Brian Barczyk's Open Forum on Snake Rack Systems

hi everyone! if you haven't seen Brian's latest video - which is actually nice and succinct for him - check here:

https://youtu.be/XabDoJxmWD8

Brian has invited the biggest influencers in the hobby to join him in the Chicago 'burbs for an open discussion about rack systems and their impact on the layman keeper and the hobby as a whole.

the event is being planned for the end of May. he is also opening this up to the public!

i absolutely plan on attending. i would also like to proudly represent BP.net and take a list of questions with me from you all regarding the topic (as well as my own).

would you guys like me to ask your questions? would y'all be okay with me going as a representative of BP.net? i would only act as a sounding board for the many voices here and would bring a camera to share the event with you all. i have my own questions but would make a distinction between your questions and my own if i get that far lol.

what do you guys think about all of this? feel free to share your feelings!!!

PS: this will not turn into a "My Personal Feelings about Brian Barczyk" thread.

i love you guys!!!

I have been looking forward to this video since the first time he mentioned it and I can't wait till the end of May! I think it's a fantastic idea to have people from both sides of the "argument" on how and why were keeping our animals. I think as long as it stays civil and things don't get heated it should be great for everyone in the community. I'm so jealous that you're actually attending!!!

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Originally Posted by tttaylorrr

hi everyone! if you haven't seen Brian's latest video - which is actually nice and succinct for him - check here:

https://youtu.be/XabDoJxmWD8

Brian has invited the biggest influencers in the hobby to join him in the Chicago 'burbs for an open discussion about rack systems and their impact on the layman keeper and the hobby as a whole.

the event is being planned for the end of May. he is also opening this up to the public!

i absolutely plan on attending. i would also like to proudly represent BP.net and take a list of questions with me from you all regarding the topic (as well as my own).

would you guys like me to ask your questions? would y'all be okay with me going as a representative of BP.net? i would only act as a sounding board for the many voices here and would bring a camera to share the event with you all. i have my own questions but would make a distinction between your questions and my own if i get that far lol.

what do you guys think about all of this? feel free to share your feelings!!!

PS: this will not turn into a "My Personal Feelings about Brian Barczyk" thread.

i love you guys!!!

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Sounds like a plan !

:)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

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Originally Posted by tttaylorrr

i would also like to proudly represent BP.net and take a list of questions with me from you all regarding the topic (as well as my own).

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I have no questions I want answered by Brian. I think the combined experience/knowledge of the keepers on BP.net vastly exceeds his own.

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Originally Posted by Lord Sorril

I have no questions I want answered by Brian. I think the combined experience/knowledge of the keepers on BP.net vastly exceeds his own.

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The only times I've ever interacted with him he's come across as a total tool. Maybe it was just setting, but I don't much care for him from my interactions.

I'll stay here for random advice and reading and continue to interact with breeder friends I respect for large collection advice. ^_^

How productive this discussion is will be determined by who the influencers are that attend. If they are mentioned in the video then I apologize. I refuse to watch Brian's YouTube videos as I don't want him to get credit for that one additional "view".

Needless to say, I'm not a fan.

I'd honestly be surprised if any influencers attended... these are the people who keep their nose to the grindstone and are busy breeding and selling snakes. For these people, racks are a necessity, these really is no debate.

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I would have preferred a seminar from a scientist who had observed wild ball pythons or other wild snakes species kept in captivity and can confirm whether or not rack systems are beneficial for ball pythons or snakes as a whole. Going into a discussion surrounded by breeders like him and supporting him is going to have a biased start. At the end of the day, Brian is not going to stop using racks because he is a breeder first and foremost. So yea, I have no questions for him that are not at least semi-personal (ie Uploading bite vids while advocating for a better impression of snakes? How hypocritical).

If Taylor wants to go as a rep for the board, that is great.

Here is where I stand and what I think is the reality of the situation. If Brian wants to be productive he needs to lay off the coffee. Its what you say, not how much you say.

