Interview with a Keeper – Emilie Lilian from Elms Reptiles

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

My journey with reptiles began a little differently and I was absolutely terrified of them for most of my life. I love animals and as I got older realised how irrational the fear was so set to getting over it. I spent awhile researching and trying to learn what I could before I brought my first snake home. The fear was so short lived from there and years on I just couldn’t imagine life without them!

What age did you start your journey?

I was 20.

What species do you keep?

I keep a few different species of snakes. Python wise, primarily Children’s pythons, however I also keep a handful of Spotted Pythons, Green Tree Pythons, Olive Pythons, and a lonely Coastal Carpet.
I began keeping elapids a few years ago and am lucky enough to keep Red-Bellied Black Snakes and a small variety of Death Adders as well.

What is your favourite species and why?

That is a very hard one as they are all so different and amazing in their own ways. I really love the variety that I have when it comes to size, temperament, handling style etc.
I really can’t land on just the one, so between two instead…
I absolutely love Adders and being able to interact with them and observe their behaviour up close will always feel like such a huge privilege and I’m very grateful to be able to keep the individuals I do.
I also really enjoy my Children’s, they’re just beautiful little snakes to work with, great temperament, easy to handle and there is so much variety within the morphs.

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

I do, no juicy secrets to share just a lot of research, patience, love, and time. Make sure you are prepared to spend every free hour of your time feeding and cleaning hatchlings and adults.
I’ve been very lucky along the way to make some fantastic friends who have been willing to share their time and expertise and for that I am incredibly grateful. There are so many things you just aren’t able to read from a book and need the hands-on experience and knowledge from other keepers. There are so many different ways to do things, find what works best for you and your animals and be open minded to new ideas and adaptations as they come along.

What would you tell your younger self about the hobby?

Don’t be afraid to reach out to people for help, you will never stop learning and (for the most part) there is no such thing as a stupid question. So many people are willing to share their knowledge and having someone experienced you can trust is so important. Don’t worry about the people with nothing nice to say, there are some in every aspect of life.

Any projects you’re working on or towards?

Lately just enclosure builds. I’ve been slowly chipping away with naturalistic displays for everyone, a timely process but worth it when they’re all done and dusted!
Breeding wise over the next few years I’ll be continuing with my Children’s mainly, but I’m looking forward to working with the olives, spotted’s and adders once everyone is up to size.

What is your favourite pairing?

Last season it was from my 100% DH to a T+ 100% Het Marble which produced our very first Tarble. Always very exciting seeing something new pop out of the egg.

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

Research, Research, Research.
There is no one size fits all when it comes to what makes the perfect first snake/reptile, however in saying that there are species that are better left until you gain some more experience so its incredibly important to research thoroughly before making any commitments.

Make sure you understand their needs- this ranges from the basics of housing, heating, UVB and feeding, to also having an understanding of what their natural behaviours are, signs of illness, stress etc.
Educate yourself as much as possible on the importance of quarantine, viral testing and the many viruses’ snakes can suffer from – nido, borna, sunshine etc. This is important now more than ever!

Make sure you can afford the vet. Reptile vets have a specialist skill set and with that, comes a specialist price so its important to be aware and prepared for these expenses BEFORE bringing one home – If you can’t afford the vet, you can’t afford the pet.

Find a trusted breeder – Read reviews, listen to recommendations, and trust your gut! Your breeder should be willing to spend the time with you and help you fill in the gaps of your knowledge. As said previously, some things you just can’t pick up in a book. Most breeders are happy to help with any questions you may have about keeping, quarantine, housing, and just general little titbits of advice– If they don’t seem to want a bar of you, find someone who does. Having the support of your breeder is so vital, it can be daunting bringing home your first reptile and just having that person in your corner you know is willing to support you makes so much difference.