Reptile & Amphibian Forums

As I was watching Survivor last night I thought to myself how awesome it would be if one of the TV networks came out with a reality TV show that was based on the day to day life of one of the big breeders? I know I would watch it! I hate the fact that whenever there is a show about the Herp hobby its usually "When animals attack II" or something like that where a snake keeper was bitten or attacked as a result of their own mistake. Think about the popularity of The crocodile hunter, Mark O'Shea, and Jeff Corwin. Its great to see all those animals they encounter in there natural habitats but what about the snakes that are popular within the reptile market? I think it would really open the eyes to the public to see just how amazing these animals are and that not all snakes need to be feared.

I think that if the Discovery Channel or the Nat Geo channel ran a show like this it would take off. Think of what the Motorcyle Mania(Jesse James) and American Choppers(OCC) shows have done for the custom motorcycle market--for those of you that are into motorcycles and know what I'm referring to.

Anyway, I wanted to post these thoughts because I was curious to see what everyone would think. I've had a BP and a Red Tail for 9 years. I'm hoping to add some more balls and a blood in the near future. I also have 2 dogs and 2 birds. Its funny to watch peoples expressions when I tell them what kind of pets I have because I will always mention the snakes last. Most people can't imagine having snakes as pets. Its hard to get people to think past their pre conceived notions and stereotypes of what snakes are like. I've only recently started going to local shows and checking out all the snake websites that are out there. Some of the sites are just amazing(VPI, SnakeKeeper, Bob Clark, Pro Exotics, NERD, and last but definately not least Ralph Davis--just to name a few of my favs). From what I've seen the reptile market in general is growing and growing. Shows are getting bigger and bigger.

So could a TV show be good to bad? More exposure may help people realize why we keep and love the snakes we do. Officals may see that some of the restrictions on keeping snakes in certain areas are too overprotective but on the other hand it may create a popular fad. People could start going out and getting snakes because they think its the cool new thing to do to have a pet snake, yet have no clue as to properly care for it(Not that that doesn't happen already).

Sorry for the rambling, I'm usually more of a lurker here on KS but I thought I'd throw out some food for thought.

Shawn

I think the exposure could be good and bad.

Good - Fearing snakes is a no no, not all snakes are dangerous. Letting ppl know herps are a hobby, not some scary past time.

Bad - Every litte child and thier brother will want to go out and get a snake, therefore droppping the prices and upping the supply. Poor litte snakes will just be the highlight of a childs year for about a month, until it gets old, and then they want to get rid of it.

eh just a quick .02 repsonse.

>>As I was watching Survivor last night I thought to myself how awesome it would be if one of the TV networks came out with a reality TV show that was based on the day to day life of one of the big breeders? I know I would watch it! I hate the fact that whenever there is a show about the Herp hobby its usually "When animals attack II" or something like that where a snake keeper was bitten or attacked as a result of their own mistake. Think about the popularity of The crocodile hunter, Mark O'Shea, and Jeff Corwin. Its great to see all those animals they encounter in there natural habitats but what about the snakes that are popular within the reptile market? I think it would really open the eyes to the public to see just how amazing these animals are and that not all snakes need to be feared.
>>
>>I think that if the Discovery Channel or the Nat Geo channel ran a show like this it would take off. Think of what the Motorcyle Mania(Jesse James) and American Choppers(OCC) shows have done for the custom motorcycle market--for those of you that are into motorcycles and know what I'm referring to.
>>
>>Anyway, I wanted to post these thoughts because I was curious to see what everyone would think. I've had a BP and a Red Tail for 9 years. I'm hoping to add some more balls and a blood in the near future. I also have 2 dogs and 2 birds. Its funny to watch peoples expressions when I tell them what kind of pets I have because I will always mention the snakes last. Most people can't imagine having snakes as pets. Its hard to get people to think past their pre conceived notions and stereotypes of what snakes are like. I've only recently started going to local shows and checking out all the snake websites that are out there. Some of the sites are just amazing(VPI, SnakeKeeper, Bob Clark, Pro Exotics, NERD, and last but definately not least Ralph Davis--just to name a few of my favs). From what I've seen the reptile market in general is growing and growing. Shows are getting bigger and bigger.
>>
>>So could a TV show be good to bad? More exposure may help people realize why we keep and love the snakes we do. Officals may see that some of the restrictions on keeping snakes in certain areas are too overprotective but on the other hand it may create a popular fad. People could start going out and getting snakes because they think its the cool new thing to do to have a pet snake, yet have no clue as to properly care for it(Not that that doesn't happen already).
>>
>>Sorry for the rambling, I'm usually more of a lurker here on KS but I thought I'd throw out some food for thought.
>>
>>Shawn
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- Joel Smith

"If you're not part of the solution, you're still part of the problem"

Now I don't think it would be a good thing for a bunch of kids to go out and get disposable pets... but I don't understand your logic behind the "Every litte child and thier brother will want to go out and get a snake, therefore droppping the prices and upping the supply." comment.

If every kid wanted a snake the demand would go up, therefore increasing prices. Unless you are saying that since it will be a short term fad the demand will be inflated over the short term, which will lead to an increase in supply long term...

Sorry if I missed something, I'm still waking up.

As far as the idea behind the show... I think it would be great. TV is the best way to help "unusual and exotic" topics become more mainstream, which would probably help reduce all the pointless herp laws that are popping up.

Good idea.

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-Ross Payan - www.LeosAnonymous.com

Leos Anonymous

Ball Pythons, Red Striped Leos, W.Hognose and Screaming AFT's

i doubt anyone would want to watch it...i sure as heck wouldnt. Now if it was about a breeder that had nothing but hots and dangerous snakes, id be hooked!

I think an actual show like that would be incredibly boring EVEN IF they were hots. It would just be an hour of a guy sliding a divider into cages and refilling water dishes. Then maybe he sends someone an email.
They had Bob Clark on a National Geographic show and his tour was pretty much 'that's a snake, that's a snake, that's an expensive snake'. It was interesting to see once but wouldn't make for a riveting series.
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Peter: It's OK, I'll handle it. I read a book about something like this.
Brian: Are you sure it was a book? Are you sure it wasn't NOTHING?