Animals at Home Network

Is there an underlying reason that there are some ball pythons that struggle in a vivarium and some that do wonderfully? The Ball python has an amazing and ever-growing community of keepers surrounding it. But not all Ball python keepers see eye to eye? Why do some find they stress in vivariums when they test it and others do not? Ball python care has many layers and in this video, we try to peel...

James Graham of Top Shelf Geckos is a small-batch reptile breeder out of Canada, mainly focused on African Fat-Tailed Geckos, New Caledonian species, and Collared Lizards. In the episode, we discuss how James is able to produce a profit while providing enriching living conditions for his breeding stock. We also discuss the controversial concept of “breeding mills” and contemplate whether or not “i...

In this episode, Phil and Roy have a discussion with Sam Aneca, both a private keeper and zookeeper at Antwerp Zoo! We discuss the origins of Sam’s interest in herpetofauna, how he became a zookeeper, his private collection, the need for better methods of herpetoculture education, and his thoughts on the craft as a whole. Have a listen! And please like, subscribe, and share this episode, if you fe...

In this episode, Phil and Roy have a discussion with Morgan Palmer of Tierra Turtles! We discuss Morgan’s background and philosophy of keeping, how he provides for the turtles in his care, the value of herpetoculture in modern society, and a whole lot more. Morgan is a really thoughtful person and it was a pleasure to have this discussion. Have a listen! And please like, subscribe, and share this...

In this Round Table episode,  @MikeTytula  of Alpha Reptile & Jungle Vault and Armen Keuylian of  @HerpTime  discuss the fascinating genus, Takydromus, commonly referred to as Grass Lizards. This genus is an easy contender for the most underrated lizard genus in herpetoculture. They possess monitor-like intelligence, they are both active in their enclosure and interactive with their keeper, and th...

In this episode, Phil and Roy have a discussion with Scott and Tie Eipper of Nature 4 You! We take a serious deep dive in this episode; delving into a number of topics, from the state of herpetoculture in Australia, to emergency removal services for venomous snakes, to the design and structure of Scott and Tie’s herpetoculture facility. Have a listen! And please like, subscribe, and share this epi...

In this episode, Phil and Roy have a discussion with our very own host, Dillon Perron, of the Animals at Home Podcast (and Network!). We get into the nitty gritty of a recent episode ( https://youtu.be/O54nOy8cX3o )  Dillon released sharing some of his broader philosophies and critiques of herpetoculture, where he sees potential for growth in the practice, and where herpetoculture is potentially m...

Nick Bertrand is a keeper out of Quebec, Canada who now focuses on rare and uncommon lizard species. In the episode, Nick explains how his initial passion for reptile keeping quickly became unmanageable and resulted in him needing to take a break from herpetoculture entirely. Simply put, high-quantity rack keeping killed his passion for keeping which is a very common experience among herpetocultur...

In this episode, Phil and Roy have a discussion with Nick Dokai of Innovative Ectotherms. We get into Nick's backstory, swap field herping stories, discuss how field herping can influence captive care - and a whole lot more. Have a listen! And please like, subscribe, and share this episode, if you feel so inclined. To offer direct support to the show, please consider subscribing to our Patreon ( h...

In this episode, Phil and Roy have a discussion with Jordan Russell of California Breeders Union. We get into Jordan's backstory, talk comparisons between aviculture and herpetoculture, define the distinction between preservation and conservation, explore some broader critiques of herpetoculture and where it can improve - and a whole lot more. Have a listen! And please like, subscribe, and share t...

Jamie Tritton of Norwich reptile shed, joins us to talk about his 30ft long reptile shed which has a floor-to-ceiling zoo-style ball python enclosure. We go into how to set this up, the culture in the ball python community, and the challenges Jamie faced in setting this up. SHOW NOTES: https://www.animalsathomenetwork.com/12-james-tritton/ LINKS FROM THE EPISODE: Follow Heather: YouTube: https://w...

In the episode, I discuss my thoughts on keeping captive reptiles. SHOW NOTES: https://www.animalsathomenetwork.com/146-dillon-perron/ LINKS FROM THE EPISODE: CHECK OUT Custom Reptile Habitats HERE   5 Freedoms: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5082305/ Bio-Activity Round Table: https://www.animalsathomenetwork.com/rt-1/ ARC: https://amazonrainforestconservancy.com/ P:H with Billy Svee...

