Twin Cities Reptiles

http://twincitiesreptiles.net/?110000
does anyone know anything about this place? It's right by my house...

You live in Minnesota! Haha I haven't heard about them but if they are a good store you should let me know, I live in duluth and we don't have many herp stores in this part of the state I think including petco there are two between duluth and the iron range. So I'd make a tripe to twin cities for a good herp shop!

I'll keep you posted, although I'm such a newbie to reptiles that I'm not sure how to know if a shop is a good one?? I'm researching our first reptile now. Hopefully will bring something home after Christmas:) I'm going to check this place out next week though...

I like ones that are clean and good lighting (the one on the range is so dark can't see easily but it's a nice one) but main thing is how they care for their animals are they timid when they handle them how's the health of everything, I always like to see their live feeders are even kept in a nice clean area. Far as selection goes that i always go buy how many different species the have of everything not just tons of balls or Leo geckos. I'm not too picky just give me nice animals that aren't sick and nice staff! Lol

I dont live in minnesota or have i ever been to twin city reptiles. From what i have heard this place is great. They even have their own line of special that makes crystals. They are class acts as far as i can tell. Mom and pop shop i believe. Im a fan in facebook an they have gorgeous healthy looking animals.

You should do an internet search for any local reptile shows. The prices are often much better at those. And you'll be talking to breeders who can usually answer questions as well as tell you the history of an animal. IE: how many times or how well it eats. How old and how many sheds it's had. Male or female? These are important questions when choosing an animal.

I went there this summer. It really was a nice store. They breed rats if you need live feeders.

Carlson the reptile shop on the range is hardly a good place to go. Ive been in for their new and old building openings and its always been the same. Dirty cages and dry water dishes and super skinny animals. The guy Jay who owns it is a scam artist and last i heard had a few warrants out for him (from an officer not just bar talk). Be very careful about buying stuff from him. Ive had to or drive 5 hours to find another place. I cant say for sure if the twin cities reptile store is a good one i haven't been that far south in a bit. But if i end up there i will post a review.

thanks guys!

I've been there twice, and I'd go more but it's about 1-1/2 hours away from me! I haven't bought any animals there but it's definitely a nice place with many species of reptiles.

I'm not a fan of TCR. I used to get crickets for my geckos from them regularly, but when I saw the desiccated husk of what used to be a lizard still in the cage with another lizard, I quit going there. Any shop can have an animal come in sick, resulting in a death or deaths, but if they don't notice a dead animal before it dries up and turns black, they're not paying enough attention to taking care of their stock. The guy who owns/runs the place is knowledgeable and nice, but I'm not sure his staff are really up to the task of taking care of the number of animals they have on hand. Admittedly I haven't been there for quite a few years now, so things may have improved, but I have no need to go back.

I much prefer Leaping Lizards down in Burnsville (a few miles south of 494 on 35W). They're not as big (no fish or mammals and no giant snakes, whereas last time I was at TCR, they had a green anaconda and an albino burmese, both adults), but I've never seen a dead animal there, and the owner knows me by name even when I go months between visits.

I managed to get sick this week so I haven't made it down to visit the store. It's still on my "to do" list though!

I usually stop by every time I make it down to the cities, so ive been there about 25 times, and I love it in there! They have a great selection of reptile supplies and cages and the staff I had spoken with knew there stuff! Everytime I have been in there all the animals were fat and happy and well taken care of and I find it hard to believe they left a dead lizard in a cage tho :confusd: Being a pet store their prices are high though, never bought feeders so can't really say anything about that aspect but If you do go I suggest taking the back way it's a lot easier to spot! Especially with University being in shambles!!! I also agree Leaping Lizards is nice! And Specialty Reptiles is opening a store in January and I HIGHLY recommend them!!!!!!!!!!!

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Originally Posted by gopherhockey03

I find it hard to believe they left a dead lizard in a cage tho :confusd:

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I would never have believed it until I saw it with my own eyes - like I said, I was a loyal customer until that day.

Just saw this tread so I'm sorry if this is late, I've been going to TCR for literally decades, they've been in the business for longer then anyone I know of and I have always been happy with the service and selection. Bruce is extremely knowledgeable in all things herp related and he works hard to make sure his employees are well informed as well. I trust them above every other pet store I've been to when it comes to reptiles.