BEWARE! The Shell Shop of Central Florida shipping practices

[Mark and Aimee]

Credibility...

Where I am from...

Banfield = PetSmart.

Ever talked to the reptile "experts" at a PetSmart?

'Nuff said.

 

[RosendoP]

The Shell Shop inquiry

They are located in the Land O Lakes/Wesley Chapel area which is about 20 minutes North of Tampa. I was going to purchase some adult RedBelly turtles from them but the animals looked like $%@# so I declined. Just thought I would clear it up on their location.

 

[Rick Staub]

dry ice

There is zero chance of an animal surviving if it is shipped with dry ice. Every 44 grams of dry ice can produce about 22 liters of carbon dioxide. Chances are they would affixiate before they froze as the transfer of gas is much quicker than the transfer of heat, or in this case the loss of it. Carbon dioxide is denser than air so it would sink to the bottom of the shipping container then slowly fill the entire container. Slow in this case would be on the order of minutes not hours. If the container was sealed then it would build up pressure as the dry ice sublimates (ooh big word! lol, turns to gas) (isn't chemistry fun) and eventually explode. As a practical joke in the lab we place a piece of dry ice in a plastic vial with a snap on lid and throw it under an associate's desk. Within minutes it goes off like a firecracker.

FYI, Affixiation with dry ice is one of the 3 accepted methods for killing rodents in academic research. Cervical dislocation and drug overdose being the other 2.

More than you wanted to know I'm sure.

 

[bpc]

Gonna try to respond very carefully here....

2 cuban tree frogs for $11.95 delivered (shipped). No one has actually ordered any, and no one has had any arrive dead. Is that correct?

You have two customers who stand behind Shell Shop and one who says their turtles looks like crap.

You've spent three pages bashing the hell out of some woman because A) she stood up for a company she believes in and B) because YOU don't agree with HER job title.

Here's what I think:

First, cuban tree frogs are some of the hardiest animals on the planet. I know from personal experience as I've kept them before. That is one of the reasons they are taking over the state of FL and killing off our native species. I've actually seen cuban take temps above 100F while inside a deli cup w/o having any noticable effect. I know they will take more heat than a ball python or a corn snake because I have given those three animals to a friend on consignment and while he was bringing them back he cooked the corn and brain damaged the balls, but the cuban was happy as a lark sitting in the same spot. So that being said, why don't you wait until the guy actually robs the bank before you convict him.

2-3 day shipping. I'm pretty sure that if YOU the customer were not happy w/ the method of shipping and wanted to pay for what you thought was a better method they would probably work w/ you on that, don't ya think.

Cindy's choice of job title: You guys need to get a life. She can call herself "head crap-cleaner" if she wants to. It's her job. I'm a teacher, but many day's I call myself a "glorified baby sitter." Guess you'd better throw out all my opinions also.

 

[TripleMoonsExotic]

They're called Vet Techs not Vet Nurses...I know...My mum was one...

and I'm pretty darn sure that the dry ice would kill them...It takes mere minutes to kill mice with it...

 

[Rob @ RK Reptiles]

First off I would like to stress I am not bashing her because of her title. I was interested and asked because I have Never heard a Vet. Tech referred to as a Vet. Nurse and I have been working with Vet's and Vet Tech.'s for close to 25 years.
Second, no matter how hardy a Cuban Tree frog (or any other reptile for that matter) is, shipping in that fashion or even thinking about shipping in that fashion is a terrible thing and it violates the IATA regulations for shipping of Live animals. Whether or not everyone knows it EVERY package of live animals (Reptile or other) are regulated by IATA standards (Whether or not is is flying on an Airline or other carrier). They may not enforce it on the general public but they can. One thing in the IATA standards (I don't remember the exact wording) it states that any shipment of live animals must be shipped in the fastest and most humane fashion. Shipping ANYTHING alive via "cheapest 2-3 day service available in your area" is NOT the fastest and most humane method in any stretch of the imagination and violates the IATA standards.

 

[Darin Chappell]

Brian,

You know full well that the reason that Cindy was questioned as she was is because she registered and posted in the thread all on the same day. The "one thread wonders" that come out fo the woodwork just to praise someone that has been questioned or singled out for questioning due to his/her practices ALWAYS draw attention from those who are savy to the workings of the BOI. You also understand why that is. It is because so many people here are not what they profess to be, and they make up screen names and false identities, and all sorts of other crazy things to try and pump up their deflated images.

Also, you know why it is that some have questioned her self-described job title. If she is a true veterinary nurse, what are her qualifications? If she is a vet tech, why not just call herself what she is? Everyone here is respectful of those who work with vets as techs, or in any other capacity. If she is neither a vet tech nor a vet nurse, then her credibility is suspect for the rest of what she had to say. That is the ONLY interest in the true status of her work title, and I believe you know that, Brian. Beyond how it pertains to her credibility on other issues pertaining to this thread, I couldn't care less what she calls herself. She could be the Grand Poo-Bah of Feline and Canine Medical Services, if she wants . . .more power to her.

 

[sputnik]

So that being said, why don't you wait until the guy actually robs the bank before you convict him.

So your attitude is wait for some animals to die before saying anything....NICE!

I am glad you don't ship!

 

[Cindy C]

shellshop

I feel so popular ....A good friend once told me "It's better to be talked about bad, then not talked about at all." Hmmm.. You guys are truely obsessed(Daring and Rob) about bashing shellshop no matter what anyone says! Why do you hate them so much? Maybe you should visit the narcissistic behavior disorder forum and talk to others just like you. I'm sure nothing I say matters ...your always right anyone else is always wrong. By the way there are many Banfield's that are not inside of Petsmarts, as they are 2 seperate companies that sometimes share the same space. Stop talking about me and find a new topic to discuss concerning reptiles. Cindy Carley

 

[sputnik]

It would seem you are the one talking so much about yourself.

