Sierra Scales Exotics

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Sierra Scales Exotics

Herpetoculturist located in the California Sierra Nevada foothills focusing on quality ball pythons, dwarf rats, and isopods. Native reptile education.
(6)

Also working on advancing husbandry for Halmahera Blue Tongue skinks to attempt to breed in captivity.

11/12/2024

OK, long overdue book update for those who've been waiting! Turns out I don't know how to make things simple, and maybe went a bit overboard with everything I wanted to include in my book. Which is both good and bad I suppose. The good news is that the book will be even better than initially promised; the bad news is that it probably won't be available until about February.

I have poured so much time, love, and care into this book. I want to make sure I do it right and that it reflects the effort that I have put into it.

I apologize for the delay and appreciate the patience of those who have been eagerly waiting for it! I promise it will be worth the wait!

Message me to get on my email list that I will be starting up this weekend now that i am closer to the end!

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09/12/2024

Do you see that smile on my face? That is a true, 100% genuine love my life smile! This right here is my true calling.

Here’s a glimpse of the show and tell program I did for little Jameson’s 4th birthday. He was a bit nervous about snakes at first, but after a pre-party meet-up, he held Bazooka (the rubber boa) and Calypso (my largest ball python) like a pro!

At the start of the party, a few kids were nervous about snakes, reptiles, and bugs, but after explaining how harmless they are if left alone, everyone began to relax. I broke the ice with Zoolander the Crested Gecko, and their faces absolutely lit up watching him climb the glass and jump. The rest of the program went smoothly, with only a little hesitation toward the millipedes (poor Reeses and Rollo). By the end, they were all fully into it, as evidenced by the fourth photo!

Thank you for inviting me to your party, Jameson, and I hope you had a very Happy 4th Birthday!

I’m now accepting bookings for birthday parties in 2025! My program includes 1 hour of hands-on reptile, amphibian, and invertebrate fun, a 30-minute photo session, goodie bags for the kids, and a special gift for the birthday child, a hand-painted wooden snake or lizard (made by me) that moves just like the real thing!

Message me to book, and let's make your child’s next birthday unforgettable! 🦎🐍🕷🐛

Available in Tuolumne County, CA, and all neighboring counties.

Photo credit to @ Katie Willer

07/12/2024

🐍 Meet Poppy!

I’m so excited to introduce the newest member of my educational ambassador animal collection: Poppy, a 4-year-old Gopher Snake! She came to me from a wonderful lady who took her in as a rescue. Isn't she just stunning?

Sadly, Poppy’s journey hasn’t been easy — she was caught in the wild by a child and kept for four years without proper care. Unfortunately, this led to her being underweight and permanently stunted due to poor nutrition.

But after receiving proper veterinary care and love, Poppy is now healthy and thriving! She’s such a gentle and sweet soul, and I already love her so much!

Her story will help teach others about the effects of keeping wild animals without understanding their needs. This unfortunately happens to wild animals, like Poppy, all too often.

I can’t wait to share her story in the hopes that with more education, there won't be as many animals in Poppy's situation in the future. Poppy is proof that with love and care, second chances are possible.

30/11/2024

After a year of challenges, growth, and some tough lessons, I’ve come to a place of clarity. Those who have been with me from the start know this journey wasn’t always easy. However, it’s shaped who I am today and made me realize exactly what direction I need to go and where my passion truly ignites.

I have mentioned before I won't be breeding anything but isopods anymore. I will now be focusing on reptile and amphibian education programs, birthday parties, events, and guided h**p and photography tours and workshops. I will be promoting learning native species, responisble and ethical h**ping, responsible reptile keeping, and more. I also will offer custom terrarium background/ bioactive builds and continue to offer rattlesnake relocation and education.

To help visualize this, I am rebranding with a fresh new logo, symbolizing not just change but the evolution of something new. The struggles of the past few years have taught me resilience, given me the strength to define my purpose, and I’m more determined than ever to keep pushing forward. I finally have a clear vision and a plan for the coming year.

Thank you all for your support during this journey. I can't express how much you all mean to me, and I can’t wait to bring you all along for what’s ahead! This is the real deal.