The "rack question" is way to broad. I have only kept two species of snakes. I kept corns as "pets" not in racks. I keep balls as a small breeder in racks. It would be logical to assume enclosure size and "enrichment" items would depend on the species. I will only address ball pythons because that is the only species I feel I know enough about to have an opinion. These guys like small spaces. I have seen zero mental or behavioral problems keeping theses guys in racks. With balls, when and if you start having issues you generally go smaller, not bigger. They generally live in holes in the wild and only move if the have to unless it is breeding season. Their metabolism is naturally feast or famine. In my experience a healthy adult ball, especially females, do little to nothing unless stressed even out of their enclosure. If I ever noticed an issue keeping balls racked, I would reduce my collection and give them more room, but so far I seem to have healthy well adjusted animals. There is the occasional psycho, but like I said before the cure for this is smaller, not bigger.

My opinion on this whole meeting is that Brian is just looking for another money making angle. He is going to reduce operating costs by keeping less animals and up the cost per animal with the justification that he is keeping them in "better" conditions. It is BS and false advertising when it comes to balls. From what I have seen of his animals and things that I have heard from people that have been in his facility, mine are healthier and of the same or better quality than his. All he is trying to do is negatively impact the small breeders whom has to compete with. This whole subject when comes to ball pythons is a false narrative and Brian's motivations for even addressing the subject are suspect.

As an aside, in almost every video he shows, some snake tries to take a chunk out of him when he opens the rack. Hmmm, I wonder why. My snakes don't pull that crap even the couple "crazy" ones I have. I guarantee it has nothing to do with the rack.

Since this is racks vs tanks I was wondering how they feel about enrichment items (in tubs), and what should be used for Bloods, Balls, Boas, and Retics. I had someone argue with me about enrichment items for snakes, and I was wondering what those items could be for these different species. I had someone who doesn't keep snakes asked me about this, and I didn't really have an answer.


But there are alot of opinions here today. Remember guys just cause someone doesn't agree with you that doesn't make them wrong.

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Originally Posted by sur3fir3

Since this is racks vs tanks I was wondering how they feel about enrichment items (in tubs), and what should be used for Bloods, Balls, Boas, and Retics. I had someone argue with me about enrichment items for snakes, and I was wondering what those items could be for these different species. I had someone who doesn't keep snakes asked me about this, and I didn't really have an answer.


But there are alot of opinions here today. Remember guys just cause someone doesn't agree with you that doesn't make them wrong.

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You are correct when then opinion has facts to back it up. If it doesn't then odds are it is wrong. As far as enrichment for balls, some like multiple places to hide, they like food, they really like to mate. Best cure for a super active boy is to put him in with a girl for a day or two.

Really a shame that a simple post like this had to resort to such much animosity.

im frankly very surprised at the attitude of the forum surrounding this.

Brian - arguably the most visible person in our hobby - is attempting to start a dialogue with other heavy influencers about what it means to keep lots of snakes in an efficient way while still giving them the space and care they should get, and how this applies to layman keepers.

none of you can find a single positive in this?

and if you're worried about giving him views, you should consider that an uptick in views for this particular video will show that our hobby is paying attention, watching, and we care.

Emily (Snake Discovery) and Kenan (Kamp Kenan) are confirmed to attend. Emily alone makes me so excited for this, because, like me, she keeps her snakes in rack systems and id love to hear what she has to say.

i do not plan on ditching my racks, and i personally feel racks are amazing, which is why im eager to go and share my thoughts.

frankly i find this very disappointing.

don't let perfect be the enemy of good.

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Originally Posted by Andiamo

Really a shame that a simple post like this had to resort to such much animosity.

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Where is the animosity? So far there is nothing but truth and honest speculation on this thread based on things that have happened in the past. I don't hate Brian, but I do understand what he is trying to do and his motivations. I do think he talks too much but that is just me. Some people obviously like him and purchase animals from him. Like or dislike the guy, the hobby would not be where it is without him. Many of my snakes are pinstripes. Without him importing the first one, I would not have them. That said, he is a businessman and is in it for the money and he has a history of spinning things to fit his narrative.

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Originally Posted by JodanOrNoDan

Where is the animosity? So far there is nothing but truth and honest speculation on this thread based on things that have happened in the past. I don't hate Brian, but I do understand what he is trying to do and his motivations. I do think he talks too much but that is just me. Some people obviously like him and purchase animals from him. Like or dislike the guy, the hobby would not be where it is without him. Many of my snakes are pinstripes. Without him importing the first one, I would not have them. That said, he is a businessman and is in it for the money and he has a history of spinning things to fit his narrative.

