Pet shop take over!

[Tputtwhatwhat]

I have to agree with texas on this one. In the same way that a child is MORE likely to be abducted, a child is more likely to want to "play" with what they might see as just another "pet". Thats not a stereotype, thats a fact. Exceptions are always a possibility, but we can all agree that children are GENERALLY not as mature as adults, therefore, TYPICALLY don't handle responsibilities as well.

 

[Texas Panther Man]

If an obviously mature well read intelligent child called me to inquire about acham. I would listen and consider selling to him/her. Thats never happened to me. So thats why i say again it mostly kids seeing a cool new "pet" in a pet store. Taking it home and growing tired of the responsibility. Im done this is going nowhere.

 

[Syn]

never mind.

 

[Elizadolots]

Syn...I sympathize with your frustration...I'm older so grislier...

Texas Panther Man, you are talking about people who contact you as a breeder, right?

Not families that are shopping in pet stores....so, how is that equitable? I have said that the parents (who would be there....11 year olds do not drive) are vital to the decision on whether to sell a chameleon.

I have said that an adult who accepts responsibility is vital.

Are you telling me that you wouldn't sell a chameleon if there were a child in the house?

Because, if not, by my standard, it should be fine.

My daughter wanted a frog when she was 9 (note the second generation nerd/geek thing) we were obviously with her when she bought it, we listened to the drill and, for the most part, all she did was suffer hearing the crickets at night.... My husband and I did the feeding and cleaning and buying of feeders...we had that golden tree frog for 5 years.

Selling it to my 9 year old did not shorten its life because as in just about every situation in which a child buys an exotic, the parents were the ones agreeing to take care of the animal.

 

[Chamero]

You guys ruined this thread with your lame arguments. Good job Renzo and good luck on your new job!

 

[bigcappa]

All things aside... Good luck with the new job Renzo and keep us updated on your progress!

 

[laurie]

Does that mean I have to give my chameleons away, guys?

I hate to be the one to tell you this, but yes it means all you chameleons and any neat geckos need to be sent to me right away.

Yes I love you Sabrina and I was only kidding, but maybe you and your animals......

 

[pssh]

Great job renzo.

Texas, I would like to point out that I was 7 when I got my first chameleon. I bought several books to read and took care of him by myself, my mommy helped me buy the supplies and food, but I did the dirty work and informed her about what he needed. I understood that he did not like being handled and would only do so sparingly. I suppose part of it was because he would bite, but it was also because I did not like to see him get so upset over my hand. He lived to be almost 7 years old.

Not to offend any of the older folk on here, but I think I did better than at least (AT LEAST) 50% of the people who get chameleons. AND almost all of them are/were probably at least twice as old as I was.

 

[Elizadolots]

You certainly did better than I did.

renzo, keep us informed on how the job goes.

 

[draetish]

I was in the pet shop that I bought Jasper from (ya the one that gave me all the bad advise) to buy some volcanic dust (for my chinchillas) and I started talking to the owner about Jasper and how well he is doing. I showed her some pictures and she was amazed at Jasper and his home. Well she offered me a job working there to take care of the chameleons they have. She gave me a 1500 dollar card to fix up 3 cages so they can get healthy and be sold to good owners that will not kill them in a month or so.


Now my question for the breeders on here. Do you have a form you have potential owners fill out, or do you just question them? If you have a form could you show it so I could try to make one of my own =]. Thanks for your help!

I think if the person is asking alot of questions and they seem to grasp the concept of their care, then they would be qualified. If the pet shop has all the right supplies, lights, feeders, supplements, books then the person buying the cham would be starting off right. Let them know that you are available anytime for questions and feel free to bring in the cham if they think something is wrong. Then you could refer them to a vet (do your research and find a good vet). Have care sheets printed for each species and give them a list of websites. As long as the store has the right supplies and you sell them everything they need, then the cham should be fine. Some people will shy away because of the expense. In that case, push the bearded dragons. You would be a great advocate for chams and making sure they go to good homes. Make sure you tell the people that they can bring the cham back if they no longer want it, maybe give them store credit. That way the cham is not wasting away somewhere. Be sure to put ChameleonForums.com on the website list.