AmphibiCast Folgen

It’s always important to properly research the husbandry needs of a species before we take on its care as a keeper. An understanding of  the animal’s natural history, it’s captive care needs, behavior, and longevity, is vital if we are to succeed. Equally important though, (yet not always accepted)  is the value of continuing our education and accepting that we are always developing as keepers. This week I am joined by Billy Sveen of Creepers Herpeteculture and we discuss his approach to proper husbandry research and continuing education in the hobby. We talk about starting out with dart frogs, how to pace ourselves as our collections grow, the value that scientific papers have in our husbandry decisions, and how to look at herpeteculture  as a long term process. We also discuss Billy’s artwork, pen and ink, and the old  Dover Book scientific illustrations that inspired us both. To learn more follow Billy @creepersherpeteculture on Instagram https://taplink.cc/creepersherp?fbclid=PAAaYJsIGTKCKoC-_q1-4P2XEJ2LDTfd_ow_-mqG7grQHthdWw_35Bdb03oyA_aem_Ac4TOqeXrDabTa4b4mPsZdL8UauyC17J5dr0y3ynWfXTiNqUAR_Es4GzApvQBdGjbo8 For Billy’s Art follow @improbabledesign https://www.etsy.com/shop/improbabledesign?fbclid=PAAaZ4k2g6PHPITQ1uO0g3DlLT3NeF9hteyOLs5wIeqWA1dganpgzhSEAPanY_aem_Ac4EFzaGaLBpOUWo2530oNLDHGsQrhdAmSiWEQOjDZQfh4XcnxF28tywkFI4YMyjpe8&load_webview=1&bid=g9MII3KSyOsQJlSc29avyI2A0Dm8To Support the Podcast by becoming a Patron, for merch, and for a 10% discount off of an In Situ Ecosystems Vivarium visit https://linktr.ee/AmphibiCast?fbclid=PAAaYiKqSaOr-c6rjghs35tISImr1sJX6LA7rPQrg2D6EuT6a49Ob29o72TMQ_aem_Ac7TnZSuX9vUsPVmywG0vS_G6OepLf2hb9IgJ6yML33DWjpHdpSGFCtD7AILg2msMZ4This Week’s Guest, Billy Sveen is a hobbyist, academic physician, and artist from Minnesota with a collection that includes dendrobates leucomelas and a royal python. 

Horned frogs (Also fondly known as "Pacman Frogs" are commonly kept by both beginners and advanced hobbyists. They have relatively simple care  requirements and can make a great entry level amphibian. In this episode, I run down some basic husbandry and care requirements that every pacman frog beginner should be familiar with. This week's episode is sponsored by Gray Ghost Creations. For unique amphibian, reptile, and arachnid art, visit https://www.etsy.com/shop/GrayGhostCreationsTo Support the Podcast by becoming a Patron for as low as a dollar a month, for a 10% discount off of an In Situ Ecosystems vivarium, and for frog merch, visit https://linktr.ee/AmphibiCastNote*  in the substrate portion of this episode I mistakenly referred to Zoo Med as the brand  that makes jungle mix. It is actually made by Zilla. Beginner Pacman Frog Checklist:1. Escape proof enclosure - 2-5 gallons for small froglets, 10 - 20 for subadults and small males 20-30 plus for large adult females2. Substrate that holds moisture, drains well and is deep enough for frog to burrow (Zilla jungle mix / plantation soil types)3. Water dish with dechlorinated water for soaking4. Supplemental Heat / lighting - maintain daytime temp of 78-85 evening drop to low 70s. Use a timer for 12 hour on 12 hour off day / night cycle ( try to provide a gradient with a warm side and a cool side in the enclosure5. Temp gun / digitial thermometer to monitor tank temps6. Some sort of hide 7.  If opting for a naturalistic tank ,pothos and springtails make for a simple beginner setup (always wash plants off well first)8. Feeders and proper supplements to dust them with9. If providing UVB use a quality low intensity bulb 10. Handle only if necessary. Moist nitrile gloves come in handy- otherwise clean, moist oil / lotion free hands only and as little as possible!11.  Time! remember frogs can live up to 15 years.If you'd like to dive deeper into beginner care please check out Episiode 29. The Great Substrate Debate Episode 33. Top Ten Beginner Species CountdownEpisode 117. Top Ten Beginner MistakesFor additional care info visit Devin Edmond's page at https://amphibiancare.com/2005/06/05/horned-frogs/For more about wild ceratophrys diet, "What does a Pacman eat? Macrophagy and necrophagy in a generalist predator (Ceratophrys stolzmanni" ) by Szekely, et al. 2019, visit: https://peerj.com/articles/6406/For more about UVB , "UV-B, Vitamin D3, and amphibian health and behaviour," by Browne et al. 2009  visit: https://www.amphibianark.org/research/Amphibian-UV-B-and-vitamin-D3.pdfAll links are the property of their respective owners. I do not claim authorship of the aforementioned papers / resources. 

Ameerega is arguably one of the most stunning genera of dart frogs. Although they are not as common in the hobby as  dendrobates or oophaga, they are still a vibrant and interesting genus with a variety of colorful species  that make a fine additional to a properly sized vivarium. This week I am joined by Canadian Hobbyist and Breeder, Sean McIntyre. Sean and I discuss Ameerega as a genus, and some of the of the species and locales of Ameerega that he currently works with.  We dispel some misconceptions about care and we take a deep dive into proper husbandry and breeding.  We also talk about the dart frog hobby in Canada and why Ameerega are less common in the US hobby. To support the show by becoming a Patron, for merch, and for a 10 % discount off of an In Situ Ecosystems vivarium visit https://linktr.ee/AmphibiCast?fbclid=PAAabeX2cIbRO-Q_9vJCgJGrqYX9eq4gY7Q0YCChxHERWcBeJHQrdjWCxLpbM_aem_th_Ade73qNlgaBGtRi5SLiBbjM24KGWDbtAApGDBFgLZ69m_LQaXNqeXGNgdM6lqcv58WEThis Week's episode is sponsored by Gray Ghost Creations. For unique wildlife, reptile, amphibian, and arachnid art visit:https://www.etsy.com/shop/GrayGhostCreationsMore about this week’s guest:Sean McIntyre is a dart frog hobbyist from Canada who specializes in Ameerega. Be sure to follow Sean @redbeard0511