JudyC
New member
Are you Ruby or S N Foertmeyer? You need to use your own, full name when posting on BOI.ruby said:
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Responding to email notices you receive.
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In short, DON'T! Email notices are to ONLY alert you of a reply to your private message or your ad on this site. Replying to the email just wastes your time as it goes NOWHERE, and probably pisses off the person you thought you replied to when they think you just ignored them. So instead of complaining to me about your messages not being replied to from this site via email, please READ that email notice that plainly states what you need to do in order to reply to who you are trying to converse with.
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IMPORTANT! PLEASE READ!! About the Google Adsense ads being displayed
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Posted 08/15/2025
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Yeah, I know. They are a pain in the butt. But they pay the bills to keep my server running. Just a fact of life, I am afraid.
Want to get rid of them? Simple. Just become a Contributor level member or above and they will be gone. -> Please click HERE."
Is that too much for me to ask of you to keep this site running? Well, sorry about that. I too wish I could get everything for free. But alas.....
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Addendum: 01/10/2026
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Google Adsense ad revenue for December, 2025 was just $30 over the cost of the lease for the server running this site. So, in effect, the money providing the incentive for me to continue running this site is coming SOLELY from the paid memberships and sponsorships here. Which honestly ain't much....
Off The Ark Exotic Pets INQUIRY
- Thread starter boichecker
- Start date
rlmcritters
New member
How did this thread get so far away from the original topic? All the guy wanted to know was has anyone done business with Off The Ark? For your info, the Statedoes their own inspections and issues the permits, so yes they do come by unannounced.
Frankly I don't want to disscuss our laws and regs any more on this thread as they are fine just the way they are. If you don't like the wording of the laws then go to your reps and start the proceedings to change them. Then we may end up like NYC where you can't own boas pythons and other very cool animals, or like NC whereare fighting a bad struggle on "Exotic Pets". We best leave well enough alone!
My 2 cents. This type of thing is why I stopped using the BOI a long time ago, just usually bashing and people talking about something that they don't know enough about.
Frankly I don't want to disscuss our laws and regs any more on this thread as they are fine just the way they are. If you don't like the wording of the laws then go to your reps and start the proceedings to change them. Then we may end up like NYC where you can't own boas pythons and other very cool animals, or like NC whereare fighting a bad struggle on "Exotic Pets". We best leave well enough alone!
My 2 cents. This type of thing is why I stopped using the BOI a long time ago, just usually bashing and people talking about something that they don't know enough about.
Serafim
Well-known member
rlmcritters said:
Leave well enough alone and allow persons to knowingly sell animals that are protected by law... You should be able to provide some type of documentation that the establishment was inspected as claimed. You are right it went off topic but there was no bashing on a few persons part. I think potential buyers have the right to know about protected species being posted on King snake by off the Ark . But ok Rim we will just leave it be so you can feel better...
And as far as people not knowing what they are talking about. Your post is a clear example of that.
rlmcritters
New member
How about my eyes, that good enough for you? I was there picking up some feeders when the sheriff and the animal control officer came in checking the permits that were found to be in line. The laws are written the way they are. I can't change them and don't plan to. I like them just the way they are. Educating someone about selling illegal little turtles? You don't strike me as someone who really knows the laws. Look at any price list from any of the distributors and the little turtles are there for sale. Captive bred is captive bred. Captive bred locality colubrids are sold every day, but they are local to Va. and other states, hmmm so it is illegal to sell an Okeetee corn?
Don't think that is right!
By the way, I'm far from ignorant and I take offense to that. Remember no bashing or saying things you don't know to be 100% true!
Later, Randy Middleton
Don't think that is right!
By the way, I'm far from ignorant and I take offense to that. Remember no bashing or saying things you don't know to be 100% true!
