Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi all, new to the forum, which I must say is a wonderful area for knowledge on Herpetology.

I am from the UK and will be heading to Orlando shortly and hope to pick up some supplies while I am over there. Any suggestions as to places to visit, things to buy would be greatfully recieved.

Also, while looking at some American stores, what do most people keep their snakes in?

Many thanks,

R

Welcome to the forum!

Unfortunately, the Orlando area doesn't have much to offer reptile enthusiasts, as far as pet shops dealing in reptiles & reptile supplies. I grew up just outside of Orlando & hit the shops when I go back to visit once or twice a year.

The best one I've found is still nothing extravagant but they have always had a decent, but small, menagerie. Pet Bazaar - in Casselberry, FL. It's about 20 - 30 minutes from downtown Orlando, if you're not stuck in rush-hour traffic.

I think there's a pet shop that deals reptiles in Kissimme (near Disney World) but I've never been to it. You can ask and/or look in the phone book when you get there.

There's a place about 1 hour's drive from Orlando called Incredible Pets, located in Melbourne, FL. I bought my nile monitor from them at an Orlando show a few years ago. I've never been to their store but they had a decent booth at the reptile show. Here's a link to their website > Incredible Pets

While I always try to support the small-time Ma & Pa type stores you might find the supplies in stock in any one of the big chain stores like Petsmart or Petco appealing.

Attraction-wise:
Reptile World Serpentarium, owned/operated by Dr. George Van Horn, is located in Kissimmee, FL, just outside of Orlando and near Walt Disney World. The serpentarium has aproximately 50 species of snake, mostly venomous, from around the world. They also have a few alligators, including a large one (about 14ft, I think) and a decent size turtle pond with a huge alligator snapping turtle.

Dr Van Horn gives venom extraction shows a few times each day. He collects venom for research labs, etc... He's a very fine gentleman and a real pleasure to talk to.

Gatorland, Orlando - "Internationally known as the Alligator Capital of the World" is well worth a visit. Here's their link > Gatorland

Central Florida Zoo - Sanford, FL
They have a decent collection of reptiles & amphibians on display. For a full list click here > Central FL Zoo

By the way, I have no invested interests in any of these places I mentioned. I'm only offering them to someone that inquired about places to visit while on vacation in a far away land. I hope this helps some.

I hope you enjoy your visit to the United States of America. Next year schedule your tip at the same time as the "National Reptile Breeders Expo" in Daytona, FL (late August) and I'll meet you there & even take you herping in central FL.

Have a good one!
HH
-----
Due to political correctness run amuck,
this ol' hillbilly is now referred to as an:
Appalachian American

www.natures-signature.com

Wow! thanks alot Hillbilly, being doing some research, and the serpentarium asnd gatorland look ace, definitely be going there, there quite close to where im staying.

I think Im gonna head to pet Bazaar in cassleberry, reckon I can get there in about forty mins, and it seems to be the best and most recommended one in the area.

One more question I do have is about housing. Every US website I go to has very varied housing and Im yet to find many that sell the melamine wooden vivariums we are used to here in the UK.What do you guys house your reptiles in? what kind of housing is sold over there?how much would I pay for something that was to house say an 8ft snake?

I think if I could I would take you up on your offer, a trip to the reptile expo would be great, will need to start saving the pennies again though!

Thanks again,

R

Hi Richard!
I'm not ontop of (very familiar with) manufactured cages, as far as being able to recommend one or another. Most of the ones I've seen are steering away from the heavy melamine & wood and are using lighter materials like celtec, sintra, etc, a type of plastic.

These types of cages are usually ordered from the manufacturer. I've never seen any reptile supply place in the Orlando area that has them in stock. You can take a look in the classifieds here at Kingsnake.com > Cages, Racks & Terrariums

Quite a few people still use plywood or melamine to build their own. Especially keepers of the larger snakes.

Take care!
Mike
-----
Due to political correctness run amuck,
this ol' hillbilly is now referred to as an:
Appalachian American

www.natures-signature.com