Holy Morons Batman!

Ashes · #1 (**permalink**) 08-02-2008, 02:36 AM

So there's this little local pet shop I go to get pinkies (frozen, thank you much) for my little corn baby. I always pop into their reptile room, take a peek around to check out any additions and see who they're babysitting lately. For the most part, the animals seem pretty well cared for when I go in there. They could maybe throw a couple hides in some of the bigger tanks, poor overexposed snakes, but usually there's not too much to complain about.

Well, last time I went in, I was APPALLED. First thing I saw was a ball python in their biggest tank, with a nasty old shed crumbling away outside the hide. While I was in the room I saw someone come and go. It would have taken them two seconds to open the tank and remove the hide. Then, there were multitudes of crickets just hopping around the leo tanks. I don't keep leos, or geckos or lizards of any kind, but I do believe one of the basics is to only put the crickets in the tank that the lizards are going to eat, and remove them if they don't eat them. One of the leos was looking half-starved, extremely skinny, no fat in the tail at all. It was a very sad sight.

However, the thing that bugged me the most and made we want to yell and curse at the stupid people running the store was a snake tank. In this tank, that I could see, were TWO red-tail boas and one CORN SNAKE. As if that wasn't bad enough, written on the tank was, "Snakes not eating. Do not sell."

WHAT ARE YOU TRYING TO DO? ENCOURAGE THEM TO EAT EACH OTHER?!

I really wanted to buy all three then and there, but I don't have the money or the space, and that would only encourage the pet store to mistreat their animals.

I almost feel bad for not saying anything, but with only one snake and less than a year of experience, I didn't feel like an authority on the matter and I doubt they'd have listened to me anyways. I intend to go back soon and check up on them, perhaps I'll mention something then.

I just needed to vent.

Lucille · #2 (**permalink**) 08-02-2008, 02:46 AM

I think it is always OK to volunteer info and advice. Unfortunately these days, pet shop help is not well paid and sometimes they hire people who do not know much and with the low pay, sometimes they do not stay long.
There is a huge gulf between ignorance and stupidity. If they have new help at the pet shop, it would be a kind act to give some advice and might help both the critters and the help. It just might be that the help there might be both receptive and grateful for any info.
If they don't care, THEN you have every right to be upset, but give them the benefit of the doubt.

CND-Colonel · #3 (**permalink**) 08-02-2008, 02:53 AM

I understand your frustration, I'm always chewing out my local pet shop, last time I went in they had a desert king as a mexican black (patterned) Fools Dang Heck Bum Fools you can translate that to non forum language to get my point.

Emolsifier · #4 (**permalink**) 08-02-2008, 03:11 AM

I'm so sorry but you did the right thing. Think of it in this way, in a month or two those poor little dears will be at peace. just avert your eyes and whisper a prayer.

Ashes · #5 (**permalink**) 08-07-2008, 01:08 AM

I do want to go back and say something, especially if the conditions haven't changed. Unfortunately I'm going out of town tomorrow for a week and a half, so it won't be until I get back. I haven't gone back yet because I've been so busy with work and planning this trip.

It's probably better that I didn't say something at the time because I was really upset and probably would have been extremely rude. That would have only given them more reason not to listen to me. Giving helpful advice does sound like a good idea.

Lucille · #6 (**permalink**) 08-07-2008, 01:37 AM

I think that decision is wise and mature. It can feel so good to tell someone off, but if you have the strength to hang on and come back later and start a dialogue, you help critters both present and future.

John_White · #7 (**permalink**) 08-07-2008, 01:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ashes

I do want to go back and say something, especially if the conditions haven't changed. Unfortunately I'm going out of town tomorrow for a week and a half, so it won't be until I get back. I haven't gone back yet because I've been so busy with work and planning this trip.

It's probably better that I didn't say something at the time because I was really upset and probably would have been extremely rude. That would have only given them more reason not to listen to me. Giving helpful advice does sound like a good idea.

You may want to consider sending a letter. Well thought out recommendations would probably have more acceptance than an emotional face to face conservation.

spix14 · #8 (**permalink**) 08-07-2008, 01:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John_White

You may want to consider sending a letter. Well thought out recommendations would probably have more acceptance than an emotional face to face conservation.

Just what I was going to say. It's a lot easier to think out what you're going to say and write it out when it's something that you might get emotional or angry about.

mongoose5971 · #9 (**permalink**) 08-07-2008, 02:57 AM

Also, always remember that buying/"rescuing" the animals is only helping and as you said, encouraging them. Honestly, the best thing to do is to call Animal Control. They won't listen to customers but they HAVE to listen to them!

florida 87 · #10 (**permalink**) 08-07-2008, 04:57 PM

Definitely don't hesitate to offer advice or point out something bad in a pet shop, like nasty shed in a tank or something else. When people come into our shop and notify me that there's a shed in a tank or a nasty poo I'll go clean it...usually the only reason I haven't done it already is because I probably forgot because I have 1000 other things to do in the 4 hours that I work. I never mind it when people say "hey there's poop in this tank and its really gross." What I do hate is when people are condescending or rude because they think that I'm just another ignorant pet shop employee. As long as your polite and friendly, usually people will take constructive criticisms well. I know that I'd MUCH rather have somebody come up to me and remind me that a ball python's tank needs to be cleaned rather than my manager get a written complaint about it a week later! Its just a mistake, and there's usually a whole laundry list of things that we're supposed to be doing as well, so some things get forgotten about or put onto a back burner.

There's not really any excuse for the 3 snakes in a tank thing. I dunno what to say about that...lol.

Xeikeness · #11 (**permalink**) 08-07-2008, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Emolsifier

I'm so sorry but you did the right thing. Think of it in this way, in a month or two those poor little dears will be at peace. just avert your eyes and whisper a prayer.

Ignoring the problem and expecting "god" to make it right does nothing to help and is entirely the wrong response to an abuse or neglect situation, no matter who is doing it.

You'd be willing to sit back for a couple months and pray while the animal suffered?

That goes for people, as well.

You've gotten a lot of great advice. Go on your trip, write them a letter, and sleep easier knowing you've done what you could. If nothing changes, call AC.

TammyJamaica · #12 (**permalink**) 08-07-2008, 05:36 PM

I think if it's a "nice" letter it would be OK, not a threatening or sarcastic one. Appreciate the difference between ignorance and stupidity too, and the fact that you could really make a big difference to the pet shop, and maybe start a great relationship with them, if you do it the right way.

Have a good trip!

jtmoney · #13 (**permalink**) 08-07-2008, 06:14 PM

Wow, snakes not eating so lets throw them all together and see if they get along?

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