Pet Shops

[Fredricks]

So today I went into a shop, I call it a shop because it's not like a petsmart or pjs, but a store that breeds or gets reptiles from breeders and maintains normal pricing.
I have never been in this place, but was impressed by their stuff at a show. So I walked in and started admiring. Two guys working in the shop, roughly my age, who didn't even acknowledge me. It is a beautiful shop, I was very mich in awe of it. I have been debating on buying a spider ball and trying my hand at breeding or just buying a bumble bee, which they had. However I was so turned off by being completely snubbed I left

My question is, do buy from places like this or go straight to and from a breeder. Do you get a similar reaction as I did, or did you find them helpful and friendly?

[SnakeyJay]

It depends on shop to shop.. Some are friendly and knowledgable, some are not. Generally I'd go straight to the breeder as usually the price is lower and you get to pick the snake you like best from a wider range... Goodluck :D

[Snakefood]

yup, go straight to the breeder!!

[USMCgunner11]

Breeder. Not only is it a trust and quality issue for me, but it's also a plus for me to be able to view the parents and their qualities prior to purchase.

[hellosugaree]

My question is, do buy from places like this or go straight to and from a breeder. Do you get a similar reaction as I did, or did you find them helpful and friendly?

Service is king. A simple "How are you doing" goes a long way. I'd rather drive an extra 10 miles or pay an extra couple bucks to support somebody that knows how to deal with customers. It always pisses me off when I get ignored in a store. Especially when the employees are just standing there doing nothing.

[CDN_Blood]

I avoid breeders and pet shops like the plague. I will, however, occasionally pick up from private individuals who are more concerned about the health and happiness of their home-bred offspring, but my personal preference if I'm in the market for something is to find it in my local classifieds. I get great satisfaction from taking-in unwanted animals, and it doesn't encourage breeders (or pet shops) to keep producing more animals in an already flooded market where there are so many perfectly good animals already out there needing new homes.

[Fredricks]

Service is king. A simple "How are you doing" goes a long way. I'd rather drive an extra 10 miles or pay an extra couple bucks to support somebody that knows how to deal with customers. It always pisses me off when I get ignored in a store. Especially when the employees are just standing there doing nothing.

This place is definitely a good quality place, breeder prices because other than the random exotic, its all home bred or close to, but I felt like I wasnt wanted. I was ready to spend $400 but I was rather bothered.

[USMCgunner11]

I avoid breeders and pet shops like the plague. I will, however, occasionally pick up from private individuals who are more concerned about the health and happiness of their home-bred offspring, but my personal preference if I'm in the market for something is to find it in my local classifieds. I get great satisfaction from taking-in unwanted animals, and it doesn't encourage breeders (or pet shops) to keep producing more animals in an already flooded market where there are so many perfectly good animals already out there needing new homes.

I like your mentality. Good point

[Fredricks]

I avoid breeders and pet shops like the plague. I will, however, occasionally pick up from private individuals who are more concerned about the health and happiness of their home-bred offspring, but my personal preference if I'm in the market for something is to find it in my local classifieds. I get great satisfaction from taking-in unwanted animals, and it doesn't encourage breeders (or pet shops) to keep producing more animals in an already flooded market where there are so many perfectly good animals already out there needing new homes.

I'm on kijiji all the time. It amazes me how many unwanted BPs and cornsnake are on tHere

[exwizard]

I like it when people rescue snakes. This way they have a much better chance at thriving. That having been said, we got most of our snakes from reptile shows as this is the best source for quality snakes. Brian on the other hand has gotten stuff shipped to him from online breeders like AC Reptiles. 5 of my snakes came from Brian; the '09 Macks, the '09 Dums as well as Mick, my male '10 IJ. Schatzi came from a local breeder apart from the shows but all the rest of the snakes came from the shows.

We dont have a local pet shop like you described here in Des Moines but up in Ames, they have something like that there. Its called the Ark and I have nothing but good things to say about them. In fact, before Brian picked them up, my '09 Macks originated from there.

