This is way cool... Rainbow supperstar...

I can't tell you the name of the show or the location till after Saturday but Rainbow and i are going to be on TV with some movie stars.

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Tease!

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Originally Posted by bcr229

Tease!

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Is worth the wait.

Is good for herps to be seen in a positive light in thw media.

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Wait, so unless I missed one of your threads isn't rainbow possibly still gravid? So now your taking a large gravid female retic with a recent history of lashing out, putting her in a stressful situation to do shows and education?

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Originally Posted by 67temp

Wait, so unless I missed one of your threads isn't rainbow possibly still gravid? So now your taking a large gravid female retic with a recent history of lashing out, putting her in a stressful situation to do shows and education?

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So.... I have not had time to update about a few things. I just have been super busy. I think it has been long enough to know that she did not take. IDK? Can feel follicles still but not as big as was a month or 2 ago. I assume that she produced them getting ready and is now working on absorbing them. Not a breeding expert. She lashed out at a male retic not a person. I would never put anyone in harms way. I still handle her daily. She is calm and easy going when around me and others still. I just don't let her around another animal of any kind unless it is food now. She was out in public with me yesterday which is why she got the invite and behaved as she should. Calm and relaxed. If I see any sign of aggression or dissatisfaction with being handled she will not be going. Why do people think I am an stupid? For me her well being and reputation means more to me than any opportunity of any kind. Even worse than damaging her or the reputation of reptiles in general, I would not like for anyone to get hurt. I work very hard to keep everyone safe. I educate on handling before I let anyone hold her. I let kids pet her but I am in control of her head the entire time. I protect everyone involved person and animal alike.

So please take this to heart. Never forget! Safety and reputation of my animals always comes ahead of anything I desire to do or want for them!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I know the risks and feel that the education of people so they can love them and become better care givers is worth putting forth the effort. Hate me if you will. I don't care and will not respond to this nonsense again.


People that know me know how I care for and take care of my animals and the lengths I take for their care and safety and the safety of others. Peace. Back to enjoying my morning.

EDIT: If the lashing out on my part was ill deserved, please forgive me. As hard as I work for my animals I take it to heart when people make accusations and assumptions instead of politely asking. I get passionate about them. This is not a fad, it is a way of life for me.

I'm sorry if you felt that was a personal attack on you but it was not intended as such. I was merely using the details you have given previously to point out something that may have been overlooked which could have resulted badly. At no point did I call you stupid or say that you didn't care for your animals.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by 67temp

I'm sorry if you felt that was a personal attack on you but it was not intended as such. I was merely using the details you have given previously to point out something that may have been overlooked which could have resulted badly. At no point did I call you stupid or say that you didn't care for your animals.

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Sorry.... I am not feeling well today. Thanks for being concerned.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Skyrivers

So please take this to heart. Never forget! Safety and reputation of my animals always comes ahead of anything I desire to do or want for them!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I know the risks and feel that the education of people so they can love them and become better care givers is worth putting forth the effort. Hate me if you will. I don't care and will not respond to this nonsense again.


People that know me know how I care for and take care of my animals and the lengths I take for their care and safety and the safety of others. Peace. Back to enjoying my morning.

EDIT: If the lashing out on my part was ill deserved, please forgive me. As hard as I work for my animals I take it to heart when people make accusations and assumptions instead of politely asking. I get passionate about them. This is not a fad, it is a way of life for me.

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This was all completely unnecessary. Lest YOU forget, WE are all here because we care for our animals and want to make sure we are doing the best by and for them. WE are also here because we want to educate folks that come to this forum on the best ways to care for their animals.

I have watched your threads and I have kept my mouth shut, but this struck me the wrong way. I have many, many concerns about you and your animals. I'd like to believe your heart is in the right place, but I also have this nagging feeling that you do a lot of what you do for the attention you get in return. This thread is an excellent example. There was no background information - we were not informed on how you were caring for your snake during a potentially stressful situation. We were not informed of her condition after you posted she was gravid (which may have also been another attempt at attention grabbing). We were concerned for her well fare, which is what you claim to also be. How can you therefore be offended when we are simply requesting information on her care?

I'm sorry, but I find myself having a very difficult time believing a word that you say on here. You will say one thing - not getting any more snakes - and then do another - get more snakes (attention). Some of these snakes you rescue, I see very little reason for them needing rescue. They look fairly healthy - once you finally share pictures, which is always days after the fact because you want to feed them up and get them healthy first - and I wonder to myself if you bought them but don't want to admit to it to make yourself sound better. You post about your animals being gravid or having an aggressive moment or having possible health concerns, but then you're taking them to pet stores for everyone to play with. These are just a few examples. There are far too many contradictions and inconsistencies in your information and I find myself extremely uncomfortable and concerned in that I sincerely hope that new folks on here aren't following your lead.

Now... this is one person's opinion. It's over the internet. Take it for what it is. Perhaps you just need to get better about explaining yourself - I, personally would appreciate more explanation for something like this post than just oh hey, I want attention so I'm going to be in a movie with my snake! Imagine you are a brand new person to this forum... imagine you read this, and then go back through Skyrivers' posts because he seems like he's awesome, and you see he's taking a potentially aggressive, gravid large female snake into a public area. COOL, he does it, so can I!