**ptours **ping **pingisforeveryone **petology **petoculture

27/11/2024

I caught sight of Ziggy out and about today, and I must say, I’m absolutely captivated by how stunning this little spider is! There’s a reason C. versicolor has always been on my bucket list for so long, and caring for it has truly been a delight. While it can be a bit defensive, I can't blame it—after all, it’s a big world for such a small spider. 👀

24/11/2024

I want to be crystal clear—I do not advocate for keeping wild-caught reptiles as pets, and in most cases, it's something you can purchase through a breeder. Wild animals are meant to live in the wild, and the vast majority of wild-caught reptiles do not survive long in captivity because we, as hobbyists, often don't have the expertise to meet their needs.

I used to not believe in keeping wild-caught reptiles. However, in California, it's illegal to sell/ purchase many native reptiles. For my educational programs, I have made an exception to my wild-caught stance by obtaining a few native species. But I know I can provide for them in every way possible. Captive environments need to mirror natural habitats as closely as possible, and that’s not something most people can manage. Every animal is unique, and getting their environment just right requires an immense amount of knowledge and skill.

In this particular case, spreading awareness about this species (which I have seen time and time again killed by being mistaken for a venomous coral snake) is something I find worth it. These reptiles play an important role in their ecosystems, and my goal is to show how beneficial and harmless they are, not to encourage their removal from the wild.

This is an example of a wild-caught Lampropeltis zonata (California Mountain Kingsnake) thriving in captivity because with the soil from where he was found, leaf litter, pinecones, sticks, and rocks—I've been able to recreate his natural environment to ensure he feels at home. The results? This guy is thriving, and it makes me feel accomplished as a Herpetoculturist, knowing I’ve provided him with a feels-like-home experience.

⚠️ This post is NOT an endorsement of wild-caught reptiles as pets. It’s a reminder that while I’ve gone against my wild-caught stance, I have given this ambassador animal a proper home. That was only possible because I’ve invested the time and effort to learn how to replicate his natural habitat. As it should be.

**ping **presponsibly

24/11/2024

Have you ever seen a more personable tiny snake? This is Garths morning routine; he is just politely slithering up to the front of his enclosure to politly ask for a worm!

Did you know garter snakes play an important role in controlling pest populations? They mainly feast on small critters like worms, insects, and even slugs—helping to keep the ecosystem balanced. They make the best little garden companions!

If you spot one, don't be scared! They're shy and harmless, and they’ll usually slither away when they sense you. After all, they are looking for a worm lunch, not trouble!

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22/11/2024

Zoolander just vibin', livin' the dream 🦎🌴

Honestly, can we all just take a moment to appreciate how chill it must be to have zero brain cells and be this content with life? No worries, no stress—just vibes.
And yes, that's the same adorable drink umbrella he came home with. 🥰

21/11/2024

🎉 Exciting News! Meet my NEW chocolate millipedes, Reeses and Rollo, I picked up from at the in Lodi a few weekends ago!
I’ve been obsessed with these amazing creatures since I was a kid, and I’m beyond thrilled to finally have this particular species in my care.

Fun Facts About Chocolate Millipedes: They are native to the dry savannahs of Africa. They can grow up to 10 inches long, but despite their size, they’re incredibly friendly and gentle! They are otally harmless to humans, and it's been said they sometimes give off a chocolate aroma (I haven't experienced that yet, though). As detritivores, they help keep the environment clean by munching on decaying plant and organic matter – nature’s cleanup crew!

I’ll be using these awesome millipedes in educational programs, helping others discover how incredible (and surprisingly sweet) these creatures are. Stay tuned for more creepy-crawly adventures!

17/11/2024

Hi, it's me, I am alive.

I apologize for the radio silence over the past few days. And for the inconsistency the last few weeks. I have been going through some health changes that were unpredicted, and no one quite knows what's going on with me yet. It doesn't help that even with my really good federal employee insurance, I'm having a hard time finding specialists or getting referrals to specialists that take my insurance, or the copays are absolutely outrageous. So, I have been struggling to grasp some new realities and adjust accordingly.

This last week, I had to go through the tremendous loss of my sweet 14.5 year old heart dog, Daisy. After all the years of unconditional love and support, I had to help her across the rainbow bridge, and it broke me in ways I didn't know I could break. So, I needed a few days to pick up the pieces and try to reassemble them.

In the process of grieving and adjusting to the new normal, I realized Polly, my doxie, was also struggling with the loss of her best friend. She would sleep in Daisy's bed and wait by the door when people showed up thinking Daisy was coming home. It was heartbreaking.