Later, Randy Middleton
Serafim
Well-known member
rlmcritters said:
rlmcritters said:
Please do take offense as it was intended... And No You seeing something cannot be proven here. So that cannot be 100% proven can it. If you will go back and read I have said that there is a difference in a captive bred species and a wild caught species when it comes to the law book. In fact I did use the corn snake as an example. Guess you missed that. So weren't you the one saying keep it on topic and then come off with a bunch of off topic information? Hmmmmm. Guess that wasn't you with the whole illegal to own boas in NYC...... Take your own advice and keep it on topic and others might follow suit... To all other readers I do apologize for taking it off topic
rlmcritters
New member
No more from me, ya'll can fire at will!
Later, Randy Middleton
Later, Randy Middleton
Serafim
Well-known member
I think I have said way to much... Im through.. 
vferra7777
New member
I am Vinny and I know this is a bad idea but...
I have been reading all in this post and know i shouldn't counter, I told others not to counter but I have my pride. It is true what everyone has said. I read it all. In the past I had crocodilians and had dealings with fish and game, whom I work for when thye need the help like the cobra. There was confusion several years ago on the croc ordinance stating only wc animals to be listed. That bwas cleared up.
The box turtles had come from Florida and were anoher matter of confusion that has been cleared up based on what is illegal here vs there. The BRBs sent to the other with mites/parasites i have only heard from him once and only about the mites. I am sorry for that but that can be cleared up very easily with some spray.
As for the rest, I have permits from Fish and Game for everything in my store. The copperheads, moccasins etc. are used in all my shows which are FREE for the county schools, libarraies and the like.
The rare earth problem was a while ago and I wanted my students, i am a high school bio teacher, to see what i though was a fabulous collection under the care of a great guy Greg. They also opened a public store calle reef and reptile right next door that some went to also.
I accept all that drama and do with me what you will. What i ask is that you do not tell anyone that my animals are not well cared for. I take great pride in that. i may be a jerk to you on the phone and make mistakes but i take care of any animal that comes in. I do not charge for any basic care if the animal needs it whether it was purchased from me or not. I am a trained Biologist, Purdue University, and have been doing this for over 20 years.
Bash Vinny Ferraiolo all you want. The people who posted in my favor I thank and they should be left alone. They are just doing what they feel is right.
i invite anyone to come into my store anytime and go anywhere in the store and ask any question that you would like. Fish and game as well as animal control come in at times, not that often, but they do come in. We have never had a problem with the health of any animal.
If you want to correct my spelling or syntax please do so somewhere else. if you would like to attack me personally or how I dealt with you feel free to do it here, or at the shop or call me 804.717.2282 from 1-8pm. We have an employee named Chris, he should be left alone too. he is a wonderful worker and my friend. Attack just me and we will see if I can make you feel better. If you live close come in and show me the problems and I will fix them. I will not dodge you or your questions.
I am a teacher and know alot of other teachers that do buy quite a few baby turtles for their classes. That may look odd if you don't know what my REAL job is. We also donate many animals to my kid's classes. i have 4 kids that are all in difefrent grades. please remeber, my name is Vinny Ferraiolo from Off The Ark Exotic Pets (www.offthearkexoticpets.com). Please keep your tirades to me personally and my animals. Noone else is involved in what elongated this thread.
PLEASE come by and show me the problems. We will fix them immediately. i promise. to everyone else, hello.
Oh that world I was making.? I was asking for advice. Some offered good some bad. Some offered animals for free (thank you). We never made the world because the county was not too keen on it. i still like the idea and am doing it on a smaller scale, http://www.sciline.net/populations/aquarium.html
How does that look? I am sorry, but several crickets and worms have died at the hands of the mantiss. I don't think Fish and game, PETA etc. will be too concerned. I like teaching, it's a good professions and great hours. Check out the whole site as well as the leo project a few years ago. Great data www.sciline.net
Thank you for the patience and please keep the feedback to me and noone else. Sorry about the BRBS, how are they doing now? 804.717.2282 and [email protected] , 804.590.1599 is my home phone number (cathy is my wife and Jacob my oldest son. ask for me if you want to yell not them). Please do not call the school and waste their time. that is why I am giving my info.