[CDN_Blood]

I'm on kijiji all the time. It amazes me how many unwanted BPs and cornsnake are on tHere

Case and point, lol. If more people adopted the attitude of rehabilitating unwanted herps and bringing them to their full potential, there wouldn't be so many breeders willing to saturate their own market, and so many laws being introduced to control what species can be kept because more of them would be in responsible homes instead of floating around out there in ever increasing numbers.

Follow the link in my signature block to see what unwanted animals can turn into with the right care. Only 3 of my snakes have been purchases I had to go shopping for, and those 3 didn't come from commercial types. The rest were all unwanted animals which are now in the prime of health and are very happy. I swear I can see them smile and whisper Thank-you sometimes :D

[CDN_Blood]

Reptile Expos...uugh. If I had the means, I'd make those illegal. You don't see circumstances where cats, dogs or even rodents are treated like that, and there's a reason for it. It's totally beyond me why people think it's OK to do that with reptiles.

Every Tom, **** and Harry handles almost anything they want at any given table, and takes every little disease and parasite they brought from home (or from the last table) to the next table, and when they're done the poor animals is stuffed back into it's little shoebox on a table with the rest of the other live animals which are in little shoebox containers without proper conditions. It makes me sick :mad:

[USMCgunner11]

Reptile Expos...uugh. If I had the means, I'd make those illegal. You don't see circumstances where cats, dogs or even rodents are treated like that, and there's a reason for it. It's totally beyond me why people think it's OK to do that with reptiles.

Every Tom, **** and Harry handles almost anything they want at any given table, and takes every little disease and parasite they brought from home (or from the last table) to the next table, and when they're done the poor animals is stuffed back into it's little shoebox on a table with the rest of the other live animals which are in little shoebox containers without proper conditions. It makes me sick :mad:

The one and only time I had to deal with mites was after I unknowningly brought them home with me from a reptile expo.

[exwizard]

Im sorry you feel that way. So far every snake Ive ever gotten from one of those has been healthy and good quality. Also every table Ive ever come across has disinfectant hand lotion that is always used before any snake is handled. Frankly Id rather buy from there than pet stores. At least the breeders know what they are talking about. Again, that is just my opinion and Im not here to change anyones mind. Im just relaying my experience with them.

[CDN_Blood]

The one and only time I had to deal with mites was after I unknowningly brought them home with me from a reptile expo.

Case and point again, lol. I might be perceived as a total jerk by a lot of people, but I don't spout nonsense. One learns and sees a lot in 25 years ;)

[USMCgunner11]

Im sorry you feel that way. So far every snake Ive ever gotten from one of those has been healthy and good quality. Also every table Ive ever come across has disinfectant hand lotion that is always used before any snake is handled. Frankly Id rather buy from there than pet stores. At least the breeders know what they are talking about. Again, that is just my opinion and Im not here to change anyones mind. Im just relaying my experience with them.

I agree with you there. One of the biggest problems with buying in MOST pet stores is that the employees don't care. It's a "9-5" job for them. A paycheck nothing more. At LEAST with breeders, it's their livelyhood so the animals tend to be cared for in their care moreso than with the other.

[Fredricks]

If there was a shop in my town I'd definitely try to get a shift a week (I already work 40+ a week).
I find the herp hobby to be filled with unsavory characters at times, especially the shows. I love the shows, most booths are great. I bring sanitizer with us.

[exwizard]

Snaitizer!! Thats the word I was looking for. Every table Ive ever seen has one. :)

[Terranaut]

Yup you need it at shows. This sunday after the show its cloths off and clean up right when we get home.

[CDN_Blood]

I feel a Rant (http://cdnblood.clanteam.com/CDN_Blood/Rants/Rants.html) building :D

[Trollbie]

I'm from Europe, so "good customer service" according to american standards actually annoys the hell out of me. If they're animals are healthy and well taken care of, and they know what they're doing, I'd do business there.

The shop I go to is kind of like that. They don't seem to be very friendly at first, but once I became a regular, they treat me very well.

I'm sure they have a bunch of annoying people who just wanna look and touch in and out of the store all the time. I know I'd get annoyed too. As long as they don't blow you off when you ask questions, I wouldn't have a problem.

