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Animals at Home Network

AAHN
396 episodes   Last Updated: Jul 09, 25
Exploring ethical captive management of reptiles & amphibians through the lens of biological science, conservation, and human nature. The Animals at Home Network is a herpetoculture-based podcast network that hosts: Animals at Home Podcast by Dillon Perron, Project Herpetoculture by Phillip Lietz and Roy Arthur Blodgett, Reptiles & Research Podcast by Liam Sinclair and Ellie Hills, and Animals Everywhere by Bryce Broom. Each show on the network brings all members of the reptile community together to discuss reptile husbandry, scientific research, breeding, wildlife conservation, and more!

Episodes

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 Rescue2:38 Coming Up: Zoo Med ReptiTemp Dimming Thermometer3:10 Coming Up: The Bio Dude Bioactive Substrates + Dietary Supplements3:45 Welcome Jordan + Motivations To Start a Reptile Rescue and Expenses8:27 Demand For The Reptile Rescue + Looking For Homes12:25 Home Set-Up of The Rescue + Finances15:24 The Wrong Side Of Rescues + Legislation17:35 Memorable Surrenders19:38 Legislation in Banning Reptiles + Large Snakes21:26 How Many Species Does Jordan Have Now + First Aid in Reptiles23:21 How Do Animals Get Adopted Out?24:31 Zoo Med ReptiTemp Dimming Thermometer26:02 Rescues Being a Safety Net29:42 Tips in Starting a Reptile Rescue32:08 Care Resources + Strange Species34:28 The Bio Dude Bioactive Substrates + Dietary Supplements35:28 Jordan’s Personal Animals37:45 Transitioning Homes For Reptiles40:44 Jordan’s Feelings On Pet Shops, Breeders, and Expos46:24 Abandoned Reptiles Experiences48:06 Commonly Surrendered Species49:24 Plans For Youtube Channel/Social Media + Profits53:16 Goals in Rescuing + Education Services54:47 Major Mistakes to Avoid + Quarantining57:18 The Importance of Rescues59:19 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/aquarimaxAquarimax 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 Pets2:54 Coming Up: The Bio Dude Substrates + Bug Grub3:29 Coming Up: Zoo Med Repti Temp Dimming Thermostat4:01 Welcome Rus - What He Keeps Currently7:20 About The Hawaiian Volcano Shrimp and Their Environment19:17 Encountering The Shrimp In The Pet Trade21:34 The Bio Dude Substrates + Bug Grub22:35 Hardiness of Hawaiian Volcano Shrimp23:51 Rus’s History With Hawaiian Volcano Shrimp24:50 Keeping With Tank Mates28:03 Life Span of Hawaiian Volcano Shrimp29:38 Husbandry of The Shrimp (Size of Tank, Water Conditions, Salt, etc)36:06 Zoo Med Repti Temp Dimming Thermostat38:37 Husbandry of The Shrimp Continued (Water, Temperature, Decor, etc)51:52 Maturing The Tank + Algae Growth59:56 Feeding Options1:05:14 Population Control of Hawaiian Volcano Shrimp1:09:51 Egg To Hatched Shrimp1:12:48 Plant Options for Hawaiian Volcano Shrimp Tanks1:18:02 Feeding Options Continued1:19:02 Logistics of The Start Of Keeping Shrimp + Recommendations1:23:54 Common Mistakes1:28:50 Closing Thoughts
Dr. Billy Sveen discusses his new scientific paper, Captive Equivalence As A Minimum Welfare Standard For Captivity-Managed Herpetofauna, highlighting the ethics of keeping herps in captivity in comparison to the wild and all that goes into considering the lives of each counterpart. For anyone wanting to improve their care in captivity, or even those wanting to start thinking about the ethics of their care differently, this episode is a must-watch. Dr. Billy Sveen notes The Five Domains of care in captivity and compares them to how the wild counterparts live, with considerations of survival rates, habitat losses, suffering in animals, and more. Billy also demonstrates ways that we as captive keepers can improve our care in enclosures, diet, enrichment, and other aspects of care to ensure that we are keeping our herps responsibly and ethically. SHOW NOTES: https://www.animalsathomenetwork.com/230-billy-sveen/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:Billy’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creepersherpetoculture/Captive Equivalence As A Minimum Welfare Standard For Captivity-Managed Herpetofauna: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5f99c047fa9ceb071696ee9a/t/67ec2f45295d144305dc58f1/1743531845626/V7.1_001_Opinion_Sveen.pdf00:00 Introducing Dr. Billy Sveen2:07 Coming Up: Zoo Med ReptiTemp Dimming Thermostat2:39 Coming Up: The Bio Dude Substrates + Bug Grub3:14 Welcome Billy - Reptile Keeping + Projects8:23 Captive Equivalence As A Minimum Welfare Standard For Captivity-Managed Herpetofauna26:32 Zoo Med ReptiTemp Dimming Thermostat28:03 Applying Welfare Standards36:41 The Bio Dude Substrates + Bug Grub37:42 Updating Captive Care To Improve Welfare + Defining Suffering54:11 Survival Rates + Wild Caught Animals1:03:17 Habitat Loss of Wild Herps + Natural Fallacies 1:14:56 Ethics of Suffering in Animals1:23:24 What Can I Improve + Meeting Standards1:30:54 Closing Thoughts
Daniel Solis of Oropel Lodge discusses his experiences surrounding nature in South America, as well as reptile keeping and breeding in the past in this episode. Daniel thoroughly talks about his dilemma with keeping reptiles in captivity, whilst appreciating wildlife as they are in the wild. He also enjoys wildlife photography, outlining a couple experiences with capturing wild reptiles in their natural habitats. Daniel Solis also runs the Oropel Lodge, a destination to see and experience wildlife and tourist activities in Costa Rica. We discuss all of the possibilities that people can experience at his lodge, from photography excursions, night life tours, ziplining, birdwatching, and so much more. This episode is perfect for people who are curious to learn how their scaled companions live in the wild, as well as potentially learn about an experience to observe it for themselves. SHOW NOTES: https://www.animalsathomenetwork.com/229-oropel/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:Oropel Lodge Website: https://www.oropellodge.com/Oropel Lodge Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oropellodge/WE DISCUSS:00:00 Introducing Daniel Solis of Oropel Lodge1:42 Coming Up: The Bio Dude2:18 Coming Up: Zoo Med ReptiTemp2:49 Welcome Daniel + His Relationship with Nature7:56 Breeding and Keeping Reptiles19:11 Daniel’s Wildlife Photography19:25 The Bio Dude Substrates + Bug Grub20:25 Daniel’s Wildlife Photography and Super Dwarf Reticulated Pythons28:17 Expeditions in Costa Rica and Around The World35:49 Keeping Large Reptiles in Captivity vs The Wild43:34 ReptiTemp Dimming Thermostat45:05 Species Well Suited For Captivity?49:05 The Oropel Lodge in Costa Rica59:44 The Controversy Of Reptile Keeping1:02:33 Animal Experiences at Oropel Lodge + Rescue Dogs1:11:18 How To Book With Oropel Lodge1:13:07 Closing Thoughts
HerpTime joins us to talk all things anole, how to keep them, how to breed them, and his philosophies regarding line breeding them. JOIN US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/ReptilesandResearchPRODUCTS TO USE: https://www.amazon.com/shop/reptilesandresearchPHAILOZOO 15% OFF DISCOUNT CODE: R&RPHAILOZOO ENCLOSURES: https://phailozoo.co?sca_ref=8248864.jO3NsidwAzTHE REPTILE KEEPER 15% OFF DISCOUNT CODE: RNR15THE REPTILE KEEPER: https://thereptilekeeper.com/?amc=TRK-7-5601fbEMAIL► reptilesandresearch@gmail.com