I ask that you please stop and think before you post. Please consider your words and how they will look to us on the forum who have been around awhile, and those of us that are just entering the hobby. If you truly care about these animals, about this industry, you WILL think about others and their reactions instead of saying to yourself "I am who I am and I'm not going to change." Your reputation is becoming a bit tarnished with a few of us here - if you care about that, I'm offering some advice that might help. If you don't... keep on keeping on.

I give a lot of credit to those of you who act as ambassador's for our animals and the industry. I love my retics and neither has ever shown the slightest amount of defensiveness or aggression but I made the decision recently that I won't let anyone interact with them outside of my wife, kids and I unless they're experienced with large snakes. The damage a big snake can do to a person much less a child is just not something I want to risk. Not knocking anyone that feels differently at all but Murphy's law affects me way to often haha.

hey! be nice to them. i don't wanna be teased. i want to see them on TV w/ some movie stars.

Well the recording went well. There is a TV show called outgirled. It is on TLC. Will be a week or so before it is on there. The show is about a family who had quintuplets were all girls. They were really nice people and that's a lot of questions it was cool and the kids enjoyed rainbow. Criticize me if you will it was a cool experience and nobody was hurt and it was good enrichment. Rainbow represented the hobby well.

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Outdaughtered not out girls

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Skyrivers

Well the recording went well. There is a TV show called outgirled. It is on TLC. Will be a week or so before it is on there. The show is about a family who had quintuplets were all girls. They were really nice people and that's a lot of questions it was cool and the kids enjoyed rainbow. Criticize me if you will it was a cool experience and nobody was hurt and it was good enrichment. Rainbow represented the hobby well.

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No apologies, no concessions, not even an acknowledgement that maybe you could do things better. Just more of the same old same old. Well, good luck to you... hopefully you grow up someday.


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Originally Posted by ladywhipple02

No apologies, no concessions, not even an acknowledgement that maybe you could do things better. Just more of the same old same old. Well, good luck to you... hopefully you grow up someday.


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How much experience do you have with reticulated pythons? Thanks to what i do some people have improved their care of their own animals. Some made a better decisions on which animal to get as a learning species. Some got over their fear. Some people say they would hold rainbow when they would not hold any other state because of the way she behaves and is wonderful. I have proper licensing and insurance.

I'm open to suggestions on how to improve what I do or new things to try but they have to be good practices for me to even consider them. Also there is an open invite to anyone who wants to spend time with rainbow or any of my other show animals. She might change your mind as well.

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With all due respect, you have barely over 1 year experience with reticulated pythons yet consistently disregard advice from those with much more experience with large constrictors.

Licenses for retics in TX don't exactly sound like they are difficult to obtain. The licenses also don't say anything about being used to provide educational shows with the regulated snakes. They are for personal use only, unless you've obtained the breeding license, and that just expands it to breeding, not public displays. I read the statutes because your practices made me curious. So how exactly are you a) licensed to take such large snakes into public and b) give educational shows? Are you registered as a non-profit? What is your curriculum, what topics do you cover? What information are you really trying to convey? Or are your shows simply a way to show off your animals to make yourself feel good?

I, for one, am happy nothing happened to those 5 girls and am relieved nothing major has happened at any of your "shows" yet. But you are fooling yourself if you believe it's a good idea to have such a large constrictor out in public in a pet shop of all places, around young children and people who do not have experience with any snakes, let alone retics. I don't believe you even have a second handler to help you if something goes wrong? Do you think retics are taken out at zoos as educational animals? No. They aren't.

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Originally Posted by WhompingWillow

With all due respect, you have barely over 1 year experience with reticulated pythons yet consistently disregard advice from those with much more experience with large constrictors.

Licenses for retics in TX don't exactly sound like they are difficult to obtain. The licenses also don't say anything about being used to provide educational shows with the regulated snakes. They are for personal use only, unless you've obtained the breeding license, and that just expands it to breeding, not public displays. I read the statutes because your practices made me curious. So how exactly are you a) licensed to take such large snakes into public and b) give educational shows? Are you registered as a non-profit? What is your curriculum, what topics do you cover? What information are you really trying to convey? Or are your shows simply a way to show off your animals to make yourself feel good?

I, for one, am happy nothing happened to those 5 girls and am relieved nothing major has happened at any of your "shows" yet. But you are fooling yourself if you believe it's a good idea to have such a large constrictor out in public in a pet shop of all places, around young children and people who do not have experience with any snakes, let alone retics. I don't believe you even have a second handler to help you if something goes wrong? Do you think retics are taken out at zoos as educational animals? No. They aren't.

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Yes I have a year+ experience with them. I am a sponge on care and animal handling. I learn quick. I don't know everything but I take everything I learned and am still learning to heart. To own one you need a license. Educational shows do not require one. Do I "feel good taking them out" yes but that is not the point. I love the animals. Why snakes? because they are often misunderstood. Little education goes a long way. You are welcome to visit my show anytime. My animals have proven to be good for showing. If one is having a bad day they stay home. Rainbow was always in my hands and under my control. I had help with handling waiting to jump in and help if necessary. One day a couple of people to help will be necessary. The store staff was there also keeping an eye on us to help if needed. I understand my animals and how they move and communicate.

