Educational reptile shows and parties

[Yamitaifu]

Hello fellow herp enthusiasts. Yesterday, my aunt who works for a local large business informed me that the owner was wondering if I would be interested in doing reptile birthday parties. Obviously I want to, but I need some more ideas before I go talk to the owner. Here are my thoughts

Activities:

1)birthday parties (the original idea but I would want to do more)
2)feeding shows-have feedings of the snakes that people who want to are able to watch
3)Educational shows-hands on experience with the kids, have a bunch of different reptiles and teach the kids about each one and have the opportunity to handle them. The goal is to change people view on reptiles, mainly snakes
4) If we are able to get more reptiles and keep them there, hopefully we would be allowed to breed and teach people about it. The offspring would also be able to be sold

Animals:

albino burmese- i definitley want to have a big snake to show, and i believe that a burmese would be the best since they are calmer (slower) than retics. this is at the top of my list

red tail boa or other semi large- I want to have a semi large snake to show as well, and i have had a fascination with rtbs and other such snakes

tortoise- tortoises are cool and kids would love to see them

chameleon- colorful, my friend who would be assisting me might be getting one soon so that would cover it

iguana- nice sized lizard, very calm and a well known reptile

monitor- they already have an adult savannah there

ball pythons- my friend and i have a bunch. my favorite snake and great for kids

geckos- nice small lizards, calm and nice for kids to see

corn snake- friend has one

tarantula- some kids like spiders, adds variety

giant gecko-big awesome geckos. love how they look and how calm they are

beardies- friend has some, great lizard

tree boa- they are really cool looking, and also is there to show kids to not just pick up any snake they see, as SOME can be dangerous


any ideas are very much appreciated. I want to make it clear that I am in this for the reptiles, not too just buy stuff to show off. hopefully this goes well and we are able to do what we want

[Stewart_Reptiles]

2)feeding shows-have feedings of the snakes that people who want to are able to watch

Worst idea ever unless of course you want animal's right activist to get wind of that, that would go over great.

Think smart this hobby is under tremendous scrutiny what YOU do with your business reflect on all of us

[Yamitaifu]

Worst idea ever unless of course you want animal's right activist to get wind of that, that would go over great.

Think smart this hobby is under tremendous scrutiny what YOU do with your business reflect on all of us

Its all part of nature. Everything needs to eat. What do people think snakes eat, chocolate cupcakes? (Not trying to sound like a jerk to you). Nobody would have to watch it. Viewer discretion is advised.


Money can't buy happiness, but it can buy snakes and that's pretty close

And i know how much the hobby is scrutinized. I really cant see how feedings that people can watch would affect this.

[Bluebonnet Herp]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but don't you need an exhibition permit to do these?
I'm interested in doing something like this as well whenever I get a chance.

[Yamitaifu]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but don't you need an exhibition permit to do these?
I'm interested in doing something like this as well whenever I get a chance.

Not sure. I was just asked if I would be interested and started brainstorming some ideas. Id be working through another business


Money can't buy happiness, but it can buy snakes and that's pretty close

[wilomn]

Its all part of nature.

And i know how much the hobby is scrutinized. I really cant see how feedings that people can watch would affect this.

Then pull your head out from between your cheeks and look around you. If you go killing and feeding some cute little mouse to some awful slimy snake you WILL get publicity. Sympathy for the mouse and hatred for the snake.

You're not proposing anything new. Learn from the mistakes of others. Don't do ANY feedings, live or dead.

[Stewart_Reptiles]

And i know how much the hobby is scrutinized. I really cant see how feedings that people can watch would affect this.

If you can´t see how I am not sure that you are the right person for this type of business.

We need to be represented in a positive light, we don´t need anymore bad publicity.

Snakes eat rodents and people know that they don´t need to see it.

Shock value is nothing new but in this industry it´s the last thing WE need.

Again YOUR actions impact all of us, so think.



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[Yamitaifu]

Ok ok people. Geez. As i said i know how much the hobby is under fire. I posted here to get ideas, peoples thoughts. "Friendliest online community" my butt. Ill take the feeding idea out. Now if anyone would like to be kind and give any positive thoughts theyd be greatly appreciated. If not, then don't keep hammering away at this one idea, because thats all it was, an idea, a thought.


Money can't buy happiness, but it can buy snakes and that's pretty close

[Pyrate81]

You have a good start.

I volunteer at a nature center and care for the reptiles. Aside from birthday parties, they do school presentations, old folks homes, cub/boy scouts, and fundraisers.

A few things I've learned with watching a only part of one presentation:

- always have hand sanitizer and preach that after handling ANY animal, not just reptiles, you should cleanse your hands. Especially with kids.
- adults sometimes know less than 2 year-olds.
- let people touch, but not hold the animals.


ps-

...I posted here to get ideas, peoples thoughts. "Friendliest online community" my butt...

Not sure if this is sarcasm or not, but if you're gonna be a butt, you'll get treated like one. This is a very friendly community until a line is crossed.

[Slim]

Ok ok people. Geez. As i said i know how much the hobby is under fire. I posted here to get ideas, peoples thoughts. "Friendliest online community" my butt.

My advice would be to grow up a little and learn to take constructive criticism.

In addition to the negative attention feeding would generate, do really want to transport an animal you just fed, all ever BFE? That's just not good husbandry, nor a good example.

If you want to feed something at a show, take a spineless cactus for the tortoise...