Reptile Guild

Shane Kelley, Josh Harbin, Alisha Harbin

Welcome to the Reptile Guild Podcast, where reptile keepers, breeders, and enthusiasts come together to share knowledge, build community, and grow the hobby. Hosted by Shane Kelley of Small Town Xotics and Josh & Alisha Harbin of Herpin Harbins, The Reptile Guild is dedicated to honest conversations about reptile breeding, husbandry, genetics, business, conservation, and the realities of life in the reptile world. Whether you keep ball pythons, western hognose snakes, boas, kingsnakes, geckos, or simply have a passion for reptiles, you’ll find valuable insights, practical experience, and authentic discussions from people actively involved in the hobby. Each episode may feature: • Interviews with breeders, keepers, and industry leaders • Breeding strategies and project planning • Reptile husbandry and care discussions • Genetics and morph-focused conversations • Reptile business and marketing topics • Community events and industry trends • Q&A sessions and listener discussions • Honest perspectives on the challenges and successes of reptile keeping The Reptile Guild was founded on a simple belief: the reptile hobby is stronger when knowledge is shared, friendships are built, and the community supports one another. Our goal is to create a welcoming place where newcomers can learn, experienced keepers can share their expertise, and everyone can enjoy meaningful conversations about the animals we love. Whether you’re working toward your first clutch, growing a collection, or simply looking to connect with other reptile enthusiasts, you’re welcome here. Building Knowledge. Growing Community. Hosted by: Shane Kelley – Small Town Xotics & Josh & Alisha Harbin – Herpin Harbins Technical Producer: Jay Kaps (Greenline Morphs) Listen, learn, and join the Guild. https://www.patreon.com/SmallTownXotics

Episodes

  1. 16h ago

    Cryptosporidium in Reptiles | Symptoms, Testing, Prevention & Treatment | Reptile Guild Podcast

    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

    Cryptosporidium in Reptiles | Symptoms, Testing, Prevention & Treatment | Reptile Guild Podcast
  2. 5d ago

    Reptile Thermostats Explained | Which One Should You Buy? | 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. ⸻ Hosts Shane Kelley of Small Town Xotics Josh & Alisha Harbin of Herpin Harbins Technical Producer Jay Kaps of Green Line Morphs ⸻ 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. ⸻ 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

    Reptile Thermostats Explained | Which One Should You Buy? | Reptile Guild Podcast

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Reptile Guild Podcast, where reptile keepers, breeders, and enthusiasts come together to share knowledge, build community, and grow the hobby. Hosted by Shane Kelley of Small Town Xotics and Josh & Alisha Harbin of Herpin Harbins, The Reptile Guild is dedicated to honest conversations about reptile breeding, husbandry, genetics, business, conservation, and the realities of life in the reptile world. Whether you keep ball pythons, western hognose snakes, boas, kingsnakes, geckos, or simply have a passion for reptiles, you’ll find valuable insights, practical experience, and authentic discussions from people actively involved in the hobby. Each episode may feature: • Interviews with breeders, keepers, and industry leaders • Breeding strategies and project planning • Reptile husbandry and care discussions • Genetics and morph-focused conversations • Reptile business and marketing topics • Community events and industry trends • Q&A sessions and listener discussions • Honest perspectives on the challenges and successes of reptile keeping The Reptile Guild was founded on a simple belief: the reptile hobby is stronger when knowledge is shared, friendships are built, and the community supports one another. Our goal is to create a welcoming place where newcomers can learn, experienced keepers can share their expertise, and everyone can enjoy meaningful conversations about the animals we love. Whether you’re working toward your first clutch, growing a collection, or simply looking to connect with other reptile enthusiasts, you’re welcome here. Building Knowledge. Growing Community. Hosted by: Shane Kelley – Small Town Xotics & Josh & Alisha Harbin – Herpin Harbins Technical Producer: Jay Kaps (Greenline Morphs) Listen, learn, and join the Guild. https://www.patreon.com/SmallTownXotics