BHB Melaninistic(Night) Nile Monitor

[monitorlizard]

He just finished a video and should have it up soon.
He plans on having some available next season.
He also got new caging apparently.
He also put a picture on facebook showing how well the "taming" process is going:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=591699617535240&set=a.116403695064837.7198.108431745862032&type=1&relevant_count=1

[KORBIN5895]

I'm still trying to figure out why people like bhb so much.

[Hannibalcanibal]

I'm still trying to figure out why people like bhb so much.

^this, kind of. I do see a very passionate group, but other than the popular web show i'm not seeing what sets them apart from most other breeders.

[smy_749]

I like the episode where they show how the employees don't know anything about reptiles or the 'vocab' words. I don't see anyone passionate in any of the videos except Brian honestly.

[Hannibalcanibal]

I like the episode where they show how the employees don't know anything about reptiles or the 'vocab' words. I don't see anyone passionate in any of the videos except Brian honestly.

I have to agree that brian is the most passionate out of them. I actually don't watch the show much, so i really don't know too much about them other than:

A) they have a LOT of snakes
B) The dude in front of the camera (Brian) is passionate about reptiles.

Anyhow, I still don't see what sets them apart from a lot of the other breeders, other than a big youtube show.

[infernalis]

I am going to sit on my hands tonight on this one. ;)

[KORBIN5895]

How about the episode where the dude gets bit intentionally? Oh, wait ..... that's like every episode.

I would also like to mention that I called them once looking to make an $800 purchase and was told straight out to go to the website. When I said I had and I was wanting to ask a few questions about a particular female boa I was basically told that all the info was there and I should email my questions as the guy I was talking to was too busy.

[smy_749]

How about the episode where the dude gets bit intentionally? Oh, wait ..... that's like every episode.

I would also like to mention that I called them once looking to make an $800 purchase and was told straight out to go to the website. When I said I had and I was wanting to ask a few questions about a particular female boa I was basically told that all the info was there and I should email my questions as the guy I was talking to was too busy.

That is the biggest negative of being a very large business, customer service goes down the drain. The biting vids where they harass the snakes and act like apes is rather annoying as well. Almost as annoying as the guys at underground reptiles in their videos.

[KORBIN5895]

It was for the best. I ended spending almost 2k elsewhere and my customers were very happy.

[Hannibalcanibal]

Wait... I remember the bite scenes now ( i should probably watch a vid to refresh my memory).

Yeah, it's pretty dumb that the dude tries to get bitten. I mean, if you have a bitey snake, why would you make the problem worse, especially with some of the species that are "known for aggression"?

Then again, youtube is filled with immature kids who don't care about reptiles, so i guess they are just trying to appeal to the largest audience...

[KORBIN5895]

Wait... I remember the bite scenes now ( i should probably watch a vid to refresh my memory).

Yeah, it's pretty dumb that the dude tries to get bitten. I mean, if you have a bitey snake, why would you make the problem worse, especially with some of the species that are "known for aggression"?

Then again, youtube is filled with immature kids who don't care about reptiles, so i guess they are just trying to appeal to the largest audience...

Or maybe they are just a part of that mentality.

[Hannibalcanibal]

Or maybe they are just a part of that mentality.

Could very well be..... On any level, i just see them as being just another breeder. Not really that much to set them apart from everyone else

[B_Aller]

Man, I wouldn't touch that company with a ten foot pole, what a mess.
Just another jabrone doing his best to cost all of us our right to keep these animals. Shameful.

[Aaron_S]

You know what I like about Brian? He reads forums ;)

[infernalis]

You know what I like about Brian? He reads forums ;)

You know what I like about me? I say what's on my mind, regardless who reads it.

[Hannibalcanibal]

You know what I like about Brian? He reads forums ;)

Meh. What could he do? youtube us to death?

[Aaron_S]

No but he responds to comments so don't think trashing him online will save you. He was at the CRBE in Toronto. Should have come spoken your mind in person.

I'm not a huge BHB lover by any means but he does do good.