[Trollbie]

I look through craigslist and adoption sites all the time. But they always ask for a huge rehoming fee :( I get why, but I wish there was a different way to do it.

[hellosugaree]

I'm from Europe, so "good customer service" according to american standards actually annoys the hell out of me. If they're animals are healthy and well taken care of, and they know what they're doing, I'd do business there.

The shop I go to is kind of like that. They don't seem to be very friendly at first, but once I became a regular, they treat me very well.

I'm sure they have a bunch of annoying people who just wanna look and touch in and out of the store all the time. I know I'd get annoyed too. As long as they don't blow you off when you ask questions, I wouldn't have a problem.

Seems reasonable. It's still nice for an employee to say hi when you come in. Good customer service isn't just about being nice to people after they become repeat customers--it's about being nice to people so they become repeat customers. Obviously some people will come in a store to "shop" and never buy anything. That's part of the deal with retail, and not an excuse to ignore every customer until they buy stuff.

[Trollbie]

Seems reasonable. It's still nice for an employee to say hi when you come in. Good customer service isn't just about being nice to people after they become repeat customers--it's about being nice to people so they become repeat customers. Obviously some people will come in a store to "shop" and never buy anything. That's part of the deal with retail, and not an excuse to ignore every customer until they buy stuff.

I know. But I would still shop there even if they didn't become nice. They're the best store around for reptile stuff. If they're doing things right, I'd be stupid to go somewhere worse, or spend gas and an hour of driving to go to the next nearest good place. It's not about me. It's about my snakes, so how they treat me is irrelevant to me. It's a matter of personal opinion I think.

I also don't like the whole courtesy "How are you doing" because they probably actually don't care and it seems fake to me. And if I don't wanna say I'm great if I'm not, but it'd be awkward to be like "ugh everything sucks"

it's probably just a cultural thing in my case. But to each their own I guess. I do think it's a little less relevant with pet shops. Petsmart always has great customer service in my experience, but they don't take good care of their animals properly. Not to mention their lack of knowledge...

[hellosugaree]

I look through craigslist and adoption sites all the time. But they always ask for a huge rehoming fee :( I get why, but I wish there was a different way to do it.

Most of the time they are pretty reasonable and it includes equipment. There are so many snakes out there, especially the ones they sell at major chain pet stores (e.g. normal ball pythons). I volunteered for a bird rescue / rehoming organization and you would not believe how many really great pet birds are in need of homes. We adopted 2 African Greys through the rescue and helped rehome a ton of birds. Unless you're going for some super rare designer show animal then there is not reason to go through a breeder. Why people buy normal ball pythons from breeders is beyond me. It should be a crime. Search python or snake on craigslist and you will probably get 20-30 ads for "My kid lost interest in his snake, $20 OBO rehoming fee. Need it gone ASAP." Dogs, cats, birds, snakes. Except for rare snakes or fancy morphs, I really see no reason to support people flooding the world with more "pets" that are going to end up on craigslist or dumped on the side of the road to die.

It's quite a rewarding experience to adopt a pet. Our Greys are both total chatterboxes and we get to hear someone else's whole life story from them. One of them was given up by an old lady with failing kidneys. She had him for 10 years. Her husband must have had emphysema or something because the bird does this perfect juicy hacking cough sound. When you turn the lights out at night he says: "You ready to go to bed sweetpea? I love you. [puckering sounds]" in this old lady voice. I talked to the lady on the phone and she sounds exactly like the bird, or vice versa. Occasionally, he has bitten one of us, and exclaims "**** Toby! You stop it! Bad bird!" When you sweep around the cage he will occasional say "You make a mess Tob?" The lady clearly loved this bird and it was really rewarding to be able to get a great pet and help someone assure a good home for their beloved pet.

Snakes might not come with such a cute story, but the idea still applies. There are always pets in need of a home.