The issue is shell shops shipping practices of frogs.

Your post and out burst at Darin (NOT Daring) and Rob was nothing short juvenile. If all you can come up with is to suggest that they should be going to another forum for disorders your post was and is are a long way short of anything constructive.

Darin and Rob are in my opinion VERY well respected members in the reptile world.

In other words, get some credibility... and stop rambling about nothing.

 

[bpc]

Rob, I know you and like you, but you don't follow those practices either. I know you are now a "certified shipper" or whatever you and UPS call it. Translation you are allowed to ship UPS. Which I'm sure you do. The fastest and most humane way to ship would probably be Delta. Because with Delta the animal never sits in the back of a "BIG BROWN OVEN....ERRR I MEAN TRUCK."

Also, as you seem to be the self appointed shipping police (LOL) what the hell is IATA? And if you know that they don't enforce things on the general public, then you must also know that the general public has never heard of them. So why, would they even be considered in this discussion? Not really trying to bust your balls, but cmon. We know all about the shipping practices used by herpers in this country. Snakes aren't supposed to be mailed, but they are everyday. UPS, FEDEX, ETC don't ship reptiles (unless your name is ROB) yet they do every, single day.
Sometimes knowingly.

Here's my contention guys: no harm = no foul.

NO ONE (as yet) has recieved any dead frogs. Yet this post makes this company look bad. This company has had two customers come on and defend them, and one of them has been attacked (I really don't care why, it was still an attack). And Frankly, I think two cubans placed in a deli cup wiht a wet paper towel and then boxed up nicely would make it just fine 9 times out of 10. And realistically speaking, those odds are acceptable with these animals.

And then let's really sit down and think about this for a sec. THEY'RE FREAKING CUBAN TREE FROGS! Would you pay $35-75 to have two frogs worth maybe $5 shipped to you? If so, as I said before, I'd bet these guys would probably make arrangements to ship them anyway you wanted (and were willing to pay for).

 

[BrianB]

Re: shellshop

I'm confused has anyone actually purchased anything from shellshop, or is everyone just complaining to complain? I HAVE and I can say they have always been wonderful to deal with. I have always recieved beautiful healthy animals from them, including 1.1 cuban tree frogs packed lovingly with dry ice. Jordan has also been very kind at returning my calls with any questions I may have after the sales were closed about care of the snakes, tortoises and turtles I have purchased. I hope this helps anyone who has read all this bashing to see this was all just gossip. CC

Do you know what dry ice is? If you recieved live animals, they definately weren't packed in dry ice. Perhaps if you describe the stuff you're thinking of a bit, it would help clear that point up.

 

[sputnik]

Snakes aren't supposed to be mailed, but they are everyday. UPS, FEDEX, ETC don't ship reptiles (unless your name is ROB) yet they do every, single day.

Good shippers get permission from the local carriers office to ship snakes, example Ms-terese does.... and her name is not Rob!

Also, as you seem to be the self appointed shipping police

Okay, Rob you are now, according to Brain, the self appointed police of shipping. LOL

If that's true then I am glad we have someone with experience to police shipping practices.

I value Rob's opinion on shipping as he ships a lot! Compared to bpc who does not ship.... hummmmmm whose opinion has weight and credibility now?

I think that's an easy question to answer!

 

[bpc]

Sputnik, I value his opinion also, especially when it comes to shipping. That's why I appointed him as the shipping police. LOL
However, I sometimes feel the he and others go to far when it comes to prosecuting firms/individuals based upon how they ship. If the animals arrive in good condition then I think there is nothing to complain about. Yes, yes, mailing snakes is illegal. we all know that. But up until 2 weeks ago so was having oral sex with your own wife!

There are tons of laws which make no sense and therefor are either not enforced or selectively enforced.

 

[WebSlave]

If you all don't have anything further of any substance about the topic of this thread, then keep up the arguing among yourselves and I will be glad to close this down for you.

 

[sputnik]

To be honest, it wouldn't bother me if this thread was closed.

 

[Cheryl Marchek AKA JM]

I didn't see the original add

But the veterinary nurse clued us in that she had received

"1.1 cuban tree frogs packed lovingly with dry ice"

Now I am very sure that anyone with a degree in the medical field (and yes, veterinary TECHS usually have at LEAST an A.S. degree, I only bring it up again as she felt it necessary to point out her position indicating her advanced knowledge about animals) so surely she would know what dry ice would do to a frog, (I don’t know anything about frogs and I only have an A.A, but I guessed the CO2 would kill them quick!) so..........

Perhaps we are all confused. Perhaps the Cuban tree frogs are intended as feed for something else, in which case it would make perfect since to pre-kill them and then ship them lovingly packed in dry ice for a 2-3 day trip.

I have no idea WHY she needed a male and a female frog to feed to something else, maybe it's an aesthetic thing?.

Or maybe..........she didn't get them packed in dry ice, or maybe she isn't a vet nurse, or maybe she is just here playing at the BOI and making herself look foolish.

Just guessing

 

[sunbakedherps]

just my opinion

Ummmm, guys, For a bunch of animal lovers, you dont seem to mind beating a dead horse! I can't believe I bothered reading this thread all the way through. All relevent issues were discussed in the first 2 pages, the rest was just a waste of rich's space and everyone elses time. thanks for listening to my added babble Corey Kingsbury