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i specifically said this thread will not devolve into personal feelings about Brian...

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Originally Posted by tttaylorrr

none of you can find a single positive in this?

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No... But I would love to be wrong.

Taylor, I have known you for a few years on this board and have nothing but respect for you. Brian depends on the reptile business to keep his family fed, I on the other hand do not have to make a dime from my animals. This alone can account for differing perspectives. I think it would be a great thing for you to go. Keep them honest and remind them an orange is not an apple.

As for the bolded statement above. Not feelings, fact. Anytime anyone catches me posting feelings about the hobby please call me on it. I try really hard not to let how I feel about something to interfere with reality.

If I remember correctly he said every ounce of money profited by this meeting will go to charity. I don't think they're charging for admission to attend this meeting. No matter the feelings you have for the man this is an important subject that I feel needs to be put out in the open like he is trying to do. I think Kevin mccurly(sp) is also attending and possibly forest from cold blooded cafe. If nothing else it will be good education for new comers to the hobby. I keep both enclosures and racks and I for one am excited to hear everyone's opinions and views on the subject be broadcasted live like they're (not just Brian) working towards doing.

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Originally Posted by JodanOrNoDan

No... But I would love to be wrong.

Taylor, I have known you for a few years on this board and have nothing but respect for you. Brian depends on the reptile business to keep his family fed, I on the other hand do not have to make a dime from my animals. This alone can account for differing perspectives. I think it would be a great thing for you to go. Keep them honest and remind them an orange is not an apple.

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i hope to prove you wrong! hahaha.

i absolutely appreciate your perspective and respect you as well. just please stay on topic. [emoji4][emoji177]

My personal feelings about Brian don't even figure into my opinion, I simply think the discussion is a moot point. Breeders use racks and they work very well. Are they humane? Well, balls do well in them...and since we can't really gauge the mental health of an animal that is already doing well then I'd imagine that most people are going to keep on using them. I do know that ball pythons males are far more active in my experience and will often use every inch of a larger cage, and females are often stay close to the hide box.

Point is, this meeting isn't gonna change anything, breeders are gonna go with what works for them, and hobbiests are gonna listen to the experienced keepers... or the loudest mouthpiece... whichever they encounter first.

Sent from my SM-S727VL using Tapatalk

T, I'll start by saying heck yeah you should go and you have my support 100% to rep BP.net (but you HAVE TO wear the fanny pack, hahaha).
Not that my endorsement means anything from a BP.net perspective, but if I had a vote you'd get a green light from me.

Per your request, I'll keep my personal opinion on Brian to myself. But regardless I think it'll be a great experience and I'm sure some other influential faces in the industry will also be in attendance.

I'll be waiting patiently to hear about it and check out your vids. :gj::gj:

Ok, well while I have adopted the love for this hobby fromwatching his earlier videos, I too follow him and wish I could go, and thiswould be a great chance for the casual blogger or IG troll or anyone, to justbecome a potential member of our hobby.
All that being said Iwill be watching and would like to see, regardless of price or time, thecleaning portion and how that will affect the cycle of cleaning or ...as for adding“inserts” that will eventually get pooped or pee’d on, with a small collection Ican see this being slightly practical, but with that in a larger collection howlikely is it that saturated items will be replaced or how often? Like I havefake leaves in my rack, I think it is more for me than for them, but it doeslook nice when you open it up and see they moved around a lil and pooped onsomething other than the substrate.
So I guess my question would be how much would be too much? Orlike Brian said how many time in the wild will you see a snake in a nadditional “hide” when they are under a hollowed tree trunk or rock… and I seein a lot of peoples racks online and all over, there are no hides in theirtubes. How important is having 2 hides if some breeders or collectors do notgive their animals any hides? So would the rack system eliminate the need forit? I mean I have 1 hide in my 3 snake’s tubes with some fake leaves around. Theyare all well and well-mannered and now that my females are back on food (thankyou baby Jesus) ... I mean I have a loco in my Hollow but he’s always been weirdbut NEVER misses a meal... like I just hope that these new “regulations” oradvice as the new standards address these subjects.

