Pet Shops and Exotics
July 27th 2011 17:35
When it comes to dogs, cats, most birds, and fish, the pet shop is a bit knowledgeable in the care and needs of these animals. I am sure that if we get down to it, even on those pets, they tend to sell us more than we need. When I see an ad for a major petshop that is selling their 'leopard gecko' kid and it includes lights, well I think they are looking for a sale!
When I was dedicated to herpetile husbandry and had quite a collection of reptiles, I would cringe at how most pet shops were only in it for a buck. This is why I always tell people to do their homework on any pet they intend to bring home BEFORE they actually bring it home! Otherwise they will run into so many problems and it will be too late to correct them.
When I was a member of several herp societies, I would hear horror stories about people who purchased a reptile with no clue on their care. Pet shops are a good place to buy supplies, but know what you are looking for. I was shocked when someone wanted information about a chameleon they had just purchased, and they had no herpetile experience. The pet shop sold him a tank, other equipment, and a hot rock. When I heard-hot rock I knew he was in trouble. Being arboreal, a hot rock won't cut it for a chameleon.
Then there was the family that bought a baby python, and was shocked when it had escaped and wasn't as inactive as it was in the pet shop. They had fled their house, the cops wouldn't go in, and it turned out to be an adventure for the herp society team sent to get it. They eventually did and was a 2 ft. Burmese python.
So although the following list is basically about exotics, it is beneficial to all:
1)So for basic supplies, pet shops are alright, but there are better alternatives online that may save you a lot.
2)Always do your research before acquiring any pets.
3)Join clubs and associations that cater to your pets.
4)Talk to knowledgeable people about your pet's needs.
5)Watch that you are not seen as a sale, otherwise the knowledge you get may be wrong.
6)Herpetiles are more for watching rather than touching. Handling should be kept to a bare minimum.
7)After handling any pet including dogs and cats-ALWAYS wash your hands.
When I was dedicated to herpetile husbandry and had quite a collection of reptiles, I would cringe at how most pet shops were only in it for a buck. This is why I always tell people to do their homework on any pet they intend to bring home BEFORE they actually bring it home! Otherwise they will run into so many problems and it will be too late to correct them.
When I was a member of several herp societies, I would hear horror stories about people who purchased a reptile with no clue on their care. Pet shops are a good place to buy supplies, but know what you are looking for. I was shocked when someone wanted information about a chameleon they had just purchased, and they had no herpetile experience. The pet shop sold him a tank, other equipment, and a hot rock. When I heard-hot rock I knew he was in trouble. Being arboreal, a hot rock won't cut it for a chameleon.
Then there was the family that bought a baby python, and was shocked when it had escaped and wasn't as inactive as it was in the pet shop. They had fled their house, the cops wouldn't go in, and it turned out to be an adventure for the herp society team sent to get it. They eventually did and was a 2 ft. Burmese python.
So although the following list is basically about exotics, it is beneficial to all:
1)So for basic supplies, pet shops are alright, but there are better alternatives online that may save you a lot.
3)Join clubs and associations that cater to your pets.
4)Talk to knowledgeable people about your pet's needs.
5)Watch that you are not seen as a sale, otherwise the knowledge you get may be wrong.
6)Herpetiles are more for watching rather than touching. Handling should be kept to a bare minimum.
7)After handling any pet including dogs and cats-ALWAYS wash your hands.
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