I have been reading all in this post and know i shouldn't counter, I told others not to counter but I have my pride. It is true what everyone has said. I read it all. In the past I had crocodilians and had dealings with fish and game, whom I work for when thye need the help like the cobra. There was confusion several years ago on the croc ordinance stating only wc animals to be listed. That bwas cleared up.
The box turtles had come from Florida and were anoher matter of confusion that has been cleared up based on what is illegal here vs there. The BRBs sent to the other with mites/parasites i have only heard from him once and only about the mites. I am sorry for that but that can be cleared up very easily with some spray.
As for the rest, I have permits from Fish and Game for everything in my store. The copperheads, moccasins etc. are used in all my shows which are FREE for the county schools, libarraies and the like.
The rare earth problem was a while ago and I wanted my students, i am a high school bio teacher, to see what i though was a fabulous collection under the care of a great guy Greg. They also opened a public store calle reef and reptile right next door that some went to also.
I accept all that drama and do with me what you will. What i ask is that you do not tell anyone that my animals are not well cared for. I take great pride in that. i may be a jerk to you on the phone and make mistakes but i take care of any animal that comes in. I do not charge for any basic care if the animal needs it whether it was purchased from me or not. I am a trained Biologist, Purdue University, and have been doing this for over 20 years.
Bash Vinny Ferraiolo all you want. The people who posted in my favor I thank and they should be left alone. They are just doing what they feel is right.
i invite anyone to come into my store anytime and go anywhere in the store and ask any question that you would like. Fish and game as well as animal control come in at times, not that often, but they do come in. We have never had a problem with the health of any animal.
If you want to correct my spelling or syntax please do so somewhere else. if you would like to attack me personally or how I dealt with you feel free to do it here, or at the shop or call me 804.717.2282 from 1-8pm. We have an employee named Chris, he should be left alone too. he is a wonderful worker and my friend. Attack just me and we will see if I can make you feel better. If you live close come in and show me the problems and I will fix them. I will not dodge you or your questions.
I am a teacher and know alot of other teachers that do buy quite a few baby turtles for their classes. That may look odd if you don't know what my REAL job is. We also donate many animals to my kid's classes. i have 4 kids that are all in difefrent grades. please remeber, my name is Vinny Ferraiolo from Off The Ark Exotic Pets (www.offthearkexoticpets.com). Please keep your tirades to me personally and my animals. Noone else is involved in what elongated this thread.
PLEASE come by and show me the problems. We will fix them immediately. i promise. to everyone else, hello.
Oh that world I was making.? I was asking for advice. Some offered good some bad. Some offered animals for free (thank you). We never made the world because the county was not too keen on it. i still like the idea and am doing it on a smaller scale, http://www.sciline.net/populations/aquarium.html
How does that look? I am sorry, but several crickets and worms have died at the hands of the mantiss. I don't think Fish and game, PETA etc. will be too concerned. I like teaching, it's a good professions and great hours. Check out the whole site as well as the leo project a few years ago. Great data www.sciline.net
Thank you for the patience and please keep the feedback to me and noone else. Sorry about the BRBS, how are they doing now? 804.717.2282 and [email protected] , 804.590.1599 is my home phone number (cathy is my wife and Jacob my oldest son. ask for me if you want to yell not them). Please do not call the school and waste their time. that is why I am giving my info.
viandy
New member
I am Andy and I know this is a bad idea but,...
Since this thread was reopened approx three weeks after its last activity I'll comment again. I probably wouldn't if the new post weren't so confusing or if it gave any explanation to what I or others had posted.
Vinny, you say that:
The box turtles had come from Florida and were anoher matter of confusion that has been cleared up based on what is illegal here vs there.
The VA DGIF website says that:
In Virginia, any species of reptile or amphibian on our Native and Naturalized Species List cannot be sold, imported, exported or caused to be imported or exported , except cornsnakes (=<16"), molesnakes (=<12")and eastern kingsnakes (=<16). Eastern snapping turtles (=>9")can be sold in Virginia with a Hold and Sell Permit.
Will you reply and let me know how that was cleared up? Each time I read your sentence I wonder if I'm missing something.