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Originally Posted by Alter-Echo

My personal feelings about Brian don't even figure into my opinion, I simply think the discussion is a moot point. Breeders use racks and they work very well. Are they humane? Well, balls do well in them...and since we can't really gauge the mental health of an animal that is already doing well then I'd imagine that most people are going to keep on using them. I do know that ball pythons males are far more active in my experience and will often use every inch of a larger cage, and females are often stay close to the hide box.

Point is, this meeting isn't gonna change anything, breeders are gonna go with what works for them, and hobbiests are gonna listen to the experienced keepers... or the loudest mouthpiece... whichever they encounter first.

Sent from my SM-S727VL using Tapatalk

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I agree with u, with breeders this big discussion won’t change anything. it feels like the heat is coming from his viewers that don’t own a snake thinking that it’s bad to have a snake in a rack. I’ve seen many vids of people that hate racks that say they don’t own a snake and never had. So this is a hot topic that is selling to an audience. The real pros just keep on doing what they do best.

taylor I’m sorry I know it’s not what u want and I won’t derail anymore. If u want me to delete this I will.

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Originally Posted by Alter-Echo

Point is, this meeting isn't gonna change anything, breeders are gonna go with what works for them, and hobbiests are gonna listen to the experienced keepers... or the loudest mouthpiece... whichever they encounter first.

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Originally Posted by Danger noodles

I agree with u, with breeders this big discussion won’t change anything. it feels like the heat is coming from his viewers that don’t own a snake thinking that it’s bad to have a snake in a rack. I’ve seen many vids of people that hate racks that say they don’t own a snake and never had. So this is a hot topic that is selling to an audience. The real pros just keep on doing what they do best.

taylor I’m sorry I know it’s not what u want and I won’t derail anymore. If u want me to delete this I will.

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@Danger nah ur good lol.

but i dont think this is about changing anything; it's starting a dialogue and hearing what these influencers have to say on the matter.

and just because nothing might change, that means we should never even try? that's not a good attitude to have about anything IMO.

ill reiterate what i said above: i absolutely love rack systems and mine will be going nowhere. i still look forward to hearing what these people have to say on the matter because, whether you like it or not, these people are the face of our hobby and have a direct impact on our hobby. their opinions and ways of doing things absolutely matter and affect others.

that's why i want to go and represent: i know this forum has strong feelings about husbandry that are almost always correct, and i want to be the voice that says "we as a forum believe X, Y, Z and can prove it for decades."

like im on your guys' side here lol. racks r great!!!

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Originally Posted by tttaylorrr

@Danger nah ur good lol.

but i dont think this is about changing anything; it's starting a dialogue and hearing what these influencers have to say on the matter.

and just because nothing might change, that means we should never even try? that's not a good attitude to have about anything IMO.

ill reiterate what i said above: i absolutely love rack systems and mine will be going nowhere. i still look forward to hearing what these people have to say on the matter because, whether you like it or not, these people are the face of our hobby and have a direct impact on our hobby. their opinions and ways of doing things absolutely matter and affect others.

that's why i want to go and represent: i know this forum has strong feelings about husbandry that are almost always correct, and i want to be the voice that says "we as a forum believe X, Y, Z and can prove it for decades."

like im on your guys' side here lol. racks r great!!!

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No im glad ur going so u can represent the hobbie side! And I’m excited to see what is discussed. I’d love to be there just to listen!

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Originally Posted by JodanOrNoDan

You are correct when then opinion has facts to back it up. If it doesn't then odds are it is wrong. As far as enrichment for balls, some like multiple places to hide, they like food, they really like to mate. Best cure for a super active boy is to put him in with a girl for a day or two.

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I'm sorry but anyone can come up with facts to support both sides of just about any argument. Just cause u believe your opinion to be correct doesn't mean that it is. Doesn't mean its wrong either though.

Alright we are starting to walk a very fine line yet again so I will make it clear stay on topic leave the drama and personal feeling about Brian Barczyk aside, I have said it many time before there is no place for drama here regardless of the breeder involved.

This is an official warning anything posted after this that disregards my post and the thread will be locked.