[Trollbie]

Most of the time they are pretty reasonable and it includes equipment. There are so many snakes out there, especially the ones they sell at major chain pet stores (e.g. normal ball pythons). I volunteered for a bird rescue / rehoming organization and you would not believe how many really great pet birds are in need of homes. We adopted 2 African Greys through the rescue and helped rehome a ton of birds. Unless you're going for some super rare designer show animal then there is not reason to go through a breeder. Why people buy normal ball pythons from breeders is beyond me. It should be a crime. Search python or snake on craigslist and you will probably get 20-30 ads for "My kid lost interest in his snake, $20 OBO rehoming fee. Need it gone ASAP." Dogs, cats, birds, snakes. Except for rare snakes or fancy morphs, I really see no reason to support people flooding the world with more "pets" that are going to end up on craigslist or dumped on the side of the road to die.

It's quite a rewarding experience to adopt a pet. Our Greys are both total chatterboxes and we get to hear someone else's whole life story from them. One of them was given up by an old lady with failing kidneys. She had him for 10 years. Her husband must have had emphysema or something because the bird does this perfect juicy hacking cough sound. When you turn the lights out at night he says: "You ready to go to bed sweetpea? I love you. ::puckering sounds::" in this old lady voice. I talked to the lady on the phone and she sounds exactly like the bird, or vice versa. Occasionally, he has bitten one of us, and exclaims "**** Toby! You stop it! Bad bird!" When you sweep around the cage he will occasional say "You make a mess Tob?" The lady clearly loved this bird and it was really rewarding to be able to get a great pet and help someone assure a good home for their beloved pet.

Snakes might not come with such a cute story, but the idea still applies. There are always pets in need of a home.

I'm not looking to get another pet, but I'd rescue one if I came across one. That's why the fees are too high for me. In this area people are asking for at least a $100, sometimes including a horrible set up. But if I actually wanted a ball python or a red tail boa for example, I'd for sure rescue one.

[exwizard]

Except for rare snakes or fancy morphs, I really see no reason to support people flooding the world with more "pets" that are going to end up on craigslist or dumped on the side of the road to die.

All the more reason not to sell any of my snakes. The passing around gets out of hand.

Im not against pet shops that have people who know what they are doing and take care of their animals. I guess Im more focused on things I can control like making sure my own snakes are fed and cared for. I dont get worked up over things I cant control like the "flooded snake market".

[Ridge Runner_20]

Breeder. Not only is it a trust and quality issue for me, but it's also a plus for me to be able to view the parents and their qualities prior to purchase.

+1!!!! Great response! I went to a breeder and got my Hog Island girl for WAY under market value, AND got to see both parents as well. Granted, I was very lucky in that he lived only 2 hours away, but I believe there's just no substitute for being able to connect with the person that actually bred the animal. However you can, I'd try and make it a point to buy directly from the source. :)

RR_20 (Mike)

[MoreliAddict]

I recommend going to an expo

[KORBIN5895]

I really find it annoying the way people throw the word rescue around

[CDN_Blood]

I really find it annoying the way people throw the word rescue around

Hah! You're starting to sound like an old pro :)

[Skits]

I've gotten 2 of the 8 snakes I currently own from petstores. The first time was getting my first snake (technically my second, but my first one had escaped after having him for a week). They kept trying to turn me off buying him because he was "agressive", they put gloves on, were spraying him with a spray bottle, and kept trying to pick him up with a stick. At the time it seemed normal for me because I didn't know much, but once I held him I just had to bring him home. I had asked the same petstore a while back, if I could handle one of the boas they had. They did the same routine with the spray bottle, the gloves, etc. Told me the snake was agressive but he showed no signs of agression at all. We completely stopped going to that petstore ever since.

And second time, was the snake I got yesterday. The guy is pretty knowledgeable with all the reptiles and arachnids there. He can sexe a T, he handles snakes properly, knows which of his reptiles are best suited for people, etc etc. We go there quite a bit and he will talk with us about all the reptiles, ask how ours are doing..so I trust buying from that store.

The rest of my snakes are mostly off kijiji, but I have a few from expos. From the two times I've gone to the expo, I've always gotten healthy snakes and tarantulas. They always keep their tables neat, won't let anyone handle the snakes so there's less a risk of them getting sick between each other, and they're all great breeders. I'm hoping to never experience anything other than that.

