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[ramenreptiles]

Brian Barczyk, keeper of giant snakes in tiny drawers, has died. How should we feel?

I've been asking myself this very question, anon.

On one hand, the man did some really unethical stuff, pushed harmful information that was not correct husbandry, and allowed animals to suffer for his own gain.

On the other hand, he was human, as we all are human: prone to failings, easily blinded by praise, and willing to hide his mistakes in order to maintain a positive reputation among his peers. This is really common among that generation. I see the same attitudes in many big-name reptile keepers, TV personalities, and minor celebrities.

He was curious. He was passionate. He wanted to share his passion with others. I think he really truly did love his animals and the people around him, though that love was not an adequate replacement for proper care. He was arrogant. He was overconfident. He was flawed. But he was human.

He was afraid, at the end. He was in pain. Pancreatic cancer is not a gentle end. He saw his death looming on a fast-approaching horizon, and you could see it reflected in his eyes. Did he have regrets, do you suppose? Would he have done things differently if he had another chance? Did he believe in an afterlife, and did he feel the burden of his transgressions as he prepared to meet his gods?

I can tell you how I feel at this point:

A little sad that a fellow traveler on this Earth died in such an awful, painful way. A little disappointed that he's now a martyr of reptile keeping. A little grateful that he helped to push the hobby into the public eye and out of the fringes. A little hopeful that we'll continue to learn, grow, and do better than he did.

I can't tell you how to feel, though, or whether to feel anything at all. That's up to you.

Regardless, I hope his last moments were peaceful, that he felt loved instead of scared, and that he was not in pain. That's what I want for everyone.

[ramenreptiles]

HEADS UP TO HALOGEN/INCANDESCENT BULB USERS

If you use these bulbs to heat your reptiles you'll want to look into alternatives.

I believe pet stores will still have their branded bulbs, but they will of course be more expensive. Petco charges $9 for one 60W bulb that costs $2 each in a regular incandescent bulb 12 pack. 🙃

I've personally used halogens for years, since it more closely mimics the infrared radiation of the sun (See my post on that here). For now, it looks like unfortunately Amazon may be the best option in the meantime.

[ramenreptiles]

It's melty

[ramenreptiles]

Indian Black Narrowmouth Frog aka "Space Frog" (Melanobatrachus indicus), family Microhylidae, Munnar, Kerala, India

photograph by Hadlee Renjith 

[ramenreptiles]

New baby wörm

[ramenreptiles]

Hands too smol to hold

[ramenreptiles]

One of the noodles is pregnant. Expecting pasta

[ramenreptiles]

You're all deeply unhinged. Craig is pleased

[ramenreptiles]

The shape of perfection

[ramenreptiles]

CRAIG says fuck TERFS

[ramenreptiles]

DO YOU WANT TO OWN YOUR VERY OWN WATER GREMLIN?

DO YOU WISH TO STARE INTO THE THOUGHTLESS VOID WHILE IT STARES BACK, UNBLINKING?

THEY HAVE EATEN ALL THAT I LOVE (shhh, they have no ears, but they are always listening)

WELL NOW'S YOUR CHANCE

My moisturized dough boys have produced an armada of minute newts that need new homes.

GET YOUR SELF A SPANISH RIBBED NEWT TODAY

(Ad paid in part by the soviet space program)

[ramenreptiles]

Finally got one of my dream frogs and first dart! Oophaga pumillio "Basimentos - Red Frog Beach"

It's just a little guy

[ramenreptiles]

Stinky

[ramenreptiles]

As always, Craig the tomato frog wishes to dance upon my grave.

[ramenreptiles]

oh, hello there! it’s animals

[ramenreptiles]

Looking for creepy crawlies in Southern Utah. Didn't find any of my targets but the Joshua trees are blooming for the first time in a while!

[ramenreptiles]

No thoughts, just vibes