I guess I am missing something.

1. Educated.
2. Spent time getting to know my animals and who they behave.
3. I respect my animals.
4. I work hard to keep everyone safe.
5. I have help if needed.
6. I fallow all the laws associated to owning my animals.

Where am I wrong here? Rainbow is one of the most easy going snakes I have. Even though she has earned a certain level of trust I keep a healthy dose of fear and respect for them.
Is there a "risk"? Yes. Wild animals and will always be so. That is my responsibility and I think education goes a long way and I love doing it.

Yes I enjoy when I help someone pick out a thermostat when they don't have one. Or get a BP owner to provide the extra hide to the animal self regulates. I also enjoyed it when a pet shop worker said he wanted a retic and had no experience with any snakes and I handed him Rainbow and showed him he was not ready. Seeing her full of energy right out of her transport container running and him struggling to hold her. It was great. Not just because it was funny but because he got some great experience with a well behaved animal that showed him he needed more experience before getting one. I also let him know that some are feisty. We took Rainbow outside and put her in the grass to move around a minuet. She pooped and peed. I told him to either work with someone taking care of one to get some experience and get a smaller active species to work with first.

I am happy to make a positive impact on the hobby. For me it is a way of life.

Will I ever stop taking Rainbow to do educational shows? Not if she keeps behaving as she does at the moment. Even when she hits the 20 foot and around 100lbs... she will be respected and enjoyed by those who choose to do so.

That was an intelligent, well thought out response. Like I said before I like your enthusiasm and feel your heart is in the right place.

It's likely that some of the long time members here developed a concern over your quick start, and as mentioned above, your erratic threads raise eyebrows. The "Should I Or Shouldn't I?" post comes to mind. You made the right choice there by the way.

While this is a discussion board, sometimes posts like that sound a bit juvenile. I had mentioned that you should slow things down a while ago. You have over 2000 posts in just over a year and have acquired several animals in a short period. This is a fun hobby, but from the outside looking in, some may feel the fast start is a bit OCD. There are way too many people that go nuts over this hobby and then are out in 5 years. Very frequently it starts off how you are starting.

This is the internet so context is often overlooked and nobody can really judge the true tone of a post. You said this hobby is your way of life. That's fine, but THIS is just a hobby, don't put everything you have into it and neglect other areas, keep a balance in life.

I like this board and some off topic, casual discussion is fun, I prefer more biology oriented posts. If you are into your collection and not a breeder, set all your animals up properly and look for media that actually contains real scientific studies about your species. Understand the animals and their instincts. Instead of taking them out, watch them closely and observe their habits over long periods. Watch the behaviors that change with the seasons.

I hate to see you get hammered on this board, everybody should feel welcome, but some of your posts cause concern.

As far as your presentations go, I'd limit them. Rainbow, who is still a young snake, hasn't evolved over millions of years to continually be hauled around, touched and exposed. Honestly, you will shorten your snake's life by doing too many shows.

It's great to be an ambassador but you are no more than an enthusiast like most of us. Unless I'm missing something, you don't have a degree in biology or any long term experience with reptiles.

Owning a big snake for just over a year isn't enough to know the species. It takes years. There are too many people that get into the large species and become overwhelmed shortly into the experience. Where do those snakes go? Some breeders are pumping out hundreds a year. You may think you are helping the species, and in some cases you are, but also remember that seeing one big snake at a presentation doesn't provide anybody with enough information to know what they behave like over time. Any kid that suddenly becomes enamored with retics after a presentation and is dead set on getting one has been provided a disservice IMO.

I'm not saying you are ignorant, not by a long shot. You are very interested, and I do believe you are learning quickly, I just think from an outsider's point of view looking in, you seem a tad over the top.

I don't post as much as I used to here but I do like looking at pictures and reading interesting/informative threads.

You seem genuine, and good hearted and very willing to learn. Keep it simple and slow. Enjoy the hobby and other avenues of recreation.

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Originally Posted by Gio

That was an intelligent, well thought out response. Like I said before I like your enthusiasm and feel your heart is in the right place.

It's likely that some of the long time members here developed a concern over your quick start, and as mentioned above, your erratic threads raise eyebrows. The "Should I Or Shouldn't I?" post comes to mind. You made the right choice there by the way.

While this is a discussion board, sometimes posts like that sound a bit juvenile. I had mentioned that you should slow things down a while ago. You have over 2000 posts in just over a year and have acquired several animals in a short period. This is a fun hobby, but from the outside looking in, some may feel the fast start is a bit OCD. There are way too many people that go nuts over this hobby and then are out in 5 years. Very frequently it starts off how you are starting.

This is the internet so context is often overlooked and nobody can really judge the true tone of a post. You said this hobby is your way of life. That's fine, but THIS is just a hobby, don't put everything you have into it and neglect other areas, keep a balance in life.

I like this board and some off topic, casual discussion is fun, I prefer more biology oriented posts. If you are into your collection and not a breeder, set all your animals up properly and look for media that actually contains real scientific studies about your species. Understand the animals and their instincts. Instead of taking them out, watch them closely and observe their habits over long periods. Watch the behaviors that change with the seasons.

