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What separates a great reptile vendor from an average one? Is it the animals they produce, the prices they offer, or something much more important? In this episode of the Reptile Guild Podcast, Shane Kelley of Small Town Xotics joins Josh and Alisha Harbin of Herpin Harbins to discuss the qualities that build trust, create loyal customers, and strengthen the reptile community. From customer service and honest communication to display setup, ethics, and supporting keepers long after the sale, we explore what it really means to be a professional reptile vendor. Whether you are vending your first reptile expo, considering becoming a breeder, or simply want to know what to look for when buying your next reptile, this conversation is packed with practical advice that applies to every level of the hobby.

Hosted by: Shane Kelley of Small Town Xotics Josh & Alisha Harbin of Herpin Harbins

Technical Producer: Jay Kaps of Green Line Morphs

LIKE If you enjoy honest conversations about reptile keeping, breeding, and the future of the hobby, be sure to like, subscribe, and share the episode.

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Keywords: reptile vendor, reptile expo, reptile breeder, reptile business, reptile community, reptile podcast, reptile guild, reptile sales, snake breeder, ball python breeder, western hognose breeder, reptile customer service, vending reptile shows, reptile ethics, reptile education, reptile husbandry, responsible reptile breeding, buying reptiles, reptile expo tips, reptile keeping

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/reptileguild

Cryptosporidium is one of the most concerning diseases reptile keepers and breeders may encounter, but misinformation and fear can make it difficult to understand what it actually is and how it should be handled. In this episode of The Reptile Guild Podcast, Alisha Harbin of Herpin Harbins is joined by special guest Jessica Hare of Hare Hollow Farms to educate us about Cryptosporidium in reptiles. We discuss what Cryptosporidium is, how it spreads, which symptoms reptile keepers should watch for, how veterinarians test for it, whether an infected reptile can appear healthy, and what steps keepers can take to reduce the risk of introducing it into a collection. Topics include: • What Cryptosporidium is • The difference between Cryptosporidium species • How Crypto spreads through a reptile collection • Regurgitation, weight loss and other possible symptoms • Whether infected reptiles can remain asymptomatic • How fecal testing, PCR testing and veterinary examinations are used • Why one negative test may not always provide a complete answer • Quarantine procedures for newly acquired reptiles • Cleaning, disinfection and cross-contamination prevention • What to do when Crypto is suspected • Whether effective treatment options currently exist • Protecting the rest of a reptile collection • When euthanasia may become part of the veterinary discussion In snakes, reptile-associated cryptosporidiosis is commonly linked with recurring regurgitation, weight loss, chronic weakness and changes involving the stomach lining and digestive function. Diagnosis requires veterinary evaluation and appropriate laboratory testing because these symptoms may also be caused by other medical or husbandry problems. (Merck Veterinary Manual) Treatment remains difficult, and supportive veterinary care may help stabilize an affected reptile, but no consistently reliable cure is currently recognized. Any suspected case should be handled with the guidance of an experienced reptile veterinarian. (Merck Veterinary Manual) This episode is intended for education and should not replace diagnosis or treatment from a qualified reptile veterinarian. Building Knowledge. Growing Community. Guest Jessica Hare of Hare Hollow Farms

Hosts Shane Kelley of Small Town Xotics Josh and Alisha Harbin of Herpin Harbins

Technical Producer Jay Kaps of Green Line Morphs

Keywords Cryptosporidium in reptiles reptile Crypto snake Cryptosporidium Cryptosporidium symptoms reptile disease prevention reptile quarantine reptile PCR testing reptile fecal testing snake regurgitation reptile veterinary care Jessica Hare Hare Hollow Farms Alisha Harbin Herpin Harbins Small Town Xotics Reptile Guild Podcast

Join The Reptile Guild on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/reptileguild

Thermostats are one of the most important—and often misunderstood—pieces of reptile equipment. In this episode of The Reptile Guild Podcast, Shane Kelley of Small Town Xotics joins Josh & Alisha Harbin of Herpin Harbins to break down what reptile thermostats do, why every heated enclosure should have one, and how to choose the right thermostat for your setup. We discuss the differences between on/off, pulse proportional, and dimming thermostats, whether premium brands are worth the investment, common mistakes reptile keepers make, and how proper temperature control can protect both your reptiles and your equipment. Whether you’re setting up your first enclosure or managing an entire reptile room, understanding thermostats is essential for safe and successful reptile keeping. Building Knowledge. Growing Community.