[hellosugaree]

I really find it annoying the way people throw the word rescue around

Does it bother you when people use rescue to refer to an organized, completely volunteer-run, registered non-profit organization that takes in, houses, feeds, provides vet care, participates in community events, educates pet owners, and rehomes pets people no longer want or can no longer keep?

Oh, and I almost forgot the taking in loads of pets that were confiscated by authorities from people charged with neglect and animal abuse. They don't usually come with a clean bill of health when they arrive at the "rescue"

Just curious

[KORBIN5895]

Does it bother you when people use rescue to refer to an organized, completely volunteer-run, registered non-profit organization that takes in, houses, feeds, provides vet care, participates in community events, educates pet owners, and rehomes pets people no longer want or can no longer keep?

Oh, and I almost forgot the taking in loads of pets that were confiscated by authorities from people charged with neglect and animal abuse. They don't usually come with a clean bill of health when they arrive at the "rescue"

Just curious

The first one is not a rescue. What are you "rescuing" them from?

The second one sounds like it would be okay to call a rescue.

[ssshane]

I guess it depends on the pet shop. I would not by a snake from the large box type of pet stores. As others have said, you will have a greater selection going straight to the source.

I do tend to migrate towards the smaller breeder (like myself) when I can. I seem to get better customer service when it counts.

[UwabamiReptiles]

For me personally it depends on the breeder or place. If they are clean and well kept is huge in my eyes. With expos, I love them but you do have to know certain things before you go (sanitizer before and after holding anything or just passing by a table for example). Customer service is big for me too, if I'm willing to spend any amount of money on an animal you have and you're rude and don't give me the time of day. I will happily go elsewhere. Even online buying, I have asked breeders questions and gotten really rude responses. That to me is stupid on their part because reputation is pretty important for breeders.

[hellosugaree]

The first one is not a rescue. What are you "rescuing" them from?

The second one sounds like it would be okay to call a rescue.

Rescuing them from people dumping them on craigslist to some idiot who can't take care of them. A lot of people don't have time to screen adopters to find a fit owner to take over their pets. That's where the rescue comes in. The two are part of the same. The organization I worked with did both. In any case, it's really a point of semantics so It's kind of pointless to argue. I don't really care what you call it.

[KORBIN5895]

Rescuing them from people dumping them on craigslist to some idiot who can't take care of them. A lot of people don't have time to screen adopters to find a fit owner to take over their pets. That's where the rescue comes in. The two are part of the same. The organization I worked with did both. In any case, it's really a point of semantics so It's kind of pointless to argue. I don't really care what you call it.

Well I am really glad you rescued that African grey from that old lady. You must feel so good that you rescued it from such horrible conditions.

There see my point?

[hellosugaree]

Well I am really glad you rescued that African grey from that old lady. You must feel so good that you rescued it from such horrible conditions.

There see my point?

And if the rescue did not exist, what were her options? Neglect it, or give it to the first person that would take it. This lady loved the bird like it was her own child. She rolled his cage into her room every night at bedtime. She had a terminal illness and was a widow. She was did not have the luxury of time to sit around and post ads on craigslist and meet with people. She had nobody else to turn to. She sure as hell wasn't going to sell it to some moron at a garage sale, never mind the fact that she was sick and couldn't host a garage sale even if she wanted to. So yes, I consider the bird and the owner both rescued from an unfortunate situation that was not the choice or fault of either of them. I certainly hope you never have to give up something you love under failing health with no one to help you out, even though you are making arrogant, pointed comments.

There, see my point?