I hate to see you get hammered on this board, everybody should feel welcome, but some of your posts cause concern.

As far as your presentations go, I'd limit them. Rainbow, who is still a young snake, hasn't evolved over millions of years to continually be hauled around, touched and exposed. Honestly, you will shorten your snake's life by doing too many shows.

It's great to be an ambassador but you are no more than an enthusiast like most of us. Unless I'm missing something, you don't have a degree in biology or any long term experience with reptiles.

Owning a big snake for just over a year isn't enough to know the species. It takes years. There are too many people that get into the large species and become overwhelmed shortly into the experience. Where do those snakes go? Some breeders are pumping out hundreds a year. You may think you are helping the species, and in some cases you are, but also remember that seeing one big snake at a presentation doesn't provide anybody with enough information to know what they behave like over time. Any kid that suddenly becomes enamored with retics after a presentation and is dead set on getting one has been provided a disservice IMO.

I'm not saying you are ignorant, not by a long shot. You are very interested, and I do believe you are learning quickly, I just think from an outsider's point of view looking in, you seem a tad over the top.

I don't post as much as I used to here but I do like looking at pictures and reading interesting/informative threads.

You seem genuine, and good hearted and very willing to learn. Keep it simple and slow. Enjoy the hobby and other avenues of recreation.

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Education? Well when others were watching cartoons at age 5 I wanted to watch things like Jacques Cousteau and National Geographic... this was the start of my love for animals and I read every book I could on animals for years..... When I first went to collage I was working on a biology degree. After 3 years I had some life things happens and redirected my life and went in the military. There I got a degree in Biomedical Engineering. Love what I do. I also have a second degree in Phycology. All through the years studying and working with any animal I could have an experience with. My life has been studying animals around me. I love snakes and that is why I chose to work with them. Reading and working with them are 2 completely different things. I grabbed several species to learn the differences hands on and how to provide for them and I spend hours studying their behavior and thought processes. Think of this as a hands on school for me. I know the respect then deserve. I know body language. I love how they problem solve. I enjoy helping others improve their care. I only hope that I help others make wiser decisions. I even have it in my will what happens to them if something happens to me.

I appreciate the advice. I also know what works for me and my animals. I blend the 2.

I even have a theory about ball pythons. Mine do better in the active part of the house. They eat better when I handle them more. Are mine unique? This is not recommended because they are shy? But works for me and my animals.

Also a theory about retic temps..... Rainbow has a range of 70 all the way up to 89. Her cage is huge and she moves and uses each temp zone at different times. Some say 70 is to cool but she loves it but also loves the 80 spot. just depends on what she wants to do.

Ok, I've been hesitant to reply until I read the reply @Gio wrote. Fantastic reply, Gio.

So here's my two cents:

Skyrivers, let me start by saying this: I respect you.
That being said, I've thought for a LONG time you were diving in a bit too fast and if my lousy memory recalls correctly, I suggested pumping the breaks long ago. I stand by that statement.

Although I don't doubt your passion, I do question your motives at times. Based on your constant threads of " Should I or shouldn't i?" or "I have an oppurtunity" it seems to me like your grasping for attention. Same with your "educational" shows. I honestly believe your heart is in the right place, you want to be an advocate. I get that. But I 1000000% in my heart of hearts think you do it for attention as well.

Plain and simple: you're not qualified to be an ambassador for these animals.
Barely a year of experience is just scratching the surface. And you've been doing these shows for months already.

I wouldn't want to learn to play piano from somebody who just started playing a year ago. I wouldn't want to learn to cook from a chef with only a year experience. I wouldn't want to learn to fly from a pilot who just got his license.

Again, I don't doubt your passion, I don't doubt you want to spread the word that these animals aren't the scary, homicidal monsters many people fear them to be.
But, you're just not ready. One mistake could have the complete opposite effect you're going for and paint a black eye on our already misunderstood hobby. Ypuve already had an incident with a key ring, you've had one giant constrictor attack another.
You got EXTREMELY lucky that nothing worse happened.

At the stage you're at in this hobby, you're still a novice, NOT AN EDUCATOR.

So, with all due respect, I say this again. Pump the brakes. Our hobby doesn't need rookies as ambassadors. And quite frankly, you're still a rookie. It takes YEARS to truly know these animals. And all the reading in rhe wotld doesnt provide the most important tool...experience.

So, check your ego at the door. Take a break from your "educational" shows until you're qualified and experienced enough to be a proper ambassador.

As you always say, it's about the animals. So put your desire for attention on the back burner. I'm sure it feels great to see kids touch their first snakes, or to see an adult overcome a lifelong fear. But, leave that to friends and family. Keep your animals at home where they belong. Put your need for a pat on the back on hold. Do what's best for the hobby, and ultimately, what's best for the animals.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by craigafrechette

Ok, I've been hesitant to reply until I read the reply @Gio wrote. Fantastic reply, Gio.

