classroom which is temporarily the main herp room

[Jeff Hathaway]

Here's a couple of pics of our classroom which is virtually completed. The animals have mostly moved up to this room now while we redo the lower level where the main animal displays will be permanently featured. The floor will be redone once the animals move back out. This room is meant to be used as a classroom for educational programs. When not in use, it will be open to the public to browse around. It will feature 1-2 computer terminals with web access and herp-related CD-ROMS, a small herp library, various posters and other media, and a digital projector which will run slide shows or movies throughout the day (in surround sound, of course!). Some animals will still be in the room, but probably just ones to be used in the programs.

http://www.ssnakess.com/photopost/data/500/1605Classroom3a-med.jpg

The total room size is ~30'x22'. A door on the left (out of the pic) leads out to a covered 30'x30' deck for program use as well.

Here's another shot, of the sinks for cleaning stuff.

http://www.ssnakess.com/photopost/data/500/1605Classroomsink2-med.jpg

Cheers,

Jeff Hathaway
Sciensational Sssnakes!!

[Swampwalker]

Wow, you have been busy. It looks fantastic.

[SaIiLdVaEnR]

Is that a plate of hamburgers in the first pic? It looks good, oh yeah, and the class is great looking too! :D:D:D

Aidan

[Jeff Hathaway]

Why yes, that is a plate of burgers! Funny the things you don't notice in a picture:-). The barbeque is out on the deck to the left. Also, the stack of rubbermaids is from the rack which hadn't been moved upstairs yet. Here's a pic of it after reassembly.

http://www.ssnakess.com/photopost/data/500/1605classroomrack-w-med.jpg

You're right, Stewart, we have been busy! Lots of changes since you were here last! Here's a pic of the classroom under construction, probably around the condition you last saw it.

http://www.ssnakess.com/photopost/data/500/1605classroominprogress-w-med.jpg

Jeff Hathaway
Sciensational Sssnakes!!

[Invictus]

Way cool, Jeff! Can't wait to see the finished product of you new snake room.

[JD@reptiles]

Wow. i didn't know you were working on it. looking good!

[JonD]

Looks good Jeff!;)

[Linds]

Wow that's wicked! Welcome to reptile world... even a resource center... that's great! :D

[franny]

wow what kinda animals have you got

[Jeff Hathaway]

Excerpted from a previous post elsewhere:

What we keep is a broad mix. We have the most complete captive collection of native Ontario herp species found anywhere, plus a few other Canadian species. Beyond that we have a mix of exotic species, mostly common pet types. The most 'interesting' from a hobby point of view would probably be eastern indigos; the rest are quite familiar- burms, boa constrictors, BRBs, balls, rats, bulls, milks, blue-tongue & prehensile tailed skinks, leopard & fat-tailed geckos, etc. All told, about 125 specimens of ~50 species/subspecies. Essentially, beyond the native stuff, good examples of 'appropriate pets' & 'inappropriate pets'. Species which are not suitable for public interaction are rarely found in our collection, for obvious reasons. Other than a couple of Phelsuma in the living room, all of these are maintained for use in our educational programs.

Jeff Hathaway
Sciensational Sssnakes!!

[Oliverian]

Very neat Jeff. :) Do you just use the regular tank covers from pet stores on your aquariums? Those vision cages look great, even from here. What do you guys use for heating?

-TammyR

[Jeff Hathaway]

Hey Tammy,

We use the Miracles brand screen tops, which of course only fit Miracles aquariums. After years of a haphazard mix of different styles and homemade lids, etc. (and a few escapes as a result) we switched everything over to Miracles in 1999-2000. Never had a snake escape a properly closed tank since.

For heating, we use a wide mix. Firstly the room is kept warm (~24-25) via our outdoor wood-fired heating system. Beyond that, we use uths, heat tape, heat rope, basking lights for some things, and even an electric blanket (under one of the visions).

Jeff Hathaway
Sciensational Sssnakes!!