So I stoped by one of the local Snake Shops. I don't usually buy there (high prices), but they stay open until 8PM and I needed some fuzzies for the babies. I always take a moment to look at the snakes he has, and sometimes listen in on some interesting conversations.
In one tank there is a Python colied up in the back, and a black and white medium rat just walking around... A father points out "son, look, do you want to see it feed?". One of the attendants comes by and says "no, I don't think he will feed, the rat is in there since last night and he hasn't gone for it..."... [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_eek.gif[/img]
The father looks at me and asked something (can't remember what exactly), but I stated something like "I don't know. I never feed my snakes live prey, mine only eat pre-killed"
.
I went around to the other side of the store. I was shopping for a 10G tank to separate the babie BPs for now. I noticed father and son are buying a "setup": 10G tank, lamp, light, hide, etc... What is he getting for his son? IGUANA. Not one, but TWO of them (into a 10G tank).
By this time, I am by the cashier. The guy who owns the shop is running the register (I know him from previous visits). The attendant comes up to him with the two babie iguanas, and asks "they wanted to know if there is a way to tell if they are male or female", to what he answers her "no, but it really doesn't matter"...
This small remark stuck in my head for two days now. From me listening to the conversation (and I will admit I do not exopect the best of him) it seemed something like "they won't live that long to where been male or female really matters" kind of comment.
Since I have had iguanas (2) and researched iguanas, I am starting to think that the Iguana as a pet is a horrible horrible thing. Specially since most of this babies go to pre-teen children which have no means at all to provide for them just one year down the road. Now, when I go to a show or the pet shop and I see baby iguanas, all I see is mostly dead iguanas.
The shop makes $90+ in the tank, light, hide, substrate, etc. The Iguana goes for $10. [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_cry.gif[/img]
Anyway, just sharing...
[addsig]
