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Reptile Discovery Center
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by Adamanteus70 on July 27, 2009
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I wanted to post this link to show the wonderful visit I had with Carl Barden at the Reptile Discovery Center in DeLand Florida.
I strongly reccommend visiting when any of you attend the Daytona Expo this year in August, as it is roughly 25-30 minutes away from the Ocean Center.
Check out this link to see some great photos and get a sneek peek at the Serpentarium!
http://www.easterndiamondbacks.com/?page_id=107
Paul Moody
EasternDiamondbacks.com
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RE: Reptile Discovery Center
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by Rob_Carmichael on July 29, 2009
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Another hidden gem in the U.S....looks like a very well maintained facility by folks who have a passion for what they do. My only beef is the force feeding of the coral snake - we've come too far in modern day herpetocultural advances to have to resort to this Haasian-method. I'm sure those who have kept eastern corals will attest they are not difficult to keep as long as they are kept in the proper conditions and have a good supply of small snakes. Otherwise, very impressive!!
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RE: Reptile Discovery Center
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by FLherp on July 29, 2009
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Rob,
The reason for the force-feeding is that this is primarily a venom extraction facility. The force feeding is done following the venom extraction and ensures that the animals on the production line are well-nourished. Probably not a consideration for most facilities in which the animals are for display only. As the venom extraction is a hands-on operation, the feeding can follow, without too much additional stress to the animals. Keeping a colony of corals snakes rather than one or two specimens might complicate the feeding aspects a wee bit.
Jeff
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RE: Reptile Discovery Center
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by AquaHerp on July 29, 2009
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We tube feed our corals as well. Jeff is correct in saying that when you are extracting on a regular basis that standard feeding is not an option. We have been keeping corals going for many years via this method.
DH
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RE: Reptile Discovery Center
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by Rob_Carmichael on July 29, 2009
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Very true guys; just doesn't sit well with me but it's a tiny criticism compared to the super impressive facilities that this zoo has...A++!
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RE: Reptile Discovery Center
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by elapidgirl on October 16, 2009
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Hi!! forcefeeding is actually used on Coral snakes and only coral snakes because it is difficult to optain a steady food supply in captivity.......coral snakes feed on other snakes and small ground dweling lizards.....as you can see it would be impossible to keep up with the food supply.....the Reptile Discovery Center as well as Reptile World in Kissimee are the only places on the planet that have been able to maintain Coral snakes for more than ten years alive.......:0)....the process does not harm the snake and they actually get all of their nutrients and what they need to grow with this diet!!!! I am sorry you feel this is harsh on the snake...it actually works very well and the fact that they have been able to keep them alive is great!!!!!
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RE: Reptile Discovery Center
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by Kingetula on October 16, 2009
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I was there during the Daytona Expo. The center is very nice, display cages were outstanding, both Carl and denisse were FANTASTIC with the kids and very welcoming. I was very impressed with their show as well. The nature walk had a few things missing, not sure what was going on there but it was still cool to walk around. When I was the Cobra kid (David Weathers)showed up and did some filming of the show.
I've email Carl about his enclosure designs he has on his nature trail and he has been nothing but helpful.
Very nice place ran by some great people, Carl and Denisse.
I will visit each year I go to Daytona just to see what is new. I understand they are adding on as we speak. ?
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RE: Reptile Discovery Center
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by Cro on October 16, 2009
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The only reasonable way to keep a large number of coral snakes alive in a venom milking facility is to tube feed them.
They can be extremely picky about food items, where some will eat one kind of lizard or snake, and nothing else.
If you are working with one or two of them, then searching around for tiny snakes and lizards is one thing, however, if you are keeping a lot of them, it is a whole different story.
Best Regards
John Z
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