Misfit Dragons

23/10/2024

🦎🐸 Create the Perfect Habitat for Your Reptile or Amphibian! 🐸🦎

Thinking of bringing home a reptile or amphibian? Whether it's a gecko, snake, or frog, providing the right setup is crucial to keeping them happy and healthy. Here's why a well-designed habitat is a must:
🌿 Mimics Natural Environment: Reptiles and amphibians thrive in environments that resemble their natural habitat. The right temperature, humidity, and lighting help them feel at home and reduce stress.
🌡️ Temperature Control: Cold-blooded animals like reptiles need proper heat sources to regulate their body temperature. A stable heat gradient allows them to digest food, stay active, and remain healthy.
💡 Proper Lighting: UVB lighting is essential for many reptiles to synthesize Vitamin D3, which helps with calcium absorption and prevents bone disease. Without it, your pet could suffer from health issues.
💧 Humidity & Hydration: Amphibians, in particular, need the right humidity levels to keep their skin healthy and hydrated. Misting systems or humidity control are key to maintaining these levels.
🏠 Enrichment & Comfort: A habitat should include hiding spots, climbing structures, and appropriate substrate. These enrichments keep your pet mentally stimulated and physically active, mimicking behaviors they’d have in the wild.

****WE Recommend using a UVB/UVA Strip lighting instead of just a bulb for maximize coverage.*****

18/10/2024

Just a small snapshot of what we feed our Dubia roaches along with other and if any local farmers would be interested in helping out (doesn't have to be donating) please reach out to us

17/10/2024

🌞 Why Proper Lighting Is Essential for Your Reptile’s Health 🦎

Did you know that the right lighting is critical for your reptile’s well-being? 🐍 Whether you have a bearded dragon, a gecko, or a turtle, proper lighting plays a major role in their health and happiness!
Here’s why proper lighting is a must:

UVB Light for Bone Health: Reptiles need UVB light to produce vitamin D3, which helps them absorb calcium and maintain strong bones. Without it, they’re at risk for metabolic bone disease (MBD).
Thermoregulation: Reptiles are cold-blooded and depend on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature. The right heat and light setup helps them digest food, stay active, and remain healthy.
Mimicking Natural Habitat: Providing the correct light cycles (day and night) helps your reptile feel at home and promotes natural behaviors, such as basking or hunting.
Boosting Mood and Activity: Just like in humans, proper lighting helps regulate your reptile’s mood and activity levels, keeping them alert, active, and healthy.

🔦 Tip: Make sure you’re using UVB lights specific to your reptile species and replace bulbs regularly, as UV output decreases over time, even if the bulb is still shining!

💡 Not sure if your setup is right? Message us now for lighting tips and expert advice to keep your reptile thriving! 🦎

16/10/2024

When it comes to feeding your reptiles, not all feeder insects are created equal. Dubia roaches stand out as one of the most nutritious and convenient options! Here’s why:
High Protein Content: Dubia roaches offer more protein than crickets, mealworms, and other common feeders, ensuring your reptile gets the nutrients they need for growth and energy.
Low in Fat: Unlike some feeder insects, Dubia roaches are naturally low in fat, which helps maintain a balanced diet and prevents obesity in reptiles.
Longer Gut-Loading: Dubia roaches hold their gut load for a longer time, meaning the nutrients they eat are passed on to your reptile—making them a healthier choice.
No Noise or Odor: Unlike crickets, Dubia roaches are silent and don’t produce unpleasant odors, making them easier to store and maintain in your home.
Slower Movement: They don’t jump or move as fast as crickets, making it easier for your reptile to catch and enjoy their meal.
Better for Reptile Digestion: With a softer exoskeleton than mealworms, Dubia roaches are easier to digest, reducing the risk of impaction for your reptile.
Looking to give your reptile the best nutrition possible? Switch to Dubia roaches and see the difference in their health and energy!

