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Reptiles/Expert Profile
Expertise
I can answer questions on the proper husbandry and diet of Iguanas, bearded dragons, geckoes, skinks, chameleons, tortoises, box turtles, treefrogs, non-venomous snakes and tarantulas. Also the breeding of some species of feeder insects. I have no experience with venonmous snakes and only limited experience with aquatic turtles.
Experience in the area
I have been keeping and breeding reptiles for over 30 years. In addition to my regular job in the medical field I also worked for several years in a pet store that specialized only in exotics. The job entailed both caring for and answering questions on innumerable species. It required constant, extensive research into a wide range of reptiles. I have been called to appear on televised national media (CBC, CTV and Life Channel) as well as CBC radio to discuss the proper care of reptiles and other exotics in captivity. I currently own one or more species of those listed under my expertise with the exception of chameleons. I owned chameleons for years but keep none currently. I keep over 20 snakes comprising 5 species, both Colubridae and Boidae. I bred corn snakes for several years. I have a particular interest in treefrogs and currently have 5 different species. I've raised redfoot tortoises for 10 years and have two iguanas, one for 12 years.
Publications
A small and now defunct local magazine called "Pet Vue"
Education/Credentials
Diagnostic medical microbiology with some parasitology experience.
Average Ratings
Recent Reviews from Users
K = Knowledgeability C = Clarity of Response P = Politeness| User | Date | K | C | P | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Josef | 05/14/13 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Thank you so much! I really appreciate ..... |
| Larissa | 03/21/13 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Totally complete answer to my question! Exactly ..... |
| Alfonso | 03/13/13 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Thank you so much, I now have ..... |
| Ashley | 03/05/13 | 10 | 10 | 10 | |
| Mark | 02/04/13 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Thanks , very fast and accurate reply . I ..... |
Recent Answers from Thea
2013-05-13 Ground Walnut Shells:
Hi Josef, Substrate choice has to be one of the most discussed and controversial topics in reptile keeping. I'll preface the discussion by saying that any loose particle substrate presents an impaction
2013-05-06 Snow gecko sick?:
Hi Natalie, The fact that he is a Snow and you are finding him upside down jumped out at me. There have been neurological effects noted with some reptile morphs. The Ball python morph called "Spider"
2013-04-12 sick water dragon lizard:
Hi Connie, Has his diet been supplemented with additional calcium and do you have UVB lighting? Calcium deficiency is very common in captive reptiles and symptoms can manifest in a variety of ways
2013-04-10 Chameleon:
Hi Emily, Lethargy and lack of appetite often occur together in reptiles. They are common symptoms but don't have any one particular cause. Any type of illness, from bacterial infection, parasites
2013-04-04 Gecko bleeding from tail:
Hi Alexa, The muscles, skin ad blood vessels in the area where the tail naturally breaks away are adapted to minimize any blood loss and infection. The newly formed skin over the area will be a bit
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