Animals at Home Network

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

In this episode, Dillon is joined by Jon Ford to dive deep into the fascinating world of Eurydactylodes (chameleon geckos). Often called the most underrated genus in the entire reptile hobby, these small, slow-moving yet surprisingly active geckos offer incredible potential for both beginners and experienced keepers.Jon shares his journey from working in pet retail to exclusively keeping and breeding Eurydactylodes agricolae. We break down the major enclosure sizing myth (why a standard 12x12x18 is wildly inadequate for adults), how to set up natural branch networks with dense plant coverage, and the realities of cohabiting pairs during breeding season. Plus, we cover diet, lighting, UVB, and their unique defense mechanism involving metallic-smelling secretions.SHOW NOTES: https://www.animalsathomenetwork.com/261-jon-ford/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/terraventusignus/Photos and Video in Episode: Provided by Jon

In this episode, Dillon is joined by Emma Cotrell from Ezzies Aquatics to dive deep into the fascinating, amphibious world of mudskippers. We explore her background in fish keeping, how she discovered these unique fish, and the realities of sourcing accurate care information in a niche hobby.Emma breaks down natural history, habitat adaptations, species variations, and the specialized requirements needed to keep mudskippers thriving. From formulating real mud substrates and maintaining tidal systems to brackish water parameters and cohabitation dynamics, we cover everything you need to know about setting up a successful mudskipper paludarium.SHOW NOTES: https://www.animalsathomenetwork.com/260-ezzies-aquatics/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:https://www.instagram.com/ezzies_aquatics/https://www.tiktok.com/@ezzies_aquaticshttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573073555003​ ⁨@EzziesAquatics⁩ Photos and Video in Episode:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573073555003

The conversation centered on Jennie Erin Smith's book Stolen World and its exploration of the high-stakes reptile trade, illegal smuggling, and the complex personalities of key figures like Hank Molt and Tommy Crutchfield. Jennie shared insights into her extensive investigative research and discussed the psychological motivations driving exotic wildlife trafficking, from genuine passion to the quest for status. The discussion also covered her controversy with Eric Goode's HBO series Monsters of God, addressing allegations that her book was used as an uncredited template.SHOW NOTES: https://www.animalsathomenetwork.com/259-jennie-erin-smith/SPONSORS: Visit Zoo Med Labs here: https://zoomed.com/JOIN US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/animalsathomeLINKS FROM THE EPISODE: Jennie's Contact: [email protected] World: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0307381471/Valley of Forgetting: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0525536078/

In this episode, Bruce from BMC Bioscience LLC breaks down the intersection of high-level Green Tree Python (Morelia viridis) breeding, laboratory-backed biosecurity, and reptile genetics.Bruce shares his journey from getting his first GTPs in 1997 to formally establishing BMC Bioscience in 2020 with a massive focus on disease screening, biosecurity protocols, and advancing keeper standards across the community. We dive deep into serpentovirus and cryptosporidium testing, the realities of polygenic versus simple recessive/dominant traits, the 2019 taxonomic shifts in GTPs, and Bruce’s ongoing research into how UV lighting impacts neonatal development.In This Episode, We Discuss:- The BMC Bioscience Story: Bruce’s keeping background (since 1991) and scaling a professional breeding program.- Biosecurity & Testing: Disease protocols, dedicated quarantine, and navigating serpentovirus/crypto screening.- GTP Taxonomy & Morphs: The split into two distinct species, working with subspecies-specific lines vs. designer chondros, and inheritance debates.- Genetics & Neonate Care: Polygenic traits, neonatal color changes, and the science behind captive bloodlines.- UV Lighting Research: Bruce’s findings on the role of artificial UV lighting in neonatal development.SHOW NOTES: https://www.animalsathomenetwork.com/258-bmc-bioscience/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:https://www.bmcbioscience.com/https://www.facebook.com/bmcbioscience/https://www.instagram.com/bmc_bioscience_llc/Photos and Video in Episode:https://www.instagram.com/bmc_bioscience_llc/