Regarding the same rescue. My other grey came from an animal hoarder and was confiscated by police. She was not in the best shape to say the least. We also took in about 30 other birds from the same incident. This was the same organization I got my other bird from. The same organization that I fostered and helped rehome many birds with (as did many others). The same one that held free, public classes for proper care, screened adopters and conducted home visits, and set up tables at fairs and events to educate people. The same one that went to senior centers to hold events just to make old people happy. The one that had a group of people will full-time jobs that gave a significant portion of their "free" time to help out, not to mention incurring a financial burden to feed and care for animals that weren't theirs. So, yeah, I feel pretty good about it. If you don't consider it a rescue, that's fine. Give it another, more fitting name. It makes no difference. It still helps animals and people. You can talk crap all you want, I don't really care. I don't need your recognition. I don't even know why I'm explaining this to you.

Call it whatever you want. It makes no difference either way what you think of it or want to call it. When you get down off your holy perch, you might try helping others at some point instead of berating them. A lot of little things ad up in the world. I'm not singlehandedly changing the world in some amazing way. The things I've done in my life to help others are really minuscule in the grand scheme of things. But a few million people do one or two small things each to help out in the world it adds up. I'm sure you've even done a few in your life too, and it might have even made you feel good.

[KORBIN5895]

This comment

I really find it annoying the way people throw the word rescue around

Lead to this

Does it bother you when people use rescue to refer to an organized, completely volunteer-run, registered non-profit organization that takes in, houses, feeds, provides vet care, participates in community events, educates pet owners, and rehomes pets people no longer want or can no longer keep?

Oh, and I almost forgot the taking in loads of pets that were confiscated by authorities from people charged with neglect and animal abuse. They don't usually come with a clean bill of health when they arrive at the "rescue"

Just curious

Which responded to with this

The first one is not a rescue. What are you "rescuing" them from?

The second one sounds like it would be okay to call a rescue.[/QUOTE

Which caused you to say this

[QUOTE=hellosugaree;721329]Rescuing them from people dumping them on craigslist to some idiot who can't take care of them. A lot of people don't have time to screen adopters to find a fit owner to take over their pets. That's where the rescue comes in. The two are part of the same. The organization I worked with did both. In any case, it's really a point of semantics so It's kind of pointless to argue. I don't really care what you call it.

This is where I get annoyed with your skewed philosophy

Well I am really glad you rescued that African grey from that old lady. You must feel so good that you rescued it from such horrible conditions.

There see my point?

Now you get annoyed and start really acting arrogant and ignorant.

And if the rescue did not exist, what were her options? Neglect it, or give it to the first person that would take it. This lady loved the bird like it was her own child. She rolled his cage into her room every night at bedtime. She had a terminal illness and was a widow. She was did not have the luxury of time to sit around and post ads on craigslist and meet with people. She had nobody else to turn to. She sure as hell wasn't going to sell it to some moron at a garage sale, never mind the fact that she was sick and couldn't host a garage sale even if she wanted to. So yes, I consider the bird and the owner both rescued from an unfortunate situation that was not the choice or fault of either of them. I certainly hope you never have to give up something you love under failing health with no one to help you out, even though you are making arrogant, pointed comments.

There, see my point?

Regarding the same rescue. My other grey came from an animal hoarder and was confiscated by police. She was not in the best shape to say the least. We also took in about 30 other birds from the same incident. This was the same organization I got my other bird from. The same organization that I fostered and helped rehome many birds with (as did many others). The same one that held free, public classes for proper care, screened adopters and conducted home visits, and set up tables at fairs and events to educate people. The same one that went to senior centers to hold events just to make old people happy. The one that had a group of people will full-time jobs that gave a significant portion of their "free" time to help out, not to mention incurring a financial burden to feed and care for animals that weren't theirs. So, yeah, I feel pretty good about it. If you don't consider it a rescue, that's fine. Give it another, more fitting name. It makes no difference. It still helps animals and people. You can talk crap all you want, I don't really care. I don't need your recognition. I don't even know why I'm explaining this to you.

Call it whatever you want. It makes no difference either way what you think of it or want to call it. When you get down off your holy perch, you might try helping others at some point instead of berating them. A lot of little things ad up in the world. I'm not singlehandedly changing the world in some amazing way. The things I've done in my life to help others are really minuscule in the grand scheme of things. But a few million people do one or two small things each to help out in the world it adds up. I'm sure you've even done a few in your life too, and it might have even made you feel good.