[B_Aller]

Just tried to watch a few of his vids, what an absolute bore! He's made an entire show out of the most boring and worthless aspect of the hobby.....opens drawer...pulls out snake.....purty huh.....puts snake back in drawer.....moves to next one. Good gawd people THAT'S what's cool about reptiles!? Sheesh. I don't get it. I remember when reptile keeping was cool, glad I still know old dudes.

Sorry, not aimed at those here, just venting.

[Hannibalcanibal]

No but he responds to comments so don't think trashing him online will save you. He was at the CRBE in Toronto. Should have come spoken your mind in person.

I'm not a huge BHB lover by any means but he does do good.

Meh. I don't really have an issue with him, I just don't see what's so special about him (i.e why does everyone line up to buy his animals?). That's my thing here....

[mdfmonitor]

I assume this pic is pointing out the importance of respecting your captive! :)

[mdfmonitor]

Just tried to watch a few of his vids, what an absolute bore! He's made an entire show out of the most boring and worthless aspect of the hobby.....opens drawer...pulls out snake.....purty huh.....puts snake back in drawer.....moves to next one. Good gawd people THAT'S what's cool about reptiles!? Sheesh. I don't get it. I remember when reptile keeping was cool, glad I still know old dudes.

Sorry, not aimed at those here, just venting.
I don’t get the draw thing as well, I like to see them on display showing us what life is like in their world!!

[KORBIN5895]

You know what I like about me? Not much but I'm just a crusty old ******* who no longer cares.

[drumcrush]

I do agree with the boaring shows and everything but Brian does produce some pretty cool and healthy animals tho. I bought one of my garters from him.

[Aaron_S]

Just tried to watch a few of his vids, what an absolute bore! He's made an entire show out of the most boring and worthless aspect of the hobby.....opens drawer...pulls out snake.....purty huh.....puts snake back in drawer.....moves to next one. Good gawd people THAT'S what's cool about reptiles!? Sheesh. I don't get it. I remember when reptile keeping was cool, glad I still know old dudes.

Sorry, not aimed at those here, just venting.

I get it's not "aimed" at anyone in particular but you literally just took a crap on a LARGE portion of the hobby. It's highly disrespectful to talk about someone's hobby that way. If that's what people enjoy and you don't, then keep your mouth shut about it "boring" you and being "worthless". As an "old dude" you should encourage the new people (which Brian generally caters to) as they are the future and hopefully with the proper encouragement they can enjoy other aspects of the hobby too.

Calling what they currently enjoy worthless won't help them listen to you will it?

[Aaron_S]

Meh. I don't really have an issue with him, I just don't see what's so special about him (i.e why does everyone line up to buy his animals?). That's my thing here....

He's got cool animals? A reputation?

Also, I'm SURE a lot of his clients are those that caught an episode of his show maybe looked into owning a reptile after that and what better person to buy it from than the guy they found so cool and entertaining? (Brilliant marketing)

Let's face it. Even with all his "issues" he still brings more new people into this hobby in the last year than any one of us could do in our lifetimes.

I look at this way. These new people who are getting into the hobby are a LOT more open to being educated about reptiles and proper keeping once they start in the hobby. It's our job to assist in that. We can't just leave it up to the "big guys" to educate.

[smy_749]

Like I said the first post, I don't mind Brian, I just don't like his employees 'uneducated' attitudes. And although I don't care for the opening of drawers to show me morphs and close them, I do enjoy when he talks about things like which projects helped him make it big, how he got started etc. Also, from a business point of view the guy is a genius. He has the most watched reptile videos on youtube, advertises his products in his videos, and sells apparel from as Ben said, doing nothing really...

He's laughing his way all the way to the bank really.

[thinkbig317]

I agree with aaron 100%. Not matter what, people will always hate. The way of the world it seems like these days.

[Hannibalcanibal]

He's got cool animals? A reputation?

Also, I'm SURE a lot of his clients are those that caught an episode of his show maybe looked into owning a reptile after that and what better person to buy it from than the guy they found so cool and entertaining? (Brilliant marketing)

Let's face it. Even with all his "issues" he still brings more new people into this hobby in the last year than any one of us could do in our lifetimes.

I look at this way. These new people who are getting into the hobby are a LOT more open to being educated about reptiles and proper keeping once they start in the hobby. It's our job to assist in that. We can't just leave it up to the "big guys" to educate.

