@elmstreetdoll3270]

Diagnosing is a little different that what this comment says. The commenter even add “even if thats a factor for you” so they are not at all saying Alex indefinitely has anything. Plus the commenter was very positive in bringing this up as a whole

[@GoHerping]

I forgot to add captions to this video but they'll be viewable by tomorrow

[@manitobanaturenews9842]

shuddup alex

[@maddie-rf9xw]

Would you consider networking out and having some ES reptiles go to different people to care for? Some people could volunteer to do it (ie. myself) and then if people take a bunch on you can maybe “pay them” just for care costs and send them whatever they need to ship them out. You could have people in a couple different states which could cut down on shipping distance too and people could do more pick ups to avoid shipping all together

[@tortoiselifefun2753]

@@manitobanaturenews9842 ????

[@nathanestrada5967]

@@maddie-rf9xw I wouldn't trust that at all because people can ghost you and take everything you sent at the same time since they are states away. Hes in a good spot where he is at.

[@GoHerping]

@@maddie-rf9xw We attempted that with 3 or 4 people, but the logistics became very difficult and resulted in quality control issues. However I think it's possible if I had some locals who I could physically visit and look over, almost like a supervisor or something. we'll see

[@pollyphemeus]

did you know it can be relatively easy to get your house marked as a wildlife preserve? It normally only requires planting a few varieties of plants and having at least one native species. It could prevent future legal issues from your neighbors. I have a friend that keeps a flock of ducks, geese, and chickens and her neighbors can't say anything....just an idea.

[@pollyphemeus]

@@Rynn21 He would probably need a pet or two that was fairly permanent to maintain his status but I don't think it's a huge problem. My friend is using her chickens and ducks for meat and eggs, and is planning a small business based on them. The animals rotate, but if you maintain a few small requirements, mostly the plant life and one of the required species at all times you seem to be good. I would definitely look into the local areas exact requirements though as they may vary by state/county.

[@loviebunnie314]

Livestock like birds r a different story since majority of people have them for eggs. It doesnt matter if you sell eggs and chicks. People also own the males for better egg production . it encourages the females to lay . so not everybody is breeding them. But ware I am from a lot of people sell them online. Farmers markers. Acutal stores . give them to random people . they r very much legal in a ton of places. The cities all take a vote about to be allowed to own chickens or not so it goes by the majority of people. If your area says you can have live stock then there is 0 problem with it. Some people have 24+ ducks chickens ect and they sell there eggs and make about 2k a month off of eggs. Also a lot of the differences is chickens and stuff r usually outside and not inside your average house with a bunch more. I can see why people would be like bro this guy keeps getting animals sent to his house ect and can have concerns about there well being. As for people who have chickens and such tend to have there needed space ect . I just think maybe the area he is in isnt used to animals being around. I have lived in california. Montana. Kentucky. And boy we all had animals and nobody bats an eye .

[@elianwolfert3879]

I don't think legality is the issue, problem was the neighbours were pretty much pestering him away. You can do everything 100% legal and still want/need to leave because neighbours are being shits.

[@lachrymarum_]

are you talking about the national wildlife federation's program that certifies your yard as a wildlife habitat? the requirements are more about harboring native species of plants and animals, what pets you own makes no difference.

[@lemonblossom0]

i should tell the city this the next time they give me a fine for my garden being overgrown

[@richardgodbey264]

During the walking trail I was anticipating he’d slip because of him jumping on a moist surface

[@moldycreamcheese2317]

lol rare footage of go herping eating shit

[@bigsam8597]

@@moldycreamcheese2317 *NOW THAT'S ALOTTA DAMAGE!!!!*

[@TheTaylorwailer]

J U I C Y

[@GoHerping]

Also somebody already picked up the 125 gallon. Sorry! I may have more enclosures to sell which I'll post on Twitter

[@shinyrayco2486]

@goherping I want a false camelian wdyt should i get it?

[@mememikasa9092]

@@shinyrayco2486 try to think about if you want it and if you're prepared for it, it's all on you

[@shinyrayco2486]

@@mememikasa9092 thx!

