Phil Lietz of Arids Only discusses his experiences in breeding his uromastyx and other various species, as well as the future of Arids Only. He shares details on his opinions about established reptiles, farm bred reptiles, and wild caught reptiles and the differences between them, opening up a valuable conversation among breeders and keepers alike. Phil highlights the incorrect ways that keepers can spread half-truths about keeping reptiles, the guilt that we sometimes deal with, and how to think of reptile keeping in a more positive light. Phil also discusses a myriad of trade-off aspects relating to reptile care and animal care in general, bringing up the topic of captive vs wild perspectives.

Show Notes: https://www.animalsathomenetwork.com/211-arids-only/

0:21 Introducing Phil Lietz

1:43 Welcome Phil & Thoughts on Fatherhood

8:15 Species Phil Works With + Future Of Arids Only

15:55 Volume of Uromastyx Dealt With

17:52 Established Reptiles + Farm Bred vs Wild Caught

22:42 Observing Practices for Education + Herpetoculture 26:51 Half Truths in Herpetoculture + Breeding

31:44 Care and Welfare for Breeding/Pets

34:42 Zoo Med Reptisun T5 UVB

35:48 Tolerance Without Changes in Care + Reproduction

41:55 Negative Framing in Herpetoculture + Trade-Offs

53:38 Negative vs Positive Aspects of Relationships with Animals

56:56 Committing Energy to Pets + Yourself

1:00:20 Companions vs Captive Animal + Benefits of Captivity

1:07:00 Verbiage + Differences in Perspectives

1:12:26 Guilt in Reptile Keeping + Minimalizing a Species

1:21:38 Complexities of Domesticated Animals + Human Goals for Animals

1:31:06 Closing Thoughts