So here's my two cents:

Skyrivers, let me start by saying this: I respect you.
That being said, I've thought for a LONG time you were diving in a bit too fast and if my lousy memory recalls correctly, I suggested pumping the breaks long ago. I stand by that statement.

Although I don't doubt your passion, I do question your motives at times. Based on your constant threads of " Should I or shouldn't i?" or "I have an oppurtunity" it seems to me like your grasping for attention. Same with your "educational" shows. I honestly believe your heart is in the right place, you want to be an advocate. I get that. But I 1000000% in my heart of hearts think you do it for attention as well.

Plain and simple: you're not qualified to be an ambassador for these animals.
Barely a year of experience is just scratching the surface. And you've been doing these shows for months already.

I wouldn't want to learn to play piano from somebody who just started playing a year ago. I wouldn't want to learn to cook from a chef with only a year experience. I wouldn't want to learn to fly from a pilot who just got his license.

Again, I don't doubt your passion, I don't doubt you want to spread the word that these animals aren't the scary, homicidal monsters many people fear them to be.
But, you're just not ready. One mistake could have the complete opposite effect you're going for and paint a black eye on our already misunderstood hobby. Ypuve already had an incident with a key ring, you've had one giant constrictor attack another.
You got EXTREMELY lucky that nothing worse happened.

At the stage you're at in this hobby, you're still a novice, NOT AN EDUCATOR.

So, with all due respect, I say this again. Pump the brakes. Our hobby doesn't need rookies as ambassadors. And quite frankly, you're still a rookie. It takes YEARS to truly know these animals. And all the reading in rhe wotld doesnt provide the most important tool...experience.

So, check your ego at the door. Take a break from your "educational" shows until you're qualified and experienced enough to be a proper ambassador.

As you always say, it's about the animals. So put your desire for attention on the back burner. I'm sure it feels great to see kids touch their first snakes, or to see an adult overcome a lifelong fear. But, leave that to friends and family. Keep your animals at home where they belong. Put your need for a pat on the back on hold. Do what's best for the hobby, and ultimately, what's best for the animals.

---

I think I am going to step back from the forum. I think fighting to show people anything they can not see is silly. I respect everyone who posts their opinions. Weather I agree with them or not it is respected. I just don't think I am communicating well. I don't understand that being passionate about something means I am egotistical by any means. Am I suppose to not enjoy working with them and still do it? No.

I hope life treats everyone here well.

Peace.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Skyrivers

Education? Well when others were watching cartoons at age 5 I wanted to watch things like Jacques Cousteau and National Geographic... this was the start of my love for animals and I read every book I could on animals for years..... When I first went to collage I was working on a biology degree. After 3 years I had some life things happens and redirected my life and went in the military. There I got a degree in Biomedical Engineering. Love what I do. I also have a second degree in Phycology. All through the years studying and working with any animal I could have an experience with. My life has been studying animals around me. I love snakes and that is why I chose to work with them. Reading and working with them are 2 completely different things. I grabbed several species to learn the differences hands on and how to provide for them and I spend hours studying their behavior and thought processes. Think of this as a hands on school for me. I know the respect then deserve. I know body language. I love how they problem solve. I enjoy helping others improve their care. I only hope that I help others make wiser decisions. I even have it in my will what happens to them if something happens to me.

I appreciate the advice. I also know what works for me and my animals. I blend the 2.

I even have a theory about ball pythons. Mine do better in the active part of the house. They eat better when I handle them more. Are mine unique? This is not recommended because they are shy? But works for me and my animals.

Also a theory about retic temps..... Rainbow has a range of 70 all the way up to 89. Her cage is huge and she moves and uses each temp zone at different times. Some say 70 is to cool but she loves it but also loves the 80 spot. just depends on what she wants to do.

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Great,

However, in the beginning the posts you made here didn't reflect that you had much knowledge about reptiles. That's fine we all start somewhere. It was pointed out by another member that you didn't know what a Urate was just last year. I wasn't inferring that you were uneducated, just that you have 1 year of experience with large snakes.

I'd be surprised if folks here didn't watch nature shows, the board is full of animal lovers.
I'm happy you are enjoying this.

I'm just trying to help you out a bit. There is a reason you are getting comments like many of the above in regard to some of your posts.

A few people have made valid points.

Take it for what it's worth.

I wish you good luck.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Skyrivers

I think I am going to step back from the forum. I think fighting to show people anything they can not see is silly. I respect everyone who posts their opinions. Weather I agree with them or not it is respected. I just don't think I am communicating well. I don't understand that being passionate about something means I am egotistical by any means. Am I suppose to not enjoy working with them and still do it? No.

I hope life treats everyone here well.

Peace.

---

Unfortunately, this exactly the selfish, ignorant, immature response I feared. Rather than taking the advice of people who've been in this hobby for decades, you'd rather take your ball and go home (no pun intended).
So, clearly, if you're continuing to do this your way, it's not truly about the animals. If it were, you'd be more receptive to advice.
You can be passionate and enjoy the hobby while still doing it responsibly. You just choose not to.

I wish you the best. Hopefully your ignorance doesn't get somebody or any animals hurt.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Gio

It was pointed out by another member that you didn't know what a Urate was just last year.

