New Pet Shop, Horrible Reptile Keeping

[Rikki]

I went to this new pet shop today, which was already looking " un decent" on the out side, I go inside things are a bit sloppy, the shop is the size of a large room... I go to one side where the reptiles are.... I see cages on the ground, a large selection from Green Anacondas to Retics and Monitors.... In one cage in the very back there is a 20 gallon tank with Savanna Monitors as large as the tank is long! There must have been 5-8 monitors pilled on top of each other! I talked to the lady, and said "They will sell soon anyways". It goes to show how horrible pet shops can treat reptiles Made me want to buy them all....

[CamHanna]

That's a petshop my friend. Buy the pets and they buy more.

[Rikki]

I understand that, they are not like the others shops in the area, many take excellent care of their pets.

[beanersmysav]

In the fairness of pet shops not all of them are like that. None of them hear mismatch animals, although some of their care isnt the best, but I know there's some major breeders out there with large pet shops, so in fairness to them especially not all pet shops are like that.

But yeah that would piss me off to see so many beautiful animals treated wrongly.

[Rikki]

All of there reptiles were kept in shavings as well, many had it all in there mouths, they had a custom "Reptile Kit" with shavings and a water dish with no heater......Very sad....

[Manitoban Herps]

There are good pet shops and bad pet shops, just like there are good breeders and bad breeders.

[CamHanna]

Originally posted by Rikki
All of there reptiles were kept in shavings as well, many had it all in there mouths, they had a custom "Reptile Kit" with shavings and a water dish with no heater......Very sad....

Is there something wrong with shavings? Impaction is easily avoided through proper feeding and aspen is not toxic.

[Rikki]

Hampster bedding isnt right for reptiles....

[CamHanna]

Why not?

[Rikki]

As said above, it is common to be found stuck in reptiles mouths, I have heard many stories of herps choaking on it.

[zero&stich]

I'd like to add my two cents. I agree that most pet stores are absolutely trash and the conditions can be horrendious. No question about that. But keep in mind not all stores have space or can supply themselves with racks, so you will see the same species kept together to save up space. Most of that sort of thing is temporary. As long as you don't see nose rub or scaring from attacks, a sign of severe overcrowding, then its just to take note and warn someone if you see something out of control.

On a side note, I have used aspen bedding for my herps.

[Rikki]

It doesnt really matter is they dont have the space, they knew what they were ordering from the start. Aspen has many bad sides would not risk it... I did see mild rose nub, and a few cuts on a burm not too serious, though could have been avoided.

[zero&stich]

As said above, it is common to be found stuck in reptiles mouths, I have heard many stories of herps choaking on it.

I think you mean impaction. Yes not all shavings is suitable for different herps. It is up to the keeper to decide on account which subtrate works best for the needs of that reptile.

If my pine didn't crap so much, I would still be using aspen bedding.

Aspen has many bad sides would not risk it

And what risks would that be? Most reptuable breeders use aspen for their snakes.

It doesnt really matter is they dont have the space, they knew what they were ordering from the start.

Take in account many stores special order animals everyday for people then decide they don't want it due to ill research. Unfortunatly it happans. Maybe that is what happaned with the savs, since they are a popular monitor for a pet.

As for the nose rub, that's too bad Hope they find good homes.


__________________
Jess Bruce

[zero&stich]

double post

[Rikki]

Well im going to leave the use of aspen to you guys though I would not risk it after what I have heard..... Many of the herps were in wire cages which may explain the cuts and nose rub....