top of page

RECOIL UNCAGED: THE PREMIER REPTILE NEWSLETTER


 

Advanced Reptile Keeping

Volume 1 / Issue 1

AUGUST 2024

 

Welcome to August!


This month, we're diving into the fascinating world of advanced reptile keeping. Whether you've been caring for reptiles for years or are ready to take your hobby to the next level, this newsletter is packed with tips, tricks, and insights to help you create the ultimate habitat for your scaly friends.


At Recoil Reptiles Racks and Enclosures, we believe in constantly pushing the boundaries of what's possible in reptile care. From custom enclosures that mimic natural habitats to the latest in advanced equipment, we're here to support your journey as an experienced reptile keeper.


This month, we'll be featuring articles on advanced enclosure customizations, showcasing impressive setups from our community, and offering exclusive discounts on products designed for the seasoned enthusiast. Get ready to upgrade your reptile-keeping game!


Happy Herping!


Alan & Denise Britton

Owners, Recoil Reptiles Racks and Enclosures


 

Keeper Spotlight:

Chris and Sarah McVicar

of New Shed Serpents

Advanced keepers sharing their experiences


Chris and Sarah McVicar
New Shed Current Facility

I've been keeping reptiles most of my life, but for the last 21 years, it's been all about breeding snakes. Our collection now mostly consists of reticulated pythons and boa constrictors, but over the years, we’ve also worked with ball pythons, Angolan pythons, Burmese pythons, and a few other species.


My passion for reptiles took root when I was a kid, exploring the wild landscapes of Nevada, Arkansas, and Louisiana. My parents were supportive of my love for animals—anything but snakes, that is. But when my wife, Sarah, and I moved to Oklahoma, she bought me a ball python for my 19th birthday. That was the moment everything changed. Shortly after, we started keeping boas, and our journey into the world of reptiles truly began.


We started out by attending local herp meetings and reptile shows, soaking in as much knowledge as we could. A few years into keeping snakes, I began working part-time for a local ball python breeder. That experience opened up a whole new world for me, especially when I was introduced to reticulated pythons. In 2006 or 2007, we acquired our first pair of retics, and from there, we were hooked. Our collection grew rapidly, especially when we partnered with the ball python breeder I was working for.


In 2010, we produced around 800 babies—retics, burms, boas, balls, and even corn snakes. Retics, in particular, captured our hearts with their inquisitive and active nature. Though our collection is smaller now, retics and boas remain our primary focus, alongside a few other species.

2005-2006 Chris' homemade racks and cages

One of my most challenging projects began in 2006-2007 when my old business partner picked up a wild-caught adult titanium male from Dave and Tracy Barker. We were fortunate enough to breed him the following year with a pure Bali yellow head. This was the same time Jay proved his titanium line, and I was determined to see our project through. After years of failed attempts and holding back females, we finally proved out our line of titanium's in 2016. It was the longest, hardest project I’ve worked on, but the reward was worth every effort. That experience taught me the importance of patience in breeding and keeping reptiles.


2005-2006 Chris' homemade racks and cages

Looking back, I never imagined my reptile journey would unfold this way. My wife cried the first time we fed that ball python, and while it’s been full of challenges, it’s also been incredibly rewarding. We’ve met so many amazing people along the way, and one thing I’ve learned is to never stop learning and always strive to do better for both yourself and your animals.


If there’s one piece of advice I’d offer, it’s to start small and grow slowly to avoid getting overwhelmed like we did in the beginning. By reducing the number of animals we keep and increasing the size of their enclosures, we've found that caring for them is much more manageable and enjoyable. Sometimes, we lose track of why we started keeping reptiles in the first place, but having fewer snakes and keeping them in larger, high-quality enclosures—like the ones we got from Recoil Reptiles Racks and Enclosures—has really brought the passion back for me.



New Shed Current Facility



Chris and Sarah McVicar

New Shed Serpents

Oklahoma City, OK

Contact Info:

405-973-5646

Facebook: Chris McVicar

Instagram: Chris_mcvicar2


 

Advanced Enclosure Customizations

Elevate Your Reptile Habitat with Advanced Enclosure Customizations


 As a seasoned or novice reptile keeper, you understand that providing a comfortable and stimulating environment is key to the health and well-being of your reptiles. This month, we're focusing on advanced enclosure customizations that can take your reptile habitats to the next level.

 

Custom PVC Enclosures

PVC enclosures are a popular choice due to their durability, ease of cleaning, and excellent insulation properties. Custom-built options allow you to tailor the size and features to your specific needs. Consider adding multiple levels, built-in hides, and climbing structures to enhance the living space.

 

Temperature and Humidity Management

Maintaining the perfect temperature and humidity is crucial. Advanced setups often include:

 

  • Digital Thermostats: These provide precise control over heat sources, ensuring a stable environment.

