They needed help!!

[Blu Mongoose]

Went into a petshop today to buy pinkies. I was horrified when I saw the BP's. It looked like they were starving and had retained a couple sheds. I decided to speak up about the problem and I really believe she didn't have a clue on snake care. I explained they needed much higher humidity and soaking them would help them shed. She thought that if there was a water dish in the tank that they would soak themselves. YEAH. I could just see my boy doing that!! He hates touching water. She told me one had died this week and she didn't know why. She did however seem very receptive to all the care info I gave, I'll try and go back this week and see how things are. Got to get her in touch with this site.

[Slithers]

good for you.

my snakes love the water

[Laooda]

Sounds like the best senero that could have come out of that situation...I think you did the best thing possible! ***Not to stick up for the shop*** But I've been in stores when they recive shipments/deliveries... Some of the WC BP look like well, you know... Could these also be WC and not adapted.. On-top of not having proper care?

[frankykeno]

Good for you Nancy. Maybe a print out of our caresheet might be of help to the pet store lady since she seems reasonably receptive to suggestions. Obviously no pet store can provide what a caring private home or quality breeder can but she may well be able to adapt the caresheet suggestions to a commercial pet store.

[Vomitore]

You know what sucks? I know one of these days I'll go into a shop, and if I'm financially stable and see a snake in an unhealthy enviorment, and the owner wont comply, then I'm buying that critter.

[sidhe]

You know what sucks? I know one of these days I'll go into a shop, and if I'm financially stable and see a snake in an unhealthy enviorment, and the owner wont comply, then I'm buying that critter.

I would do the same so, I try to stay out of those places. Not easy though because I love to look, then looking turns into buying etc. They are all just so darn cute as babies too I never go into those places alone (not strong enough) lol.

[Blu Mongoose]

You know what sucks? I know one of these days I'll go into a shop, and if I'm financially stable and see a snake in an unhealthy enviorment, and the owner wont comply, then I'm buying that critter.

Yeah, thats how we got our yellow foot, carpet python. BP and our kingsnake. We didn't like the care that was given. Yet they always go and buy more so you are only lining their pockets to continue doing what their doing. I've fallen for it too many times. I will probably continue doing rescue from individuals in the future but I have promised myself some quality animals and have to stick to my guns. Sometimes they are more receptive if you make it sound as if you are looking out to protect their investment. But some just don't care, I just try to help when and where I can.

Looking forward to a spider so I have to stick to my guns.

[Vomitore]

I know my grandma doesnt want me to get anymore snakes but if it's for a good reason, and I hope its a RTB, then I'm getting it! But not to wish misfortune on these poor guys. I really hate to see them in terrible living conditions.

[Ginevive]

Pet store people will listen to you; sometimes they are actually so frustrated and disappointed in their dying animals that they will turn to anyone who offers advice. These are the ones who can be talked to, and think about it: are you doing more good by buying a suffering animal that'll be replaced, or trying to teach the person the proper husbandry?
I am guilty of it too sometimes; hell, I bought a horse that was going to slaughter, lining the pockets of the people who would have trailered her to the auction. But you know when and where you are needed, sometimes.

[elevatethis]

You know what sucks? I know one of these days I'll go into a shop, and if I'm financially stable and see a snake in an unhealthy enviorment, and the owner wont comply, then I'm buying that critter.

If you don't like how a pet store is taking care of their stock, don't support them by providing them with any revenue. Each dollar you spend with them is a vote in favor of how they are currently running their business. Its hard to turn your back on those animals, but more and more animals will be subjected to these same circumstances if you perpetuate the cycle by "rescuing" animals from crappy pet stores.