[@CS-td1nn]

@@shinyrayco2486 Hello 😊 False Chameleons are cool pets to have - if you want to get one, make sure to do lots of research first as it doesn't hurt to know what is good and what is not good for the animal and even if you just spend 5 minutes watching a video about the animal that you want from a channel like this for example, try to learn some things so that you will know the basics of how to care for them. I made a huge mistake, I got my first pet last year and it was a Giant African Land Snail, his name is Yogi and I massively underestimated their care requirements and this resulted in Yogi going in and out of hibernation which is not good for snails in captivity as it means that their set up is not correct and its not healthy for them. Of course, we do not want the animals that we keep to struggle and I did lots of research before I got this animal. Even then, we still ran into some problems and eventually just last week, Yogi was returned to his breeder along with his brother snail called Parsnip that I got about a week after I got Yogi as I learnt that snails are social animals and that they like to have company. Both of them weren't doing too well, even though I spent hours and hours researching and chatting with people that are really knowledgeable when it comes to caring for snails. I know you want to get a reptile and snails are a totally different animal to reptiles but please do lots of research and if you do run into problems, don't hesitate to go onto reptile forums and see if you can find a solution to your problems. The only reason that my boys were returned to the breeder is because there is more info on how to kill snails online rather than info on how to care for them as they are considered to be pests. My snails have their own personalities and I will miss them deeply forever as I will never get them back. Though I have not found a solution to whatever it was that was causing their enclosure to be too cold and too dry amongst other things, now that I have experienced this issue, hopefully I can experiment with set ups and then if I do get another animal like a snail for example, then I can do things properly without issues. My point is that even if you do so much research, things can go wrong. I do not agree with the other person's reply to your comment as I think that it is not down to you to figure things out. If you run into problems and you are unsure of what to do, contact a reptile specialist or try reptile forums. As I said, there is more info on how to kill snails as they are considered to be pests and so when I searched for advice to try and resolve my issues before I returned them to the breeder, there was hardly any helpful info and I didn't want them to be struggling in the conditions that they were in, even though I tried and tried to get things right for them. In your case, reptiles aren't really considered as pests so there will be lots more info out there if you do find that you need advice if you run into problems. Sorry for ranting but this video from Alex just reminded me of my snails and when he mentioned how he sometimes felt that he wanted to give up with his hobby altogether, I can relate to that because I also wanted to give up so many times because I felt like I was failing even though I tried and tried to get things right. At the end of the day, don't blame yourself for everything if things don't work out with your animals like you expect like I have done and if you do get one then have fun and enjoy taking care of them. I hope they bring you joy and that you will learn lots about caring for that animal and that they will be a nice pet for you ❤ Take care and stay safe too!

[@shinyrayco2486]

@@CS-td1nn Thank you so very much on going into detail about that i was just considering it i don’t think my parents would like a dog and a lizard but yeah i was just mildly concidering it and thank you if i get a pet i will use this actually I’m screenshots go this rn and sending it to a friend who is getting a pet soon lots of thanks

[@princessconsuela9012]

You are a smart, gifted young man. You can’t keep pouring out without getting filled back up. A re-charge is brilliant. Often the challenges we experience are the catalyst for fulfilling changes. I feel like this is what you will experience. Your subscribers appreciate your honesty and will stay. God bless.

[@GoHerping]

appreciate it! you make good points

[@miyukiwynter885]

I'm sure you've already thought about this but when looking for a new house try to find one where you can contain all of the emerald scales animals into one or two rooms like a big basement or something. That way they're out of your regular living space and you're not always looking at them. That might help you enjoy your own personal time better without a bunch of animals constantly in view.

[@mh56487]

Dude I would watch you even if all you did was picking out cool rocks on the ground. were here for your personality. Ive never had any reptiles and dont plan on getting any, ive still watched literally every single video of yours from three years back and forward. just do whatever you enjoy and the people who watch you will follow

[@snakeluvr1395]

Honestly I would watch an hour long video of Alex just talking about anything 😂 he's awesome

[@carolinebaker8591]

Literally same here... I have no reptiles/amphibians and no plans to probably ever if I’m being honest, I just find him funny and chill

[@zoeisabagel2855]

THIS.

