Animals at Home Network

Phillip Lietz of Arids Only and Project Herpetoculture discusses a wide scope of topics regarding the reptile keeping hobby, from the species of reptile that he breeds, domestication of reptiles, a little about aquaculture, and some double standards you see in various pet keeping communities. Phil talks about some of the science revolving around domestication of various reptile species, the advances that we would like to see regarding lighting, and some details of how invasive/native species interact in our world. Philip offers extremely well-thought out viewpoints on herpetoculture that every reptile keeper should keep in mind as we all progress in our hobby.

SHOW NOTES: https://www.animalsathomenetwork.com/239-phil-lietz/JOIN US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/animalsathomeLINKS FROM THE EPISODE:Arids Only IG: https://www.instagram.com/aridsonly/Arids Only FB: https://www.facebook.com/aridsonly/Arids Only Website: http://www.aridsonly.com/Philip’s IG: https://www.instagram.com/plietz/Project Herpetoculture YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0UCdymrooiNVloQlxrW1FAProject Herpetoculture IG: https://www.instagram.com/projectherpetoculture/

0:00 Introducing Phillip Lietz of Arids Only

2:23 True Fauna by Faunalux

3:24 Welcome Philip + Moving Updates With Arids Only

13:37 New Projects and Species

17:33 All About The Chuckwalla

23:04 Thoughts on Herpetoculture + Reptile Keeping

36:18 Domestication Of Reptiles + The Future

44:50 Aquaculture vs Herpetoculture

45:07 Animals At Home Patreon

45:27 Aquaculture vs Herpetoculture

49:43 The Link Between Animals + Parenting

53:47 Double Standards in Reptiles vs Dogs/Cats

59:25 The Criminal Behavior in The Hobby

1:04:57 Discussion on Native Species + Advances in Science

1:15:05 History of Feeder Insects + Bees in Herpetoculture

1:26:50 Herpetoculture Consulting

1:32:04 Closing Thoughts

Phil re-launches PH with a conversation with Ron St. Pierre!

Please like, subscribe, and share this episode, if you feel so inclined. To offer direct support to the show with a tip or donation, consider subscribing to our Patreon (⁠https://patreon.com/projectherpetoculture⁠) and have a look at our generous sponsors at the affiliate links below!

SHOW NOTES: ⁠https://www.animalsathomenetwork.com/69-ron-st-pierre/⁠

LINKS FROM THE EPISODE:

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Liam Sinclair of Reptiles & Research joins today’s episode to discuss hybridization and domestication in captive reptiles in herpetoculture. Liam shares details of the breeding process, going in depth on genetics, lineage, breeding for certain traits, and much more. He even discusses more controversial topics such as inbreeding, overall domestication for captive reptiles, and culling species in different ways. He also touches on husbandry as it relates to hybrid species. If you’re interested in the ins and outs of breeding and the science behind it, this episode is a great watch!SHOW NOTES: https://www.animalsathomenetwork.com/238-liam-sinclair/SPONSORS: Visit Fauna-Lux Here: https://fauna-lux.com/JOIN US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/animalsathomeLINKS FROM THE EPISODE:Thumbnail pictures from: https://www.facebook.com/MilksnakeMutations/Reptiles & Research YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReptilesandResearchReptiles & Research Website: https://reptilesandresearch.org/aboutTime Stamps:

0:00 Introducing Liam Sinclair of Reptiles & Research

1:46 True Chroma by Faunalux

2:46 Welcome Liam + All About The New Hybrid

7:40 Selection Processes + Domestication

17:40 Localities + The Road to Domestication

23:07 Criticism of Morph Trade

27:35 Inbreeding Can Produce Healthier Animals

31:18 Culling Breeding Animals

33:45 Breeding Program Goals

34:14 Animals At Home Patreon

34:35 Breeding Program Goals + Conversation About Breeds

39:25 Hobby Species + Wild Types

42:50 Purpose of Domestication

45:24 This Week’s Hatching Result + Breeding Desire

49:14 Hybrid Species Explanation

53:20 MH Complex in Breeding

55:20 Corn Snakes Are Hybrids + “Pure” Lines

1:06:00 How To Keep “Pure” Species

1:09:10 Hybridization Boundaries + Ethics

1:13:10 Ellie’s New Clutch + Health Priorities

1:19:15 More On Domestication

1:24:14 Hybrid Species In Future Plans

1:26:40 Approaching Hybrid Husbandry

1:28:23 Adapting Liam’s Viewpoint To What It Is Today

1:34:48 Closing Thoughts

Ed Taoka of “Sonny and Cher Reticulated Pythons” joins today’s episode to discuss his experience with Reticulated Pythons, and more specifically, in handling and socializing with them and his daughter. We discuss how he began his journey in keeping retics, feeding moments vs handling, their high level of intelligence, and more! Ed shares his knowledge of snake body language, being in tune with animals, and the process of taming an animal, leading to how he keeps retics around his child.SHOW NOTES: https://www.animalsathomenetwork.com/237-ed-taoka/JOIN US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/animalsathomeLINKS FROM THE EPISODE:Ed’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sonny_cher_retics

Ed’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/SonnyandCherReticulatedPythonsWe Discuss:

0:00 Introducing Ed Taoka

2:27 Welcome Ed + How Did He Start Keeping Reticulated Pythons

10:27 Worries In Starting With Retics

12:42 Socializing + Interacting With Ed’s Snakes

18:39 Feeding vs Moments of Handling?