Chris of Reptiles & Oddities discusses his extensive experience with reptiles in this episode, starting with his unfortunate experience at Rattlesnake roundups, then moving on to his more positive experiences with his personal species. Chris talks about the influence that these events brought to his personal reptile keeping, leading him to build his own DIY enclosures and focus on husbandry without a heavy financial burden. Chris discusses the building process of his DIY enclosures in great detail, allowing newer DIY builders to follow along and build their own. We also discuss his relationship with wildlife officials and law enforcement in his area, leading to details of his relocation jobs with various species of snake.SHOW NOTES: https://www.animalsathomenetwork.com/228-reptiles-and-oddities/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:Reptiles & Oddities Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reptiles_and_oddities/Reptiles & Oddities YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Reptiles_and_oddities/Reptiles & Oddities TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@reptiles.and.oddi00:00 Introducing Chris of Reptiles And Oddities2:45 Upcoming: Zoo Med ReptiSun LED3:04 Upcoming: The Bio Dude3:40 Welcome Chris + Rattlesnake Roundups Experience11:30 Influence of Reptiles on Chris15:16 Species of Reptiles He Keeps18:24 Building DIY Enclosures - Materials, Cost, Etc25:12 Zoo Med ReptiSun LED26:37 More Materials For Building DIY Enclosures37:39 Chris’ Large Rack Systems43:33 The Bio Dude Substrates + Bug Grub44:34 PVC Enclosures or DIY?47:12 Chris’ Relationship With Wildlife Officials1:00:00 Creating A Relationship With Law Enforcement1:05:12 How Does Relocating Work?1:08:34 Chris’ Future Plans in Education and Relocation Content1:15:18 More About Chris’ Experience + Closing Thoughts
A groundbreaking new study has revealed that keeping snakes in rack systems may actually stunt their brain development. In this video, we dive into the data, explore the study’s methods, and discuss what it means for reptile care and welfare going forward.
Ralph Till of The Kleinmanni Assurance Project joins the podcast to discuss his new project alongside his team members, working to ensure a future for the Egyptian Tortoise through the establishment of thriving, genetically diverse populations in carefully managed assurance colonies. He discusses his experience with the tortoise species, the issue with them growing in popularity over the last couple of decades, as well as some information on their care standards. Ralph goes over the creation of the program, how it came to be, future goals, as well as a little insight on his experience in working with zoos and other organizations. This episode is not one to be missed if you’re interested in the conservation of wild species in captivity!SHOW NOTES: https://www.animalsathomenetwork.com/227-kap/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 Kleinmanni Assurance Program: https://www.kleinmanniassuranceproject.com/Our Previous Episode with Ralph: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ThDnks4Emlc00:00 Introducing Ralph Till2:02 The Bio Dude Substrates + Dietary Supplements2:38 Zoo Med ReptiSun LED2:57 Welcome Ralph - His Experience With Reptiles6:28 Care Standards + Sizes of Egyptian Tortoises11:35 Ralph’s Spark in Keeping Egyptian Tortoises13:47 Egyptian Tortoise Regulations and Conservation Status21:55 Developing The Kleinmanni Assurance Program22:27 The Bio Dude Substrates + Bug Grub23:28 Developing The Kleinmanni Assurance Program34:02 The Purpose of the Program39:43 ESA Regulations + Genetics51:02 Reaching Out To Zoos for the Program52:22 Stud Book for the Program53:47 Conservation Goals in the Wild56:46 Zoo Med ReptiSun LED58:11 The Members of The Kleinmanni Assurance Program1:05:58 Ways To Help + Learning The Business1:11:42 Closing Thoughts