I had been looking for a friend for her the past few months, knowing Daisy's time was coming, hoping to find one before Daisy passed, thinking it would help Polly through the transition. But I wasn't able to find one in time.

HOWEVER, I did find her a friend this past week, though. She is a mini dachshund just like Polly, and she was being rehomed by a young family who needed to find her a home due to some unforeseen circumstances.

So, we welcomed Piper, the black and tan partial pied puppy into our lives amidst one of our biggest heartbreaks. Piper has been a blessing and a wonderful distraction. While nothing and no one could ever replace Daisy or fill the giant hole she left in our hearts and home, this little one is at least easing some of the pain.

I hope to be back to my regular schedule soon! For now, scroll all the way to the end for cute we**ie dog puppy pics!

31/10/2024

Happy Halloween, stay safe out there everyone! My mini pumpkins were stolen by Garth, he did so well for his first little photoshoot! So good that I even let him have the pumpkins in his house.

Garth is a juvenile Santa Cruz garter snake (possible intergrade) I acquired (with a permit) back in August. He is a big fan of eating tasty earth worms and comes to me when I open his enclosure to give him a worm. It is adorable!

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19/10/2024

I'm so happy Taffy is going to be going to a good home soon! He was my third ball python, and am really going to miss him. He has always been quite the character, such as today when he put himself in a headlock. 😂

He is going to be quite spoiled by the sounds of it, his future snake mom, , is so excited for him!

04/10/2024

Isn't Bazooka, previously named Twizzler, the cutest little artist ever?! 🎨✨ She loves wrapping around my Apple Pencil while helping me work on my book. Who knew snakes could be so inspiring? I'd say rubber boas are one of the most underappreciated snakes! 🐍💕

30/09/2024

💥 I've got some BIG NEWS to share! 💥
These past few weeks, well more like two months, I have been working almost non-stop on a new project! (Surprise, surprise)

🐍📖 I am writing and illustrating a fun AND educational BOOK for kids, all about the several ways to take care of their ball python! For new keepers or even kiddos that have had their snake for awhile, either will have fun with this book packed with cute infographics, chore trackers, activities, coloring pages, and more! ✨

I am approaching the publishing process, and wanted to put out an email list for those who would like to be notified when it goes live on Amazon! If interested in getting notified comment your email or send it to me via DM and I will add you to my list! 📝

I realized that there isn't very much kid targeted reptile care information out there, written in language kids understand. I also wanted to create something that would help kids form an unbreakable bond with their scaly friend, helping them maintain interest and remember to take care of their snake. ❤️

There's not much of a wait left, but for now, enjoy the sneak peek of many hours of work and love that have gone into this so far! ❤️

Feel free to share with those with kiddos and anyone you think may be interested! Sharing is caring! 🫂

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Sneak peek.... Getting any ideas as to what I'm up to yet? 😉😏 #art #artist #artistsofinstagram #artistsupportartists #artoftheday #artistsupport #instaartist #procreate #ipad #ipadart #procreateapp #procreateartist #procreateart #digitalart #digitalartisart #artisart #reptileart #reptilelover #reptilesarelife #reptilesmakegreatpets #reptileenrichment #enrichment #ballpython #ballpythoncollection #ballpythonaspets #petsnake #petsnakes #petstagram #petoftheday #petreptile

It is baby rattlesnake season, and for #wildlifewednesday I wanted to share my revamped (still not quite done, but close) Rattlesnake Relocation services page on my website! It has some good info as well as contacts to get ahold of for further assistance if I am not available to help. Soon I'll have a whole infographic on the difference between rattlesnakes and a gopher snakes, how to avoid snake bites, and how to make your yard/home less inviting to the uninvited! Let me know what you think, (unless you think "The only good snake is a dead snake" because you are 100% wrong on that, and no one wants to hear it). 😉 #crotalusoreganus #crotalus #westernrattlesnake #rattlesnake #rattlesnakerelocateca #rattlesnakeca #rattlesnakesofinstagram #rattlesnakeeducation #rattlesnakerelocatetuolumnecounty #snake #snakes #snakeeducation #nativereptiles #nativewildlife #savethesnakes #snakesareanimalstoo #snakesneedlovetoo #tuolumnecounty #visittuolumnecounty #tuolumnetogether #dowhatyoulove #lovewhatyoudo

Hot Take: Why is it acceptable to talk about snakes in violent and horrible ways? I have been taking screen shots of all the things I see people saying about rattlesnakes for a few weeks. This is the result. Absolutely repulsive. If we talked about cats or dogs the same way people talk about snakes, especially rattlesnakes, the general population would lose their mind. This is stuff that gets passed down generation to generation, and half of it isn't even true. Can we stop? Please? Can we do some due diligence to educate ourselves, or make some effort to listen and learn from others? Just maybe?

