Scale World Order

04/25/2025

WILD BORN VS. CAPTIVE RAISED
what sets them apart?
Ever wondered how a captive-bred snake differs from one in the wild? Let’s break it down:

🐍 Behavior

Captive Snake: Generally calmer and more tolerant of handling, especially with regular interaction.

Wild Snake: More defensive and alert quick to flee, musk, or strike when approached.

🐍 Feeding Habits

Captive: Eats frozen/thawed prey on a routine schedule.

Wild: Relies on hunting skills, patience, and instinct to catch live prey.

🐍 Health & Lifespan

Captive: Often lives longer thanks to vet care, stable environments, and no predators.

Wild: Faces natural threats like predators, weather, parasites, and injuries.

🐍 Physical Appearance

Captive: Cleaner scales, fewer scars, often vibrant morphs not seen in nature.

Wild: May have scars, mites, or faded coloration due to exposure and wear.

🐍 Mentality

Captive: Tends to be more routine-driven and less reactive to human presence.

Wild: Always in survival mode quick decisions are a must.

🐍 But Let’s Be Clear!!
Even captive snakes can still bite.
Just because a snake is used to people doesn’t mean it's "tame" in the traditional sense. Snakes don’t have the capacity to love or bond like dogs or cats. They rely on instinct. If startled, stressed, or hungry hey might strike, no matter how many years they’ve lived in your care.

NOTE: Respect is key. Always read body language and handle with awareness.

Whether it’s our big girl Tiki the Burmese Python or a Garter Snake crossing your path, every snake deserves understanding and respect. Come on down to Volo Museums very own Jurassic Gardens to learn more from all of us at the Scale World Order and until next time we'll catch you on the wildside!

www.sworeptiles.org
27582 West Volo Village Road, Volo, IL 60073
Call/Text: (224) 577-6253 - Main
Call/Text: (847) 714-3913 - Secondary
Email: [email protected]

04/24/2025

Gentle Giant (Tiki) 💛 🐍 🤍

04/23/2025

🌊 FILTERS, FUNK, AND FILTH 🌊
Cleaning aquariums without cussing and smashing things!

Every keeper has their own method when it comes to maintaining aquatic enclosures for reptiles and amphibians. What works for one setup may not be ideal for another. At Scale World Order, this is the routine we follow to keep our tanks clean, stable, and safe for our animals but feel free to adapt it based on your species, equipment, and experience.

💦 Power Down and Prep

We start by unplugging the filter and any underwater heater. This is a crucial first step not just for safety, but to avoid damaging equipment like dry running filters or exposed heaters that can overheat or crack when not submerged.

💦 Remove and Clean the Filter

We take the filter out carefully and disassemble it. The media (sponges, ceramic rings, carbon, etc.) gets rinsed in a bucket of tank water never tap water, since chlorine can kill beneficial bacteria. We clean the filter housing and impeller using a soft brush or toothbrush to remove buildup, but we don’t go overboard. The goal is to preserve as much of the bio-colony as possible while still keeping everything flowing properly.

💦 Substrate Cleaning (Sand or Gravel)

Next, we siphon the bottom of the tank using a gravel vacuum. With sand, we hover the siphon just above the surface to remove waste without sucking up the substrate. For gravel, we plunge it deeper to pull up trapped debris. This step is especially important in aquatic reptile and amphibian tanks, where waste can quickly accumulate and lead to spikes in ammonia and nitrates.

💦 Partial Water Change

Once the substrate is clean, we drain about 25–40% of the water, depending on the size of the tank and the animals inside. We avoid full water changes unless absolutely necessary, as it can disrupt the biological balance. We then refill the tank using fresh, dechlorinated water that’s close in temperature to the existing tank water to avoid stressing the animals.

💦 Heater Maintenance and Check

While the water is low, we inspect any underwater heaters. We give them a gentle wipe with a cloth or sponge if there’s algae or buildup. Heaters must always stay fully submerged while in operation, so when we refill the tank, we make sure the heater is placed correctly before turning it back on. We also confirm it's still calibrated correctly even a few degrees off can make a big difference, especially for amphibians.

💦 Reassemble and Reinstall

Once everything is clean and checked, we reassemble the filter and place it back into the tank. We reconnect all equipment, making sure the intake and output flow are properly aligned. Decor, plants, and hides get rinsed if needed and are replaced securely to prevent shifting once the animals are reintroduced.

💦 System Restart and Observation

We plug everything back in filter first, then heater. We let the system run for a bit and test the flow rate, heater function, and circulation. We give the tank about 15–30 minutes to settle, then test the water’s temperature, pH, and sometimes ammonia, depending on the species we’re working with.

💦 Enjoying the View
Finally, we reintroduce the animals if they were removed, or simply monitor their behavior if they stayed inside the whole time. Clear water, strong filtration, stable temperature, and calm animals let us know we did our job right.