In this episode, Phil and Roy have a discussion with Dr. Justin Julander of Australian Addiction Reptiles and the Reptile Fight Club Podcast. We exchange field herping stories, hear about Justin's broader interests as a naturalist and birder, how those interests have influenced his practice as a herper, the scientific method (and lack thereof) in herpetoculture, his podcast, and much more. Have a...

Caila Mailloux is the creator behind the popular Instagram account @JoobJoobtheSnek. In the episode, we discuss to major topics. First, we cover Caila's heartbreaking experience with Serpentovirus (nidovirus), a deadly respiratory virus that is currently plaguing the reptile trade. Caila walks us through the key components of dealing with the virus as well as a new testing facility at the Universi...

In this episode, Phil and Roy have a discussion with Bryan Minne of the Herpetological Education and Research Project (and Bushmaster Conservation Project). We hear about Bryan's beginnings in herpetoculture, the many different hats he wears in herpetology and herpetoculture, the state of the hobby in Europe, leading herping expeditions, and a lot more. This is one of the most inspiring conversati...

Jeremy Thompson is the founder of The Kinixys Cooperative. TKC exists to preserve Kinixys in captivity by collaborating to produce healthy genetically diverse captive-born offspring and to conserve them in their native ranges to the best of their ability by assisting in research and contributing donations. In this episode, Jeremy lays out the framework for establishing a preservation/conservation-...

In this episode, Phil and Roy have a discussion with Frank Payne of Living Art. We hear about Frank’s origins in herpetoculture, how he grew his practice into a thriving family business, how he selects species to focus his efforts on, designing systems and routines for success – and of course, a whole bunch of husbandry talk in between. Enjoy! And please like, subscribe, and share this episode, if...

Paul Burrows Joins us to talk about What It Takes to Keep Ackies, Mangrove, Peach Throat & Green Tree Monitors. But more than what species, what kind of mindset it requires to do them justice. SHOW NOTES: https://www.animalsathomenetwork.com/11-pauls-monitors/   LINKS FROM THE EPISODE: Follow Paul: https://www.youtube.com/@paulsmonitors @pauls_monitors Support, Subscribe  & Follow: CHECK OUT Custo...

In this episode, Phil and Roy have a discussion with Billy Sveen of Creepers Herpetoculture. We hear about Billy’s introduction to herpetoculture and the tenets guiding his relationship with the hobby. This conversation goes deep into the ethics, theory, and practice of herpetoculture at the home scale. Enjoy! And please like, subscribe, and share this episode, if you feel so inclined. SHOW NOTES:...

Grace Danks and her husband James are the founders of Annwn Animal Sanctuary / Wild Discovery, an exotic animal rescue, and sanctuary. In this episode, Grace discusses the challenges of running a rescue, from the volume of animals' surroundings to the large operating budget of over $100k. We discuss ways responsible keepers can help alleviate the abundance of animals surrendered and also offer tip...

In this episode, Phil and Roy have a discussion with Dr. Kelsey Chapman - an accomplished exotics veterinarian based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. We deep dive on an overview of reptile medicine, and meander into topics as far and wide as modern society, personal wellness in a rapidly changing world, and how herpetoculture fits into it all. Enjoy, and please like, subscribe, and share this episode,...

This is one of the most important episodes I have recorded to date, it is a topic that impacts us all however the majority of us avoid discussing it. Jessica Hill is today's guest and she is here to help answer the question: "what will happen to your reptiles when you die?". Part of being a responsible reptile keeper is having a plan for the worst-case scenario. In this episode, Jessica gives us a...

In this episode, Phil and Roy have a discussion with world-renowned herpetoculturist and author, Philippe De Vosjoli! We discuss Philippe’s origins in herpetoculture, how the field has changed over the last few decades, herpetoculture’s benefits to individuals and society, and so much more. There are very few, if any, individuals who have had as profound an impact on their field as Philippe has ha...

Frank Payne joins us to talk about his personal philosophy as a reptile breeder and the qualities he looks for in a species for his next project. This is a fascinating mindset for any reptile keeper or breeder to take notes from. Something here for all! Enjoy! Show Notes: https://www.animalsathomenetwork.com/10-frank-payne/ LINKS FROM THE EPISODE: Leap Habitats   https://leaphabitats.com/ Leap Hab...

In this episode, Phil and Roy have a discussion with dear friend of the show, Max Staab! We discuss Max's mindful approach to herpetoculture, growing a collection responsibly, how field herping can influence herpetoculture, keeping and breeding Thrasops jacksonii (and other obscure Afrotropical herpetofauna), and much more! Have a listen, and please like, subscribe, and share, if you feel so incli...