Pinch me, I must be dreaming! How did I get so lucky to get this stunning creature! He just glows in the sun and the iridescence on his scales is mesmerizing to watch as he moves. After a bit of deliberation of name choices, @aarxnjames and I agreed on Zorro the Zonata! He looks like he has a little mask on, and like the character in the movie, he will be "fighting" for his victimized friends against injustice and prejudice by way of education! It seemed too fitting! This video was a quick one from when I took him outside to do a full body check for mites, ticks, or any other parasites that may be hitch hiking on him. He was surprisingly very clean, aside from some recent looking scars. I cannot wait to bond with him more after some decompression time. He is such a chill, friendly snake! #zorro #zonata #lampropeltiszonata #californiamountainkingsnake #kingsnakesofig #Kingsnake #kingsnakesofinstagram #kingsnakecalifornia #nativereptile #nativereptiles #nativesnakes #herpetofauna #herpcommunity #herpetology #herpingisforeveryone #herpingcalifornia #sciencecommunication #conservationeducation #education #dowhatyoulove #lovewhatyoudo

I wanted to start doing a #featurefriday post every week to show the adoptable friends looking for forever homes! This weeks #featuredfriend is Leela! Leela is a 3 year old Fire Yellowbelly ball python. She is about 3.5 feet long, eats frozen thawed or live food, and is an absolute sweetheart. I WILL BE VERY PARTICULAR WITH WHO SHE GOES TO, THERE WILL BE A SMALL REHOMING FEE AND I WILL REQUIRE PROOF OF A PROPER SET UP PRIOR TO SHIPPING OR MEETING UP. (This is only in bold so it gets read 😅) Leela was born without her right eye, and her left eye is undersized. I don't think she can see much except shadows out of the left eye. Despite her handicap she is one of the friendliest snakes I've ever met. She is happy to hang out, explore, and is absolutely pretty to look at. She would make the perfect pet for someone who is looking for a low maintenance friend that eats bi weekly, and isn't super demanding of attention. She would make a great study buddy for a collage student, and would also be a fantastic therapy animal for a special needs child (with adult caretaking), as she is incredibly docile, calm, and slow moving. For more details inquire below! Leela is ready for her forever home... Will it be with you? 🏡 #ballpython #ballpythonsofinstagram #ballpythonlover #ballpythonpet #pet #petsnakes #petsnakesofinstagram #petsnakesofig #reptile #reptilepets #reptilesaspets #reptilesmakegreatpets #cutepets #petstagram #petsofinstagram #petreptile #dowhatyoulove #dowhatyoulove

So normally this is the day I do wildlife Wednesday posts, but today we are going to do something a little different. I wanted to show off these soft, portable hides my mom had been making for years for snakes, lizards, rats, hamsters, pretty much any small animal! She pours her heart and soul into these and really doesn't get much traction for some reason so I wanted to highlight some of my favorite features about them and how I use them! Feel free to ask me any questions about them! 🫶🏽 ✨CHECK OUT HER FACEBOOK PAGE HERE: www.facebook.com/snakesnugglys✨ I know she would really love the support if you just swung by her page and gave it a thumbs up, and even a share of you aren't interested in acquiring a Snuggly. Did I mention she started making these when I got my first ball python, whom she calls her "Grandsnake"? Super cute (apparently that's my new catch phrase)! #ballpython #ballpythonbreeder #ballpythoncommunity #ballpythonlover #ballpythons #snakes #snakesaspets #snakesnugglys #snuggles #dwarfrats #dwarfrattery #dwarfratsareprecious #dwarfratsofig #ratsofinsta #ratsforadoption #ratstagram #cutepets #cute #instacool #instacute #petstagram #petsofinstagram #petoftheday

