In this vlog, Tyler Nolan guides client Mike (who is visiting for a tattoo) through a tour and feeding session at Ryder’s Ranch, providing extensive updates on the facility’s progress and showcasing several exotic animals. Tyler highlights the advanced stage of the alligator pond construction, emphasizing the deep, secure fencing. Animal care segments include feeding Rocket the raccoon, several monitor lizards (including the powerful tail whip of Big X the croc monitor), and checking on the health recovery of Rusty the King Cobra. The video also showcases rare reptiles like the Albino Gaboon vipers and endangered Indigo snakes. The second half documents Mike’s tattoo session, focusing on the design and execution of a detailed black and grey Great Horned Owl using modern, portable stencil technology.
Tyler Nolan: Animals, Construction Updates, and a Great Horned Owl Tattoo
0:00 Introduction and Booking: Tyler Nolan introduces client Mike. Tyler clarifies that tours are currently limited to those booking tattoos while the ranch works to finish construction projects (gator pond, aviary) and finalize its 501c nonprofit status.
3:01 Rocket the Raccoon: Rocket, a 6-7 month old, captive-bred raccoon, is fed a mix of popcorn chicken, bananas, and grapes. Tyler notes that captive-bred raccoons are generally sweeter, but aggressive behavior later in life may necessitate their release.
5:10 Monitor Lizard Feeding: Tyler and Mike feed the large monitor lizards. Big X, the Croc monitor, is given chicken backs.
6:59 Croc Monitor Tail Whip: While feeding Big X, Tyler is forcefully struck in the neck by the lizard’s tail (which is noted to be 4-5 feet long), demonstrating the animal’s serious power.
8:55 Cold Weather Preparation: Tyler explains that Florida cold fronts necessitate that the monitor lizards move into heated boxes (80°F heat panels). He highlights the risk of the lizards getting stuck behind the boxes and becoming lethargic, recalling a tragic event where two monitors froze.
11:36 Lizards and Iguanas: Other lizards shown include Onyx (Black Throat monitor), his rescue girlfriend Maple (who has recovered significantly from malnourishment), and Blue, a hybrid blue-eyed iguana. Tyler emphasizes that iguanas, contrary to popular belief, require protein in their diet.
13:14 Ranch Progress: Remy, the miniature Highland cow, is shown (Tyler is confused because she appears pregnant despite the absence of any males).
14:14 Alligator Pond Update: Construction on the new gator pond is nearly finished. The fence is 8 feet high and buried 3 feet deep to prevent the alligators from digging out. Tyler shows the custom-welded cage designed to protect the water pump from the alligators.
16:05 Birds and Macaw Rescue: Tyler features the emus (Tou and Tarukq) and discusses the Macaws (Callie and Rio, a plucker who has regrown most feathers). He expresses frustration regarding a potential macaw donor ("Cynthia") who wasted his time by promising to rehome birds but then ghosted him.
20:11 King Cobra Health Update: Tyler checks on Rusty, the King Cobra, who has been battling a fungal infection and respiratory issues. Rusty appears to be recovering well and is currently in shed. Tyler plans to upgrade Rusty from his 6-foot enclosure to a custom 8-10 foot cage.
22:23 Exotic Snake Collection: The "Building of Death" houses several notable snakes, including rattlesnakes, endangered non-venomous Indigo snakes (known to eat rattlesnakes), and the rare Albino Gaboon vipers.
25:09 Tattoo Preparation: Tyler prepares to tattoo a Great Horned Owl on Mike’s arm, incorporating a crescent moon and foliage. He demonstrates the use of a small, portable Bluetooth stencil printer (Fomo), praising its efficiency and low cost compared to older Thermofax machines.
31:30 Mid-Session Break/Cobra Feeding Success: During a break, the team feeds several small cobras. They successfully entice the cobras to eat rodent pinkies (a diet progression) by soaking them in tilapia juice, marking a significant step in their care.
33:05 Tattoo Completion (3-4 Hour Session): The black and grey owl tattoo is completed in under four hours. Tyler highlights the detailed work on the feathers and the impact of the final white accents in the eyes, which make the owl "pop."
34:04 Key Takeaway: The final tattoo fits the space well, blending seamlessly with Mike’s existing black and grey arm tattoos. Tyler encourages those interested in smaller-to-medium tattoos to reach out for bookings.