Rant.

[Kalistina]

Why do pet shops sell animals to complete and utter idiots?! And why do the employees of said pet shops have NO IDEA WHAT THEY'RE TALKING ABOUT?!?!

I was on Craigslist looking for new enclosures and I found some listings that were highly concerning. All reptile sales (adoptions), and all from people who did absolutely no research or were given care info that sounds like it was presented by a 3 year old.

Don't tell me you're giving me a deal on a 1 year old veiled male that eats mealworms once a week and that I'm lucky to get a heat lamp, night light, and 15ft of silk ivy in a glass enclosure I wouldn't even keep my guppies in, all for the low price of $250. Do people actually fall for this? And is it bad I want to negotiate a price just so I can take this little guy home and treat him right?

Also. There was another post of a beautiful veiled female with a VERY concerning wound on her side. There is no mention of what may have happened but it's apparent she was hurt. I sent a message to the seller and asked what happened and why she was letting her beautiful girl go. I haven't gotten a response, but I'm sure since I actually give a poop I won't hear anything. I'm hoping she does contact me. I would hate to see someone take her without realizing she's injured.

Sorry for my rant. I have a ton more to say, but I'm frustrated and typing on my phone.

End rant.

 

[Mike Fisher]

Why do pet shops sell animals to complete and utter idiots?!

Because they have money?

And why do the employees of said pet shops have NO IDEA WHAT THEY'RE TALKING ABOUT?!?!

Because of the wages they pay? See the trend?

 

[sandrachameleon]

I hear and feel your rant.

The worst thing is that this is such a commonplace issue.

It almost makes me side with the "no one should own "exotic" pets - humans are too cruel / stupid" camp

 

[Lathis]

Nevermind exotics. There are plenty of people who can't manage decent care for cats and dogs.

 

[sandrachameleon]

Nevermind exotics. There are plenty of people who can't manage decent care for cats and dogs.

Good point.

People suck.

 

[Kalistina]

Nevermind exotics. There are plenty of people who can't manage decent care for cats and dogs.

Cats or dogs?! Some people can't take care of children.

 

[sandrachameleon]

Cats or dogs?! Some people can't take care of children.

I don't consider people children all that much more important than any other animal. But you're right.

again, people SUCK

 

[Lathis]

I don't consider people children all that much more important than any other animal. But you're right.

again, people SUCK

Ditto. It's a life you agreed to care for and protect. The species doesn't matter (human, canine, reptile). You have a responsibility and you made a promise.



What really makes me angry is the disposable attitude people have toward pets. Now, I'm not saying that there aren't unfortunate situations where you legitimately can't care for an animal anymore, not at all. But seeing people who "don't want it anymore" or my favorite, the excuse "my new apartment doesn't accept animals" just infuriates me.



I'm being too harsh I'm sure, but every animal that has come into my home has found its forever home. Yes, there were times I was tired of vacuuming up seeds and the constant squawking of my birds, but they were my family. I take that responsibility very seriously, and if I had to make sacrifices for them (drinking with friends or pet supplies was a common sacrifice in the college years), so be it.



Now I'm ranting

 

[sandrachameleon]

... the excuse "my new apartment doesn't accept animals" just infuriates me.

me too. why the heck did you take an apartment that doesn't accept pets, if you have pets? would you move into an apartment that doesn't accept children if you had children?
some people have no idea what the word responsibility means.

pet stores included.

 

[fluxlizard]

I don't consider people children all that much more important than any other animal. But you're right.

again, people SUCK

What a point of view...
That is pretty sad really...

I haven't been overly impressed with much of human behavior, but to say a child has about the same value as a rat or a lizard or worm is a little much even for me.

If the world fell apart, I'd definately feed my lizards to my children and not the other way around if I had to choose which hungry mouths to feed...

And why do the employees of said pet shops have NO IDEA WHAT THEY'RE TALKING ABOUT?!?!

Because nobody wants to pay a premium for knowledgable care. Pet shop employees are minimally paid, and of course you aren't going to attract middle class, responsible, educated adults who generally have their acts together to enter a profession that doesn't even pay enough for a decent quality of life or family costs. And if a pet shop does try to do this, most of us ho also know what we are talking about refuse to support such an establishment because then things cost more and we'd all rather save a few dollars. I know this because at one point many years ago I was the knowledgable reptile shop and I had lots of people coming for free information, to talk herps and swap breeding stories and advice and cheap insects in bulk. I had very few actually support me by purchasing slightly more expensive healthy animals and support products compared to the chain stores much less healthy slightly cheaper animals with far less knowledgable employees. They even would go purchase exactly the same animals I was selling from someone else, and then come in for advice on their new purchases, tickled and smiling about the great deals they had found. Or sometimes to get my help figuring out what was wrong with the new animal they purchased elsewhere instead of from me...

The fact that you are looking for a good deal for a cage on craigslist rather than supporting a business that sells cages and supports good husbandry by sponsoring the forums sort of illustrates my point...

Don't feel too bad though- it's human nature. I sold quite a few CB melleri here on the forums a few years ago and very few stayed with their original owners more than a year or two even though many of them were rather active and vocal forum members who are very knowledgable and good people. Situations change, animals swap hands. I believe most of my melleri went to good homes when they changed hands. That's the difference I suppose in responsible ownership and irresponsible in the end rather than whether the animal needs a new home or not. It's far better than dumping them in a "rescue"...

And I'm as guilty as anyone for shopping price most of the time. Although I'd like to think I wouldn't if it weren't for the fact that I rarely have the few extra bucks...

Just human nature. You are doing the right thing questioning the posters of the ads. Might get them thinking...