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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

Join the Reptile Guild on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/reptileguild

What actually makes someone a responsible reptile breeder? Producing healthy babies is only one part of the job. In this episode of The Reptile Guild Podcast, Shane Kelley of Small Town Xotics joins Josh and Alisha Harbin of Herpin Harbins for an honest discussion about the responsibilities that come with breeding reptiles. We dig into the areas breeders sometimes overlook, including genetics, animal health, veterinary care, accurate record keeping, customer service, honesty in advertising, overproduction, pricing, and responsibility to the reptile market as a whole.

Topics include: • Knowing the genetics behind the animals you produce • Being honest about possible genes, hets, lineage, and identification • Breeding only healthy and appropriately conditioned animals • Knowing when an animal should not be bred • Veterinary care and recognizing when professional treatment is needed • Quarantine, disease prevention, and protecting your collection • Keeping accurate breeding, feeding, shedding, and health records • Supporting customers after the sale • Being honest when something goes wrong • Producing animals you realistically have the ability to house and sell • Overproduction and its effect on the reptile market • Pricing animals responsibly • Avoiding the temptation to breed simply because you can • Taking responsibility for the animals you produce • The difference between being a reptile breeder and simply producing reptiles • Ethics, reputation, and building trust within the reptile community There probably isn’t one perfect definition of a responsible breeder, but there are standards all of us should be willing to discuss. Whether you’re considering your first breeding project or have been producing reptiles for decades, this conversation is about taking a closer look at the responsibility that comes with bringing more animals into the hobby. Building Knowledge. Growing Community.

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

Technical Producer Jay Kaps of Greenline Morphs

Keywords responsible reptile breeder reptile breeding ethics ethical reptile breeding reptile breeder responsibility ball python breeding reptile genetics reptile health reptile veterinary care reptile breeder customer service reptile record keeping reptile market reptile overproduction reptile community The Reptile Guild Reptile Guild Podcast Small Town Xotics Herpin Harbins

Join the Reptile Guild on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/reptileguild

Everyone sees the snakes, the success, and the social media posts, but very few people see the struggles happening behind the scenes. In this episode of the Reptile Guild Podcast, Shane Kelley of Small Town Xotics sits down with John from Black Rock Balls to have an honest conversation about the challenges he’s faced, how those struggles have affected both his personal life and reptile business, and what has helped him keep moving forward. This episode isn’t just about reptiles. It’s about perseverance, mental resilience, community, and finding purpose during difficult seasons of life. Whether you’re a breeder, keeper, business owner, or simply someone facing your own challenges, we hope this conversation reminds you that you’re not alone.

Hosted by: Shane Kelley of Small Town Xotics Josh & Alisha Harbin of Herpin Harbins

Technical Producer: Jay Kaps of Green Line Morphs

The Reptile Guild exists to bring reptile keepers together through honest conversations, education, and shared experiences. Building Knowledge. Growing Community.

Keywords Reptile Guild Podcast, Black Rock Balls, John Aji, reptile breeder, ball python breeder, mental health, overcoming adversity, resilience, reptile community, reptile podcast, snake breeder, reptile industry, Small Town Xotics, Herpin Harbins, ball pythons, breeder burnout, motivation, entrepreneurship, keeping reptiles, reptile education

Join the Reptile Guild on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/reptileguild

What separates a great reptile vendor from an average one? Is it the animals they produce, the prices they offer, or something much more important? In this episode of the Reptile Guild Podcast, Shane Kelley of Small Town Xotics joins Josh and Alisha Harbin of Herpin Harbins to discuss the qualities that build trust, create loyal customers, and strengthen the reptile community. From customer service and honest communication to display setup, ethics, and supporting keepers long after the sale, we explore what it really means to be a professional reptile vendor. Whether you are vending your first reptile expo, considering becoming a breeder, or simply want to know what to look for when buying your next reptile, this conversation is packed with practical advice that applies to every level of the hobby.

Hosted by: Shane Kelley of Small Town Xotics Josh & Alisha Harbin of Herpin Harbins

Technical Producer: Jay Kaps of Green Line Morphs

LIKE If you enjoy honest conversations about reptile keeping, breeding, and the future of the hobby, be sure to like, subscribe, and share the episode.

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Keywords: reptile vendor, reptile expo, reptile breeder, reptile business, reptile community, reptile podcast, reptile guild, reptile sales, snake breeder, ball python breeder, western hognose breeder, reptile customer service, vending reptile shows, reptile ethics, reptile education, reptile husbandry, responsible reptile breeding, buying reptiles, reptile expo tips, reptile keeping

