Help! Dying Red Tail at Petco- Not Sure What I Should Do?

While it is terrible buying this animal is not the answer, soon as you will buy it they will have another one to replace him and if it eats it eats and if it doesn't it will be the same story all over again and what are you gonna do next, buy all their non feeder.

Problem with petco and petsmart is that they are rarely allowed (per their corporate policy) to feed live and if the animal does not take f/t they either watch the animal die or force feed or assist feed it (granted someone knows how to do it)

This animal should be surrender and rescued not sold for a profit, ultimately paying to rescue an animal is only encouraging this type of things to continue.

Sometimes you can't save them all.

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Originally Posted by dr del

This is a horrible situation.

Do not give them money for almost killing a snake - they will just see an empty cage and buy in another and start the cycle all over again.

If they are willing to surrender the animal to you for nothing then by all means take it and try and save the little fellah.

Any guilt in this belongs squarely on their shoulders - it sounds harsh and uncaring for the snake but, long term, it might save more lives making them learn. :(


dr del

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i completely agree, i actually snapped a picture the other day of the ones at my local petco, correct me if im wrong but they need +/- 70% humidity?
(i keep balls not boas)
they were keeping them at 20% and ALL of them were curled up in the water tub.. it disgusted me. i went and asked an employee why they werent being cared for, and he replied with and i quote
"oh those have been here for a while, we have to sell them soon, thats why they are all 25% off"
now they had another "tank" with 6 or 7 on the other side also, that were newer, and full price also with a 15-20% humidity.

I didn't know they had a no live feeding policy.

I saw a little girl adopting two rats that I can only guess were to big for the store to continue to carry. She went to the counter and only paid for a little carrier. My first thought was I would love to adopt their rats that need a new home. I already have a carrier and my snake cages have more than enough room for a rat for a couple of minutes.

I guess I'm not a good candidate for a rat adoption and would be rejected. So much for a freebie.:D

Vet visit will probably be more thabn $85.

A boa that won't eat? Most are extremely good at it. I start most of my baby boas off with f/t as a first meal.

They feed live crickets and meal worms.

They won't live feed a cute animal to anything.

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Originally Posted by Jason Bowden

Vet visit will probably be more thabn $85.

A boa that won't eat? Most are extremely good at it. I start most of my baby boas off with f/t as a first meal.

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I agree all my boas eat f/t and I've never had one turn their nose up. Even a baby I has gotten before his first meal and shed started no problem on a f/t mouse hopper.

I called corporate and made a complaint. They called the manager right away and the snake is going to see a vet this week. When the manager finds out exactly what is wrong with it she's going to let me know. She was willing to give it to me for a discounted price but we didn't talk specifics and I really don't want to put any money in Petco's pocket for this animal. I guess we'll see what the vet says and go from there!

Thank you all for your replies :) I only have good intentions here.

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Originally Posted by bcr229

I'm sorry, but if funds are so tight that a vet visit isn't in the cards, your first priority is to your current animals.

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My current animals are healthy, happy, and receive all the vet care they need. Aren't funds tight for everyone? I get that my priority is to my current animals- which is why I have already stated I do not want to keep this snake.

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Originally Posted by doganddisc

My current animals are healthy, happy, and receive all the vet care they need. Aren't funds tight for everyone? I get that my priority is to my current animals- which is why I have already stated I do not want to keep this snake.

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Cool, I've just seen too many people get in over their heads saving neglected animals, and then their whole collection suffers. I know it's tough to walk away from an animal in need and not reward a business owner with $$$ when the owner won't step up and give the animal proper care. There's a shop in my state notorious for this, the pictures are sickening, and if pulling out my checkbook would help I'd do it in a heartbeat.

Fortunately it looks like Petco is doing the responsible thing, and I'm looking forward to your update.

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Originally Posted by doganddisc

I called corporate and made a complaint. They called the manager right away and the snake is going to see a vet this week. When the manager finds out exactly what is wrong with it she's going to let me know. She was willing to give it to me for a discounted price but we didn't talk specifics and I really don't want to put any money in Petco's pocket for this animal. I guess we'll see what the vet says and go from there!

Thank you all for your replies :) I only have good intentions here.



My current animals are healthy, happy, and receive all the vet care they need. Aren't funds tight for everyone? I get that my priority is to my current animals- which is why I have already stated I do not want to keep this snake.

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They aren't GIVING it to you for a discounted price, they are selling it to you for a discounted price.

I'm glad you cared about this animal to try to make some change for it. Even at a discounted price, I wouldn't risk my current collection bringing in a sick animal, even with QT.