Animals at Home Network

In this episode, Dillon, Phil, and Andis dive into major updates for the podcast—including Phil’s retirement from hosting and the official introduction of Andis as the new host continuing the mission.The conversation then transitions into a deep, thought-provoking discussion on hybridization in herpetoculture. Phil shares his recent, unexpected discovery of Uromastyx hybrids resulting from a female Geyri storing sperm from a Moroccan male for 2 to 3 years. Andis brings his background in ecology and genomics to explore the philosophical and practical questions surrounding species purity versus hybridization, while Phil advocates for moving beyond rigid definitions toward selective domestication to improve animal welfare and conservation. We cover ethical considerations, the potential for conservation through commercialization, and why thoughtful, ongoing conversation is essential as these practices evolve.SHOW NOTES: https://www.animalsathomenetwork.com/264-andis-arietta-phil-lietz/SPONSORS: Visit Zoo Med Labs here: https://zoomed.com/JOIN US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/animalsathomeLINKS FROM THE EPISODE:https://www.instagram.com/aridsonly/https://www.instagram.com/azandis/https://www.instagram.com/projectherpetoculture/

Herpetoculturist Bree Romans of The Jungle Vault shares how unusual reptiles, amphibians, and breeding projects keep her enthusiasm alive.
How do you choose animals you will still love caring for years later? Bree joins Andis Arietta to discuss marbled rainfrogs, hognose snakes, fish-scale geckos, and the oddball projects that make a busy reptile room worthwhile.
They explore the realities of managing a collection alongside a full-time job, the hidden work of feeder cultures, emotional attachments to individual animals, and the importance of identification, lineage, and reliable records. Bree also reflects on burnout and why the animal itself has to excite you, beyond any expected breeding result or financial return.
Guest: Bree Romans — Herpetoculturist & Co-founder, The Jungle Vault
Host: Andis Arietta
Project : Herpetoculture · Episode 105: The Oddballs Keep You Going
The Jungle Vault: https://www.thejunglevault.ca/
Bree on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breezexotics/

Wildlife artist Matt Patterson of Stoneridge Art Studio joins Andis Arietta to talk turtles, natural history illustration, and learning to look closely.
Matt shares the rescue story of Fire Chief the snapping turtle, his path into wildlife art, and the observations that help him bring reptiles and amphibians to life on the page. We discuss why an illustration can reveal things a photograph cannot, the challenge of drawing snakes, and how meeting an individual turtle can change the way people see these animals.
Guest: Matt Patterson — Artist, Stoneridge Art Studio.
Instagram: @stoneridgeartstudios
Project : Herpetoculture
Episode 104: Turtles Hold Up the World

In this episode, Dillon and Rom dive deep into the world of house snakes, highlighting them as an exceptional "gold standard" species that thrives in captivity. Rom shares his extensive experience keeping, breeding, and working with these versatile reptiles, breaking down their adaptability, ease of care, and the impressive variety found across different genera and morphs.We cover everything from natural history, behavior, and optimal husbandry requirements to breeding practices, clutch sizes, incubation methods, and common health considerations. Plus, we discuss the rising popularity of house snakes in the hobby, their market value, and the exciting potential for future morph development. Whether you are a beginner looking for a robust, low-maintenance pet or an advanced keeper expanding your collection, house snakes offer incredible potential.SHOW NOTES: https://www.animalsathomenetwork.com/263-house-snakes/SPONSORS: Visit Zoo Med Labs here: https://zoomed.com/JOIN US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/animalsathomeLINKS FROM THE EPISODE:https://www.instagram.com/the_croc_river_collection/Photos and Video in Episode:Provided by Rom

In this episode, Dillon is joined by John Courteney-Smith MRSB to discuss his latest book, Biosynergy, which explores the interconnected nature of biology and environmental factors in reptile care. John explains how the concept of biosynergy emerged from past discussions about animal locomotion and stressors, highlighting his core belief that nature provides perfect solutions that we must replicate in captivity.The conversation traces the evolution of John's thinking across his five-book series—moving from metabolic bone disease (MBD) and nutrition to a comprehensive approach encompassing three parameters of nutrition and five layers of enrichment. We also dive into practical vivarium setup, soil composition (including the importance of natural mineral ratios versus organics), the role of infrared light beyond heating, and the necessity of diverse prey items. Additionally, John shares his personal health challenges, recovery, and how they reshaped his approach to work and writing, alongside the book's recent success as an Amazon bestseller and its acceptance into the Linnaean Great Library in London.SHOW NOTES: https://www.animalsathomenetwork.com/262-jcs/JOIN US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/animalsathomeLINKS FROM THE EPISODE:https://www.arcadiareptile.com/https://www.instagram.com/arcadiareptile/https://www.youtube.com/user/arcadialighting/videoshttps://www.facebook.com/arcadiareptile/Photos and Video in Episode:Provided by Arcadia Reptile