Personal Thoughts and Viewpoints - Post #4 - January 13, 2023

So you want to raise Poison Dart Frogs?
Below is an example of an ordinary schedule in the “Frog Lab” here at Fern’s frogs (on a feeding day including regular maintenance not including show preparation or preparation for a scheduled purchase appointment)
(Fern’s frogs currently vends at 8-9 expos per year in the NY Tri State area, Long Island and American Frog Day when held near-by)

It’s me myself and I here…This is a work place… There are no “display” tanks here.

Organization and multitasking is key. Things have to function like clockwork:

- a manageable inventory of froglets are fed daily, adults are fed Monday, Wednesday, Friday
- a strict supplementation schedule is adhered to (Ca , carotenoid, Vit A and multi vitamin w Ca)   
-25 fruit fly cultures are made weekly (Hydei  and  melanogaster)
- 100 -1 cup calcium clay springtail cultures are fed and maintained weekly 
- 4 large dwarf white isopod bins are maintained – used as feeders and added to breeder tanks as needed
-maintenance of  room temperature – AC is run in the summer / heater in the winter.
-preparation for power outages-generator is ready to switch on in case of a power outage
- lights are on timers – average 12 / 12 cycle
-RO system, and 3 Mist Kings are used on 95 % on the enclosures
-all breeder enclosures are drilled to drain automatically
-RO water used for extra hand spraying enclosures as needed. Hand misting is done BEFORE feeding to reduce the possibility of washing supplements off of flies, gently flush broms in Oophaga enclosures, fill petri dishes, moisten ca clay dishes
-water and ca clay are in glass petri dishes most enclosures and grow-outs. Ca clay is kept damp, never soaked to reduce the risk of drowning or accidently choking)
-3--3 gallon tadpole water containers are maintained with re-mineralized RO water using Indian almond leaves. Used to top off in all Ranitomeya and Oophaga pumilio breeder transport containers ( yes … lots of the pumilio use film canisters here for tad transports)
-tadpoles (other than Oophaga and Phyllobates) are raised in individually drilled cups ( 7 oz each) and placed in larger bins with additional water. Indian almond leaves are used to re-mineralize the water.
-feed tadpoles and move any tadpoles if close to morphing into grow out bins that are kept pre-set (seeded with springtails and ready to go)
- 3 racks with wheels are used for grow out bins -18 qt (Bins contain, 100% coconut husk , magnolia  leaves, plant cuttings, RO water ad springtails …. no sphagnum moss)
-feeding is always started with the smallest , stunted (old) melanogaster fruit flies for the very tiny froglets just oow
-springtails are added to as many grow out bins as possible on a regular basis
- regular enclosure maintenance: glass, plant care etc.
-pull offspring…all newly morphed Oophaga and Ranitomeya froglets are pulled as soon as seen and place in a newly set up grow out bin (label with date and # of offspring)
– eggs are pulled, maintained, and hand raised for all Ranitomeya, Phyllobates, tinctorius and leucoemlas
- maintain and feed out other feeders if currently culturing (may include bean beetles, small silk worms or aphids) This includes using larvae from 3 hydei cultures each week
-prepare handmade “Graffiti” Moss if needed
-vacuum 3 times a week, wash the floor once a week, and maintain the slop sink area
-regular purchases of necessary supplies
-website updates are daily
-a lineage database  ( “Foot Prints” )  is maintained using UUID for every offspring that is sold since 2014
-website and FB are updated daily for “Availability List”
It’s Busy !

 

Personal Thoughts and Viewpoints - Post #3 - January 7, 2023

Some reminders and information regarding Fern’s Frogs business policies:
No Shipping

I appreciate every injury regarding available offspring. The ‘no shipping’ policy is not going to change in the foreseeable future, as we are committed to the well-being of the animals and will continue face-to-face purchases only. This eliminates potential stress and risk of injury during transport. Appointments are available 7 days a week. As well, Fern’s Frogs participates in several shows in the NY Tri-State throughout the year where our offspring are available for purchase in person.