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Exactly!!!! Yet somehow OP was qualified to do "educational" shows just months later. I'm sorry, but knowing what a urate is would be covered in 'Snakes 101". So all those years of nature shows and reading clearly didn't help.
Ignorance is bliss...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Skyrivers

I think I am going to step back from the forum. I think fighting to show people anything they can not see is silly. I respect everyone who posts their opinions. Weather I agree with them or not it is respected. I just don't think I am communicating well. I don't understand that being passionate about something means I am egotistical by any means. Am I suppose to not enjoy working with them and still do it? No.

I hope life treats everyone here well.

Peace.

---

Here's something I've had to learn the hard way, because as my husband is fond of reminding me, I also tend to have a bad habit of thinking I'm always right: if I'm fighting against everyone else in a room, it's typically not everyone else in the room that needs to go take a look in the mirror, but myself who needs to. Step back and check your premises.

How can we here not think you're just the slightest bit egotistical (your word, btw) when you won't simply LISTEN to anyone else?? When you believe you are completely right and we - ALL of us - are wrong?

I'm sorry, but if you're going to continue to give out misinformation and bad advice and be so hard headed, I can't think it's a bad thing for you to take a break from the forums. I'd rather the more knowledgeable, experienced folks be heard and give advice that can be trusted.

Unfortunately, I believe this is also a cry for attention sooo, we'll see.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ladywhipple02

Here's something I've had to learn the hard way, because as my husband is fond of reminding me, I also tend to have a bad habit of thinking I'm always right: if I'm fighting against everyone else in a room, it's typically not everyone else in the room that needs to go take a look in the mirror, but myself who needs to. Step back and check your premises.

How can we here not think you're just the slightest bit egotistical (your word, btw) when you won't simply LISTEN to anyone else?? When you believe you are completely right and we - ALL of us - are wrong?

I'm sorry, but if you're going to continue to give out misinformation and bad advice and be so hard headed, I can't think it's a bad thing for you to take a break from the forums. I'd rather the more knowledgeable, experienced folks be heard and give advice that can be trusted.

Unfortunately, I believe this is also a cry for attention sooo, we'll see.

---

Ladywhipple02,
Has been a member since 2005!

It might be worth listening to her. You typically don't get a long time member to pipe up and comment in an area they don't usually post unless you are raising flags. She's seen more come and go here than a lot of us.

There isn't anymore I can add.

Hopefully everything turns out for the best.

Sorry everyone is offended by my efforts to provide proper care, educate others, and share my mistakes along the way. Please move on to bash someone else. I am out of here. Peace.

You seriously missed the whole point.

By the way I never bashed you. I only gave you a bit of constructive advice. I was always respectful and positive.

Take care.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Gio

Ladywhipple02,
Has been a member since 2005!

It might be worth listening to her. You typically don't get a long time member to pipe up and comment in an area they don't usually post unless you are raising flags. She's seen more come and go here than a lot of us.

There isn't anymore I can add.

Hopefully everything turns out for the best.

---

This a bit of a turn, but did you know that I have been on this forum since I was 20 years old? Still in college and dumb as a box of rocks (though sometimes I don't feel much smarter at 35 either lol). You're right though, if I had a dollar for every person I've seen come and go on this forum, I could probably retire early. It's amazing the advice I was given when I first started vs. what we've learned and know now. There have been stretches where I don't visit for a long time and then I come back - and I have to relearn new techniques all over again because our hobby only continues to get wiser about how to care appropriately for these animals we love.

I rarely post as I prefer to sit back and observe and learn, but I will speak up when I feel a situation is out of hand. I love this forum, I love the people here, and I don't want to be seen as a bully to anyone. I've seen other sites like this disappear due to lack of interest or due to lack of information. I do not want to see that happen to this site that has been so valuable to me and others over the years.

Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha, Feel Good
Sha, sha ba da, sha ba da, Feel Good
Sha, sha ba da, sha ba da, Feel Good
Sha, sha ba da, sha ba da, Feel Good
Sha, sha ba da, sha ba da, Feel Good
Sha, sha ba da, sha ba da, Feel Good
Sha, sha ba da, sha ba da, Feel Good
(Change) Sha, sha (Change) ba da (Change), sha ba da (Change)
(Change) Sha, sha (Change) ba da (Change), sha ba da (Change)
City's breaking down on a camel's back
They just have to go 'cause they don't know whack
So while you fill the streets, it's appealing to see
You won't get undercounted 'cause you're damned and free
You got a new horizon, it's ephemeral style
A melancholy town where we never smile
And all I wanna hear is the message beep
My dreams, they got her kissing, 'cause I don't get sleep, no
Windmill, windmill for the land
Turn forever hand in hand
Take it all in on your stride
It is ticking, falling down
Love forever, love has freely
Turned forever you and me
Windmill, windmill for the land
Is everybody in?
Laughin' gas these hazmats, fast cats
Linin' 'em up like ass cracks
Play these ponies at the track
It's my chocolate attack
, I'm steppin' in the heart of this here (yeah)
Care Bear rappin' in harder this year (yeah)
Watch me as I gravitate, ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!
Yo, we gon' ghost town this Motown
With yo' sound, you in the blink
Gon' bite the dust, can't fight with us
With yo' sound, you kill the Inc.
So don't stop, get it, get it (get it)
Until you're cheddar head
And watch the way I navigate, ha-ha-ha-ha-ha (Ha! Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha)
Sha, sha ba da, sha ba da, Feel Good
Sha, sha ba da, sha ba da, Feel Good
Sha, sha ba da, sha ba da, Feel Good
Sha, sha ba da, sha ba da, Feel Good
Windmill, windmill for the land
Turn forever hand in hand
Take it all in on your stride
It is ticking, falling down
Love forever, love has freely
Turned forever you and me
Windmill, windmill for the land
Is everybody in?
Don't stop, get it, get it
Peep how your captain's in it
Steady, watch me navigate, ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!
Don't stop, get it, get it
Peep how your captain's in it
Steady, watch me navigate, ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!
Sha, sha ba da, sha ba da, Feel Good
Sha, sha ba da, sha ba da, Feel Good
Sha, sha ba da, sha ba da, Feel Good
Sha, sha ba da, sha ba da, Feel Good