I see that, but a lot of other people have good reps too, and just as cool animals, and yes it is a good thing that he is bringing people to the hobby, except getting bit in the face by a tree python isn't necessarily a good way to do it ( i know it's one of the employees and not him who usually gets bit, but still).

Again, i know this is just marketing, but other than a big show, there is nothing that sets him apart from many other large breeders, at least in my eyes, anyways.

[Aaron_S]

I see that, but a lot of other people have good reps too, and just as cool animals, and yes it is a good thing that he is bringing people to the hobby, except getting bit in the face by a tree python isn't necessarily a good way to do it ( i know it's one of the employees and not him who usually gets bit, but still).

Again, i know this is just marketing, but other than a big show, there is nothing that sets him apart from many other large breeders, at least in my eyes, anyways.

I get what you're saying but you can apply "why does everyone buy stuff from XX breeder?" to any "big guy" or anyone for that matter.

He's got a history of stuff and honestly, Brian at least has a lot of passion. I give the man that.

[Grendel]

bHb YouTube videos are entertaining. The goofy empolees provide comic relief to what would otherwise be a boring episodes after awhile. Brian knows how to package it all up, make it sexy, and sell it, that's what makes him successfull. There are a lot of smart people in every job/hobby/profession but not all of them can get to the top. It takes more than just knowing a lot about snakes/reptiles and having a "proper" setup to succeed on a large scale. Those that can't figure it out always talk trash about the successfull ones. They are secretly jealous, because they can't figure it out why they are not the ones with a big business and fame. This thread illustrates perfectly what I'm talking about.

[B_Aller]

I get it's not "aimed" at anyone in particular but you literally just took a crap on a LARGE portion of the hobby. It's highly disrespectful to talk about someone's hobby that way. If that's what people enjoy and you don't, then keep your mouth shut about it "boring" you and being "worthless". As an "old dude" you should encourage the new people (which Brian generally caters to) as they are the future and hopefully with the proper encouragement they can enjoy other aspects of the hobby too.

Calling what they currently enjoy worthless won't help them listen to you will it?

I stand by my statement. Maybe a LARGE portion of the hobby needs to be crapped on?
You seem to be offended by someone with a differing opinion than you, telling someone you don't agree with to "shut up" shows a weakness of character. Just think for one minute how boring the world would be if everyone was the same.
I do actually think the rack mentality and morphitis (just made that up!) is worthless to the hobby.
There are people doing this hobby a different way than you or this Brian dude, and being quite successful at it, you seem to think that this information should be held back or sugar coated just because you don't happen to agree with it, I don't feel that way.
I mentioned the "old" guys because they have a different overall mentality to keeping and breeding. Personally I could give a rats patoot if more people join the hobby. I'm interested in quality NOT quantity.
One of my best friends in this world is one of the big name breeders, with tons of racks, guess what I say to his face when I'm at his facility.....BORING, DUDE, BORING!! then we laugh, drink beer and go find arboreal salamanders to bark at us. But hey, he knows Brian, maybe I'll ask him to hook me up with him and I'll share my criticisms of his show face to face.

I disagree that this kind of show has a positive effect on the hobby.
Ben Aller

[Aaron_S]

I stand by my statement. Maybe a LARGE portion of the hobby needs to be crapped on?
You seem to be offended by someone with a differing opinion than you, telling someone you don't agree with to "shut up" shows a weakness of character. Just think for one minute how boring the world would be if everyone was the same.
I do actually think the rack mentality and morphitis (just made that up!) is worthless to the hobby.
There are people doing this hobby a different way than you or this Brian dude, and being quite successful at it, you seem to think that this information should be held back or sugar coated just because you don't happen to agree with it, I don't feel that way.
I mentioned the "old" guys because they have a different overall mentality to keeping and breeding. Personally I could give a rats patoot if more people join the hobby. I'm interested in quality NOT quantity.
One of my best friends in this world is one of the big name breeders, with tons of racks, guess what I say to his face when I'm at his facility.....BORING, DUDE, BORING!! then we laugh, drink beer and go find arboreal salamanders to bark at us. But hey, he knows Brian, maybe I'll ask him to hook me up with him and I'll share my criticisms of his show face to face.

