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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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| N | 12/30/11 | 10 | 8 | 10 | Thanks! the answer i was given helped ..... |
| Sarah | 12/26/11 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Thank you! Turns out the day after ..... |
| Corey | 11/30/11 | 10 | 10 | 10 | thank you very much that helped a ..... |
| Sherri | 11/23/11 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Thank you, Thea. We are still observing ..... |
| justin | 11/16/11 | 10 | 10 | 10 | very helpful |
Recent Answers from Thea
2012-02-07 leopard gecko:
Hi Sarah, The winter months can cause their appetite to drop a bit but they don't usually stop eating completely. If your leo has stopped eating to the point of growing very thin then something is likely
2012-02-04 Bahaman Anole:
Hi Taylor, There is no way to estimate their chances of recovery without knowing the exact nature of the damage. I can tell you that it is worth the effort to help them because improvement and at least
2012-01-19 russian tortoise shell growth:
Hi Len, That colour change is completely normal for a growing Russian tortoise and nothing to worry about. The dark colour in the center takes up a much larger percentage of the scute when they are
2012-01-12 bearded dragon eggs:
Hi Martin, If you have not already done so, I would first recommend moving the eggs out of the laying tank and into a small incubation container with damp vermiculite or perlite. That will keep them
2012-01-05 Bearded dragon behavior:
Hi Bailey, It is quite possible that he is merely entering brumation which is similar to hibernation. They usually start brumating anytime during the fall or winter. Brumating dragons typically sleep
Answers by Expert:
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