So rather than have a constructive dialogue and be receptive to the advice of others, you're just going to post song lyrics and not engage in any meaningful way? Nice.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Skyrivers

I guess I am missing something.

3. I respect my animals.
4. I work hard to keep everyone safe.

Where am I wrong here?

I also enjoyed it when a pet shop worker said he wanted a retic and had no experience with any snakes and I handed him Rainbow and showed him he was not ready. Seeing her full of energy right out of her transport container running and him struggling to hold her. It was great. Not just because it was funny but because he got some great experience with a well behaved animal that showed him he needed more experience before getting one.

Will I ever stop taking Rainbow to do educational shows? Not if she keeps behaving as she does at the moment. Even when she hits the 20 foot and around 100lbs... she will be respected and enjoyed by those who choose to do so.

---

Okay, I'm gonna go out on a limb here and throw my measly 2 cents in, in hopes of maybe helping you get a little better understanding as to why everyone is so "up in arms" about your post.

Yes, you're absolutely missing something and it's HUGE. The fact that you say you "respect 'your' animals" and "work hard to keep everyone safe" THEN say (paraphrasing) you thought it was "funny" to drop a Retic. in someone's lap who had JUST told you they "had no experience with any snakes" is absolutely frightening! Were you ready for BOTH, the retic's AND the poor dude's immediate response to the situation??

Look up "fight or flight response" and put that into the equation. Then be honest with yourself and decide if you were truly prepared to respond appropriately.

Not in ANY way am I trying to bash you, I promise. It's just that I'm quickly learning there is a VERY BIG common misunderstanding (and fear) of snakes in the general public, which has given them a bad name. We love and cherish these amazing and beautiful animals and would want more than anything to see the rest of "us" come to appreciate and understand them as much as we do. However, there's a method to our madness and it must be done with extreme caution.

Good luck and I wish you (mostly your noodles :D) much love & respect.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Shayne

Okay, I'm gonna go out on a limb here and throw my measly 2 cents in, in hopes of maybe helping you get a little better understanding as to why everyone is so "up in arms" about your post.

Yes, you're absolutely missing something and it's HUGE. The fact that you say you "respect 'your' animals" and "work hard to keep everyone safe" THEN say (paraphrasing) you thought it was "funny" to drop a Retic. in someone's lap who had JUST told you they "had no experience with any snakes" is absolutely frightening! Were you ready for BOTH, the retic's AND the poor dude's immediate response to the situation??

Look up "fight or flight response" and put that into the equation. Then be honest with yourself and decide if you were truly prepared to respond appropriately.

Not in ANY way am I trying to bash you, I promise. It's just that I'm quickly learning there is a VERY BIG common misunderstanding (and fear) of snakes in the general public, which has given them a bad name. We love and cherish these amazing and beautiful animals and would want more than anything to see the rest of "us" come to appreciate and understand them as much as we do. However, there's a method to our madness and it must be done with extreme caution.

Good luck and I wish you (mostly your noodles :D) much love & respect.

---

Yes, you're absolutely missing something and it's HUGE. The fact that you say you "respect 'your' animals" and "work hard to keep everyone safe" THEN say (paraphrasing) you thought it was "funny" to drop a Retic. in someone's lap who had JUST told you they "had no experience with any snakes" is absolutely frightening! Were you ready for BOTH, the retic's AND the poor dude's immediate response to the situation??

To answer this question... He was there in a controlled environment. I had 3 other people there helping and we all were ready to help them. He was not fearful. Fear is good, keeps us on our toes. He learned a lot and make a good decision based on the experience I provided him. At no time was he in danger or her.


It's just that I'm quickly learning there is a VERY BIG common misunderstanding (and fear) of snakes in the general public, which has given them a bad name.

You cant change public opinion if you hide in the closet. Education and healthy practice and good experiences help change public opinion. That is what I try to do and have been successful. Some say will only handle my animals because of how they act.

Not in ANY way am I trying to bash you, I promise.


