Den of Zen

24/03/2024

There is an outbreak of Salmonella across multiple provinces in Canada due to geckos. Remember to wash your hands after handling reptiles, going to the washroom, handling dirty things. This is common sense 101. This is not the geckos or reptiles fault.

24/03/2024

This is why you NEED to make sure to wash your hands after handling reptiles. This is a prime example of hygiene and reptile care 101.

Geckos believed to be responsible for an outbreak of salmonella illnesses currently spanning seven provinces.

28/02/2024

The Pumpkin Toadlet - These amphibians are a small and brightly coloured species of frog in the family Brachycephalidae. This diurnal species is endemic to southeastern Brazil where it is found among leaf litter on the floor of Atlantic rainforests

These frogs are VERY small with a snout–to–vent length of 12.5–19.7 mm (0.49–0.78 in) in adults. The color of these frogs is overall bright yellow-orange and this is considered aposematic (warning colours) since its skin and organs contain tetrodotoxin and similar toxins.

This species and the closely related red pumpkin toadlet are unable to hear the frequency of their own advertising calls, as their ears are underdeveloped. Instead their communication appears to rely on certain movements like the vocal sac that inflates when calling, mouth gaping and waving of their arms.

Due to their ears being underdeveloped, this affects their ability to jump correctly. They will usually jump, go stiff and end up crashing or doing "cartwheels".

21/02/2024

So...the world's largest anaconda has been found in the Amazon, with a length of 26', 440 lbs and a head the size of a human skull. CRAZY!!!

21/02/2024

So interesting

Actor Ewen MacIntosh, who starred as Keith Bishop in The Office, has died aged 50. The comedian’s portrayal of the deadpan accountant became an instant hit in the UK version of the classic sitcom, created by Ricky Gervais. Following news of MacIntosh’s death, one of his most iconic scenes - “B...

21/02/2024

Big changes coming soon!!

21/02/2024

Tokay Geckos (my personal favorite geckos)- Being nocturnal, these geckos will sometimes come out during the day to bask and absorb necessary UVA/UVB. A 5-6% UVB bulb is highly recommended to be utilized with a basking spot bulb. Offering UVA/UVB full spectrum lighting aids in health benefits like digestion, proper D3 calcium and vitamin processing to prevent Metabolic bone disease and overall health.

Any full spectrum T5 UVB light needs to be replaced 8-12 months after being plugged in as a requirement for use.

For your plants you will need a full spectrum light to help replicate the lush tropical forest in which a Tokay naturally resides.

With Tokay Geckos being from tropical rainforests these geckos need a heat source that provides a solid basking spot around 82-84° and an ambient temperature of 75° on the cool side. Having the temperature gradient is best for the gecko's overall health to thermoregulate, being cold blooded. A schedule of 12 hours a day for both lights is optimal and can be simplified by using a timer. The bulb we suggest starting with an 18 x 18 x 24 enclosure is a 25w bulb and can be dimmed to help control the lighting with a thermostat probe secured on the hot side to read temperatures. The basking area should not be closer than 6" from the light. Red nighttime bulbs are not recommended to be used with this species.

Spraying down the enclosure twice a day for about 20 seconds will offer a range of humidity variants for optimal temperature and humidity regulation. Suggested levels are between 50-70% with the ambient never dropping below 50% within the enclosure. Consistent high humidity 75%+ may cause bacterial, fungal, or respiratory infections. They will also utilize licking droplets off the foliage and glass walls of the enclosure.

In the wild, these beasts of geckos will readily eat other reptiles, small mammals, small birds and whatever else they can get their strong jaws into. In captivity they will eat a variety of readily available feeder insects such as Crickets, Dubia roaches, Mealworms, Super worms, Hornworms, and heftier items such as pinkie mice can be fed on occasion.

These geckos SHOULD NOT be handled. Today's are a stress easy species that has a tendency to bite and lock its own jaw on whatever it has chosen as its victim. They are a reactive animal with their sharp teeth leaving nice reminders of why they do not like to be messed with. With dedicated patience, moderate taming can be done over time.

06/02/2024

Dendrobates tinctorius - Our two Brazilian Yellowhead Dart frogs that started it all, Dart & Darla. I started breeding Dendrobates tinctorius in 2018 and it was an awesome journey/experience. Can't wait to move so we can start up the new facility.

Dendrobates tinctorius - Usually a 10 gallon vivarium is suitable for a single Dendrobate tinctorius, but Den of Zen recommends a 20H or 18x18x18 Vivarium for 1-2 frogs.
They can tolerate a temperature range of 65 F to 80 F, but prefer temperatures in the low to mid 70s. Keep in mind that temperatures over 85F can be dangerous to your frogs. The humidity that they best thrive in ranges from 70-100%.
They will eat a hearty diet of fruit flies, isopods and springtails and are absolutely adorable when they're munching out.

30/01/2024

Just an update - As many of you will know, we have not been very active recently. This is because we are in the process of relocating to the UK. The amount of time, effort, and work that has been going into visas, looking for a physical location big enough to support the shop/breeding facility and zoo has been excessive and has been eating up a lot of our time. We have not forgotten about any of you or your support and we promise to try and get this page active again while we go through the relocating process.

We appreciate everyones ongoing support and look forward to bringing you on this crazy adventure!

Much love,

JD & Bry of Den of Zen

25/01/2024

Thank you Brian for all the knowledge, positivity, energy and inspiration!

On behalf of the Barczyk family and our entire team at The Reptarium, it is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved Brian Barczyk.

More than the guiding light of our organization, Brian's fervent passion for reptiles and wildlife, along with his steadfast dedication to education, has touched innumerable hearts and minds globally.

Our deepest sympathies are with Brian's family, his friends, and all those whose lives he has touched. We've lost an exceptional individual – a visionary, mentor, and friend. For those of us who had the privilege of working alongside him, Brian's absence leaves an immeasurable void.
As we navigate this difficult time, we find comfort in the memories and the lasting light of Brian's work. He will be deeply missed but indeed, never forgotten.

The Barczyk family invites you to join us for a Public Memorial Walk-through to honor Brian’s memory. The event will be held on Wednesday, January 17, 2024, at Heritage Church, located at 44625 Schoenherr Rd. Sterling Heights, MI 48313 from 1-3pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages you to show your support by visiting https://thereptarium.com/pages/brianbarczyk . Your engagement and involvement are greatly valued during this time.

Also, at LegaSea's opening, visitors will find Brian's handprints. Guests place their hands in his, continuing his legacy in a simple, yet powerful gesture. Please continue to follow this page for updates.

Brian, we will see you in the next one. Everyone else, see you at LegaSea.

- The Reptarium Team.

Contact Information for Inquiries and Tributes:

For media inquiries, please contact our Marketing Director at [email protected]

and

For more information on how you can become a LegaSea sponsor, please email our Director of Community Relations at [email protected] for other questions, please email [email protected]

31/12/2023

Unfortunately we have had an issue with our group not retaining posts that we put up, so here is an update - Den of Zen is currently closed as we are relocating out of the country. Thank you to everyone who has supported us. We will be back up and running in time at our new location.

04/06/2023

We here at Den of Zen are hoping everyone is safe during these Nova Scotia wild fires.