Back on topic. Is this just to do with balls in racks or other species? Because I do have some questions about other snakes like gtp and other Aborial snakes in racks. Like not tubs but small racks with nothing but a stick across it?? And is that ok to keep till u sell or is that how the keep the holdbacks and breeders? As a person that doesn’t keep these I have no clue but I do have feelings about it that might be completely wrong. So I’d love to know about that

please please ask Brian is he wants to play fantasy football.

:)

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Originally Posted by sur3fir3

Since this is racks vs tanks I was wondering how they feel about enrichment items (in tubs), and what should be used for Bloods, Balls, Boas, and Retics. I had someone argue with me about enrichment items for snakes, and I was wondering what those items could be for these different species. I had someone who doesn't keep snakes asked me about this, and I didn't really have an answer.

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this is an excellent question!!! personally, i feel enrichment items (fake leaves, wood, etc) are more "important" than a huge enclosure for ball pythons.

on the flip side: a colubrid absolutely needs a larger enclosure as they like to rooooaaammm. do you think they need enrichment too?

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Originally Posted by Ronniex2

So I guess my question would be how much would be too much? Orlike Brian said how many time in the wild will you see a snake in a nadditional “hide” when they are under a hollowed tree trunk or rock… and I seein a lot of peoples racks online and all over, there are no hides in theirtubes. How important is having 2 hides if some breeders or collectors do notgive their animals any hides? So would the rack system eliminate the need forit? I mean I have 1 hide in my 3 snake’s tubes with some fake leaves around. Theyare all well and well-mannered and now that my females are back on food (thankyou baby Jesus) ... I mean I have a loco in my Hollow but he’s always been weirdbut NEVER misses a meal... like I just hope that these new “regulations” oradvice as the new standards address these subjects.

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another good question. something that kinda sucks about the hobby is that we almost have to police ourselves lest our governments try to do it for us (and do they try...). so where do we draw the line regarding enrichment and enclosure height/size? how would something like that apply to baby beeps or an established adult set in their ways?

thanks for your post!

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Originally Posted by Danger noodles

Back on topic. Is this just to do with balls in racks or other species? Because I do have some questions about other snakes like gtp and other Aborial snakes in racks. Like not tubs but small racks with nothing but a stick across it?? And is that ok to keep till u sell or is that how the keep the holdbacks and breeders? As a person that doesn’t keep these I have no clue but I do have feelings about it that might be completely wrong. So I’d love to know about that

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he is applying this to everything he keeps in a rack system, from colubrids to pythons to geckos.

EEEEEKKKK I had a long and to me well-thought out reply but it was borderline what Deb was addressing so I deleted it to prevent this from being locked. :(

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Originally Posted by tttaylorrr

he is applying this to everything he keeps in a rack system, from colubrids to pythons to geckos.

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Ok that’s 100% deferent. I’d love to see the expert opinion on almost all the others except ball pythons, how it affects them when housed in multiples like how u see the geckos are in 4 or more in a tub too. When everyone says that’s bad, I’d love to see a breeder side of things.

Also I’d like u to ask what’s an acceptable amount of loss? I worked and built a very well known fish store here in Houston and was there for about 6 years. With fish we have to factor in a loss of life into the equation. It happens in fish no matter how good I are. But what about in breeding reptiles? Do they expect a certain amount to get sick or come in in bad shape?

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Originally Posted by WhompingWillow

EEEEEKKKK I had a long and to me well-thought out reply but it was borderline what Deb was addressing so I deleted it to prevent this from being locked. :(

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I deleted my replies about 5 times before I came back and said something too lol

I would like to know if there is evidence of a hide box in a tub benefiting the animal or is it just aesthetically pleasing to us. For example I have some tubs with hides in them and some tubs without. Some of the tubs I have with hides never get used while other ones are always in use. I'm 50/50 on the subject of hides in tubs for this reason. The tubs I have without hides in them is simply because after months of the animals not using them I take it upon myself to remove said hide. Was that the right choice? Should I put it back even tho the animal seems to thrive without it? Does it solely depend on that specific animal? Im excited to hear feedback on these types of questions.

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Originally Posted by Danger noodles

Ok that’s 100% deferent. I’d love to see the expert opinion on almost all the others except ball pythons, how it affects them when housed in multiples like how u see the geckos are in 4 or more in a tub too. When everyone says that’s bad, I’d love to see a breeder side of things.