I disagree that this kind of show has a positive effect on the hobby.
Ben Aller


I'm not offended because you have a differing opinion. I just dislike seeing someone crap on what someone else enjoys. What harm does it give you? Would you like me to say your job is crap and you're a worthless human being because you don't have some crazy wicked job?

I think you crapping on the large portion of the hobby is just highly disrespectful. It's like if a 12 year old boy isn't doing it YOUR way then it's WRONG and he's WORTHLESS and he should just quit now.

I don't care who you're friends are and what jokes you have with them. It's disrespectful the way you crap on others.

If you don't think this has any positive effect then you go ahead and recruit new people? No? That's not what you care about? Huh. I guess you really don't want all these new people help fight all those bans I hear about...

For the record, I've owned a lot of species and been around a long time. I respect what everyone chooses to do even though I don't really see the interest. I dig snakes. Wayne really digs his monitors. Not my thing but I respect his hobby and what HE enjoys. You just lack respect for anyone...

I guess we really know who's offended when someone doesn't agree with them. I suppose that makes you worthless...

[infernalis]

I disagree that this kind of show has a positive effect on the hobby.
Ben Aller

Aaron and most tenured members here know my stance is the same.

Mimicry is the sincerest form of flattery (or so it is said) and the world is full of morons who take things out of intended context and only copy what they think is cool or has a wow factor.

Granted, if snakebytes TV was done with a similar style as an Attenborogh documentary, Us old timers would love it, but the young herpers out there would skip right over it.

Point is, some of us see things differently.

Seeing these guys showing an apparent disrespect for the animals openly is encouraging the sheep to follow.

I can foresee people mimicking the tomfoolery stuff and harming animals, be it intentional or not.

[Aaron_S]

I do see your point Wayne and can agree with you to an extent but I believe those d-bags would be doing it anyway.

They are all over youtube and were before Brian started his videos.

I do believe if these kind of people get involved and find a forum or anything, then it's our job to educate them the right way. At least give them the proper information.

[Mikoh4792]

What sets Brian apart from the other breeders? The show. It's non sequitur to ask what makes him special other than his show.... because that is exactly what makes him special.

Besides, how can you bash him for the tubs? As a large scale breeder its more efficient to use tubs instead of display enclosures.

[smy_749]

I disagree mikoh. Brian has had quite a few projects that made him well known. Hes been breeding since he was like 16, and really knows what hes doing. Jay from prehistoric doesn't have a 'show', but he is considered a top dog in retics just like bob clark and has been breeding retics for 30 years. I wouldnt degrade brian to that level, if your into morphs you have to know brian is earned his reputation. The guy loves reptiles, there is no doubt about it. We can agree or disagree with how he conducts business/promotes the hobby/ who he hires at his facility, but I dont think anyone should be saying hes just another joe shmoe breeder IMO.

[Mikoh4792]

I disagree mikoh. Brian has had quite a few projects that made him well known. Hes been breeding since he was like 16, and really knows what hes doing. Jay from prehistoric doesn't have a 'show', but he is considered a top dog in retics just like bob clark and has been breeding retics for 30 years. I wouldnt degrade brian to that level, if your into morphs you have to know brian is earned his reputation. The guy loves reptiles, there is no doubt about it. We can agree or disagree with how he conducts business/promotes the hobby/ who he hires at his facility, but I dont think anyone should be saying hes just another joe shmoe breeder IMO.

Okay then he is special for all of that too^

[KORBIN5895]

What sets Brian apart from the other breeders? The show. It's non sequitur to ask what makes him special other than his show.... because that is exactly what makes him special.

Besides, how can you bash him for the tubs? As a large scale breeder its more efficient to use tubs instead of display enclosures.

Efficiency doesn't make it right or proper. History has many examples of ways to efficiently kill off large populations but that doesn't make it right. Unless you agree that those populations had to killed. Just depends on your view point.

[Mikoh4792]

Efficiency doesn't make it right or proper. History has many examples of ways to efficiently kill off large populations but that doesn't make it right. Unless you agree that those populations had to killed. Just depends on your view point.

