First, why do people buy reptiles they don't know how to care for or even what it is. Second, Why is it when people buy a reptile get it home and when they realize it's sick then take it back to the petshop to die? They return it like it's a broken toy! If you bought it then it's yours and you should take them to a vet, like a responsible pet owner. If it were a dog or a cat you would take it to a vet well why not a reptile?
2007-02-27 19:29:04 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Reptiles
Most petstores do not care for their reptiles correctly, so if you decide to buy that reptile it's now your responsiblity to get it better.
2007-02-28 07:43:22 · update #1
I've had reptiles all my life, the only rule my parents had was that if I was getting something new, I had to learn all I could about it before I got it. Not too shabby, huh?
I worked at a pet store for a while, and while I know some stores know nothing about their reptiles, A1 specializes in fish and reptiles, no cats or dogs, a few birds and warm fuzzies, but mostly reptiles and fish, and they know their stuff. They make sure that everyone who comes in and buys something knows what they need to take care of it, and there is no "Oh, if you don't get this thing here that doesn't really do anything for your animal but does cost a lot of money, your animal won't be healthy. They honestly let people know what the basic needs of the animal they want are, let you know that when you buy a $15 baby iguana (which they only get when they have people looking for them and only after they're sure those people will know what they're doing.) that they're looking at well over the price of the animal for proper setup. (tank [which they don't highly suggest] lights, heat source, calcium powder, etc.) I wish more shops could be like this.
Also, Florida has passed some new regulations that will go into play next year I believe. Anyone buying certain species of pythons and lizards will have to pass a written questionairre about the species they want, the animal will have to be microchipped, Fish and Wildlife comes to your house to inspect your caging, all kinds of good stuff.... I think it's great.
Sorry about rambling.....
2007-02-27 23:34:06 · answer #1 · answered by gimmenamenow 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I want to know too. I've been alarmed by the people asking "Do baby tortoises float upside down on their back like a fish when dead?"
I guess they think that reptiles are disposable. I have four reptiles that I wouldn't give up for the world. They're better BY FAR Than a dog or cat.
The answer is in the way that most people view reptiles: A starter pet. Then, people get bored and move to something better, often more complicated and dangerous.
I wish pet stores would drill people on how to take care of animals. I'm going to be opening a pet store and I will make sure people are going to take care of the animals before I let them buy them, and I will tell people to call the store if they need help. I hate seeing pet stores that take terrible care of reptiles, it sets a terrible example.
2007-02-28 09:52:46 · answer #2 · answered by Sputz 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yea, that bothers the hell out of me too! They take the sick reptile back when it really just need to soak to get a good shed in!
I know that I did a hell of a lot of reasearch before I got a baby boa.
That stuff get's on my last nerves too, I completely feel your opinion on that!
People are just lazy and cheap, realizing that they spent more on a reptile than they ever had on any cat or dog and thinking that sense they arent as smart as any cat and dog they figure that they aren't worth the time.
Those are the idiots that just like the reptile for show. They don't appreciate the amazing things they do and how beautiful each individual reptile are.
Grrrrrr
I'm getting too angry now. They should just get a damn fish (betta preferably-they survive anything) and call it a day
2007-02-28 03:40:00 · answer #3 · answered by Menda 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
hey cool there were actually alot a good answers to this one. now here is my opinion and i stress its just an opinion, my opinion. why do people buy reptiles ....? it is a compulsion buy, awe look how cute i want one!!!!! this happens with all pets only reptiles have more needs usually, and once they get large as most snakes do you usually see them in classifieds trying to get rid of them, yes i believe pet shops should inform customers as to total husbandry of the reptiles they are buying. as to part two of the question ... if i purchase a dog at a pet store and got it home just to find out it had parvo i would return it to pet shop also, as a consumer i am expecting that i am purchasing a live, well and happy pet. most of the snakes i have purchased from breeders also came with a short guarantee (i.e. 14 days) anything happening after that is probably poor husbandry on my part and then i would take to a vet. if the animal died at the pet store it is their loss in revenue and not my wallet taking a hit, because the pet store employees dont know how to care for a reptile prior to me purchasing it. as to responsible pet owners, they first have to be responsible people, and we all know how many of those there are in the world!!!
2007-02-28 11:45:05 · answer #4 · answered by az_na_man32 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You have a really good point here.
I own 3 reptiles and have read absolutely everything you can about caring for each one. I am pretty sure I have been on nearly all the care sheet web sites I can find. I find it facinating to learn more about these animals. I share a room with mine, they pretty much are little friends in my eyes and I do everything I can to take the best care of them.
If they ever got sick I would be sure to call the vet.
These animals can be expensive, even if they are not pricey themselves I am sure all their equiptment will be. Eg - my terrapin only cost £11, but he has cost me over £400 in total. Of course he is worth every penny.
People need to consider these things before buying ANY animal, that is why we have so many neglected and abused animals in this world because of careless owners.
2007-02-28 12:08:25 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i bought 2 spotted pythons just because they looked so cute but after 24hrs at home both started to get sick took them to the vet and got them fixed up turned out to be a eye infection that i can not say let alone spell costly but worth it just don't buy them if your not prepared for the 20-30 year commitment and sooner or later you may have to pay a price for your friends life question is how much are you willing to pay in australia you need a licence to have reptiles and if you keep neglecting them people like that pay a very heavy price maybe licence changes to include test on how to look after reptiles before approved
2007-02-28 07:02:16 · answer #6 · answered by jungle_farnorth 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
maybe they just think that the pet store sold them a sick reptile. if it was sick to begin with the store shouldnt have sold it to them. personally i dont see the bond between human and snake as with say a dog or cat, so they probably do want their money back, if it gets sick later then ya they should take it to the vet
2007-02-28 10:40:11 · answer #7 · answered by loveboatcaptain 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Many people do not think about the responsibility of owning a pet. I know of people who have cats and dogs and would never think of taking them to the vet. The just do not have a responsible outlook to pet ownership. Does not make any sense to me.
2007-02-28 03:38:55 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Research research research :)
I'm lucky I have a good reptile shop. They will offer to care for an animal for you....i.e. the animal is off food she usually will get it to eat then tell you what you were doing wrong.
2007-02-28 13:21:18 · answer #9 · answered by isis_nebthet2003 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they want reptiles so they can show off in front of their freinds.i think people who get any animal and dont know how to take care of them are @$$holes.
2007-02-28 07:17:43 · answer #10 · answered by Reptile Lover 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