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exactly. we all know ball pythons thrive in racks; there isn't much argument there, i believe. when it comes to other animals i find myself very conflicted. i would never put my adult corn snake in a rack after seeing how he uses his new 40gal. with geckos i feel the same as well.

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Originally Posted by Ronniex2

Ok, well while I have adopted the love for this hobby fromwatching his earlier videos, I too follow him and wish I could go, and thiswould be a great chance for the casual blogger or IG troll or anyone, to justbecome a potential member of our hobby.
All that being said Iwill be watching and would like to see, regardless of price or time, thecleaning portion and how that will affect the cycle of cleaning or ...as for adding“inserts” that will eventually get pooped or pee’d on, with a small collection Ican see this being slightly practical, but with that in a larger collection howlikely is it that saturated items will be replaced or how often? Like I havefake leaves in my rack, I think it is more for me than for them, but it doeslook nice when you open it up and see they moved around a lil and pooped onsomething other than the substrate.
So I guess my question would be how much would be too much? Orlike Brian said how many time in the wild will you see a snake in a nadditional “hide” when they are under a hollowed tree trunk or rock… and I seein a lot of peoples racks online and all over, there are no hides in theirtubes. How important is having 2 hides if some breeders or collectors do notgive their animals any hides? So would the rack system eliminate the need forit? I mean I have 1 hide in my 3 snake’s tubes with some fake leaves around. Theyare all well and well-mannered and now that my females are back on food (thankyou baby Jesus) ... I mean I have a loco in my Hollow but he’s always been weirdbut NEVER misses a meal... like I just hope that these new “regulations” oradvice as the new standards address these subjects.

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Thats why I’m happy that Emily is going! She has multiple hides and all kinds of stuff in her racks. So I’m sure we will see her side. I just hope she has her time to talk as she doesn’t have the loudest voice there!

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Originally Posted by Toad37

I would like to know if there is evidence of a hide box in a tub benefiting the animal or is it just aesthetically pleasing to us. For example I have some tubs with hides in them and some tubs without. Some of the tubs I have with hides never get used while other ones are always in use. I'm 50/50 on the subject of hides in tubs for this reason. The tubs I have without hides in them is simply because after months of the animals not using them I take it upon myself to remove said hide. Was that the right choice? Should I put it back even tho the animal seems to thrive without it? Does it solely depend on that specific animal? Im excited to hear feedback on these types of questions.

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every one of my snakes has 1 hide in their rack, and they all use them, all the time. except Coffee Bean, my Super Cinnamon girl. she is a weirdo tho and likes her water dish some times.

how does individual personalities factor into this?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Toad37

I would like to know if there is evidence of a hide box in a tub benefiting the animal or is it just aesthetically pleasing to us. For example I have some tubs with hides in them and some tubs without. Some of the tubs I have with hides never get used while other ones are always in use. I'm 50/50 on the subject of hides in tubs for this reason. The tubs I have without hides in them is simply because after months of the animals not using them I take it upon myself to remove said hide. Was that the right choice? Should I put it back even tho the animal seems to thrive without it? Does it solely depend on that specific animal? Im excited to hear feedback on these types of questions.

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Im curious about that as well, as I only use tanks, my balls love being in smaller hides so they feel kinda cramped. But in the wild ive seen how they kinda have a din. Is that what the tub feels like and they feel more at home? That’s something I’d like to know as well

Quote:

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Originally Posted by tttaylorrr

every one of my snakes has 1 hide in their rack, and they all use them, all the time. except Coffee Bean, my Super Cinnamon girl. she is a weirdo tho and likes her water dish some times.

how does individual personalities factor into this?

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Don’t we all have that one weird snake that doesn’t like what the others like. lol

Quote:

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Originally Posted by tttaylorrr

every one of my snakes has 1 hide in their rack, and they all use them, all the time. except Coffee Bean, my Super Cinnamon girl. she is a weirdo tho and likes her water dish some times.

how does individual personalities factor into this?

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Like for example some snakes eat differently than others. Some like the "zombie dance" others prefer you to put it down and leave them alone and they'll get it when you leave. Or maybe I'm completely wrong about their personal opinions on hides lol. Some snakes- like bps for example -like to climb and be curious while others refuse to leave the ground. I don't mean different species of snakes I mean individual ones. I was sure if the same rules applied to hides or is it strictly an instinctual thing.