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/reptileguild

Cryptosporidium is one of the most concerning diseases reptile keepers and breeders may encounter, but misinformation and fear can make it difficult to understand what it actually is and how it should be handled. In this episode of The Reptile Guild Podcast, Alisha Harbin of Herpin Harbins is joined by special guest Jessica Hare of Hare Hollow Farms to educate us about Cryptosporidium in reptiles. We discuss what Cryptosporidium is, how it spreads, which symptoms reptile keepers should watch for, how veterinarians test for it, whether an infected reptile can appear healthy, and what steps keepers can take to reduce the risk of introducing it into a collection. Topics include: • What Cryptosporidium is • The difference between Cryptosporidium species • How Crypto spreads through a reptile collection • Regurgitation, weight loss and other possible symptoms • Whether infected reptiles can remain asymptomatic • How fecal testing, PCR testing and veterinary examinations are used • Why one negative test may not always provide a complete answer • Quarantine procedures for newly acquired reptiles • Cleaning, disinfection and cross-contamination prevention • What to do when Crypto is suspected • Whether effective treatment options currently exist • Protecting the rest of a reptile collection • When euthanasia may become part of the veterinary discussion In snakes, reptile-associated cryptosporidiosis is commonly linked with recurring regurgitation, weight loss, chronic weakness and changes involving the stomach lining and digestive function. Diagnosis requires veterinary evaluation and appropriate laboratory testing because these symptoms may also be caused by other medical or husbandry problems. (Merck Veterinary Manual) Treatment remains difficult, and supportive veterinary care may help stabilize an affected reptile, but no consistently reliable cure is currently recognized. Any suspected case should be handled with the guidance of an experienced reptile veterinarian. (Merck Veterinary Manual) This episode is intended for education and should not replace diagnosis or treatment from a qualified reptile veterinarian. Building Knowledge. Growing Community. Guest Jessica Hare of Hare Hollow Farms

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

Technical Producer Jay Kaps of Green Line Morphs

Keywords Cryptosporidium in reptiles reptile Crypto snake Cryptosporidium Cryptosporidium symptoms reptile disease prevention reptile quarantine reptile PCR testing reptile fecal testing snake regurgitation reptile veterinary care Jessica Hare Hare Hollow Farms Alisha Harbin Herpin Harbins Small Town Xotics Reptile Guild Podcast

Join The Reptile Guild on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/reptileguild

Thermostats are one of the most important—and often misunderstood—pieces of reptile equipment. In this episode of The Reptile Guild Podcast, Shane Kelley of Small Town Xotics joins Josh & Alisha Harbin of Herpin Harbins to break down what reptile thermostats do, why every heated enclosure should have one, and how to choose the right thermostat for your setup. We discuss the differences between on/off, pulse proportional, and dimming thermostats, whether premium brands are worth the investment, common mistakes reptile keepers make, and how proper temperature control can protect both your reptiles and your equipment. Whether you’re setting up your first enclosure or managing an entire reptile room, understanding thermostats is essential for safe and successful reptile keeping. Building Knowledge. Growing Community.

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

Technical Producer Jay Kaps of Green Line Morphs

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Talking Points What is a reptile thermostat? Why every heat source should be controlled. Thermostat vs thermometer. Why heat mats should never run without one. On/Off thermostats explained. Pulse proportional thermostats explained. Dimming thermostats explained. Which heat sources work best with each type. Single-zone vs multi-zone thermostats. Does accuracy really matter? Probe placement mistakes. How to prevent dangerous hot spots. Can thermostats fail? Should you have backup equipment? Are expensive thermostats worth the money? Brand comparisons. Features to look for. Budget recommendations. Best thermostat for beginners. Best thermostat for breeders with multiple racks.

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Reptile thermostat, reptile thermostats explained, reptile heating, reptile temperature control, reptile heat mat, ball python thermostat, snake thermostat, reptile husbandry, reptile care, reptile heating equipment, thermostat comparison, pulse proportional thermostat, dimming thermostat, on off thermostat, reptile podcast, Reptile Guild Podcast, Small Town Xotics, Herpin Harbins

Join The Reptile Guild on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/reptileguild

In this episode of The Reptile Guild Podcast, Shane Kelley of Small Town Xotics joins Josh & Alisha Harbin of Herpin Harbins to welcome Lace White of Lace Balls. Lace is the 2025 15 Minutes of Lame winner, cohost of Show Me Your Rack, and an active ball python breeder with a passion for the reptile community. We discuss: • How Lace got started with ball pythons • Building the Lace Balls brand • Winning the 2025 15 Minutes of Lame competition • Behind the scenes of Show Me Your Rack • Current breeding projects and future goals • Lessons learned as a breeder and content creator • Growing within today’s reptile community Whether you’re a new keeper or a longtime breeder, this episode is full of insight, stories, and plenty of laughs. Building Knowledge. Growing Community.

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Hosts Shane Kelley of Small Town Xotics Josh & Alisha Harbin of Herpin Harbins Technical Producer Jay Kaps of Green Line Morphs

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Keywords The Reptile Guild Reptile Guild Podcast Lace White Lace Balls Show Me Your Rack ball python podcast ball python breeder reptile breeder interview Small Town Xotics Herpin Harbins

Finding a qualified reptile veterinarian before an emergency happens can make all the difference. In this episode of the Reptile Guild Podcast, Shane Kelley of Small Town Xotics joins Josh and Alisha Harbin of Herpin Harbins to discuss how to choose a reptile veterinarian, what questions to ask before your first visit, and how to recognize when it’s time to seek professional medical care. Whether you keep your first ball python, breed western hognose snakes, work with boas, or maintain a large reptile collection, understanding when to involve a veterinarian is an essential part of responsible reptile keeping.

Hosted by Shane Kelley of Small Town Xotics and Josh and Alisha Harbin of Herpin Harbins.

Technical Producer: Jay Kaps of Greenline Morphs

The Reptile Guild is dedicated to building knowledge, growing community, and strengthening the reptile hobby through honest conversations, education, and practical experience.

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/reptileguild Like, subscribe, and share if you enjoy educational reptile content.

Find a reptile vet here ARAV: https://members.arav.org/search/custom.asp?id=3661

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