At the end of the day, your goal is clean, safe water and happy, healthy animals. There’s more than one way to get there this is just what works for us at Scale World Order. Whether you’re keeping an axolotl, a turtle, or a caiman lizard, consistency and observation are the keys to success.

Hope this helps with your home aquarium for your special critter. Till we ride the waves again may you catch us on the wild side! Don't forget you can always see us at Volo Museums Jurassic Gardens and book us yourself today! 🐍

Thank you
- scale World order Crew

04/19/2025

GIVE YA EYES A FEAST .....come see us today.......
🐍 🐸 🐢 🐊 🦎
Volo Museum Jurassic Gardens
Scale World Order

04/18/2025

Das a HUUUUUUIUUUUUGE BBBBBBBBullfrog from Africa of course! 🐸

04/17/2025

HEAT PITS: NATURE’S INFRARED DETECTORS

🔥 Some snakes don’t just see the world, They feel the heat of it. Literally. At Scale World Order, we love teaching people about the wild adaptations reptiles bring to the table, and few are as mind-blowing as heat pits.

🔥 Snakes like pythons, pit.viper sand even specific boas like the emerald tree are equipped with heat-sensing organs that allow them to detect the infrared radiation (a.k.a. body heat) of warm-blooded animals. These organs, called heat pits, are located between the eyes and nostrils in pit vipers, or along the lips in boas and pythons.

🔥 What makes this ability so wild? These pits are so sensitive they can detect temperature changes as small as 0.003°C. That's more precise than most man-made tech! In the wild, this allows snakes to strike prey in complete darkness with deadly accuracy. It's a biological superpower that makes these cold-blooded hunters some of the most efficient predators on the planet.

🔥 Whether you're meeting our big, friendly Burmese Python, or learning about the stealth strikes of a wild viper, we're here to bring you face-to-face with the science behind the scales.

Come on down and see us at
Volo Museum’s Jurassic Gardens
27582 Volo Village Rd, Volo, IL 60073.

Check out www.sworeptiles.org to learn more or to book us for your next event or venue!
Text or call
Main: (224) 577-6253
Secondary: (847) 714-3913
or email: [email protected]

Don’t forget to give us a like and follow right here on Facebook! and hit us up on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube too!

Thank you for supporting Scale World Order

04/16/2025

Come See The Triangle Water Leaf!

04/15/2025

FROGS THAT SIP THROUGH THEIR SKIN?!

Did You Know?
🐸 Frogs don’t drink water like mammals do they absorb it right through their skin! Most frogs have a specialized area on their bellies called a “drinking patch,” which acts like a natural sponge. This patch allows them to soak up moisture directly from their surroundings, whether it’s from damp soil, wet leaves, or shallow water. No need for a water bottle these amphibians are built for hydration on the go!

🐸 But here’s the wild part because frogs rely on their skin to “sip,” they’re incredibly sensitive to environmental changes. If their habitat becomes polluted or too dry, it can seriously affect their health and survival. It’s just one of the reasons why amphibians are some of the best natural indicators of ecosystem health. When frogs are in trouble, nature is trying to tell us something!

🐸 Frogs are totally un-frog-ettable, and this is just one of many toad-ally awesome facts we love sharing!

Want to meet frogs, snakes, lizards, and more up close? Hop on over to Jurassic Gardens in Polo, IL or book a live experience with Scale World Order!

Website: www.sworeptiles.org
Call/Text: 224-577-6253
Email: [email protected]

Follow us on social media for more reptile and amphibian facts, behind-the-scenes fun, and live show updates:
Facebook: Scale World Order
Instagram: scale_world_order
TikTok:
YouTube:

Thank you
- scale World order Crew

🐸

04/13/2025

Good morning! If you’re looking for something fun to do today for the whole family come out to Volo Museum at Jurassic Gardens from 11-4 for a meet & greet with our scaly friends! Catch you on the wild side!

04/13/2025

Come Join Us Today! 🐍

Today is our Live Reptile Meet & Greet here at Jurassic Gardens!

Every 2nd Sunday of the month, inside of the brand new, permanent, live reptile exhibit at Jurassic Gardens, our friends from Scale World Order will be performing an interactive, educational and entertaining reptile meet and greet!

The experience will happen from 11am-4pm, and is FREE with paid admission to Jurassic Gardens or with Volo Museum’s Gold and Platinum passes.

Meet reptiles like tortoises, pythons, a tegu lizard, anaconda, pixie frog, paradise flying snake, mata mata turtle, alligator snapping turtle, monitors and many others you won’t see anywhere else!

Scale World order is a local organization for education, rehabilitation and dedication to wildlife and we are proud to have their expertise, passion and scaly friends at Jurassic Gardens!

