Animals at Home Network

Latest Episodes:

261: Chameleon Geckos (Eurydactylodes) Species Spotlight | Jon Ford Sep 25, 2026

Show notes

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

260: How to Care for Mudskippers | Ezzies Aquatics Sep 16, 2026

Show notes

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

259: How HBO's Monsters of God Stole a Journalist's Life Work | Jennie Erin Smith Sep 10, 2026

Show notes

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: Jennieerinsmith@gmail.comStolen World: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0307381471/Valley of Forgetting: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0525536078/

258: The Truth About Green Tree Python Genetics & Biosecurity | BMC Bioscience LLC Aug 28, 2026

Show notes

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/

257: Are We Feeding Crested Geckos Wrong? | Blue River Diets Aug 21, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Nathan from Blue River Diets breaks down the science, formulation, and field research behind modern crested gecko nutrition. We explore why the brand was created to combat common captive issues like obesity through low-fat, high-fruit formulas, and how functional ingredients like bee pollen, coconut, and postbiotics support gut health and immunity.Nathan also shares how expeditions to New Caledonia revealed critical insights on seasonal feeding—from insect dominance in the wet season to fruit abundance in the dry season—and how keepers can use natural branches, habitat micro-structures, and rotational feeding to drastically improve crested gecko welfare.In This Episode, We Discuss:- The Blue River Story: Origins, name connection to New Caledonia, and filling market gaps.- Nutritional Formulation: Why low fat, medium-chain triglycerides (coconut), and high fruit (60–70%) matter.- Functional Ingredients: The role of bee pollen, postbiotics, and soy protein isolate vs. insect protein.- New Caledonia Field Research: Wet vs. dry season diet shifts and replicating seasonality at home.- Husbandry & Enclosure Design: Utilizing thin branch networks, natural foraging, and bioactive setups.- Live Insects & Enrichment: Why live feeders remain essential alongside powdered diets.SHOW NOTES: https://www.animalsathomenetwork.com/257-blue-river-diets/SPONSORS: Visit The BioDude: https://www.thebiodude.com/ Visit Zoo Med Labs here: https://zoomed.com/#257 #animalsathomepodcastJOIN US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/animalsathomeLINKS FROM THE EPISODE:https://blueriverdiets.com/https://us.blueriverdiets.com/https://www.facebook.com/blueriverdietshttps://www.instagram.com/blue_river_diets/https://www.youtube.com/@UCxRxcgCvStPaXd82hGfxo5A https://www.tiktok.com/@blueriverdietsPhotos and Video in Episode:Blue River Diets Facebook

Project: Herpetoculture with Greg Watkins-Colwell Jul 16, 2026

Show notes

Greg Watkins-Colwell is Senior Collection Manager of Herpetology and Ichthyology at the Yale Peabody Museum, where his work spans natural history collections, systematics, biogeography, research, and public education. He also serves on the Board of Governors of the American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists and the Science Advisory Board of Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo.

Project: Herpetoculture Phil and Andis Jul 12, 2026

Show notes

Phil and Andis chop it up.

256: The Truth About Keeping Emerald Tree Boas | Zion McAndrews Jul 07, 2026

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Zion joins me on the podcast to discuss one of the most iconic—and notoriously challenging—snakes in herpetoculture: the Emerald Tree Boa. We break down the biggest mistakes new keepers make, how Zion refined his husbandry through trial and error, and what it really takes to keep these incredible snakes thriving in captivity.We also discuss the differences between Northern and Amazon Basin Emerald Tree Boas, the pros and cons of captive-bred versus imported animals, enclosure design, humidity management, heating, UVB, quarantine, and why patience may be the single most important quality for anyone considering this species. Whether you already keep Emerald Tree Boas or have always dreamed of owning one, this episode is packed with practical husbandry advice and fascinating insights.SHOW NOTES: https://www.animalsathomenetwork.com/256-emerald-tree-boas/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.emeraldtreeboas.org/https://www.instagram.com/emeraldtreeboashttps://www.instagram.com/zvivarium/Photos and Video in Episode:Provided by Zion0:00 Intro

3:04 Welcome, Zion! Background

6:30 Getting his first Emerald Tree Boa

11:59 Initial Emerald Tree Boa Setup and Mistakes

25:44 Northern vs Basin Emerald Tree Boas

40:28 Who Should Keep an Emerald Tree Boa?

50:20 Setting up a Proper Emerald Tree Boa Enclosure

55:40 Emerald Tree Boa Heating and Lighting

1:16:38 ETB Humidity, Substrate & Ventilation

1:34:38 Basin vs Northern Husbandry

1:38:08 ETB Perching Behaviour

1:42:56 Dealing with Wild-Caught Imports

1:46:11 ETB Health Issues

2:21:15 ETB Feeding Routine

2:30:26 EmeraldTreeBoas.Org & Closing Thoughts

2:42:20 Outro

255: Why Designer Green Tree Pythons Are a Problem | Rain Jul 01, 2026

Show notes

In Part 2 of our Green Tree Python series, Rain and I take a deep dive into the history, genetics, and breeding of one of the reptile hobby's most iconic species. We explore the origins of green tree pythons, the history of captive breeding, and why locality information and bloodlines are often far more complicated than many keepers realize.We also discuss the differences between true breeding lines and designer animals, how localities can become mislabeled throughout the trade, and the breeding practices required to produce consistent, healthy animals. If you're interested in Green Tree Pythons, reptile genetics, or responsible breeding, this episode is packed with fascinating insights and historical context.SHOW NOTES: https://www.animalsathomenetwork.com/255-green-tree-pythons/SPONSORS: Visit The BioDude: https://www.thebiodude.com/ Visit Zoo Med Labs here: https://zoomed.com/JOIN US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/animalsathome

254: Design Better Reptile Enclosures with This Tool | CritterCAD Jun 24, 2026

Show notes

What if you could build your reptile enclosure before spending a single dollar? In this episode, I sit down with Daniel Wilson, creator of CritterCAD, a 3D vivarium design platform that helps keepers design naturalistic enclosures, experiment with layouts, and evaluate their husbandry using a species-specific CARE score. We discuss how the software was built, the challenges of turning husbandry into a digital tool, the role of community-driven care information, and where CritterCAD is headed next. Whether you're planning your next enclosure or just love innovative reptile-keeping tools, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

SHOW NOTES: https://www.animalsathomenetwork.com/254-crittercad/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:CritterCAD: https://www.crittercad.com/ https://www.instagram.com/crittercad/Photos and Video in Episode:Provided by Daniel Wilson0:00 Intro

3:40 Welcome Daniel & Background

11:11 Career & Education

13:16 Intro to CritterCAD31:29 Live CritterCAD Demo and picking enclosure

40:11 Substrate

57:48 Backgrounds

1:03:42 Lighting

1:10:45 Generating a Shopping list

1:12:45 Plants & Adding the Animal

1:16:28 Care Score

1:26:00 Adding Custom 3D Assests

1:38:00 Final Words on CritterCAD

1:41:50 Outro