What happens when reps outgrow petstore enclosures?

DDW · 05-11-15, 12:22 PM

I've been observing a Honduran milksnake at Petco for a couple months now and some questions came to mind. Let's say the staff at said pet store takes good care of the reps, so they are all healthy. What happens to those reps, that are healthy but are not bought, when they grow too big for any enclosure at said petstore? I wouldn't think they would just put them down or anything like that. I'm curious because, though I'd like to get it, I won't be able to get any snakes for a few years and I know for a fact this particular snake, unless bought by someone else which is very unlikely, will outgrow it's current enclosure and likely all the enclosures there too. Would they modify the larger aquariums and keep in that or try to get rid of it elsewhere?

(Obviously I should ask the staff there but am unable to go out there for a while and am curious to hear what y'all have to say, especially from those who have worked for petstores)

**Aaron_S** · 05-11-15, 12:36 PM

If it truly outgrew the store there's a chance they'd just send it to the supplier and get something else in.

DDW · 05-11-15, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aaron_S

If it truly outgrew the store there's a chance they'd just send it to the supplier and get something else in.

makes sense/: thanks

eminart · 05-11-15, 12:43 PM

If it were "very unlikely" that anyone else would buy it, Petco wouldn't still be in the business of selling snakes.

DDW · 05-11-15, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eminart

If it were "very unlikely" that anyone else would buy it, Petco wouldn't still be in the business of selling snakes.

Hmm, I guess so(I also guess I should reevaluate my definition of "very unlikely" XD), I'll keep an eye out, hopefully it does go to someone with knowledge of snakes. I'm probably overexagerating lol sorry.

I'm also wonderingHow long a store will keep its animals, if it doesn't outgrow. Anyway, this was most likely just a silly questionthanks for replying anyway. I was just concerned because I fell in love with that particularly active tangerine Honduran milk.

reptiledude987 · 05-11-15, 01:34 PM

it depends on the store. some dont have the option of moving them to something larger but If they have the option they usually do. However that being said the groth rates at stores are slower than they are when in a home because most stores are on a minimal feeding schedule for a couple reasons 1) to reduce their cost of maintaining their stock 2) to prevent things from outgrowinr their enclosures.

DDW · 05-11-15, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reptiledude987

it depends on the store. some dont have the option of moving them to something larger but If they have the option they usually do. However that being said the groth rates at stores are slower than they are when in a home because most stores are on a minimal feeding schedule for a couple reasons 1) to reduce their cost of maintaining their stock 2) to prevent things from outgrowinr their enclosures.

Well, maybe it won't outgrow too much before I'm able to tall my parents into letting me have a snake (unlikely but possible if I can somehow lessen my mother'said fear of snakes. ^.=.^ especially since horses are more dangerous than the Honduran milk or mbk. But I'll most likely end up with just a gargoyle gecko:/) thank you

hope sort of restored-ish.

**Minkness** · 05-11-15, 02:04 PM

If they have a specific animal for a long period of time, they actually lower the price, sometimes up to 75% of the original cost. They usually get such small things in, that they almost never actually outgrow the enclosures.

DDW · 05-11-15, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Minkness

If they have a specific animal for a long period of time, they actually lower the price, sometimes up to 75% of the original cost. They usually get such small things in, that they almost never actually outgrow the enclosures.

Like clearance at the supermarket lol, this also makes sense, in that case, I might be able to get a really well priced milk lol I think I'm going to start adding up needs for enclosures and stuff for a total money amount for enclosures and such. (About 40-50 gal tank equivalent or a 3'x2'x2' if I'm remembering correctly... uth, thermostat, lighting, hides, substrate, ect...) I might actually be able to do this. Especially if I start out with a plastic container/tub and move on to a terrarium later when I've saved enough.

**Minkness** · 05-11-15, 03:02 PM

I'd say start with getting permission first.

DDW · 05-11-15, 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Minkness

I'd say start with getting permission first.

I will, don't worry, that would get me kicked out and the snake killed X2 I just want to see the numbers of what I would get.

sophiedufort · 05-11-15, 05:36 PM

Just as other members said, Petco offers a heavy discount on reptiles every now and then. It is not only to get rid of older animals; it can be because they want to discontinue a certain line, or they have 'reptile day,' when all crawlies will cost 50% less. I noticed, however, that they increase the price just because the promotion.

I don't trust them with their snakes. They claim that they provide their animals with the greatest care, but they don't. At my nearest Petco store, all snakes had mites, again and again, even though they were not housed together. I believe it was because of handling procedures. Also, I think they buy their pets in shady places. Their snakes look terrible. I bought a snake from them and it died soon after, with no sign of illness. My ball python was purchased from Petsmart, and she was (and continues to be) very healthy and beautiful. All my other snakes, got them from breeders.

DDW · 05-11-15, 07:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sophiedufort

Just as other members said, Petco offers a heavy discount on reptiles every now and then. It is not only to get rid of older animals; it can be because they want to discontinue a certain line, or they have 'reptile day,' when all crawlies will cost 50% less. I noticed, however, that they increase the price just because the promotion.

I don't trust them with their snakes. They claim that they provide their animals with the greatest care, but they don't. At my nearest Petco store, all snakes had mites, again and again, even though they were not housed together. I believe it was because of handling procedures. Also, I think they buy their pets in shady places. Their snakes look terrible. I bought a snake from them and it died soon after, with no sign of illness. My ball python was purchased from Petsmart, and she was (and continues to be) very healthy and beautiful. All my other snakes, got them from breeders.

That being said, I have yet to find any type of rep breeders in my area, I am going to be driving 4 hrs to the nearest reptile convention and most of the people out here that do know anything about snakes keep wild caught(not well kept at all either) And, I've gone to PetSmart and petco. The ones from petco are way better looking than PetSmart. The staff seems to know quite a bit at petco too. (Not saying this is true for all, just these particular stores) thanks for the input. ^.=.^

**Minkness** · 05-11-15, 07:54 PM

Same here Dragon. The chain stores here have nicer stock than most breeders. Though I did learn there's a really nice boa breeder about an hour and a half away. But in my direct surroundings, it's cheapscape, reptile flippers or like a puppy mill for reptiles x.x I don't think I'll ever buy local for that reason.....except at repticon, but all the reptile venders are from totally different states.

DDW · 05-11-15, 08:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Minkness

Same here Dragon. The chain stores here have nicer stock than most breeders. Though I did learn there's a really nice boa breeder about an hour and a half away. But in my direct surroundings, it's cheapscape, reptile flippers or like a puppy mill for reptiles x.x I don't think I'll ever buy local for that reason.....except at repticon, but all the reptile venders are from totally different states.

Vey good points, I haven't found rep breeders within a reasonable distance and the pet stores (where I never see mites, as far as my inexperienced eye can see but I don't see any uh scrawling around other than escaped crickets) seem to be the most knowledgeble of all the people I know in my area, I have not even seen any rep groups or the such. It seems, I'm in the black hole of no herps.
The closest thing to pet reptiles is the(rather nasty and worst places with exotic animals) local zoo. One time, a big cat was in an enclosure right across from a monkey exhibit, the animals could see each other and were pacing in the rather small enclosures. My zoo is a disgrace to all zoos. We don't go there because of the mistreatment of all the animals.
Anyway, back to topic, I have yet to encounter any bad advise from the pet store employees in my area. (That I recall lol)