21:55 How Intelligent Are Reticulated Pythons + Body Language

27:28 Beginnings In Interactions With Snakes and His Daughter

34:45 His Daughter’s Reaction to Snakes

35:45 Animals At Home Patreon

36:06 Snake Precautions Around Children

38:22 Social Media Perceptions

41:03 Retic With His Cat?

42:36 Inspiration To Start Social Media + More Perceptions

55:10 How Has Internet Fame Affected Ed?

59:22 Ed’s Daughter’s Relationship with Snakes Now

1:02:51 Future Enclosure Plans

1:06:16 Closing Thoughts

Josh Halter of The Bio Dude discusses all about the recent challenging situations that The Bio Dude has been facing in recent times: from how Covid affected the business, the new tariff situation, and more. He talks in depth about the business practices that he has set in place in order for The Bio Dude to remain a productive business for himself and the staff, as well as some changes he has made to ensure he is a good owner of the business. Josh also discusses future plans for The Bio Dude, including isopod consumables from ethically sourced fish. This episode is great for people who want to learn more about The Bio Dude’s message, goals, and the behind the scenes struggles of a small business.SHOW NOTES: https://www.animalsathomenetwork.com/236-the-bio-dude/SPONSORS: Visit The BioDude: https://www.thebiodude.com/ Visit Zoo Med Labs here: https://zoomed.com/JOIN US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/animalsathomeLINKS FROM THE EPISODE:The Bio Dude Website: https://www.thebiodude.com/The Bio Dude Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebiodudeThe Bio Dude YouTube: https://youtube.com/@thebiodudejoshhalterTIME STAMPS:

0:00 Introducing Josh Halter from The Bio Dude

2:35 Coming Up: Zoo Med University

3:05 Coming Up: The Bio Dude

3:40 Welcome Josh Halter + Recent Trip to Costa Rica

9:22 The Business Model of The Bio Dude

14:58 Recent Challenging Situations for Josh + Growth Process

29:27 Josh As The Owner of The Bio Dude

31:36 Zoo Med University

32:47 Working Through Corona Virus

35:27 The New Tariff Situation

51:01 The Bio Dude Substrates + Bug Grub

52:02 More Changes Made Due To Extenuating Circumstances

57:37 New Plans For The Bio Dude: Consumables, Drainage Layers + More

1:11:11 The Bio Dude Storefront

1:18:48 Closing Thoughts

Dr. Zac Loughman joins today’s episode to discuss the creation of Colubrid Fest, a colubrid only reptile show filled with insightful speakers, engaging panels, with proceeds going directly back into funding research for the reptiles most commonly kept in the hobby. Zac shares details about how Colubrid Fest came to be, as well as the overall purpose behind its creation. We also talk about Zac’s personal reptile collection, husbandry research at West Liberty University, conservation efforts vs preservation, and much more! Don’t forget to purchase your tickets for the show on September 13th & 14th.

SHOW NOTES: https://www.animalsathomenetwork.com/235-dr-zac-loughman/

SPONSORS: Visit Zoo Med Labs here: https://zoomed.com/

JOIN US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/animalsathome

LINKS FROM THE EPISODE:

Purchase Tickets to Colubrid Fest: https://showmereptileshow.com/indianapolis-indiana-colubrid-fest

CCR Conservation Fund: https://www.colubridandcolubroidradio.com/conservation

Husbandry in Natural History Episode w/ Zac: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YCV5tKf9EmY

False Water Cobra Care Episode w/ Zac: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pftnr4tCxl4

Zac’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zacloughman/

Dr. Zac at West Liberty University: https://westliberty.edu/biology/faculty/zachary-j-loughman/

Zac’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zac.loughman/

Photos and Video in Episode:https://www.facebook.com/zac.loughman/

Timestamps:

0:00 Introducing Dr. Zac Loughman

2:06 Coming Up: Zoo Med Labs

2:36 Welcome Dr. Zac Loughman + New Books In Progress

5:45 Zac’s Personal Reptile Collection + Husbandry Research

19:56 Zoo Med Labs University

21:07 Colubrid Fest Origin + Creation

33:44 Animals At Home Patreon

34:04 The Purpose of Colubrid Fest

43:48 Conservation Efforts of Colubrid Fest

58:53 Replicating Ethical Improvements With Other Animals

1:01:43 Conservation vs Preservation

1:14:42 Goals In Purchasing Land for Conservation

1:19:10 Captive Breeding Release Projects

1:30:04 Closing Thoughts

In this episode, we sit down with reptile and amphibian photographer Zac Herr, the creative force behind the popular Instagram account @IAmMakingArt. Zac shares the story of how he got started photographing reptiles and amphibians, along with practical tips for capturing stunning shots—whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting into nature photography. We also dive into his brand-new photo book "What is that?", a beautifully curated look at some of the planet’s most fascinating (and often misunderstood) creatures. Whether you’re into animal photography, reptiles, or just love a good creative journey, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration.SHOW NOTES: https://www.animalsathomenetwork.com/234-zac-herr/SPONSORS: Visit Zoo Med Labs here: https://zoomed.com/JOIN US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/animalsathomeLINKS FROM THE EPISODE:Buy the Book: https://www.zthphotography.com/products/bookhttps://www.instagram.com/iammakingart/https://www.facebook.com/iammakingartPhotos and Video in Episode:https://www.instagram.com/iammakingart/0:00 Introducing Zac Herr

2:20 Coming Up Zoo Med

2:50 Welcome Zac - Getting Started in Photography

14:40 Favorite Animal Zac Has Shot

19:00 Isolating the Subject (Blank Background)

22:50 What Camera Equipment Zac Uses

24:58 Zoo Med University

26:08 How to Capture Animal Detail

29:20 Capturing Great Photos with an iPhone

32:10 Zac's Camera Settings

38:00 How to Direct and Shoot Animals

41:00 Shooting Venomous Animals

44:02 Editing the Photos & Color Correcting

52:33 What Is That? Zac's New Book!

1:05:40 Closing Thoughts

Christian Cave of Caveman Wildlife joins the podcast to chat about his new documentary filmed in the Amazon Rainforest, catching the world’s largest snake: The Green Anaconda. Christian tells the very detailed and interesting story of how he found, caught, measured, and captured all of the moments of the journey in finding the Green Anaconda. Christian discusses the documentary filming process from start to finish, including drone footage of the environment, some ending thoughts from commenters about the documentary, and a important conversation about sensationalism in the wildlife content creation genre. We also briefly discuss Genesis 1:26 and Christian’s interpretation of the meaning when it comes to treatment of wildlife and how it encourages him to continue education of animals. If you’re at all curious about the story of finding and capturing the world’s largest snake and the incredible moments that came along with it, this episode is a great one to tune into. SHOW NOTES: https://www.animalsathomenetwork.com/233-caveman-wildlife/SPONSORS: Visit The BioDude: https://www.thebiodude.com/ Visit Zoo Med Labs here: https://zoomed.com/JOIN US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/animalsathomeLINKS FROM THE EPISODE:Caveman Wildlife YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cavemanwildlifeCaveman Wildlife Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cavemanwildlifeCaveman Wildlife TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@caveman_wildlife

0:00 Introducing Christian Cave

2:45 Coming Up: The Bio Dude

3:21 Coming Up: Zoo Med Labs

3:51 Welcome Christian - The Story of The Yacumama Documentary

10:52 The Environment in Peru + Where Anacondas Are Found

18:29 Fear In The Amazon + Catching Caimans

23:02 The Bio Dude Substrates and Bug Grub

24:03 Drone Shots of The Anaconda + Tracks

27:42 Importance of The Guide in The Amazon

29:06 The Moment Christian Spots The Anaconda + The Catch

35:09 Zoo Med Labs University

36:19 The Moment Of The Catch

39:17 The Anaconda Bite Experience

45:30 Sensationalism in Wildlife + Content Creation

50:43 The Measurement of The Anaconda

54:24 Opinions on Keeping Anacondas In Captivity

57:38 Genesis 1:26 Interpretation

1:02:39 Near Misses + More Bites

1:06:49 Content Created By Christian + Future Plans

1:15:20 “A Day In The Life Of Snakes” Children’s Book

1:18:02 Closing Thoughts

Jordan Lindon of Midland Reptile Rescue in Birmingham, UK discusses his experience in running his reptile rescue, the finances involved, the importance of a strong community, and the operations day-to-day. This episode is a great one to tune into if you are someone with aspirations to run a reptile rescue; this truly goes over Jordan’s experience and viewpoints in the function of a reptile rescue in the community. Jordan also talks about mistakes to avoid, legislation viewpoints, species he sees frequently surrendered, and his set-up from taking in surrenders to adopting out. SHOW NOTES: https://www.animalsathomenetwork.com/232-midlands-reptile-rescue/SPONSORS: Visit The BioDude: https://www.thebiodude.com/ Visit Zoo Med Labs here: https://zoomed.com/JOIN US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/animalsathomeLINKS FROM THE EPISODE:Midland Reptile Rescue Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/birminghamreptilerescue/Midland Reptile Rescue TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@midlandsreptilerescueMidland Reptile Rescue Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/midlandsreptilerescue/Photos and Video in Episode:https://www.instagram.com/midlandsreptilerescue/