Mark Perpetua of Mark’s Perpetua’s Reptile Encounters discusses his experience in keeping crocodilians, what led him to keeping them, and the logistics of keeping them. He also briefly talks about the New York alligator seizing, discussing the regulations in the area and why it makes sense that the animal was taken from that keeper. Mark discusses how he keeps his crocodilians as well as outlines his advice for any prospective keepers, involving their diets and enclosures. He also goes over his book that he wrote, outlining the basics of crocodilian evolution, biology, natural history and conservation. If you’re at all interested in crocodilians, Mark Perpetua’s various ventures are definitely ones to follow. SHOW NOTES: https://www.animalsathomenetwork.com/226-croc-chat/SPONSORS: Visit Zoo Med Labs here: https://zoomed.com/JOIN US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/animalsathomeLINKS FROM THE EPISODE:Mark Perpetua’s Reptile Encounters Website: https://www.reptileprograms.com/Mark’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Mark-Perpetuas-Reptile-Encounters-100057236065549/Alligators and Crocodiles: In Nature and In Art: https://www.amazon.com/Alligators-Crocodiles-Nature-Mark-Perpetua/dp/B0DJC43BNBMark’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@reptileencounters25Video Clips and Photos Used in Episode:Mark’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@reptileencounters25Mark’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Mark-Perpetuas-Reptile-Encounters-100057236065549/00:00 Introducing Mark Perpetua1:30 Coming Up: Zoo Med ReptiSun1:49 Welcome Mark - Background and Education in Reptiles6:36 The Crocodilians He Keeps and What Led Him To Keeping11:00 Logistics of Keeping Crocodiles + Regulations19:45 The Story of The Pet Alligator Seize25:18 Mark’s Alligators As Laws Changed31:39 Animals at Home Patreon32:00 Stunted Alligators + Sizes of Morelet’s Crocodile34:24 Advice for Future Crocodile Keepers + Feeding Crocodilians 39:06 Alligators and Crocodiles: In Nature and In Art44:04 Mark’s YouTube Channel47:53 Zoo Med ReptiSun49:19 Mark’s YouTube Channel52:37 Reptile Encounters Presentations58:34 Mark’s Relationships with Crocodiles + Intelligence Levels1:01:05 Mark’s Future Projects - Crocodilian Conservation1:04:11 Closing Thoughts + Meeting Tiki
Zach Porritt of @a.life.exotic discusses his large, tropical greenhouse that houses multiple animal species cohabitating in a beautifully constructed environment. He dives into all of the details of the building process of the greenhouse, the climate he deals with, temperature management and ventilation, as well as the overall investment of the greenhouse. Zach also goes over all of the species that he keeps in the greenhouse and the logistics of keeping them all together in the same space. This episode is an incredibly in depth description of such a well thought out structure, filled with information on how this can be replicated and how he has made this project a huge success. Zach also discusses his recent trip to Suriname, a vast country filled with tropical rainforest and various interesting animal species.SHOW NOTES: https://www.animalsathomenetwork.com/225-a-life-exotic/#225 #animalsathomepodcastJOIN US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/animalsathomeSPONSOR: https://zoomed.com/LINKS FROM THE EPISODE:https://www.youtube.com/alifeexotichttps://www.instagram.com/a.life.exotic/Video Clips and Photos Used in Episode:https://www.youtube.com/alifeexotichttps://www.instagram.com/a.life.exotic/00:00 Introducing Zach Porritt1:25 Zoo Med Reptisun LED1:45 Welcome Zach - What Sparked This Idea?6:14 The Building Process of The Greenhouse8:50 The Climate Zach Deals With + Temp Management17:13 Humidity Management19:36 Ventilation in The Greenhouse21:10 Lighting Used23:07 The View of The Greenhouse24:40 The Investment26:09 Replication on a Smaller Scale?27:29 What Climate Is He Replicating?29:27 Creating The Pond + Soil31:54 Can Species Escape?32:49 Species in Greenhouse34:07 ZooMed Reptisun LED + UVB35:32 Dart Frogs and Microfauna in Greenhouse42:12 Tropical Plant Species + Pests50:30 Monthly Maintenance Costs52:17 Animals Added To Ecosystem59:00 Cohabitation in The Greenhouse1:06:18 Tree Frog Noise1:07:31 Thoughts About Birds?1:10:17 Addition of Puffing Snakes1:10:37 Patreon Animals At Home1:10:58 Addition of Puffing Snakes1:18:00 Logistics to Keeping the Snake1:22:30 Zach’s Trip to Suriname1:32:44 Closing Thoughts