In my first post here I told of speaking to you on the phone about your students coming to Rare Earth. You told me they had misunderstood you, that you did not instruct them to try and visit, and that you did not offer them extra credit for getting in to see the animals. Shortly afterwards a student gave us a handout from you saying visitors weren't allowed but to try and get in anyway, you would give them points for it. Is what you say here an explanation?
The rare earth problem was a while ago and I wanted my students, i am a high school bio teacher, to see what i though was a fabulous collection
Again, what you say leaves me hanging. It mentions something that was brought up earlier but doesn't address it. Are you saying that my memory of it is correct but it's alright for you to lie and to tell your students to lie?
Last question. Several years ago when I first saw your ads for mangrove snakes I thought you were making a mistake. I emailed and mentioned the ad, that my understanding was that Chesterfield had a venomous ban, and that Boiga are included. Your reply was that mangroves are colubrids. Yes, true, they are colubrids. If someone is thinking of getting a boomslang, Dispholidus typus, and a twig snake, Thelotornis capensis oatesii, do you see any problem in getting them at your store?
I hope you find time to reply to my questions. I thought the thread was over until your addition. Now you've gotten me interested in it again.
Andy Via
Since this thread was reopened approx three weeks after its last activity I'll comment again. I probably wouldn't if the new post weren't so confusing or if it gave any explanation to what I or others had posted.
Vinny, you say that:
The box turtles had come from Florida and were anoher matter of confusion that has been cleared up based on what is illegal here vs there.
The VA DGIF website says that:
In Virginia, any species of reptile or amphibian on our Native and Naturalized Species List cannot be sold, imported, exported or caused to be imported or exported , except cornsnakes (=<16"), molesnakes (=<12")and eastern kingsnakes (=<16). Eastern snapping turtles (=>9")can be sold in Virginia with a Hold and Sell Permit.
Will you reply and let me know how that was cleared up? Each time I read your sentence I wonder if I'm missing something.
In my first post here I told of speaking to you on the phone about your students coming to Rare Earth. You told me they had misunderstood you, that you did not instruct them to try and visit, and that you did not offer them extra credit for getting in to see the animals. Shortly afterwards a student gave us a handout from you saying visitors weren't allowed but to try and get in anyway, you would give them points for it. Is what you say here an explanation?
The rare earth problem was a while ago and I wanted my students, i am a high school bio teacher, to see what i though was a fabulous collection
Again, what you say leaves me hanging. It mentions something that was brought up earlier but doesn't address it. Are you saying that my memory of it is correct but it's alright for you to lie and to tell your students to lie?
Last question. Several years ago when I first saw your ads for mangrove snakes I thought you were making a mistake. I emailed and mentioned the ad, that my understanding was that Chesterfield had a venomous ban, and that Boiga are included. Your reply was that mangroves are colubrids. Yes, true, they are colubrids. If someone is thinking of getting a boomslang, Dispholidus typus, and a twig snake, Thelotornis capensis oatesii, do you see any problem in getting them at your store?
I hope you find time to reply to my questions. I thought the thread was over until your addition. Now you've gotten me interested in it again.
Andy Via
vferra7777
New member
My fault
Should have know better than to respond. Bye everyone. Please do not post here call me!!!
Should have know better than to respond. Bye everyone. Please do not post here call me!!!
vferra7777
New member
My Biosphere Project
This is Vinny Ferraiolo, owner of OFF THE ARK.
I read the remainder of the thread again. It really seems that my world along with me sending kids to RARE EARTH 10 years ago is the problem. Sorry about the extra credit to Rare Earth but I was impressed with them and wanted my students inetrested in that sort of thing to see it. The gilas were extremely cool and have stuck with me since, thanx Greg. I said I was sorry to Andy about that. I honestly didn't know it caused that much of a problem.
About my biosphere project, I asked for help and advice. We never actually made the world. We got some good dynamics but stopped. Instead, we developed a wonderful project through a county grant and a collection of live animals (http://www.sciline.net/project/about.html) that may be used by anyone in the county for free. If they do not want to handle them, myself or Chris (works at the shop) will do it for free. It has really been fun doing all the shows for all sorts of kids. We have done dozens of free shows for more than a thousand kids. most of these kids are from the city and have never seen tarantulas/scorpions, large snakes and the like.