[@imgonnakate]

Okay but why does this actually sound entertaining? Like Alex just brings his camera and narrates about the various cool rocks he finds along the way.

[@snakeluvr1395]

@@imgonnakate because it's literally Alex 🤣😂

[@Avion1929]

I really hate you had to go through that with the neighbors and they probably won't get any sort of reprimand for it.

[@GoHerping]

their lives are miserable enough in that neighborhood anyways

[@snakeluvr1395]

@@GoHerping lol

[@laurajm3694]

I’d be interested in getting the full story about what happened with the neighbors at some point if you’re willing. I’ve had bad neighbors in the past and it’s feels good to not only complain about what I’ve dealt with but surprisingly i enjoy hearing other people’s negative experiences too.

[@rentorange9450]

what happened with animal controllll

[@snakeluvr1395]

@@laurajm3694 agreed!!

[@flowersreptiles2707]

Hey Alex, I’m on the East coast and I’ve been taking in animals, mostly reptiles, actively for the past 5 years. I understand how exhausting it is. Mentally, emotionally, physically, financially. It drains you. I’ve taken many breaks where I stopped taking in rescues and focused on my personal pets. And in the time of that break, I’m reminded where my passion is and that’s undeniably in rescue. Saving lives, seeing animals rehabilitate and prosper under your care enough to find their forever home, for me it makes it all worth it. Breaks are necessary to evaluate where your heart truly is. Get your mind out of it and feel.

[@caitlinbellinger4081]

Felt this! Rescue is soooo rewarding, but there's a reason people in animal rescue work have some of the highest rated of depression, and, sadly, suicide. You literally are presented with some of the worst of humanity on a daily basis: the mistreatment of defenseless living creatures that can't advocate for themselves. I rescued senior dogs for years but am currently on a hiatus because I'm no help to them if I'm not taking care of myself first. Like they say in onboard flight spiels: put on your own oxygen mask before you try and save others or you'll all end up suffocating.

[@laredouter4792]

I felt my heart drop when I thought you might be getting rid of Rosie. She is such a big sweetie and one of my favourites

[@luvlost03]

I sure hope she goes to someone who will take great care of her, she deserves a good life.

[@Myselfwannabe89]

PLEASE NOT ROSIE

[@laredouter4792]

Alex did say she was one of his favourite personal reptiles in his video so I'm crossing all my fingers and toes 🤞

[@beancakebeetle3086]

I'm glad he's comfortable enough to open up about his issues with his viewers, lots of creators would would just keep this to themselves and keep his fans in the blue, but he's here willing to share about his life or issues, or 'ramble' as he calls it, and we appreciate an honest youtuber

[@rb-dg3fc]

you could rant about velcro straps & i'd still listen, my guy.

[@paigelangley7863]

You’re the first KZbinr that’s made me wanna turn my notifications settings on for your channel

[@GoHerping]

yay

[@phained]

If you're worried about the noise then just silent youtube notifications

[@paigelangley7863]

@@phained I’m not worried about it, I got excited when I saw the notification

[@embermoon4536]

@@GoHerping even in comment form I can just hear the unenthusiastic tone in your voice

[@GoHerping]

@@embermoon4536 yay

[@loribreitbarth2215]

‘I look very promiscuous right now.’ I love your sense of humor and you brighten my day!

[@nixasteria]

Honestly I don’t watch your videos for facts on animals. I genuinely enjoy watching your personality and I like your honesty.

[@WEYffles]

“My cold tolerance is very low right now” He’s starting to become a reptile himself

[@appieclnnamon]

Take care of your own needs man! You're young and definitely should have room to do things you find fulfilling. Burnout is rough and it sounds like its affecting your mental health. Your viewers & fans will support you. I, for one, love your other content. Good luck and I hope it goes well for you!

