Animals at Home Network

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/

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

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.

Phil and Andis chop it up.

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