WE DISCUSS:

00:00 Introducing Jordan Lindon - Midland Reptile Rescue

2:38 Coming Up: Zoo Med ReptiTemp Dimming Thermometer

3:10 Coming Up: The Bio Dude Bioactive Substrates + Dietary Supplements

3:45 Welcome Jordan + Motivations To Start a Reptile Rescue and Expenses

8:27 Demand For The Reptile Rescue + Looking For Homes

12:25 Home Set-Up of The Rescue + Finances

15:24 The Wrong Side Of Rescues + Legislation

17:35 Memorable Surrenders

19:38 Legislation in Banning Reptiles + Large Snakes

21:26 How Many Species Does Jordan Have Now + First Aid in Reptiles

23:21 How Do Animals Get Adopted Out?

24:31 Zoo Med ReptiTemp Dimming Thermometer

26:02 Rescues Being a Safety Net

29:42 Tips in Starting a Reptile Rescue

32:08 Care Resources + Strange Species

34:28 The Bio Dude Bioactive Substrates + Dietary Supplements

35:28 Jordan’s Personal Animals

37:45 Transitioning Homes For Reptiles

40:44 Jordan’s Feelings On Pet Shops, Breeders, and Expos

46:24 Abandoned Reptiles Experiences

48:06 Commonly Surrendered Species

49:24 Plans For Youtube Channel/Social Media + Profits

53:16 Goals in Rescuing + Education Services

54:47 Major Mistakes to Avoid + Quarantining

57:18 The Importance of Rescues

59:19 Closing Thoughts

Rus of Aquarimax Pets discusses everything there is to know about this very small, low-maintenance pet shrimp called “Hawaiian Volcano Shrimp”, from their native environment, life span, size, and their husbandry in captivity. For anyone curious about keeping a species like this, Russ details the needs of the shrimps such as the tank size, water conditions, temperature, enrichment, decor, and more. Rus also discusses ways that these shrimp are kept in a less than ideal conditions and how that can be improved when keeping them in captivity. This episode is filled with information about the Hawaiian Volcano Shrimp, from a hobbyist who has been keeping them for over 20 years, being a perfect episode for anyone wanting to get started in a relatively easy aquatic pet species.SHOW NOTES: https://www.animalsathomenetwork.com/231-volcano-shrimp/SPONSORS: Visit The BioDude: https://www.thebiodude.com/ Visit Zoo Med Labs here: https://zoomed.com/JOIN US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/animalsathomeLINKS FROM THE EPISODE:Aquarimax YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/aquarimax

Aquarimax Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aquarimaxpets/Photos and Video in Episode:B Roll provided by Rus WilsonThumbnail: "Halocaridina rubra" by Joel Carnat is licensed under CC BY 2.0, cropped from the original. https://www.flickr.com/photos/21708387@N02/14065984617https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/

00:00 Introducing Russ of Aquarimax Pets

2:54 Coming Up: The Bio Dude Substrates + Bug Grub

3:29 Coming Up: Zoo Med Repti Temp Dimming Thermostat

4:01 Welcome Rus - What He Keeps Currently

7:20 About The Hawaiian Volcano Shrimp and Their Environment

19:17 Encountering The Shrimp In The Pet Trade

21:34 The Bio Dude Substrates + Bug Grub

22:35 Hardiness of Hawaiian Volcano Shrimp

23:51 Rus’s History With Hawaiian Volcano Shrimp

24:50 Keeping With Tank Mates

28:03 Life Span of Hawaiian Volcano Shrimp

29:38 Husbandry of The Shrimp (Size of Tank, Water Conditions, Salt, etc)

36:06 Zoo Med Repti Temp Dimming Thermostat

38:37 Husbandry of The Shrimp Continued (Water, Temperature, Decor, etc)

51:52 Maturing The Tank + Algae Growth

59:56 Feeding Options

1:05:14 Population Control of Hawaiian Volcano Shrimp

1:09:51 Egg To Hatched Shrimp

1:12:48 Plant Options for Hawaiian Volcano Shrimp Tanks

1:18:02 Feeding Options Continued

1:19:02 Logistics of The Start Of Keeping Shrimp + Recommendations

1:23:54 Common Mistakes

1:28:50 Closing Thoughts