[@hahcnewhdnwjns891]

i came here for the reptiles, but im staying for you 🙏

[@GoHerping]

:)

[@throughcolouredglasses9300]

Honestly i found you for reptile stuff, but i stayed and watch every upload for the editing, the humour, the more creative/out there/dumb ideas like the potato video, the calci sand video, the incresingly unhinged energy of the unboxings. I'm exited to see where you'll take this channel.

[@k.allen007]

Am just here for content. Any content 😁

[@basilsgarden100]

Bars

[@maxfuchs175]

I am stopping my geometry quarterly for this

[@GoHerping]

woo

[@maxfuchs175]

@@GoHerping i am trying to get my mom to let me spend money on you patreon

[@mr.burnsgaming8985]

100 like

[@Workof]

Alex without glasses: Almost adult boi Alex with his glasses on: instant 8 year old

[@felixadriensfavoritecousin]

IKR

[@EATONWILDGAMING]

I'm still waiting for the uncensored and uncut version of your wisdom teeth extraction video

[@elliesocoolfamoussexy]

y e s

[@moldycreamcheese2317]

He probably had to cut out some wacky moments

[@EATONWILDGAMING]

@@moldycreamcheese2317 and wacky is what I want to see

[@bigsam8597]

Judging by all the profanity used in that video, an uncensored version would probably get demonotized.

[@EATONWILDGAMING]

@@bigsam8597 that's true,but I mean,still

[@jazmincunningham9843]

I hope this comment gets noticed. First I would like to say how proud I am of what you have accomplished in you many years on KZbin. I have been following you for many years to get info on how to take care of different reptiles and what kind of enclosures to have. You knowledge of these animals is so extraordinary and I am fortunate to come across your channel. I have to say I didnt know you were so young lol but thatmk you for sharing your information with all of us. Because of you I have had two red eared sliders and will be getting my first albino california king snake. I plan on expanding my animal "collection" and will gladly refer to you for every reptile I get in the future. Thank you for all the hard work you put in for all of us that have been following you. You are a great individual and watching you grow and mature on this platform has been a great experience. Continue to do great things and you will get everything back ten fold.

[@shinyrayco2486]

Epic wholesome

[@arcudielizabeth433]

Commenting for a boost bc Alex needs to see this

[@martehustvedt5046]

Personally i started watching you for the animals. But you are a naturally funny person and i love your vibe. So today i watch your vids for pure entertainment. My point is, i dont think you'll lose a large amount of following if you switch it up a little, as long as you keep being yourself :)))

[@silverwis3603]

glad to hear that you’re moving towards doing what you want. hobbies that become businesses can be draining, I started selling the jewelry I make a year ago and now I can hardly bring myself to ship out an order a month. knowing when you’re burnt out is really helpful, I love your videos just for how fun your personality is. reptile content is cool but my favorite videos have been your recent ones, and I know you’ll continue to find an audience! you rock alex, take care

[@chalkolotcake]

I wish you luck in whatever the future brings you. I hope you find your passion again. Whether it be reptiles or not. Just take care of you. As much as we love viewing you. You gotta take care of you first. You are still super young and have so much ahead of you. You'll find what you want to do.

[@mondsoldat7106]

Good luck you guys!!

[@sugarpea4484]

@Kayleigh Tallent oh yeah, what the heck? 😆

[@gaymer7076]

You became my fav content creator for being so honest, I really enjoyed this video

[@knexgirlnightress194]

Hey bro being able to realize ur limits and work towards ur mental health is rlly hard do props to you and just continue doin what you enjoy

[@chief7385]

I'm currently engaged in a feud with most of my neighbors, as long as they don't bother me I won't raise hell and make living here harder than it has to be.

[@VoidplayLP]

I never understood why neighbours care so much

[@luvlost03]

I'm curious to know what the feud is about? Its usually like a fence or grass to long something ridiculous like that

[@snowballil3133]

Your lucky your neighbor ain't a nutcase, the neighbor in my backyard set the back of our yard on fire.

[@CaspiRose99]

Y’alls neighbors are weird my neighbors mind their own business

[@sweetluvgurl]

I don’t get why they think they need to tell others how to live their lives.

