bad advice in shops

uma_and_bill · 05-20-12, 02:01 PM

I was recently discussing with someone that the worse advice comes from shops, anyone agree?

Jay · 05-20-12, 02:14 PM

It all depends who owns the shop, but generally yes they are uneducated or misinformed.

marvelfreak · 05-20-12, 02:17 PM

I so agree. Years ago when i first got into snake i was told it was ok to keep Boas and Ball python together.

mykee · 05-20-12, 02:31 PM

Most definitely.

StudentoReptile · 05-21-12, 07:40 AM

Coming from over 10 yrs of experience working in pet stores, I would say YES, I agree!

With the extremely rare exception in the diehard herper who ends up working there, most pet stores echelons are high-schoolers and college folks, working part-time because "they like animals." They at best have basic caresheet knowledge (with more often than not, is inaccurate), and at worst, will make up stuff on the spot. Being a retail establishment, their solution to almost any problem is: buy something in their store to fix it. Snake not eating? Get another mouse and try again. Not shedding right? Buy some shed-ease. Not sure on the temps? Get a thermometer (not exactly bad advice, but they often sell only those sticky analog useless kind!). Found a box turtle on the side of the road? Get some canned box turtle diet. You get the picture.

I would venture to say that 90% of the problems new hobbyists have would go away if they complete avoided pet stores altogether. They have the highest prices for everything, and usually the worst source of knowledge and information.

uma_and_bill · 05-21-12, 08:01 AM

Thanks guys, that's just what I thought, I'm going to avoid them in future, I'll get my gear online and come to you guys when I need some sensible advice ;-) x

**millertime89** · 05-21-12, 08:56 AM

You're in the UK, PM lankyrob on here, if you're close to his area I know he's got a reputable pet shop near him that he frequents, worth the look.

Lankyrob · 05-21-12, 10:00 AM

Sheffield is quite a long way from here but thanks for thinking of me Kyle

**millertime89** · 05-21-12, 10:06 AM

No worries, I'm not too keen on the UK geography.

Lankyrob · 05-21-12, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by millertime89

No worries, I'm not too keen on the UK geography.

You probably have as much knowledge as i do of the US states

bladeblaster · 05-21-12, 10:10 AM

If you look in the wrong place then the worst advise is on the Internet, without a doubt. If you listen to the right people it can be the best advice, same goes for shops, go to a good shop and you will get good advise.

uma_and_bill · 05-22-12, 04:40 AM

Yes but how am I supposed to know what us advice and what is sales talk, there's just no way to do this except to listen to people like you who are in it for the love of and to substantiate as much as I can by having answers from a community x

bladeblaster · 05-22-12, 04:47 AM

A lot of people in shops are in it for the love of the animals too. Being a good salesman, doesn't make your advice bad, necessarliy.

shaunyboy · 05-22-12, 05:16 AM

like everyting in life,there are good and bad

if you research the species you want to keep,then speak to the guy in the shop about it,then imo,his answers will give you an idea of how knowledgable your local shop is

i have heard both good and bad advice,being given out by my local reptile shops

cheeers shaun

Terranaut · 05-22-12, 06:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shaunyboy

like everyting in life,there are good and bad

if you research the species you want to keep,then speak to the guy in the shop about it,then imo,his answers will give you an idea of how knowledgable your local shop is

i have heard both good and bad advice,being given out by my local reptile shops

cheeers shaun

The problem is most people research herps by asking the guy at the pet shop.
I agree , worst advice I have heard came from local pet shops.