     

  • Multiple Heat Sources: Combine radiant heat panels, ceramic heat emitters, and under-tank heaters to create temperature gradients.

     

  • Automated Misting Systems: These help maintain consistent humidity levels, essential for species from tropical environments.

     

Innovative Lighting Solutions

 Lighting plays a vital role in reptile health. Upgrade your enclosure with:

 

  • UVB Lighting: Essential for species that require UV exposure for calcium metabolism. Replace bulbs every 6 months to ensure efficiency.

     

  • LED UVB Lighting: These energy-efficient options offer longer lifespans and can be a great investment for advanced keepers.

     

  • Full Spectrum LEDs: Perfect for enclosures with live plants, promoting healthy plant growth and maintaining a naturalistic environment.

 


Bioactive Setups

 

Creating a bioactive enclosure can greatly benefit your reptiles by mimicking their natural habitat:

 

  • Live Plants: Use appropriate species that thrive in the enclosure's conditions.

     

  • Custodians: Introduce beneficial organisms like springtails and isopods to help break down waste.

     

  • Natural Substrates: Utilize layers of soil, sand, and leaf litter to replicate the forest floor.

     

Enrichment and Naturalistic Decor

A well-decorated enclosure not only looks great but also provides mental stimulation for your reptiles:

 

  • Climbing Structures: Branches, vines, and shelves can mimic natural habitats and promote exercise.

     

  • Hide Boxes and Caves: Essential for providing a sense of security and helping reduce stress.

     

  • Live Plants: If appropriate for your species, live plants can enhance the natural feel of the enclosure and improve air quality.

     

Smart Sensors and Plugs

Integrating smart technology can make managing your reptile enclosures more efficient:

 

  • Smart Sensors: Monitor temperature, humidity, and light levels remotely to ensure optimal conditions at all times.

     

  • Smart Plugs: Automate lighting, heating, and misting systems to maintain a consistent environment with minimal manual intervention.

     

Health Monitoring and Record Keeping

Advanced keepers should maintain detailed records of their reptiles' health, feeding, and behavior:

 

  • Regular Health Checks: Look for signs of illness or parasites and address issues promptly.

     

  • Annual Vet Visits: Ensure your reptiles get a thorough check-up to catch any potential health problems early.

     

  • Digital Records: Use apps or spreadsheets to track feeding schedules, shedding cycles, and breeding information.



By implementing these advanced customization techniques, you can create a thriving environment that meets the complex needs of your reptiles. Not only will your pets benefit from a more natural and enriched habitat, but you'll also enjoy the satisfaction of seeing them thrive in a beautifully crafted enclosure.



 

Product Spotlight: PVC Enclosures

Why Choose PVC Enclosures for Your Reptiles?

PVC enclosures are the gold standard for advanced reptile keepers, offering a perfect blend of durability, functionality, and aesthetics. These enclosures provide excellent insulation, helping to maintain stable temperatures and humidity levels crucial for your reptiles' well-being.

 

Key Features:

  • Customizable: Tailor the size, shape, and features to fit your specific needs.

  • Easy Maintenance: Smooth surfaces make cleaning and disinfecting a breeze.

  • Water-Resistant: Ideal for high-humidity environments or species that require misting.

 

PVC enclosures are also lightweight yet sturdy, making them easy to move and rearrange as needed. Whether you’re housing large snakes, lizards, or amphibians, these enclosures can be outfitted with all the necessary components, such as heat panels, lighting, and ventilation, to create the perfect habitat.

 

Upgrade Your Habitat:

Elevate your reptile-keeping experience with a custom PVC enclosure that not only meets but exceeds the needs of your pets. Invest in one today to see the difference in your reptiles' health and happiness.




 

Upcoming Expos for August, September, and October

 

August

  • August 3-4: HERPS Exotic Reptile and Pet Show - Heart of Oklahoma Exposition Center, Shawnee, OK. Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

     

  • August 17-18: HERPS Exotic Reptile and Pet Show - Brazos County Expo Complex, Bryan/College Station, TX. Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

     

September

  • September 7-8: NARBC - Dallas Market Center, Dallas, TX. Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

     

  • September 14-15: HERPS Exotic Reptile and Pet Show - The Lone Star Convention & Expo Center, Conroe, TX. Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

     

  • September 21-22: Lone Star Reptile Expo - Amarillo Civic Center Complex, Amarillo, TX. Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

     

October

  • October 5-6: HERPS Exotic Reptile and Pet Show - 301 W Loop 121, Belton, TX. Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

     

  • October 19-20: Lone Star Reptile Expo - NYTEX Sports Centre, North Richland Hills, TX. Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

     

For more details and future events, visit our Events Page!



Thanks for Reading!




176 views0 comments

Comments

Rated 0 out of 5 stars.
No ratings yet
Add a rating
bottom of page