Another side project off of the original idea and the advice I got that we did and are doing RIGHT NOW in class is one to help kids understand populations, ecology, THE WATER CYCLE as well as carbon and nitrogen in MY NEW WORLD (http://www.sciline.net/populations/aquarium.html). This is the information that I got from Fauna. This is the Fauna that I as well as others really miss. Why does my original thread irritate so many of you. I never did what I thought, I asked what do you all think. I got some great stuff. isn't that how we problem solve? That's what I teach my students. Brainstorm with those that more than you and see what you get.
Please go to these links and really see what we are doing and do not base judgements on what you think or heard. And again, any of you all can come by and see me and my store anytime but be open minded.
This is Vinny Ferraiolo, owner of OFF THE ARK.
I read the remainder of the thread again. It really seems that my world along with me sending kids to RARE EARTH 10 years ago is the problem. Sorry about the extra credit to Rare Earth but I was impressed with them and wanted my students inetrested in that sort of thing to see it. The gilas were extremely cool and have stuck with me since, thanx Greg. I said I was sorry to Andy about that. I honestly didn't know it caused that much of a problem.
About my biosphere project, I asked for help and advice. We never actually made the world. We got some good dynamics but stopped. Instead, we developed a wonderful project through a county grant and a collection of live animals (http://www.sciline.net/project/about.html) that may be used by anyone in the county for free. If they do not want to handle them, myself or Chris (works at the shop) will do it for free. It has really been fun doing all the shows for all sorts of kids. We have done dozens of free shows for more than a thousand kids. most of these kids are from the city and have never seen tarantulas/scorpions, large snakes and the like.
Another side project off of the original idea and the advice I got that we did and are doing RIGHT NOW in class is one to help kids understand populations, ecology, THE WATER CYCLE as well as carbon and nitrogen in MY NEW WORLD (http://www.sciline.net/populations/aquarium.html). This is the information that I got from Fauna. This is the Fauna that I as well as others really miss. Why does my original thread irritate so many of you. I never did what I thought, I asked what do you all think. I got some great stuff. isn't that how we problem solve? That's what I teach my students. Brainstorm with those that more than you and see what you get.
Please go to these links and really see what we are doing and do not base judgements on what you think or heard. And again, any of you all can come by and see me and my store anytime but be open minded.
Serafim
Well-known member
Why should we be "open minded" Vin
vferra7777
New member
open Minded
Ha, Ha. Nothing insideous.
Ha, Ha. Nothing insideous.
vferra7777
New member
Please calm down, take a deep breath and really look at the links I provided. these are real projects and derivatives of the original Rare Earth tours that irritated one of you so much. Alot of good came from the evil deed. Just check them out, please, and be open minded. These are real programs that are being utilized by many people in Chesterfield County for good. For good for KIDS!!!! Do knot chec speling, synatx etc. (funny...get it).
Serafim
Well-known member
Vinny I am calm. And nothing on those links is worth another read. People can post in this thread despite your objections. If you would have just left it alone it would have vanished and been long forgotten.. 
viandy
New member
I will not dodge you or your questions.
Alright, I'll ask a question since you've assured us you won't dodge them. Just calm down, take a deep breath and do not base judgements on what you think or heard. You can always brainstorm with those that more than you and see what you get.
You state that:
I have permits from Fish and Game for everything in my store.
So please, tell me what species that you have these permits for. Well, I won't ask you to list all of them. How about three of the species that you have permits for.
Thank you again,
Andy Via
Alright, I'll ask a question since you've assured us you won't dodge them. Just calm down, take a deep breath and do not base judgements on what you think or heard. You can always brainstorm with those that more than you and see what you get.
You state that:
I have permits from Fish and Game for everything in my store.
So please, tell me what species that you have these permits for. Well, I won't ask you to list all of them. How about three of the species that you have permits for.
Thank you again,
Andy Via