Animals at Home Network – Details, episodes & analysis

Summer Melville of Kinova Reptiles discusses her background in reptile keeping, enrichment knowledge, and her career path that led to working with Kinova, the world’s leading Ball Python breeder. She shares details on how Kinova works as a breeding facility, the size of the facility, and the various goals and transitions of Kinova as a whole. She also talks in-depth about how the transition from a snake living in a tub to being moved into a large PVC display enclosure can be difficult, and how to make that an easier process for your snake. Ball pythons are obviously not meant to live in tubs their whole lives, and Summer discusses how YouTube content with Kinova and the new changes to their systems may help make the transition to larger enclosures and pet homes easier. SHOW NOTES: https://www.animalsathomenetwork.com/209-kinova/

SPONSORS:

• Visit Zoo Med Labs here: https://zoomed.com/
• CHECK OUT Custom Reptile Habitats HERE

Guest’s Social Media

• Kinova Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jkobylka
• Kinova YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KINOVAReptiles
• New Ball Python Video: https://youtu.be/Mk3JTsQZDFs?si=XrjbxvgaexjkDqYe
• Summer’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/girlwithscales
• Lori Torrini’s Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCp9jjIgZ_PX3n4UgznGnlwg

We Discuss: 0:00 Coming Up - ZooMed Lighting 0:21 Introducing Summer Melville 2:39 Welcome Summer + Background in Reptiles 8:12 Beginnings in Enrichment + Freedom to Keeping Reptiles! 12:14 Learning From Lori Torrini 14:11 Summer’s Career Path - Music + Kinova 20:44 Background on Kinova + Staying Out of Ball Python Drama 23:20 Size Of Facility at Kinova 26:43 Summer’s View on Ball Python Tubs 29:30 The Realities of Changing Ball Python Set-Ups 34:36 Transitioning Enclosures 38:46 Tub or a Large Enclosure? 44:24 ZooMed Reptisun T5 Lamps 45:30 Will The Breeding System Change? 51:26 Response on Kinova’s Video + Pet Keepers with Transitioning 55:57 Summer’s Inspiration for the Ball Python Video 1:03:18 The Push for Content + Coping with Transition 1:07:16 Starting the Transition in Facility + Temperament Test 1:12:59 The Possible Progression in Breeding Facilities 1:17:10 Explanation of Cltch - Ball Python Records and Management 1:25:19 Closing Thoughts

Support, Subscribe  & Follow:

• CHECK OUT Custom Reptile Habitats CLICK HERE
• SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST NETWORK: SPOTIFY► https://spoti.fi/2UG5NOI
• Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/animalsathome
• Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AnimalsatHomeChannel
• Follow on Instagram: @animalsathomeca

Chuckey of Madbio discusses his experiences with zookeeping, specifically with crocodilians and monitors regarding their husbandry, training, and intelligence. He shares details about his beginnings in observing wildlife, to efforts in breeding, to now where he has a successful career in working hands-on with various species. Chuckey also discusses at length where issues lie with the private keeping of larger reptile species, as well as the common species in the reptile community and how they are treated. Invasive species are also a topic that he dives in with great knowledge, having been living in Florida which has the largest population of invasive species due to the reptile pet trade. Chuckey pushes for the proper keeping of reptiles, respect for their wild counterparts, and the importance of learning, growing, and discussing reptiles in the proper way on social media. SHOW NOTES: https://www.animalsathomenetwork.com/208-madbio-reptiles/

WE DISCUSS: 00:00 Coming Up - ZooMed 0:22 Introducing Chuckey - MadBio 1:47 Welcome Chuckey + Beginnings in Wildlife 6:19 Cottonmouth Experience + Fear 7:36 Ball Python Breeding and Job Experiences 12:16 Caring and Connection with Animals 14:58 Training Alligators 17:50 Gator and Monitor Intelligence Levels 24:49 Chuckey’s Favorite Species 26:08 Private Keeping of Large Reptile Species 29:12 Husbandry Needs for Crocodilians + Monitors 32:06 ZooMed Dragon Food 33:01 Chuckey’s Personal Reptile Species 35:09 Opinions on Keeping Reptiles 44:49 Invasive Burmese Pythons in Florida + The Issue 54:37 Laws Surrounding Invasive Species 55:22 Chuckey’s Views on USARK Florida 1:01:10 Operation Viper + Operation Chameleon 1:04:00 Importation + Breeding in Captivity 1:05:58 Potential for Improvement in the Reptile Community + Learning 1:12:59 Reptiles and Social Media 1:21:36 Closing Thoughts SPONSORS:

• Visit Zoo Med Labs here: https://zoomed.com/
• CHECK OUT Custom Reptile Habitats HERE
  

• https://www.instagram.com/madbioreptiles

Support and Follow the show:

• CHECK OUT Custom Reptile Habitats CLICK HERE
• SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST NETWORK: SPOTIFY► https://spoti.fi/2UG5NOI
• Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/animalsathome
• Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AnimalsatHomeChannel
• Follow on Instagram: @animalsathomeca

Thomas Marriott of Exotics Keeper Magazine discusses his recent expedition to New Caledonia to find Crested Geckos in the wild and to study the crested gecko's native habitat. He shared details about the environment, temperature, humidity, UV levels, and diet of wild Crested Geckos. Thomas highlighted the importance of replicating the natural habitat of crested geckos and debunked myths around their care, emphasizing the need for a varied and natural diet that includes insects, berries, and pollen. Thomas also discussed the creation of Blue River Diets, a brand that offers complete Crested Gecko diets made from natural ingredients. The diets are designed to closely mimic the geckos' natural diet in the wild, with a focus on sustainability and providing a high-protein and fragrant meal for the geckos. SHOW NOTES: https://www.animalsathomenetwork.com/203-thomas-marriott/

SHOW SPONSORS: Visit The BioDude here: www.thebiodude.com  @TheBioDudeJoshHalter  CUSTOM REPTILE HABITATS: https://www.animalsathome.ca/crh

JOIN US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/animalsathome CHECK OUT CUSTOM REPTILE HABITATS: https://www.animalsathome.ca/crh LINKS FROM THE EPISODE: SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE: https://exoticskeeper.com/signup

Crested Gecko Article: https://exoticskeeper.com/may20

https://exoticskeeper.com/

https://www.instagram.com/exoticskeeper/

https://blueriverdiets.com/

https://www.instagram.com/blue_river_diets/ Video Clips and Photos Used in Episode: Provided by Thomas Marriott

WE DISCUSS: 0:00 Coming Up 2:01 Welcome Thomas, Traveling 5:56 Trip to New Caledonia - Why did you go & where is it? 10:45 What were the first impressions of the island? 14:15 Expedition of the Isle of Pines 22:56 Where in the trees are Crested Geckos Found in the Wild? 29:43 What was it like to find the first one? 35:05 Replicating the Climate of New Caledonia is Captivity 51:30 Replicating the Physical Appearance of New Caledonia in Captivity 58:23 Crested Gecko Natural Diets & Busting Crested Gecko Husbandry Myths 1:09:52 Blue River Crested Gecko Diets 1:16:43 Closing Thoughts 1:21:16 Outro

Danielle Inman is the owner and founder of TheOtherPets.com which is a consulting agency for both private pet keepers and professionals. Danielle has an incredible amount of experience working with exotics, she was a consistent fixture on National Geographic’s Animal ER and led the Avian and Exotics team at Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists for 13 years. In my opinion, Danielle has revolutionized herpetoculture with her exotics consulting agency which I believe to be a major missing link in our quest to improve the trade.

SHOW NOTES: https://www.animalsathomenetwork.com/165-the-other-pets/

• https://theotherpets.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/theotherpets/

Support, Subscribe  & Follow:

• CHECK OUT Custom Reptile Habitats CLICK HERE
• SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST NETWORK: SPOTIFY► https://spoti.fi/2UG5NOI
• Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/animalsathome
• Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AnimalsatHomeChannel
• Follow on Instagram: @animalsathomeca

Dave Laux joins us to talk about developing as a keeper, some of the attitudes in reptile keeping over the years, and how they have changed/have not changed. We cover how Dave discovered happiness in his battle with himself over collecting. How his collection grew and shrank, and grew and on and on, how did Dave break out of that cycle? Dave pours over life in New Zealand in fine detail working with everything from green geckos to Tuatara.

SHOW NOTES: https://www.animalsathomenetwork.com/20-dave-laux/

Support, Subscribe  & Follow:

• CHECK OUT Custom Reptile Habitats CLICK HERE
• SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST NETWORK: SPOTIFY► https://spoti.fi/2UG5NOI
• Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/ReptilesandResearch
• Subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/c/ReptilesandResearch
• Follow on Instagram: @reptilesandresearch

In this episode, Roy and Phil have a discussion with Jamie Woods! Jamie is an experienced snake and dart frog keeper who has also been heavily involved with fish keeping and breeding since childhood. In this discussion we explore a lot of what herpetoculture might have to learn from the field of aquaculture, define some important and commonly misunderstood terms and concepts that apply to both disciplines, and a whole lot more. This is one of our favorite discussions yet. 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 (https://patreon.com/projectherpetoculture) and have a look at our generous sponsors!