[@xStaticSumi]

Hey, I really think this is the right move for you. I don’t intend to be blunt, but honestly it’s been weird for me to watch some of your more recent videos not because they aren’t well thought-out or entertaining, but because I could feel some sense of exhaustion or apathy emanating from you and it made for a tone that felt more dark than interested or passionate. I totally believe that you still care so much about these animals and their well being. I think some rest and distance could help reignite your passion for working with reptiles, but either way, you definitely deserve a break. Shrug this off if you want, but you’re so young-relax! Actually enjoy your life. Don’t worry so much about being “successful” that you drive yourself into the dirt.

[@isabellerose310]

I completely understand how you feel! I have so many hobbies and interests, along with 15 pets. I love my animals, but the thought of being tied down to them, especially when I’m not motivated is draining. I am currently looking at downsizing as well and going tiny to travel.

[@pennyw2226]

I thought the title said downsizing my reptiles and my dumb a** was like “isn’t it unethical to make a snake shorter”

[@geraldunicorn6931]

hehe

[@karendpeterson970]

I'm stupid impressed with your honesty. It takes So Much to make a life for yourself financially sound that you end up not living. Everyone says to 'do what you love" but I realize you run the risk of turning your passion into a job. Good luck finding new vision or adjusting your vision. Some people go their whole lives without growing that much.

[@carocaro101]

Hey, I just want to let you know that we your fans support you through this. It is so important to take care of your mental health and you’re setting an excellent example of that for your younger audiences.

[@soniamartinez8984]

Started watching for reptiles but now I just love your personality like I’m assuming so many of your subscribers do.

[@cassiekraft2154]

You can’t pour from an empty cup, you’re doing the right thing taking care of yourself

[@trixxie02]

dude i love the quiz, lego and rambling content, i find myself watching them more often than the reptile vids lol, still love them but i most enjoy watching the content when you’re clearly enjoying it :)

[@skarapeacetalon2800]

26:42 I felt that, I really felt that. I have six snakes, and after hearing and seeing so much misinformation and hate for reptiles, every time I have space and money for one, I'll get them. Especially if they've been neglected, I want to give them a good life. I'm in highschool though, so that takes up so much time. Bless my mother for loving the legless puppies as much as I do, she helps out. Lately I've been feeling burnt out and haven't been bringing them as often as I used to, and I feel less passionate about them. It's hard to remember you're only one person in a world of 10,700 different species of reptiles.

[@TheTurtleGirl]

your honesty is so refreshing. take care of yourself!

[@celestial_kitten0834]

I came for the reptiles but i stayed for the chaotic energy. Also not leaving peacefully usually means damaging the property in some way. The last rental we lived in the previous tenants were evicted and ended up breaking all the windows, throwing eggs at the ceiling and walls, and spilling paint on the carpets.

[@snakeluvr1395]

I had four reptiles, but I recently rehomed my corn snake, and I will probably be rehoming my red eared slider. Reptiles are a lot of work! Do what is best for your mental health ❤ It also sounds like you may have some depression. Depression usually comes with loss of interest in subjects that you love. I have depression, and when I go through it, I have mood swings and lack of interest. It sucks. Stay safe bud ❤

[@ClassicalPianoisMyJam]

I am 100% here for whatever content is on this channel. Burnout is real!

[@justinm7614]

I remember like a year or two ago you tweeted a picture of yourself as a kid on a tractor

[@ruggbean]

The last 11 months has been a lot of burnout and emotional dysregulation for me, and I can't even count how many aspects of myself that I just don't want to do or don't care about anymore, or how many things that I had that yes-no roller coaster about, and it feels exhausting to sit in the middle of all of it and wonder if you're going to find that excitement drop again. Regardless of what you do or where you go, you have to do right by you, and I really hope that wherever you carve your path, you always find that drop.

[@cldundon7228]

People really don't get how challenging it is to own a business. Thank you for sharing your experience. Also, that's insane you had so many animals at once! Never would have guessed for how tidy your set up was. I have enjoyed all the information -care, recovery, just general facts- that you've shared. I hope your next endeavor allows for time to grow with it. I understand being overwhelmed by the business growing too fast.