Availability
All information regarding current availability and “What’s On Deck” is updated DAILY. Prices are never posed on FB. Fern’s Frogs will continue to have a “no deposit necessary” policy to hold froglets until they are ready to change hands. This policy is especially important for certain investments such as large obligates, proven pair and proven groups.
https://www.fernsfrogs.com/breeders-lineage-information
https://www.fernsfrogs.com/whats-on-deck
Offspring Populations
It is not without stating proper husbandry standards are always a priority.  Focus is placed on controlling offspring populations to maintain this. It is always our goal to place offspring in good hands. This policy is easier to adhere to when sales are conducted in person.
Maintaining Lineage Information
Our “FootPrints UUID data system will continue.
https://www.fernsfrogs.com/footprints
https://www.fernsfrogs.com/breeders-lineage-information
Social Media
Fern’s Frogs does not discuss sales or solicit business on social media platforms such as Facebook or Instagram, as it is against their community standards to sell live animals. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Intellectual Property
Fern’s Frogs name and logo are in the process of being formally registered as a trademark with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). This process can take some time, we are confident that it will be completed successfully very soon. In the meantime, we ask that you respect our intellectual property. Please email or call; there is an obvious focus on transparency- this information is public.

Contact Us:

info@fernsfrogs.com
https://www.fernsfrogs.com/contact-us
 

Personal Thoughts and Viewpoints - Post #2  - January 4, 2023

It's Not Just A Fifty Dollar Frog!

There are lots of excellent breeders to choose from.

Take time to get to know us; notice the difference:

1) breeders are passionate about poison dart frogs and put a tremendous amount of resources, care, effort, and attention into their animals motivated by a desire to promote the well-being and survival of breeders and offspring.

2) a lot of time is spent researching and learning about poison dart frogs, in order to provide the best possible care for their animals.

3) they are dedicated to maintaining high standards for their care; excellent breeding practices will be obvious.

4) breeders are committed to conservation efforts, and may work to support organizations or initiatives that are focused on protecting poison dart frogs and their natural habitats.

5) they are active members of the poison dart frog community, and may be involved in breeders associations or other groups dedicated to the care and breeding of these animals.

6) they are advocates for the hobby who support new hobbyists, new breeders and new businesses.

7) we are passionate about sharing knowledge and experience with others and may be willing to mentor or advise other breeders or enthusiasts.

Just ask...
 

Contact Us:

info@fernsfrogs.com
https://www.fernsfrogs.com/contact-us
 

Personal Thoughts and Viewpoints - Post #1 - January 1, 2023

   As a dart frog breeder, my life is deeply connected to these amazing creatures on many levels. I am privileged to be the sole breeder at the 'Frog Lab', where I am dedicated to preserving and promoting the beauty and uniqueness of poison dart frogs.

I have been fortunate to learn from some of the most skilled and respected breeders, and I am grateful for the guidance and friendship of my colleagues.

   For me, being a dart frog breeder is not a job - it is a passion. I am constantly striving to improve my knowledge and techniques, and to share my love for these fascinating animals with others. It is my hope that through my work, I can help to protect and preserve these precious creatures for future generations.

   Here, I am committed to continually improving and sharing my knowledge and love for dart frogs through this platform. You will often find me posting comments and updates from a breeder's voice. It is my hope that through these interactions, I can continue connect with others who share a similar passion of being an advocate for our hobby. Thank you for joining me.

Some short term and current plans in the Frog Lab: As always there is a standard rotation of cleaning and maintain the pumilio grow-out bins. I will be creating additional 'proven pairs.' Remember .. there is no such thing as "probable pairs" made available here; "proven pairs" are labeled as such having a female that has produced eggs.
 

Contact Us:

info@fernsfrogs.com
https://www.fernsfrogs.com/contact-us

 

​