SHOW NOTES: https://www.animalsathomenetwork.com/43-jamie-woods/

LINKS FROM THE EPISODE:

• Follow Jamie on Instagram: @jamiewoods573

Merch:

• https://www.projectherp.com/shop

Our Sponsors:

• CHECK OUT Custom Reptile Habitats CLICK HERE
• Cold Blooded Caffeine (apply the code ‘projectherp’ for 10% off): https://coldbloodedcaffeine.com/?ref=PH
• Tortoise Supply: https://www.tortoisesupply.com
• Reptile Rocks: https://www.superuro.com
• Redline Shipping: https://www.redlineshipping.com

Support, Subscribe  & Follow:

• Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/projectherpetoculture
• Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@projectherpetoculture4860
• Follow P : H on Instagram: @projectherpetoculture
• Follow Phil on Instagram: @aridsonly
• Follow Roy on Instagram: @wellspringherp 

Tony Wigley is the founder of Responsible Reptile Keeping which is a worldwide membership organization that aims to promote, support, and protect responsible reptile keeping. In this episode, Tony breaks down the tension between herpetoculture and animal rights groups. We discuss the importance of promoting ethical keeping (rather than keeping for the sake of it), the tactics used by animal rights groups, the reptile ban happening in Spain, whitelist proposals, and more!

• https://responsiblereptilekeeping.org/
• https://www.youtube.com/@ResponsibleReptileKeeping
• https://www.facebook.com/ResponsibleReptileKeeping
• https://www.instagram.com/responsiblereptilekeeping/
• https://www.tiktok.com/@this_is_rrk
• https://responsiblereptilekeeping.substack.com/

Support, Subscribe  & Follow:

• CHECK OUT Custom Reptile Habitats CLICK HERE
• SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST NETWORK: SPOTIFY► https://spoti.fi/2UG5NOI
• Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/animalsathome
• Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AnimalsatHomeChannel
• Follow on Instagram: @animalsathomeca

AronRa joins us to talk taxonomy and a history lesson on the evolutionary history of snakes and reptiles in general. We talk in depth about how and when snakes diverged. The talk about varanids, mosasuars and dolichosaus surrounding the origin of snakes. Enjoy.

SHOW NOTES: https://www.animalsathomenetwork.com/19-aronra/

• https://www.youtube.com/c/aronra
• https://www.aronra.com/

Support, Subscribe  & Follow:

• CHECK OUT Custom Reptile Habitats CLICK HERE
• SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST NETWORK: SPOTIFY► https://spoti.fi/2UG5NOI
• Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/ReptilesandResearch
• Subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/c/ReptilesandResearch
• Follow on Instagram: @reptilesandresearch

In this episode, Brad Gerke of Brad’s BioActive Builds is our guest. Brad’s channel focuses on DIY step-by-step tutorials for creating naturalistic reptile and amphibian vivaria, paludaria, and enclosures using PVC panels, spray foam, silicone, drylok, and more. In this episode, Brad talks us through several of his tutorials including building your own enclosure, foam backgrounds and decor, custom fogging and airflow solutions, and some incredibly clever interior and exterior hides.

• Brad’s BioActive Builds YouTube Channel
• @bradsbioactivebuilds

Support, Subscribe  & Follow:

• CHECK OUT Custom Reptile Habitats CLICK HERE
• SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST NETWORK: SPOTIFY► https://spoti.fi/2UG5NOI
• Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/animalsathome
• Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AnimalsatHomeChannel
• Follow on Instagram: @animalsathomeca

Victoria Teague is one of the admins of the facebook group Advancing Herpetological Husbandry and has a very refined skillset that she uses to communicate and educate with effectively to guide new keepers on their way to being the best keepers they can possibly be. Today we pick her brain and learn from her and how she goes the extra mile to communicate in the best way possible. She gave Liam a lot of thoughts to chew on. Enjoy.

Follow Victoria:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/passionatesnakes/

Support, Subscribe  & Follow:

• CHECK OUT Custom Reptile Habitats CLICK HERE
• SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST NETWORK: SPOTIFY► https://spoti.fi/2UG5NOI
• Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/ReptilesandResearch
• Subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/c/ReptilesandResearch
• Follow on Instagram: @reptilesandresearch