About Us
Turning a Passion Into a Business
We have been working with and keeping reptiles for over 30 years. While we scaled back with the birth our first son we have since dived back in and have found that as our sons grew our hobby did as well. It was not long before we filled our home, and when we started selling bugs and rodents out of our basement we quickly realized there might be a greater need in our area. Scutes and Scales began to share our passion for these animals while also providing a much needed local source of food and supplies. In our store we strive to model exceptional husbandry and to provide both new and experienced keepers with the knowledge and supplies needed to provide for their animals. We don't just want to sell an animal, we want to see you in the store for years, and especially if you get a turtle, decades to come!
Chris
My journey with reptiles first began nearly 30 years ago with Attitude, a red eared slider that my brother and I adopted from a small pet store. Attitude is the name that an 8 year old comes up with when it is the only turtle that tries to bite the pet shop keeper, and immediately made it our turtle of choice. Of course, I had no idea then, but that first turtle would lead to a life-long fascination with animals, particularly reptiles. It helped motivate me to pursue a degree in zoology (the study of animals) and even to a master’s degree in biology where, of course, I studied turtles. Since then, I have worked as a zookeeper, field herpetologist and college professor. I am excited to share my passion for animals with others and look forward to working with other animal enthusiasts in the area!
Vanessa
I did not have the opportunity to grow up with pets, but have always had a love for animals. In college Chris introduced me to keeping reptiles and since then (nearly 15 years) I have helped to care for what was at first his menagerie, but has now become our family’s. In addition to keeping animals, every year I raise monarchs with my sons and have successfully released dozens of them each summer for the last three years. I have also turned our yard into a pollinator and bird sanctuary with native flower beds and a diverse collection of bird feeders.
I am excited to meet other reptile keepers and fellow backyard nature lovers!