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In this episode of The Reptile Guild Podcast, Shane Kelley of Small Town Xotics joins Josh and Alisha Harbin of Herpin Harbins for a conversation with Brandon Nixon of Nixon Reptiles. Brandon works with multiple reptile species while continuing to build and develop his ball python projects, giving him a unique perspective on what it means to maintain a diversified reptile collection. We talk about why some breeders choose to specialize while others work with several species, how diversification can affect breeding goals, space, workload, risk, and long-term sustainability, and what Brandon has learned from balancing multiple projects at once.

Topics include: • Brandon’s background in reptiles • His current ball python projects • How he chooses which projects to pursue • Why he works with multiple species • The advantages of keeping a diversified collection • The challenges of managing different species and husbandry needs • Balancing space, time, feeders, and breeding seasons • Avoiding becoming too dependent on one species or one segment of the reptile market • Deciding when to add a new species • Knowing when a collection is becoming too large • Holdbacks and long-term breeding goals • How market changes influence breeding decisions • Staying interested and motivated by working with different animals • Advice for breeders considering expanding beyond one species

Whether you are focused entirely on ball pythons or considering branching into other reptiles, this episode is about building a collection with purpose and thinking beyond the next breeding season.

Building Knowledge. Growing Community.

Guest Brandon Nixon of Nixon Reptiles

Hosts Shane Kelley of Small Town Xotics Josh and Alisha Harbin of Herpin Harbins

Technical Producer Jay Kaps of Green Line Morphs

Keywords Brandon Nixon Nixon Reptiles ball python breeding ball python projects reptile breeder multi species reptile breeder diversified reptile collection reptile collection management reptile breeding projects snake breeding reptile market reptile business The Reptile Guild Reptile Guild Podcast Small Town Xotics Herpin Harbins