Though our team is professionally trained, and the reptiles are used to being handled by the public, all guests will enjoy the show at their own risk. Scale World Order and Jurassic Gardens will not be responsible for any unforeseen incidents.

04/12/2025

Tomorrow we kick off the 2025 season come join us! Experience live creatures from prehistoric times up close and find some fascinating education about these wonderful animals maybe even help put an end into a fear or two. Whatever your reasoning we welcome you all to come see and make your memories with us at the scale World order! 🐍❤️ 🐢 ❤️ 🦎

04/12/2025

Well see you soon! 🐍

Reptile Meet & Greet Sunday, April 13, 2025 11:00 AM 4:00 PM 11:00 16:00 Volo Museum 27582 Volo Village Road Volo, IL, 60073 United States (map) Google Calendar ICS learn more Posted in Volo, McHenry County, Kids & Family, Family Events, Entertainment Tagged Kids & Family, Volo Museum, dinosaurs...

04/10/2025

ON THE NEXT EXCITING EPISODE OF… BEARDED DRAGON BALL Z!!!

Last time, on Bearded Dragon Ball Z…
Kakarot the Crimson Bearded Dragon had just tapped into the ancient power of Super Scale, overwhelming the evil Gecko Overlord, Frieza-tail! But just when victory seemed certain, a mysterious shadow descended from the heat lamp above…

Now, a new challenger emerges from the terrarium depths Vege-tail, the proud prince of the Sandstone Saiyans! Fueled by dubia roaches and destiny, he’s ready to test Kakarot in the ultimate bask-off!

Will Kakarot withstand Vege-tail’s Solar Flare Flick?
Can he unlock the legendary form of Ultra Instinct Shed?!
Or will the heat mat of fate crack under the pressure??

Find out next time, only at…
SCALE WORLD ORDER!!!

Where reptile education goes SUPER SAIYAN!

04/10/2025

Surveyor of his Kingdom 👑
🦎

04/09/2025

VENOMOUS BUT NOT VICIOUS:
The Truth About Monitor Lizard Venom

When most people think of venomous reptiles, snakes usually steal the spotlight but did you know monitor lizards have venom too?

That’s right. For decades, it was believed that the Komodo dragon and other monitor species relied on filthy mouths and bacteria to bring down prey. But modern research has revealed the real secret weapon: venom glands tucked into their lower jaws. Monitor lizard venom is classified as mildly hemotoxic, meaning it affects blood flow and clotting rather than targeting the nervous system like neurotoxins. It helps subdue prey by lowering blood pressure and causing prolonged bleeding, but it’s not considered life-threatening to healthy humans.

--------------------------------------------------

WHAT DOES IT DO?
Monitor lizard venom isn't designed to kill instantly like a rattlesnake’s. Instead, it works more subtly:

🩸It lowers blood pressure,

🩸Prevents blood from clotting,

🩸Can cause mild paralysis and shock in prey animals.

This gives the monitor an advantage during the hunt but what does it mean for humans?
--------------------------------------------------

IS IT DANGEROUS TO US?
Generally, no.... not in the same way as a venomous snake or spider. A bite from a monitor lizard can be painful and lead to:

🥵Swelling

😡Redness

🩸Prolonged bleeding

💉Possibly secondary infection

However, serious systemic effects are rare in healthy adults. Still, all bites should be taken seriously.
--------------------------------------------------

WHAT IF I EVER GET BIT?

1. Stay calm – Panic can raise your heart rate and spread venom more quickly. ❤️

2. Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water. 🧼💦

3. Apply pressure to control bleeding. 🤕

4. Seek medical attention, especially if symptoms worsen or if the lizard was wild or its health is unknown. 🏥 👨‍⚕️

5. Avoid home remedies—let professionals handle it. 🚫✋
--------------------------------------------------

SAFE HANDLING TIPS

🎓 Learn body language: Hissing, tail-whipping, or puffing up are signs to back off.

🏋️‍♀️ Always support the body fully when lifting.

🦎 Never grab by the tail: it can injure the lizard and cause stress.

🧤 Use gloves when dealing with nervous or young individuals.

😇 Respect their mood: don’t handle during shed, illness, or feeding time.

🤝 Build trust slowly with consistent interaction.

Monitor lizards aren’t monsters. They’re complex, intelligent reptiles that deserve our respect. With proper care, understanding, and safety, they can be incredible animal ambassadors.

Know the science. Respect the species. That’s the Scale World Order way!
--------------------------------------------------

DON'T FORGET!
this Sunday at Volo Museum, we’ll be doing a Meet and Greet from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM where you can meet these amazing species. Come meet our three monitors as well as our tegu! and learn how to understand them better!

Like, follow, and share to help us spread the word, and be sure to check out our other social media pages for more awesome animal content.

We’ll catch you again on the wild side. Thank you, everyone!