Here's a quick video on the release of a baby Northern Pacific Rattlesnake I had the pleasure to relocate this morning. The amazing people that found it were able to catch it last night, and held it in a bucket until I could get it this morning. The teens that were there were very eager to learn, and had so many great questions for me! It was fun to do a little crash course on rattlesnake behavior and identification with them. This little danger noodle had to go for a little drive to a new home but same habitat type and still somewhat close to its original home. But now it even has its own creek! 😊 Feel free to call me for rattlesnake relocation. If I am available I'm always happy to help! #rattlesnake #norpac #northernpacificrattlesnake #rattlesnakes #rattlesnakeeducation #nativesnake #rattlesnakerelocateca #nativereptilesnorthamerica #nativereptile #rattlesnakerelocate #rattlesnakerelocatetuolumnecounty #tuolumnecounty #wildlife #wildlifeconservation #wildlifelovers #wildlifeinneed #savethesnakes #snake #snakekeeper #snakesareanimalstoo #herping #herpetology #usark #dowhatyoulove #lovewhatyoudo

⚠️Content Warning Snake Eating⚠️ Twizzler, my baby Northern Rubber Boa, took it's first meal with me! Still not sure if it's male for female as it is still too tiny to tell. I was so surprised to see it be able to eat this whole pinkie mouse. It seems to be settling in well, and is incredibly friendly, it will make a fantastic ambassador animal for my native snake programs. #rubberboa #rubberboasnake #northernrubberboa #northernrubberboa #boa #boalove #boasofinstagram #snakesaspets #snakekeeper #snakesofig #snakelover #usark #usarkmember #herpetology #herps #herpsofinstagram #herping #dowhatyoulove #lovewhatyoudo #exoticpets #reptilebreeder #girlswithreptiles #womenwithreptiles #reptilemom #familypets #reptileworld #reptilefans #herpetofauna #nativesnake #nativeherps

Since Instagram deleted my caption yesterday, here it is again. A quick hyperlapse of my ultrasound process! I use a long tub to contain the snake a little better (sanitized between snakes), gloves (changed out between snakes), and sanitize my probe and chord between snakes as well. I take biosecurity very seriously and am always happy to show my processes. I didn't see any follicular development (beginning of eggs) in Nova (GHI) unfortunately. Probably going to try pairing her in another month just to see what happens. It is her first breeding season as well as the male (Mahogany Special Het Pied) I have been pairing her with. So I think this one may just take time, but it's one of my most anticipated pairings! Hoping to get a male ghi mahogany het pied to put eventually with my mahogany het pied female🤞🏻 Calypso (Super Pastel Yellowbelly), second breeding season (mama to the babies from last year) looked like she DID had some follicular development. I paired her with Taffy (Banana Mystic Het Pied). Seems like a simple pairing but some of the babies from Calypso last year are phenomenal looking so I am curious to see what I'd get in this pairing. This pairing would mostly be for babies to bring to shows, so I won't be heartbroken if she doesn't end up going. That's the only two pairings I'm doing this season. I like to keep my operation small so I can focus on the overall care of my snakes and make sure they have the best quality of life as breeders. It takes me longer to clean their tubs with all the enrichment, and all my biosecurity measures take extra time and money (testing). I also like to handle the babies a lot, I feel it makes the babies more likely to thrive in a pet home or breeder home. So keeping my operation small is imperative for my personal breeding standards. #ballpython #ultrasound #ballpythonsofinstagram #ballpythonbreeder #ballpythoncollection #pythonregius #pythonregiusofinstagram #royalpython #royalpythonmorphs #royalpython

For #motivationmonday I wanted to share this huge first step! I've been working with Norbert, my new very young and very wild caught Halmahera Blue Tongue Skink, for about a month now. When he first came to me he was very defensive, stressed very easy, very hissy and huffy, and did full defensive posture when I tried to interact with him. I'm happy to see my patience and persistence is paying off slowly. He has been making fantastic progress! He even took a dried grasshoppers from my hand the other day. We still have a long way to go, but seeing this progress makes my heart so happy! #halmaherabluey #halmaherabluetongue #halmaheraisland #halmaherabluetongueskink #reptilefanatics #reptileroom #dowhatyoulove #lovewhatyoudo #exoticpets #reptilebreeder #tiliquagigasgigas #skinksofinstagram #girlswithreptiles #womenwithreptiles #reptilemom #familypets #reptileoftheday #exoticreptiles #reptileworld #herpsofinstagram #reptilefans #herpetofauna #reptilekeeper #lizard #lizardsofig

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