I think it has to do with context. When it comes to tubs vs display enclosures for such a large scale breeder, would you not say efficiency is good?

When it comes to killing off large populations efficiently, well killing is bad in the first place.

[Aaron_S]

Efficiency doesn't make it right or proper. History has many examples of ways to efficiently kill off large populations but that doesn't make it right. Unless you agree that those populations had to killed. Just depends on your view point.

I think that's a bad analogy.

We're not talking about ending life. We're actually talking about the exact opposite; creating it.

Is "efficiency" right? In some ways yes. Is it "proper"? I say yes.

I think it's upto those breeders then to educate their customers if it's a pet, breeder whatever and be able to give advice to assist in caring for the animal in each case.

[KORBIN5895]

I guess if all your animals mean to you is breeding stock then racks are great. Who cares as long as you're in the Benjamins right?

Also I don't think killing someone is evil or wrong. Sometimes it is an unpleasant necessity.

[Mikoh4792]

I guess if all your animals mean to you is breeding stock then racks are great. Who cares as long as you're in the Benjamins right?

Yes I know but the animals in his facility are breeding stock.... so aren't tubs the way to go for him?

Also I don't think killing someone is evil or wrong. Sometimes it is an unpleasant necessity.

Okay then I should have been specific. My apologizes for being vague.
I was responding to your quote

Efficiency doesn't make it right or proper. History has many examples of ways to efficiently kill off large populations but that doesn't make it right.

In the case that killing off large popluations is not right(ie. holocaust, koup...etc) then killing is bad in the first.

However if you were to kill off a large population that deserved to be killed off for whatever reason, would you not do it efficiently? Again I say it has to do with context.

[Aaron_S]

I guess if all your animals mean to you is breeding stock then racks are great. Who cares as long as you're in the Benjamins right?

Also I don't think killing someone is evil or wrong. Sometimes it is an unpleasant necessity.

Don't be silly.

Racks and tubs don't equate poor health or poor husbandry.

[KORBIN5895]

Don't be silly.

Racks and tubs don't equate poor health or poor husbandry.

Who said they did?

I appreciate why you and many breeders use racks but it's just not my style. I would rather have larger enclosures and spend a bit more. Couldn't we assume with all the money Brian is making he could easily afford nice display enclosures for his stock? I mean he has some of the rarest morphs in the world locked away in plastic bins.

[Aaron_S]

Who said they did?

I appreciate why you and many breeders use racks but it's just not my style. I would rather have larger enclosures and spend a bit more. Couldn't we assume with all the money Brian is making he could easily afford nice display enclosures for his stock? I mean he has some of the rarest morphs in the world locked away in plastic bins.

Brian is operating on a quantity level. With that in mind he prefers to stick to racks.

I think it's not feasible to hold them in display enclosures and still do what he wants to do. I've seen enough of his videos to know that they aren't suffering in the set ups.

For you and what you do, that's fine and dandy. Up to you.

For me personally, I've just seen far too many animals (from various species) do exceptionally well when placed in a rack/tub compared to a tank. That still doesn't mean ALL should be done that way.

[Mikoh4792]

Brian is operating on a quantity level. With that in mind he prefers to stick to racks.

I think it's not feasible to hold them in display enclosures and still do what he wants to do. I've seen enough of his videos to know that they aren't suffering in the set ups.

For you and what you do, that's fine and dandy. Up to you.

For me personally, I've just seen far too many animals (from various species) do exceptionally well when placed in a rack/tub compared to a tank. That still doesn't mean ALL should be done that way.

I agree but one snake I do feel bad for in Brian's facility is satan. Such a huge snake.

[Aaron_S]

I agree but one snake I do feel bad for in Brian's facility is satan. Such a huge snake.

I kind of agree with you but what I meant from my first comments about Brian reading forums is that he sees these kind of comments and instead of asking him people just assume he's being a bad keeper.

He had a long blog post about how he had these animals in larger enclosure (doesn't state when) but they stopped eating and doing as well so he put them back in the drawers and they did much better again.

[Mikoh4792]

I kind of agree with you but what I meant from my first comments about Brian reading forums is that he sees these kind of comments and instead of asking him people just assume he's being a bad keeper.

