January 2024 Archives

Interview with a Keeper – Kurt Livesley – Progressive Pythons

What started your passion for reptiles and getting involved in the hobby?

Growing up on a hobby farm was awesome for a kid like me who was crazy about animals. It was like living in my own personal zoo, and I guess that’s where my dream of becoming a vet started. But you know what really kicked my interest into high gear? It was a day when I was 15. My mate had just got this python, and he called me over to check it out. Man, seeing that Diamond python for the first time was something else. It wasn’t just cool; it was fascinating. I couldn’t believe how different it was from the animals I was used to on the farm. I started reading up on reptiles, watching documentaries, you name it. It went from just a cool thing to learn about, to a bit of an obsession. That python basically set my life on a new course. It got me thinking about studying reptiles and maybe working in a field where I could learn more about them. It’s pretty wild how one day, one experience, can open up a whole new world you didn’t even know you were passionate about.

What age did you start your journey?

So, there I was at 15, totally obsessed with reptiles after seeing my friend’s Diamond python. I was like a sponge, soaking up everything I could find about them. But reading about them wasn’t enough, I wanted to get up close and personal. So, the first thing I did once I turned 18, Got myself a reptile license. Then came the cool part – getting my own snake. I started with a diamond python, But I didn’t stop there. Next thing I knew, I got a coastal carpet python too. It was different back then; you couldn’t just buy these guys in a pet shop. It was all about who you knew. I got mine through a mate of a mate. That’s how it worked back then, people have it easy these days.

What species do you keep?

I’ve had quite a variety of reptiles over the years, including Diamond Pythons, Coastal Carpets, Black-headed Pythons (BHP), Green Tree Pythons (GTP), Woma’s, Leaf-tailed Geckos, and Blue-tongue Skinks. Recently, though, my interest has narrowed down mainly to the Antaresia genus, specifically focusing on maculosa, childreni and stimsoni.

What is your favourite species and why?

My favourite Species is obviously Antaresia as I think there is a lot of work that can be done refining the traits they have and morphs they possess within their genealogy.

Do you breed your animals, and what is your secret?

No secret breeding Antaresia is fairly straightforward, I focus on ensuring the females are healthy and well-nourished before the breeding season. By putting the male in with the female for two days in and two days out, you effectively manage the breeding process. I lookout for signs of ovulation and prelay in the females, which are critical indicators for successful breeding.

As the prelay shed indicates that eggs are on the way, preparing the incubator becomes the next crucial step. Turning on the incubator about a week before you expect the eggs ensures it reaches the optimal temperature and humidity levels for successful incubation. This preparation is vital to provide a stable and controlled environment for the eggs to develop.

Breeding success lies in its simplicity and attentiveness. It highlights the importance of understanding the biological cues of the reptiles and providing the right conditions at the right time. Breeding reptiles, especially species like Antaresia isn’t too difficult if you pay attention to the cues and hibernate your animals for a month before the above mentioned cues and have a thought out process. But its nature and things can go and do go wrong, but you live and learn from any mistakes and refine your methods from that point.

What would you tell your younger self about the hobby?

Associate with experienced keepers, these individuals having navigated the complexities and nuances of reptile care and breeding, offer a wealth of practical wisdom that can’t be found in books or online resources alone. By associating with seasoned reptile enthusiasts, you gain insights into best practices, problem-solving strategies, and perhaps even little-known tips that can significantly enhance your own reptile-keeping skills. These relationships are not just informational but can also provide support and encouragement, which are essential in any specialized hobby. Also don’t wait for that new reptile you want to come down in price, jump in early especially on project animals you won’t regret it. Quarantine is the most valuable thing you can do to protect your collection; ensure it’s done correctly and meticulously.

Any projects you’re working on or towards?

One of my main Projects is Platinum Granites and working out what’s going on with the platinum side of things. In my opinion and everybody is welcome to theirs, through all the breeding trials I have done and now completed I think they are Incomplete Dominant in nature and a handy tool for getting double visual animals to pop out. The other project is my Blizzard marble project which is coming along leaps and bounds.

My most recent project is some what reptile related, an App called Husbandry Wizard that I’m developing represents a significant advancement in the realm of animal care and record-keeping. This innovative application is designed to cater to a broad spectrum of enthusiasts, from newcomers to experienced professional keepers, offering a comprehensive and user-friendly platform for managing their collections.

At the core of Husbandry Wizard is its ability to consolidate extensive data pertaining to animal care. This includes details on adult animals, breeding processes, incubation information, and hatchling feeding schedules. The app’s design ensures that all such information is efficiently recorded and easily accessible to subscribers. The integration of cloud technology further enhances this accessibility, allowing users to retrieve their data from any location.

The initial release for the start of February 2024, which includes a web/desktop version followed by a mobile version, this phased rollout ensures that the app is refined and fully functional across different platforms. The decision to go to all the Expos Australia wide this year is to promote the use of it and its benefits to the everyday hobbyist.

Affordability and ease of use are key aspects of the app’s design. The intuitive navigation system, guided by a dashboard layout, allows users to input and manage their animal data effortlessly. This user-friendly interface is critical in ensuring that the app is accessible to a wide range of users, regardless of their tech-savviness.

In summary, Husbandry Wizard is not just an application; it’s a comprehensive solution for the modern reptile enthusiast. Its development and impending release underscore a commitment to enhancing the experience of animal care through technology, making it a valuable tool in the field of herpetology and animal husbandry.

What is your favourite pairing?

My Albino Marble project is at the moment and now that I’ve popped out the double visual ‘Marbino’ it’s getting an even more exciting project to continue into the future. Chek it out on Progressive Pythons Australia FB page.

Any advice for people wanting to get a reptile as a pet?

The usual, do your research and buy something that peaks your interest and always buy from a reputable breeder that will have your back in times of need.