[@mattherat813]

So much respect for you. Its not easy to start a business. It's harder to do it in public. When I moved from CA to OR, I met people in both locations who knew about you and your channel. You're an impressive individual and whatever you decide for your next steps, I hope you're proud of what you've achieved. I hope I don't sound like I'm giving advice, you're an inspirational dude just by being who you are. I'll keep watching!

[@alir9929]

No matter what your further videos are about I’ll still be watching and I’m sure others will as well. At this point it isn’t even entirely about the content but about you as a person, watching your videos, your opinions, and your experience is really interesting and entertaining. I’m definitely into tiny houses, minimalism, and anything nature related. Good going man, you’re pretty successful, and I’m sure you’ll continue to be, even if your content is changing.

[@GoHerping]

thanks!

[@ivo2345]

I totally get it. After years of the same thing, no matter how much love and interest there is, there is too much of anything. It almost always comes back after a break from it. Take your time. Don't rush anything.

[@homiethefish]

From the day I hit the subscribe button, I’ve been interested in you and your journey. The animals where just the vehicle for your story. Some of my favorite videos were the lego build videos, please do more. I wish you would talk more about your Tesla. And looking forward to the housing videos.

[@PicadillyCuddles]

I will continue to follow your progress regardless of whether or not you keep up with Emerald Scales or not. Your personality and talent is enough to keep me interested in this channel!

[@molpi_]

It's been a while since I've come across a KZbinr as genuine as you. We're here for how awesome of a person you are, reptiles or not. I'm glad to see you don't let your content define you--it's a trap many other creators who hit this rough point struggle to overcome. Please take care of yourself and keep pursuing your interests, we support you! :)

[@kristismart4065]

You are inspiring. I related to everything you talked about. I got burnout in my work after 40 years. I tried to throttle and control what projects I took in. etc. When something goes from being the thing you love to the thing you dread, its time to switch gears. Its not your subject matter that I loved about your videos. Its your commentary. Your depth of knowledge. Your passion. Yes, reptiles are interesting but so are all the other subjects you mentioned. Im really looking forward to your new subject matters. What ever you focus on is going to be wonderful to watch. This is going to be so freeing for you. Thank you for this video and much love

[@pedropagan735]

Thank You for sharing, If it helps you any I watch your content because you are laid back and funny. I have anxiety and your content really makes a difference in my life. I wish you the best, your a smart guy and this is nothing you can't figure out. Peace!

[@katiekane5247]

Here you are, taking in animals in need & giving them a great life while MY dipstick neighbor was on his 4th dog. The last one was a puppy that they enjoyed for about 2 months but quickly got tired of. They never gave her any training, no shots or worming & left her to run loose in the neighborhood with no place to be safe. Animal control would NOT come out to do anything. We finally took her to our no-kill shelter after she was shivering outside. Our dog wouldn't tolerate her in our house. I hope she gets someone to adopt her while she's young & cute. At least she's fed & housed, she won't end up having puppies of her own in the woods. I hope nothing but the best for you, you're a good guy!

[@bleb9608]

As a huge boa lover (and owner) I would love to see more videos with Rosy! I'm super glad you are giving yourself a break, never put our content above your own health.

[@gerileemakes]

I have really enjoyed your reptile content, and not so much your other stuff, it isn't always my style (sometimes you are real weird bro, that's ok, you do you). The airbnb series does sound cool though. I've liked the cinematography and b-roll in your animal spotlight videos and others, like the one where Stan was reacting to other reptiles, or seeing what an animal will eat. It will be cool to see your style applied to other content. Follow your dreams!

[@sowmyakulukuru3363]

Whatever you decide to do, don’t worry too much about what we think. You said this started as a passion project, if your passion changes, so can the project. Above all, keep yourself happy and healthy, and take time off when you need it! I dunno about your other viewers, but to me, the main reason your channel is so entertaining is because of your personality and creativity when it comes to making these videos. Good luck 🦎

[@kristismart4065]

Absolutely this.