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Hosts Shane Kelley of Small Town Xotics Josh & Alisha Harbin of Herpin Harbins

Technical Producer Jay Kaps of Green Line Morphs

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Talking Points What is a reptile thermostat? Why every heat source should be controlled. Thermostat vs thermometer. Why heat mats should never run without one. On/Off thermostats explained. Pulse proportional thermostats explained. Dimming thermostats explained. Which heat sources work best with each type. Single-zone vs multi-zone thermostats. Does accuracy really matter? Probe placement mistakes. How to prevent dangerous hot spots. Can thermostats fail? Should you have backup equipment? Are expensive thermostats worth the money? Brand comparisons. Features to look for. Budget recommendations. Best thermostat for beginners. Best thermostat for breeders with multiple racks.

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Join The Reptile Guild on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/reptileguild

In this episode of The Reptile Guild Podcast, Shane Kelley of Small Town Xotics joins Josh & Alisha Harbin of Herpin Harbins to welcome Lace White of Lace Balls. Lace is the 2025 15 Minutes of Lame winner, cohost of Show Me Your Rack, and an active ball python breeder with a passion for the reptile community. We discuss: • How Lace got started with ball pythons • Building the Lace Balls brand • Winning the 2025 15 Minutes of Lame competition • Behind the scenes of Show Me Your Rack • Current breeding projects and future goals • Lessons learned as a breeder and content creator • Growing within today’s reptile community Whether you’re a new keeper or a longtime breeder, this episode is full of insight, stories, and plenty of laughs. Building Knowledge. Growing Community.

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Hosts Shane Kelley of Small Town Xotics Josh & Alisha Harbin of Herpin Harbins Technical Producer Jay Kaps of Green Line Morphs

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Keywords The Reptile Guild Reptile Guild Podcast Lace White Lace Balls Show Me Your Rack ball python podcast ball python breeder reptile breeder interview Small Town Xotics Herpin Harbins

Finding a qualified reptile veterinarian before an emergency happens can make all the difference. In this episode of the Reptile Guild Podcast, Shane Kelley of Small Town Xotics joins Josh and Alisha Harbin of Herpin Harbins to discuss how to choose a reptile veterinarian, what questions to ask before your first visit, and how to recognize when it’s time to seek professional medical care. Whether you keep your first ball python, breed western hognose snakes, work with boas, or maintain a large reptile collection, understanding when to involve a veterinarian is an essential part of responsible reptile keeping.

Hosted by Shane Kelley of Small Town Xotics and Josh and Alisha Harbin of Herpin Harbins.

Technical Producer: Jay Kaps of Greenline Morphs

The Reptile Guild is dedicated to building knowledge, growing community, and strengthening the reptile hobby through honest conversations, education, and practical experience.

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/reptileguild Like, subscribe, and share if you enjoy educational reptile content.

Find a reptile vet here ARAV: https://members.arav.org/search/custom.asp?id=3661

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In this episode of The Reptile Guild Podcast, Shane Kelley of Small Town Xotics joins Josh & Alisha Harbin of Herpin Harbins to sit down with the team from Frameshift Reptiles for a conversation about their vision for the future of their breeding program. We discuss their passion for ball pythons, western hognose snakes, and the other reptile species they work with, along with the projects that excite them the most and the goals they’re pursuing for the years ahead.

Topics include: • Why they chose their focus species • Ball python breeding projects • Western hognose projects and genetics • Expanding into other reptile species • Long-term breeding goals • Building a sustainable reptile business • The importance of community in the reptile hobby If you enjoy conversations about reptile breeding, genetics, husbandry, and the people building the future of the hobby, you’ll enjoy this episode.

Building Knowledge. Growing Community.

Hosts Shane Kelley (Small Town Xotics, Knoxville, Tennessee) Josh & Alisha Harbin (Herpin Harbins, Knoxville, Tennessee)

Technical Producer: Jay Kaps (Greenline Morphs)

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ReptileGuild

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Welcome to the very first episode of The Reptile Guild. In this inaugural episode, Shane Kelley of Small Town Xotics joins Josh & Alisha Harbin of Herpin Harbins to explain what The Reptile Guild is, why we created it, and what you can expect moving forward.

We discuss: • Why we decided to move on from Reptiles Unplugged • The meaning behind The Reptile Guild name • Our vision for the future of the show • Community, education, and mentorship • The format of future episodes • What listeners and viewers can expect going forward • Our goals for bringing reptile keepers and breeders together

The Reptile Guild was built around the idea that the reptile hobby is strongest when knowledge is shared, relationships are formed, and the community grows together. Whether you keep ball pythons, western hognose snakes, boas, kingsnakes, or simply love reptiles, we hope you’ll join us as we build something special. Building Knowledge. Growing Community.

Patreon: https://patreon.com/ReptileGuild

Hosts Shane Kelley (Small Town Xotics, Knoxville, Tennessee) Josh & Alisha Harbin (Herpin Harbins, Knoxville, Tennessee)

Technical Wizardry: Jay Kaps (Greenline Morphs)

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