Yes, you're absolutely missing something and it's HUGE. The fact that you say you "respect 'your' animals" and "work hard to keep everyone safe" THEN say (paraphrasing) you thought it was "funny" to drop a Retic. in someone's lap who had JUST told you they "had no experience with any snakes" is absolutely frightening! Were you ready for BOTH, the retic's AND the poor dude's immediate response to the situation?? Assumption.

a lot of what you do for the attention you get in return. Judging me and personal attack.

Well, good luck to you... hopefully you grow up someday. Personal attack.

I don't believe you even have a second handler to help you if something goes wrong? I do have help. Assumption.

selfish, ignorant, immature response I was trying to step back.... but whatever.


How can we here not think you're just the slightest bit egotistical (your word, btw) when you won't simply LISTEN to anyone else?? Actually I listen to a lot of the advice given. I take the good and leave the bad or different of opinion with the appreciation of the advice given.


Thank you everyone who has been great at giving advice. I shared my the experience with everyone because I was excited. Proud even that my girl was going to be on the show. I took precautions a great animal to show. As a result I provided them and anyone who sees her on the show with a great experience and represented the hobby well. Rainbow is a great animal who I appreciate her and respect the fact that she is a powerful, wild animal.

Dude, you just don't get it...

It's NOT about bashing you. It's about opening your eyes. What you're doing is NOT helping your animals or the hobby as a whole.

For somebody who claims it's all about the animals, you sure do a good job of ignoring the advice of those who have experience with these animals.

Writing lyrics and saying multiple times you're leaving the forum??? I mean come on, grow up.

I say this realizing it may ruffle a feather or two, but...
You say you were in the military, which I appreciate from the bottom of my heart. I have the utmost respect for our military and all they do. But if you as a soldier was anything like you as a snake keeper you and the guys relying on you would be dead. Did you learn from the grunts or the COs? When the COs said you weren't ready to operate a Stryker vehicle or a 50 cal did you just disregard them and hop on and start driving around blowing up anything in your line of sight????

Man oh man, before I end up getting myself into trouble with the mods and admins I'm going to quit while I'm ahead...

Grow up dude. Do the RIGHT thing for this hobby and your animals....

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Skyrivers

Yes, you're absolutely missing something and it's HUGE. The fact that you say you "respect 'your' animals" and "work hard to keep everyone safe" THEN say (paraphrasing) you thought it was "funny" to drop a Retic. in someone's lap who had JUST told you they "had no experience with any snakes" is absolutely frightening! Were you ready for BOTH, the retic's AND the poor dude's immediate response to the situation??

To answer this question... He was there in a controlled environment. I had 3 other people there helping and we all were ready to help them. He was not fearful. Fear is good, keeps us on our toes. He learned a lot and make a good decision based on the experience I provided him. At no time was he in danger or her.


It's just that I'm quickly learning there is a VERY BIG common misunderstanding (and fear) of snakes in the general public, which has given them a bad name.

You cant change public opinion if you hide in the closet. Education and healthy practice and good experiences help change public opinion. That is what I try to do and have been successful. Some say will only handle my animals because of how they act.

Not in ANY way am I trying to bash you, I promise.


Yes, you're absolutely missing something and it's HUGE. The fact that you say you "respect 'your' animals" and "work hard to keep everyone safe" THEN say (paraphrasing) you thought it was "funny" to drop a Retic. in someone's lap who had JUST told you they "had no experience with any snakes" is absolutely frightening! Were you ready for BOTH, the retic's AND the poor dude's immediate response to the situation?? Assumption.

---

This whole situation literally boils down to bad communication on your part. We are only going by the information YOU are giving us. You can call it an "assumption", if you like. The fact is (according to YOUR words) you're making some irresponsible and even dangerous decisions.

Obviously, We will get no further with helping you understand just how careless you're acting due to the simple fact you refuse to listen with an open mind. Again, going off of YOUR explanations.

With that being said, I wish you well and can only hope and pray you don't do anything stupid and/or dangerous. I'm bowing out.

Peace.

[QUOTE=craigafrechette;2688451]

It's NOT about bashing you.
[QUOTE]

[QUOTE=craigafrechette;2688451]
I say this realizing it may ruffle a feather or two, but...
You say you were in the military, which I appreciate from the bottom of my heart. I have the utmost respect for our military and all they do. But if you as a soldier was anything like you as a snake keeper you and the guys relying on you would be dead. Did you learn from the grunts or the COs? When the COs said you weren't ready to operate a Stryker vehicle or a 50 cal did you just disregard them and hop on and start driving around blowing up anything in your line of sight????

[QUOTE]

Quote:

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Originally Posted by craigafrechette

Dude, you just don't get it...

It's NOT about bashing you. It's about opening your eyes. What you're doing is NOT helping your animals or the hobby as a whole.


Man oh man, before I end up getting myself into trouble with the mods and admins I'm going to quit while I'm ahead...

---

Yeah... time to hit the ignore button. At this point he's using passive aggression and deliberate ignorance to get exactly what he wants: attention. We reached out and we tried. Now it's time to let him dig his own grave. My advice would be to completely ignore him and not respond to anything he posts anymore.

Well that was interesting some people here made great points but like I always say (well today I won't say it instead)

http://i65.tinypic.com/11b6uyw.jpg

Time to take a breather :gj: