How do you handle it?

[Skittles1101]

I often come across random people I meet, and when the topic of my reptiles come up, sometimes it turns out they keep one or more too. As a lot of you probably know, usually the conversation turns into the setup or how often they're fed, etc. How do you handle when someone who seems to genuinely care for their reptile, keeps them completely wrong.

I'm not a know it all, and I know I'll probably be learning about these guys for the rest of my life, but when it comes to general care I definitely know the difference between what's acceptable, and what's completely wrong. How do you talk to them about correct care without coming off like a cocky you-know-what?

How do you handle conversations where you don't believe the person researched enough about their reptiles without coming off as a jerk?

[mr.spooky]

say "hey,, do you know what,,, theres a really cool forum called BP.net, you should check it out!"
spooky

[Skittles1101]

I've done that before...one person in particular...and I doubt he has lol. What if they say "naaaahhhh I'm not much into forums" lol then what Spooky?

[Freakie_frog]

First things first I try to never offer advice I wasn't asked for (don't always succeed but ya know). Now if I am asked the easiest way that I've found to go about it is but stating what you seen with your animals. i.e. "Can you keep two ball pythons in one tank?" short answer is "yes you can people do it all the time, now there are some relative dangers to be aware of ..bla bla not eating bla bla fighting for heat bla bla security ect ect" Unless the animals health is at risk then telling them the proper way is a finely adjusted art from person to person. Be nice and try and do it like how you'd explain email to your BF or SO's grandmother. Be firm and knowledgeable without being rough or judgmental. Remember they cared enough to ask so use it as a chance to shine.

[Skittles1101]

First things first I try to never offer advice I wasn't asked for (don't always succeed but ya know). Now if I am asked the easiest way that I've found to go about it is but stating what you seen with your animals. i.e. "Can you keep two ball pythons in one tank?" short answer is "yes you can people do it all the time, now there are some relative dangers to be aware of ..bla bla not eating bla bla fighting for heat bla bla security ect ect" Unless the animals health is at risk then telling them the proper way is a finely adjusted art from person to person. Be nice and try and do it like how you'd explain email to your BF or SO's grandmother. Be firm and knowledgeable without being rough or judgmental. Remember they cared enough to ask so use it as a chance to shine.

What if they don't ask, but offer info such as keeping two balls together and talking in a sense that they know what they are doing?

[mr.spooky]

i dunno,,,, you can lead a horse to water, but you cant make them drink.. i work with a guy that catches rattlesnakes and sells them.. he says that he sells them to a guy that extracts venom,, but i kinda got my doubts about that.... sooooooo i just hapened to show him a few pics of EDB bites and ask him if he makes enough off of them to pay for THAT... as much as we'd like to, we cant change the world.
good luck on that
spooky

[RobNJ]

I've had similar experiences with a few people around here. I will generally make suggestions backed up with reason. I've also directed people to an incredible local pet store, forums, and websites. And once I kinda flew off the handle and told people that they would have a bunch of dead animals on their hands if they did not shape up...that did not go over too well.

the unfortunate truth is that so many animals will go improperly cared for, and you can only offer sound advice and hope it's followed in most cases.

[Freakie_frog]

What if they don't ask, but offer info such as keeping two balls together and talking in a sense that they know what they are doing?

Depending on what they are talking about.. are their temp's 10 degree's off..Meh let it slide..

But if they're keeping the snake on cedar in a shoe box under their bed and only feeding it chicken wings every 6-8 weeks, they get my two cent's free of charge.

[heathers*bps]

Idk, I guess I'm just that type of person where when something needs to be said, it is. I try not to come off as a know-it-all or a smarty mcfarty, but I'm almost sure some people think that about me.

I have invited people to my house ( not just any Joe Schmoe of the street ) so they can view my setups, husbandry, etc., etc. to help them get a better idea on how certain things "should" be done. But I guess it all comes down to weather they accept and appreciate your advice or just nod and smile and give you the finger behind your back.

[zeion97]

Just slowly talk to them and bring it up.. If they give you a wrong fact then correct them nicely and if they don't believe you show them proof.

NOW...there are some horrible times that go real bad

I got into it with the local store I did a review on in the Feedbacks. I asked how badly the Spider BALL PYTHON wobbled, and he looked clearly at me and said, "uhhh...It doesn't are you stupid?" I looked at him and said "are you going to really lie to me when you KNOW I have MULTIPLE snakes?" he kinda went on and on, and I said after a while, "all I asked you was about the wobble..*rant on a while* and you lied to me" his last response before I walked out with my female mouse. "Whoever told you Spiders wobble is a (insert multiple bad words and insults here)"

Needless to say, some people just won't learn. even after YEARS. lol

If you know someone who is NEW to snakes then jut slowly educate them, that's really all we can do, we can't force people to change and keep there pets better, BUT we can educate them!