[@catcando1131]

This is the video that got me to subscribe. Your honesty was very beautiful to see. And the fact you admitted this to yourself before you broke down is to be commended. And I really did love listening to your ramble! It makes you feel so much more human! I will keep watching, no matter the content! You do you! Much love!

[@GoHerping]

thanks!

[@h0rrorville]

I don't think I'm the only one here who will watch any video you put out and enjoy it. I hope a lot of your subscribers do as well so you can do new things that excite you.

[@mla3521]

I think I speak for everyone when I say that you should do whatever makes you happy! We'll be here to watch and support you no matter what c: life is too short to not enjoy what you do

[@evanchristensen5086]

Love you're channel man I just got a ball python as my first reptile and your videos have been so helpful. Keep doing what you're doing man your doing great work!

[@jurassicparkreptiles1816]

Cool

[@wowgurl13]

Came for the reptiles, stayed for the amazing personality. You got a subscriber for life no matter what you do!

[@theonlyfaith77]

I've been here for awhile, and I'll keep being here. I think most of your viewers enjoy your personality. I love seeing people going after their passions 💚 We're supposed to be enjoying this life.

[@mindylavalley4018]

The fact you can be 100% honest in what you need says SO much!!! Do you! Even if its just a small hobby❤

[@somnium4043]

I love how you are being so honest about currently losing your passion. I do hope that it comes back one day. I started watching your videos when I got a leopard gecko from my cousin. now I have gotten addicted and we now also have a bearded dragon. they are well taken care of partially because of your videos. I hope to either get another bearded dragon or a snake next. Do yourself a favor and post what you are passionate about. your true fans will stick around with whatever content you post.

[@kriseldagernan7597]

I like those sit-down commentary videos like the quizzes and stuff! I don’t really come for mainly reptiles, I enjoy your commentary & opinions.

[@1293jessica]

I really appreciate your transparency and honesty and that's why I continue to watch your channel because I can tell you're not interested in reptiles anymore. You're funny and insightful for a younger person lol, I'll be sticking around :)

[@bentobento3241]

I like your rambling, I can really empathize with what you're feeling. I'm sorry for what you had to go through with the neighbors and the overall draining of the energy feeling. I'm curious to see what new content you'll create! I love your personality so I'll be here to watch it

[@jasmijnooms2242]

I think it’s wonderful that you’re finally taking time for yourself and realizing that you can’t keep on working like this! At least for me, but i feel like a lot of us are here for your personality and humor. I don’t think I’ll ever adopt a reptile but what attracted me to your video’s was your overall fun topics and reactions, so no worries!

[@jackielliott5772]

it’s really refreshing to hear this level of honesty in this community. i love my reptiles but sometimes i need a break but it’s not a hobby you can pick up and put down as you please. i hope you’re taking care of yourself and recognizing you may be showing signs of depression. i know no matter what you post you have a faithful subscriber in me and you should totally branch out if this isn’t making you happy right now :)

[@heatherm2324]

Your right I clicked on the first video that I watched of yours, but it was you that brought me back. I enjoy your opinions, as your honest and also polite at the same time. I hope I can continue to watch your videos, or that you continue to post. What ever you do I do wish you the best.

[@saga2964]

I hope you find that passion again, as these animals really need you. You have integrity for their well-being and making sure they are going to truly good places, not just flipping them for a profit. Take it easy, take it slowly, and hopefully you will come back to it! Keep us posted! P.S. Getting the help you need is SO important--hire more ppl to help you if possible!

[@scarletpimpernel230]

A fascinating video from someone very passionate and knowledgeable about what he loves! Thanks for describing your own experience-I'm quite an open/unfiltered person too, so appreciate your openness.

[@GoHerping]

thanks!

[@TheTaylorwailer]

I’m glad that you know when it’s time to take a step back and I’m excited that you’re still going to be making fun and relaxed videos of whatever you want. 🙂

[@ryleighholm2791]

You don't need approval from us, (well.. maybe for the money I guess but,) you're doing a wonderful thing for yourself and don't feel bad about it. I personally like videos like this just as much as the rest of your reptile content. You're the kind of person I'd love to be friends with and that makes it all golden from my pov. 🌻

[@aster5600]

Mood swings can be frustrating. I totally relate to you being mad about something and then suddenly your mindset changes. I needed to get help for my mental health and now I feel a lot better for the first time in my life. Being honest with yourself is also super important.

