poor BP =[

[maria1232]

so yesterday i went to this petstore [[here in jax]] because i was getting another UTH for my bigger tub....so im in the store and my little brother comes running saying [[sister, why is your snake here?]] off course i had to go see another ball python, and what i saw appalled me...she was about 800g in a 5g tank, on display in the middle of the store, with no place to hide, or water...literally...she was on newspaper and that's it =[ i was SOOO tempted to buy her, but seeing as im already getting an alb. i can't afford another $70 plus all the costs of...well...everything..im hoping that before they closed the store they placed her in a appropiate container, but who knows

[PYMOM]

So sad...too bad you cant rescue them all

[NightLad]

If it is only the one animal that looks improperly cared for, than odds are it was a mistake. However, if you notice multiple animals than it might be time to call the local SPCA or equivalent group.

If it was only the one animal than I ask to speak to the reptile representative (to "answer a question").

It helps if you use a friendly, slightly inquisitive tone. Don't come on strong like a know-it-all -- I usually 'ask' my points. IE: instead of saying, "The humidity should be ____ and the temperature should be ____" I'll say, "I noticed this setup and I'm a little confused because I thought that this species should be kept at ____ temp and ___ humidity?"

That gives them a chance to realize the mistake and fix it (Damn that intern!) OR try to bullpoo you, in which case you know you have a much deeper issue and it is time to go home and write the manager/owner.

When speaking to managers/owns it helps to appeal to their business sense as much as the love of the animals. For example, instead of expressing my personal disgust and focusing on how the animal must feel, I explain why it is in their best interests to improve the situation. After all, the animal is an investment and they will see no return if it gets sick or even dies.

Having said all of this, I very rarely go into pet stores. All the supplies I need come from the local Reptile Expo; I save a lot of money and have a lot of fun.

[Hulihzack]

DO NOT "RESCUE" pet store snakes. When you buy a sickly ball python from a pet chain in an attempt to save it, they just made money off of it and will continue to buy more, perpetuating the problem. You can try to provide them with better husbandry info, or just leave it be... I know it's sad but it's necessary.

[PiiNKvenom]

I was at the petstore today picking up some frozen rat pup (yes I know that petstores are not a good choice but I still haven't found a local breeder) either way I decided to take a look at the reptile collection and saw an apricot pueblan milk snake in one of those really tiny "cricket tanks" and it just made me angry.

[BumblebeexSweat]

DO NOT "RESCUE" pet store snakes. When you buy a sickly ball python from a pet chain in an attempt to save it, they just made money off of it and will continue to buy more, perpetuating the problem. You can try to provide them with better husbandry info, or just leave it be... I know it's sad but it's necessary.

I second that! You are just letting them know that there is a demand, so they buy and abuse more.