- - - Updated - - -

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Originally Posted by Danger noodles

Don’t we all have that one weird snake that doesn’t like what the others like. lol

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Hahahaha exactly

here are some of my personal questions:

• what exactly are your goals for this open forum?
• ball pythons absolutely thrive in rack systems. which species do you feel suffers the most in your rack systems?
• breeder husbandry standards and hobby husbandry standards are vastly different yet both are valid: do you plan to distinguish the two? or do you think there shouldn't be two standards?
• are you personally looking to raise the standards of breeder husbandry? or just your own?
• what do you have to say to those who believe you cannot make a change?

ill likely think of more later...

So is this forum (I mean Brian's meeting not this forum we post on) for Ball Pythons only, or will it include other species as well?

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Originally Posted by sur3fir3

So is this forum (I mean Brian's meeting not this forum we post on) for Ball Pythons only, or will it include other species as well?

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in his video i linked in the first post, he is very general so i can only assume he is talking about all the animals he keeps in his rack systems.

I haven’t posted on this forum in a while but I’m really looking forward to this “town hall”. It’s interesting that you have Kenan, a complete naturalist, Emily from Snake Discovery, racks with enrichment, and then Brian, whose used racks for decades. Like others have noted, I would be interested to see research regarding rack systems without enrichment and different species responses. For example, I don’t think it would make much of a difference for my BP and western hognose. However, I could not imagine putting my jungle carpet python in a rack. I have routinely spotted her hiding/hunting in her Skyhide. This is not a shot at breeders who keep rack systems. I continue to be amazed at how you guys are able to keep and manage so many animals. I’ll definitely be watching.

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Originally Posted by cron14

I haven’t posted on this forum in a while but I’m really looking forward to this “town hall”. It’s interesting that you have Kenan, a complete naturalist, Emily from Snake Discovery, racks with enrichment, and then Brian, whose used racks for decades. Like others have noted, I would be interested to see research regarding rack systems without enrichment and different species responses. For example, I don’t think it would make much of a difference for my BP and western hognose. However, I could not imagine putting my jungle carpet python in a rack. I have routinely spotted her hiding/hunting in her Skyhide. This is not a shot at breeders who keep rack systems. I continue to be amazed at how you guys are able to keep and manage so many animals. I’ll definitely be watching.

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this is what i was thinking too!!! i really look forward to just listening to what everyone has to say and just kind of absorb it all.

im so excited Emily is attending bc she is, like, everything i want to be lolol.

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Originally Posted by tttaylorrr

this is what i was thinking too!!! i really look forward to just listening to what everyone has to say and just kind of absorb it all.

im so excited Emily is attending bc she is, like, everything i want to be lolol.

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Emily is amazing! She represents what it’s like to be in love with what u do!! So is Kevin! He was my start in really learning about my Sulcata Tortoises! And my daughter and I would watch all his videos then go build our back yard to mimic the best yard these giant tortoises love!

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Originally Posted by Danger noodles

Emily is amazing! She represents what it’s like to be in love with what u do!! So is Kevin! He was my start in really learning about my Sulcata Tortoises! And my daughter and I would watch all his videos then go build our back yard to mimic the best yard these giant tortoises love!

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it's going to be so interesting hearing their perspectives as naturalist/full enrichment people and the rebuttals from a business perspective. it's all very fascinating.

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Originally Posted by tttaylorrr

in his video i linked in the first post, he is very general so i can only assume he is talking about all the animals he keeps in his rack systems.

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I am unable to watch the video ATM, so I am sorry if I ask something that is in it.

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Originally Posted by sur3fir3

I am unable to watch the video ATM, so I am sorry if I ask something that is in it.

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It’s cool! We love the extra traffic here too!

Should be interesting, didn’t even know this was going on. I know since I got in the hobby back in the late eighties, it was always a chicken vs egg issue. I also know every snake I probably ever bought was raised in a rack. From Kalh to Demeyer. It would be nice if everyone stays civil and we could watch this and hopefully gain insight in our own keeping abilities. Peace. As long as the animal is healthy, right? That’s what truly matters.