Now I noticed a few things.

First you get offended easily because you seem to have been offended by my first post that I quoted.

Secondly you asked me a question and got all tiffy a again because you didn't agree with my answer. This leads me to believe you are narrow minded or a fool.

Finally you go off on how great you and your bird "rescue" are when no one even said boo about it. That leads me to believe you have a self esteem issue because you are mad that no one recognized your amazing contributions at the bird "rescue"(again I am unsure of what you rescued that ladies bird from).

Now all this together leads me to believe you are compensating and must suffer from little Richard syndrome. You have my deepest sympathy.

[Trent]

This comment



Lead to this



Which responded to with this

[quote=KORBIN5895;721273]The first one is not a rescue. What are you "rescuing" them from?

The second one sounds like it would be okay to call a rescue.[/QUOTE

Which caused you to say this



This is where I get annoyed with your skewed philosophy



Now you get annoyed and start really acting arrogant and ignorant.



Now I noticed a few things.

First you get offended easily because you seem to have been offended by my first post that I quoted.

Secondly you asked me a question and got all tiffy a again because you didn't agree with my answer. This leads me to believe you are narrow minded or a fool.

Finally you go off on how great you and your bird "rescue" are when no one even said boo about it. That leads me to believe you have a self esteem issue because you are mad that no one recognized your amazing contributions at the bird "rescue"(again I am unsure of what you rescued that ladies bird from).

Now all this together leads me to believe you are compensating and must suffer from little Richard syndrome. You have my deepest sympathy.

Kevin you missed your calling mate:p

[Terranaut]

Getting popcorn!!!

[shaunyboy]

So today I went into a shop, I call it a shop because it's not like a petsmart or pjs, but a store that breeds or gets reptiles from breeders and maintains normal pricing.
I have never been in this place, but was impressed by their stuff at a show. So I walked in and started admiring. Two guys working in the shop, roughly my age, who didn't even acknowledge me. It is a beautiful shop, I was very mich in awe of it. I have been debating on buying a spider ball and trying my hand at breeding or just buying a bumble bee, which they had. However I was so turned off by being completely snubbed I left

My question is, do buy from places like this or go straight to and from a breeder. Do you get a similar reaction as I did, or did you find them helpful and friendly?

i've found in reptile shops the staff tend to,NOT want to badger/smother you so leave you to look around,then approach the staff in your own time

i'm sure they get lots of people coming in for JUST a look at the cool reptiles,so they bide their time to see if your buying or just looking mate

cheers shaun

[shaunyboy]

I really find it annoying the way people throw the word rescue around


.....RESCUE

.....................................RESCUE

.................RESCUE

.................................................. .........RESCUE


.................................................. ...............................RESCUE

..................................RESCUE

^^^^^
sorry mate,i couldn't resist :yes:

cheers shaun:D

[KORBIN5895]

Lol. You old bawbag.;)

[AaronRiot]

: popcorn :

As for the OP, any small shop purchase reptile or otherwise I make depends on the service. Good service and HONESTY and not pushing the sale for the $ and you'll have my business for life. Any shadyness and I will make sure others know. Neutral, I'll probably leave as well.

EXPOS ARE GARBAGE. They spread disease. They encourage impulse buys. They encourage breeders to get in it for the $. They treat the animals horribly.

If you want to see some cool herps go to a zoo.

It a load of crap that EVERY table has AND USES hand sanitizer. Last one I was at near Toronto I saw VERY LITTLE USED. And baby amazon tree boas flailed around like spaghetti. And balls sitting in their own feces. Oh and a lot of breeders b*tching about prices and not being able to get by and blah blah blah. I walked out LIVID.

Oh my point. I wouldn't allow 50 pairs of sanitizer coated hands touch my animal. That cant be healthy.

Oh speaking of health, Ive yet to see a show bin WITH a water dish.