15/10/2024

🐸 Fascinating Facts About Dart Frogs! 🐸

Did you know these tiny creatures pack a big punch? 🌿 Here are some amazing facts about dart frogs that make them one of nature's most interesting amphibians:
Bright Colors for a Reason: Dart frogs come in vibrant colors like blue, yellow, and red! But those striking colors aren't just for show—they serve as a warning to predators that these little frogs are toxic.
Toxins from Diet: In the wild, dart frogs develop their toxins from the insects they eat, like ants and termites. In captivity, without these specific insects, they aren’t poisonous!
Tiny But Mighty: Despite their small size (some as tiny as a paperclip!), their toxins can be powerful enough to deter large predators.
Diverse Species: There are over 100 species of dart frogs, each with unique patterns and colorations, found in Central and South America.
Natural Habitat: Dart frogs thrive in the humid rainforests, where they live among the leaf litter, keeping moisture levels high and ensuring a rich supply of food.
Want to learn more about these amazing amphibians? Drop your questions in the comments! 🐸💬

23/09/2024

We have a limited number of Dendrobates tinctorius "Tumucumaque - Peacock” available and doing a deal going on now thru Saturday night. Message us for details.

13/08/2024

A little froglet post.

30/07/2024

🫣 pretty cool thing to have caught on camera

27/07/2024

Come out and see us at the Scott Smith's All Animal Expo in Lakemoor. 28874 Illinois 120, Lakemoor, IL 60051

11/05/2024

Come out and see us at the All Animal Expo in St Charles. We will not be at the show at the end of the month, so come get your feeders; blooming and none. We hope to see you here!

12/04/2024

Safe to say it is the start of dart frogs breeding season here. Here are just some that we have pulled (yesterday). Excited for breeding season with all our animals 💜

25/02/2024

We will have bulk bioactive substrate available at

28/01/2024

Come out and see us at the Scott Smith's All Animal Expo at the Kane County Fairgrounds in St Charles.

16/01/2024

It is a very sad sad day. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Brian Barczyk family, friends, and staff during this sad time. 💜 We were so blessed to be able to meet him. He has made a great impact on all of us in the reptile industry.

With great sadness, we have learned that Brian Barczyk passed away today. Brian built a massive community and inspired countless people to find their passion with reptiles and other animals. This community will forever keep Brian's memory alive, his legacy is a lasting one we all carry a part of.

Our deepest condolences to Brian's family and team in this incredibly difficult time.

In this time of grief and mourning, we plan on making Brian proud and supporting each other and his family. Check out the post from Brian's page (in comments), and keep interacting as requested with the content on their platforms, supporting how you can. Feel free to share photos or memories of Brian, and keep an eye out for details on our LegaSea fundraiser activities in next month.

05/01/2024

"You [are never gone] until the last person says your name." have never been truer words spoken. Brian has made a huge impact on our community as well as Mike and Ashley. We had the pleasure of meeting him at one of Scott Smith's All Animal Expo's and he was such a pleasure to talk to and get to know. Keep Brian Barczyk and his family in your thoughts.

"You [are never gone] until the last person says your name."
-Brian Barczyk in today's video, updating that he is now in hospice at the end of his battle with cancer.

It is not the end for us. Brian's mission is still going. We will forever say his name and further his legacy. Brian has given us yet another gift, helping ensure his LegaSea aquarium gets finished so countless more can find and fuel their passion with animals.

It may seem like time to feel powerless and give in to sadness, but that's not the mission. Brian's mission is now our mission. Spreading knowledge and fueling those who will become the next generation, as Brian always has.

What can we do right this moment? Go watch his vlogs, comment a favorite memory or another anecdote on the most recent one (you'll find it in comments), and engage all you can. Talk about your favorite memories of Brian on your own page. Talk about the importance of the LegaSea Aquarium and invite others to join in the efforts, too. And always remember the most important part of his message:

"Do good things in life, make a difference."
-Brian Barczyk in latest update video

All Animal Expo will still be dedicating the whole month of February to Brian Barczyk, who will always hold so many of our hearts. From now until forever, we keep building for Brian💚🦎🐍🐢🐸🐊🐠

01/01/2024

Please keep Brian Barczyk in your thoughts. He suffered multiple strokes today and is currently in the hospital. Our hobby owes him a thank you for all that he has done! ❤️

29/12/2023

The start of a tank upgrade for our Dendrobates Leucomelas Dart Frog tank