Animals at Home Network

235: This Is the Future of Reptile Expos — and It's Not What You Think | Dr. Zac Loughman - AAH

Dr. Zac Loughman joins today’s episode to discuss the creation of Colubrid Fest, a colubrid only reptile show filled with insightful speakers, engaging panels, with proceeds going directly back into funding research for the reptiles most commonly kept in the hobby. Zac shares details about how Colubrid Fest came to be, as well as the overall purpose behind its creation. We also talk about Zac’s personal reptile collection, husbandry research at West Liberty University, conservation efforts vs preservation, and much more! Don’t forget to purchase your tickets for the show on September 13th & 14th.SHOW NOTES: https://www.animalsathomenetwork.com/235-dr-zac-loughman/SPONSORS: Visit Zoo Med Labs here: https://zoomed.com/#235 #animalsathomepodcastJOIN US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/animalsathomeLINKS FROM THE EPISODE:Purchase Tickets to Colubrid Fest: https://showmereptileshow.com/indianapolis-indiana-colubrid-festHusbandry in Natural History Episode w/ Zac: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YCV5tKf9EmYFalse Water Cobra Care Episode w/ Zac: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pftnr4tCxl4Zac’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zacloughman/Dr. Zac at West Liberty University: https://westliberty.edu/biology/faculty/zachary-j-loughman/Zac’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zac.loughman/Photos and Video in Episode:https://www.facebook.com/zac.loughman/Timestamps:0:00 Introducing Dr. Zac Loughman2:06 Coming Up: Zoo Med Labs2:36 Welcome Dr. Zac Loughman + New Books In Progress5:45 Zac’s Personal Reptile Collection + Husbandry Research19:56 Zoo Med Labs University21:07 Colubrid Fest Origin + Creation33:44 Animals At Home Patreon34:04 The Purpose of Colubrid Fest43:48 Conservation Efforts of Colubrid Fest58:53 Replicating Ethical Improvements With Other Animals1:01:43 Conservation vs Preservation1:14:42 Goals In Purchasing Land for Conservation1:19:10 Captive Breeding Release Projects1:30:04 Closing Thoughts

234: Mastering Reptile and Amphibian Photography | Zac Herr - AAH

In this episode, we sit down with reptile and amphibian photographer Zac Herr, the creative force behind the popular Instagram account @IAmMakingArt. Zac shares the story of how he got started photographing reptiles and amphibians, along with practical tips for capturing stunning shots—whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting into nature photography. We also dive into his brand-new photo book "What is that?", a beautifully curated look at some of the planet’s most fascinating (and often misunderstood) creatures. Whether you’re into animal photography, reptiles, or just love a good creative journey, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration.SHOW NOTES: https://www.animalsathomenetwork.com/234-zac-herr/SPONSORS: Visit Zoo Med Labs here: https://zoomed.com/JOIN US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/animalsathomeLINKS FROM THE EPISODE:Buy the Book: https://www.zthphotography.com/products/bookhttps://www.instagram.com/iammakingart/https://www.facebook.com/iammakingartPhotos and Video in Episode:https://www.instagram.com/iammakingart/0:00 Introducing Zac Herr2:20 Coming Up Zoo Med2:50 Welcome Zac - Getting Started in Photography 14:40 Favorite Animal Zac Has Shot19:00 Isolating the Subject (Blank Background) 22:50 What Camera Equipment Zac Uses24:58 Zoo Med University 26:08 How to Capture Animal Detail 29:20 Capturing Great Photos with an iPhone32:10 Zac's Camera Settings38:00 How to Direct and Shoot Animals41:00 Shooting Venomous Animals 44:02 Editing the Photos & Color Correcting 52:33 What Is That? Zac's New Book!1:05:40 Closing Thoughts

233: Finding the MONSTER of the AMAZON, A HUGE Green Anaconda - Caveman Wildlife - AAH

Christian Cave of Caveman Wildlife joins the podcast to chat about his new documentary filmed in the Amazon Rainforest, catching the world’s largest snake: The Green Anaconda. Christian tells the very detailed and interesting story of how he found, caught, measured, and captured all of the moments of the journey in finding the Green Anaconda. Christian discusses the documentary filming process from start to finish, including drone footage of the environment, some ending thoughts from commenters about the documentary, and a important conversation about sensationalism in the wildlife content creation genre. We also briefly discuss Genesis 1:26 and Christian’s interpretation of the meaning when it comes to treatment of wildlife and how it encourages him to continue education of animals. If you’re at all curious about the story of finding and capturing the world’s largest snake and the incredible moments that came along with it, this episode is a great one to tune into. SHOW NOTES: https://www.animalsathomenetwork.com/233-caveman-wildlife/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:Caveman Wildlife YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cavemanwildlifeCaveman Wildlife Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cavemanwildlifeCaveman Wildlife TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@caveman_wildlife0:00 Introducing Christian Cave2:45 Coming Up: The Bio Dude3:21 Coming Up: Zoo Med Labs3:51 Welcome Christian - The Story of The Yacumama Documentary10:52 The Environment in Peru + Where Anacondas Are Found18:29 Fear In The Amazon + Catching Caimans23:02 The Bio Dude Substrates and Bug Grub24:03 Drone Shots of The Anaconda + Tracks27:42 Importance of The Guide in The Amazon29:06 The Moment Christian Spots The Anaconda + The Catch35:09 Zoo Med Labs University36:19 The Moment Of The Catch39:17 The Anaconda Bite Experience45:30 Sensationalism in Wildlife + Content Creation50:43 The Measurement of The Anaconda54:24 Opinions on Keeping Anacondas In Captivity57:38 Genesis 1:26 Interpretation1:02:39 Near Misses + More Bites1:06:49 Content Created By Christian + Future Plans1:15:20 “A Day In The Life Of Snakes” Children’s Book1:18:02 Closing Thoughts

232: Abandoned Pet Reptiles: A Hidden Crisis and How to Fix It | Jordan Lyndon - AAH

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

231: The Pet That Requires NOTHING to Survive | Rus Wilson - AAH

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