[@lucid_2701]

Hey Alex, you can always talk to us about anything. I know that probably sounds weird but for every hater or person who won't stick around there are literally a 100 who will, and it actually helps people see that people like you (succesful youtube channel) don't feel so well sometimes. And it's just really calming hearing you talk lol it feels like a conversation. Post more of these if you'd like! Anyways, good luck, and I hope you'll find some time for yourself, and a refreshed passion for things that you like!

[@mayaceleste8523]

you are one of the realest youtubers so whatever you choose to do with your channel you have my support

[@cloudywithachanceoffruit7831]

tbh I came for the reptiles, stayed for your antics and personality. I love watching all of your videos, and not matter what you post I'll still watch it. Some of my favourite videos from you have been completely unrelated to reptiles. I'm glad you're downsizing, not because I don't like reptiles or your videos related to them, but because you're doing whats best for you and your animals.

[@0hpleaze]

Thank you for being brave enough to bare your awkward soul to us. Take care of yourself first

[@BonjiTube]

Been subbed for about 4 years now and its been a joy watching your content and personality evolve over that time. Even inspired me to make some similarly themed reptile content myself. Excited always for whats to come

[@ezekielbrgs5744]

whatever content ends up being on here i’ll always support!

[@scidia9745]

I'll be honest, the vlogs, lego build videos and quiz videos are great to draw to. I don't feel the need to stare at the screen to see the pretty reptiles, but still get a good dose of your sarcasm and commentary with a chill reptile sidekick, like Stan. So you just keep on doing what you feel right doing, you'll still have people that want to watch your videos.

[@rowanlamoureux5886]

I hope you find your passion again. I understand completely the mood swings and the decrease in passion you described. I battle with that too. I have faith you'll figure it out and I will support you through it.

[@jessicalister]

Lol I had nothing better to do today! I also enjoy rambling videos. I am catching up on a lot of your videos right now. I'm excited to see your new content too!

[@tm6835]

Hey this is great! It makes me happy to see someone my age actually doing well, your allready talking about getting mortgages, and fallowing your passions. Most of the people I know just lay around smoking and playing video games. Keep up the good work, and know this random internet stranger is proud of you.

[@reidesd]

"We have to run away from the awkward"

[@Isa.esthetics]

I’ll watch whatever u upload Alex!

[@raevision8060]

You are one of my favorite youtubers, Ill watch your videos regardless if they are about reptiles or not ☺️

[@MeetJackBlack]

i sincerely wish you all of the best. From a person that understands burn out. May you find something that is just as fulfilling to base your content on. And may you be relieved of that ever pressing weight, that results in your anxiety.

[@AraiaHikari]

You're still young and have a lot of decisions to make about what you want to do, so it's completely natural to be having mixed thoughts! It's great you've shared all this openly and hope you can find your passion again, even if it's not in reptiles!

[@Sav.W0]

We will support you no matter what you post I would love to see some other types of videos it’s your channel do what you need!

[@emilliem2992]

Do what u need I love anything you post and will watch them. Post videos you want to make. Everything your doing with emerald scales is amazing even if u take in less animals ❤️

[@dredorida3837]

My dream job has always been running a reptile shelter or sanctuary -- very similar to Emerald Scales. It's admirable the work that you do, I think, and of course I'll be sad to see a decrease in your reptile videos... but honestly, dude, I love all your content. I originally subbed for the reptile stuff, but I stayed for your personality. I'll still watch any content you post.

[@lanadeaton5588]

Tell me your keeping Betty! I love Betty! Im glad you’ve opened up about this as for a while you can see your enthusiasm dwindling. It’s good to have a break and work out what you want to do. Taking care of yourself and your mental health is no 1 priority. I hope you have a nice break and work out what you need to in time. Also Love the froggies what have popped into your video. Guest appearances by Amphibians are always the best. 🐸