+1 Originally Posted by KORBIN5895 View Post
I really find it annoying the way people throw the word rescue around

[jaleely]

OKay, i lol'd

but, good points. I have never bought online, and i have to say we got our first snake at a show. I was perfectly happy wandering around seeing all the animals thinking "oh they get to go back to enclosures at the end of the day, they're fine"...
I went to another show, and pretty much didn't get it until then...when i brought home a healthy looking python who had been extremely dehydrated. It was the first day of the show, so i hadn't thought about all the travel time, and that most of the people there don't take care of the animals. To be honest, it just didn't occur to me that people would want to, or let them BE mistreated. Once again, just because i wouldn't do it doesn't mean it doesn't happen.
That snake got to my house and drank and drank and drank...and had a huge urate stone i had to help it remove.
Never again!!!
I've been lucky and haven't had mites. I DO use sanitizer, and actually i never had held anything except what i was buying. I just lucked out, really.

Now we go to rescue...Ten dollars at the pound gets you a snake of any kind, if it's there. I haven't bought a snake since knowing this. I just can't justify going out and getting something when there are cast offs right down the road that aren't being taken care of.

Sure, there are some snakes i want that i can't get at the pound...a female hognose...another flame kenyan sand boa...some garter snakes.....

I may get some, some day. Right now i'm not getting anything because i don't have the room and if something was wrong with it, i couldn't afford vet care...and i don't want to risk the ones i have. A while ago i posted on "my lesson in restraint" because i *really* wanted to go get some snakes i knew were at the pound and take care of them.

Anyway...rescue is taking the animal out of bad conditions and placing it where it can thrive. I've done that with six various animals so far, and i love it. It makes it very hard to justify to myself getting anything new.

I flat out refuse to get into ball pythons and support that whole thing. Good lord.
I'll plug someone else's website here...CDN blood because this is HILARIOUS and so true.

Todd Rants About... (http://cdnblood.clanteam.com/CDN_Blood/Rants/Entries/2012/2/24_Im_going_to_be_a_Royal_Python_Breeder.html)

Hope you don't mind, bud. But that cracked me up...and made me sad/mad *lol* i was already on this bandwagon though.

Anyway, for a ball python...just adopt. There are so many out there that need homes. There's no reason to go to a breeder or a store. I hope you find one, OP!

[USMCgunner11]

I love those videos!!!! Hilarious!!!!!

[shaunyboy]

Lol. You old bawbag.;)

^^^^^
" ya auld bawbag "

if your going to slag folk off in scottish,get ALL the words correct ;):yes:

yer a bit of a " TADGER " yerself mate :yes:

cheers shaun

P.S.....RESCUE.....!!!

[Lankyrob]

I wish our rescue places had snakes and lizards (tho not for the reptiles point of view :)) any "rescued" reptiles get given to reptile shops to look after as the "rescues" dont have the knowledge or experience to look after them.

[CK SandBoas]

I bought my BRB from a shop down in Rhode Island, and if they were still open, i would go back to them if they had any animals i was interested in. I had also gotten a beautiful Tangerine Honduran Milk Snake from them as well. My Royal Python i picked up from the adoption coordinator of my local Herp Society, and my Grey Banded King and Paradox Albino Sand Boa were given to me.

I have not had the opportunity to buy from breeders online, but there are some Kenyan Sand Boa breeders that are friends of mine who have animals that i'm definitely interested in, when the time comes:)

[StudentoReptile]

I worked at a LPS for many years, and at a big chain for a few years in college. IN short, I have a very dim view of pet stores in general. Not saying there aren't any good ones out there, but they are VERY few and far between. Granted, over the years, the vast majority of my animals came from pet stores (employee discounts, what can I say?), but now I am older and a little wiser. I'm more focused on adopting from legit rescues and if I wanted to get something unique, I'm going straight to the dealer or breeder.

While AaronRiot may be a little overdramatic, I kinda agree with him on expos and shows. With few exceptions, the quality is sub-par, and it encourages impulse purchases and risk of pathogen transmission is increased. Again, in years past, a lot of my own animals have come from impulse buys at shows, but on the flip side, I've had a lot of "premature deaths" result from those impulse buys.

Nowadays, I'm not really in a position to add to my collection, but when I am, I know where I'm NOT getting my animals.