He had a long blog post about how he had these animals in larger enclosure (doesn't state when) but they stopped eating and doing as well so he put them back in the drawers and they did much better again.

I won't make any assumptions but why would that be the case with such a large animal? The only reason I could think of is that proper gradients are hard to maintain in larger enclosures unless you use more power.

[Aaron_S]

I won't make any assumptions but why would that be the case with such a large animal? The only reason I could think of is that proper gradients are hard to maintain in larger enclosures unless you use more power.

We'll use Satan for this example. It's a very large snake. Easily 12+ feet is my guess.

That's a lot of body to protect with only one end being "dangerous". So a snake of this size or any size for that matter likes to feel secure so if something happens then can easily protect their entire body.

Snakes like to feel secure. Some do okay in more open enclosures and some don't.

[Mikoh4792]

We'll use Satan for this example. It's a very large snake. Easily 12+ feet is my guess.

That's a lot of body to protect with only one end being "dangerous". So a snake of this size or any size for that matter likes to feel secure so if something happens then can easily protect their entire body.

Snakes like to feel secure. Some do okay in more open enclosures and some don't.

But then isn't the tub being used as a hide? I don't think satan can actually move around or stretch in there.

And since I am not knowledgeable on burms I have to ask, do they move around in the wild? Or are they sedentary most of their lives and eat prey that walk by? Like a green tree python.

[Aaron_S]

But then isn't the tub being used as a hide? I don't think satan can actually move around or stretch in there.

And since I am not knowledgeable on burms I have to ask, do they move around in the wild? Or are they sedentary most of their lives and eat prey that walk by? Like a green tree python.

I can't answer that 100% as I don't have a lot of recent research on them from the wild. I do believe they do both.

What I can say is that's exactly what tubs are doing. They act as secure hides. It's why ball pythons do so well in them. It's like the termite mounds they live in in Africa.

[Pirarucu]

If the animals were given larger enclosures and were not comfortable, that would be a sign that the enclosures weren't set up well, not that large enclosures are bad. Provide a large enclosure with tight hides. The animal can stretch out and move if it wants to, or it can stay snug in its hides. Why not offer it that choice?

[Aaron_S]

If the animals were given larger enclosures and were not comfortable, that would be a sign that the enclosures weren't set up well, not that large enclosures are bad. Provide a large enclosure with tight hides. The animal can stretch out and move if it wants to, or it can stay snug in its hides. Why not offer it that choice?

I never said large enclosures were bad. Just that he tried and it didn't work for him. It doesn't mean that others shouldn't.
We don't know more details so who says that wasn't offered and they just didn't do well?

[infernalis]

I am putting on the brakes here and slowing this truck down.

Let's all just agree, the webcasts are silly.

Otherwise, every single one of us has the ghosts of some animal or another, often several or many hiding in our closets.

I find it rather disappointing that the most active threads on the forum are the ones with the dark storm clouds loaming overhead.

People complain all summer about the heat, then moan all winter about the cold, move to Florida and whine about the humidity.

Even when I am working with baby garter snakes, do you honestly believe for one moment that each of those neonates gets anything more than a Tupperware box made for a sandwich?? One spring I had 400 babies here, if each one had a big open display case, I would have needed a Dressage barn to put them all in.

Now, can we please get back to proper animal discussions and let Brian run his business the way he sees fit??????

[MDT]

I am putting on the brakes here and slowing this truck down.

Let's all just agree, the webcasts are silly.

Otherwise, every single one of us has the ghosts of some animal or another, often several or many hiding in our closets.

I find it rather disappointing that the most active threads on the forum are the ones with the dark storm clouds loaming overhead.

People complain all summer about the heat, then moan all winter about the cold, move to Florida and whine about the humidity.

Even when I am working with baby garter snakes, do you honestly believe for one moment that each of those neonates gets anything more than a Tupperware box made for a sandwich?? One spring I had 400 babies here, if each one had a big open display case, I would have needed a Dressage barn to put them all in.

Now, can we please get back to proper animal discussions and let Brian run his business the way he sees fit??????


This is quite probably the best post I have seen in a long time.