Ahem :(

[David Pinckney]

Um… Okay. So, does anyone at least know how I can find out, on my own? Pet stores are getting some portion of their amphibians from commercial breeders. How do I learn where some of those farms are?

From the poster of the ignored thread:

Local opportunities to care for anurans

I want to know which places there are in the San Francisco Bay Area that I can go to in order to gain more experience in taking care of anurans. I have had a few as pets, along with other types of amphibians. I have started applying for employment at some of the pet stores around here, but most aren’t hiring right now, and some are even downsizing. I know that not all herps are wild caught, so they come from breeders. I would love to help out at such an operation. Even if employment is unlikely, I would be interested in an internship or just volunteering, so that I could become more professional in my husbandry skillset. Does anyone know of any places I can go to inquire?

[GrifTheGreat]

Um… Okay. So, does anyone at least know how I can find out, on my own? Pet stores are getting some portion of their amphibians from commercial breeders. How do I learn where some of those farms are?

From the poster of the ignored thread:

Local opportunities to care for anurans

I want to know which places there are in the San Francisco Bay Area that I can go to in order to gain more experience in taking care of anurans. I have had a few as pets, along with other types of amphibians. I have started applying for employment at some of the pet stores around here, but most aren’t hiring right now, and some are even downsizing. I know that not all herps are wild caught, so they come from breeders. I would love to help out at such an operation. Even if employment is unlikely, I would be interested in an internship or just volunteering, so that I could become more professional in my husbandry skillset. Does anyone know of any places I can go to inquire?

I would see if your area has a Herpetological Society that you can join. I'm certain that you would gain experience from them.

[David Pinckney]

Well thank you very much GrifTheGreat. I will follow your advice.Yesterday it occurred to me that perhaps I should peruse involvement at the California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate ParkSan Francisco.Not so long ago, I revisited the SF zoo, and was very dismayed that theestablishment is overwhelmingly dominated by various birds and mammals. Toquote a funny episode of Seinfeld: “Not that there’s anything wrong withthat.” There were a small number of amphibians, and they were breeding frogs, infact. I’ll talk to them too. I did a web search and found The Bay Area Amphibian and Reptile Society (BAARS) and North Bay Herpetological Society. I’lllook into these groups as well.

[Shade38]

Hi David, Would you mind reporting back about your experience with BAARS sometime? I was curious about them, but they seem more reptile focused.

Please keep us updated, I would really love to know more about what breeders and resources are available in our area. Thanks!

[David Pinckney]

Sure thing Shade38. They are at least worth talking to. I tried to find a local batrachology society, but to no avail. Wikipedia doesn’t even have a page for batrachology. I’m a subscriber of Reptiles magazine. It’s great and all, but as the name suggests, its primary focus is reptiles. I couldn’t find an amphibian periodical. Herpetology is a commonly referred to word, but not batrachology. I’m starting to get the impression that the interest in amphibians is really obscure.

On the brighter side of things, I may have found myself a job opportunity at a pet store today. Just like I wanted. Wish me luck folks. It won’t be a high paying job, but at least it will be more interesting and educational than what I’ve been doing.

[Shade38]

Good luck! Hope you find the right job for you.