getting a reptile permit from the USDA is not extremly hard from what I have heard. To my knowledge, they don't do any kind of routine inspections of the premisis unless there have been complaints issued. where they are bred is not my biggest concern when buying a pet from that type of facility, however. It's more of how they are treated at the actual pet store. Most aren't fed even half as often as they should be. I know this for a fact...I have worked at two pet stores. Didn't stay at either for more than 2 weeks, because I got mad at the owners who wrote the feeding schedules to the associates (most people fed more than they were supposed to actually). The dogs were fed every morning...thats it. not even as much as I feed mine at one meal. The snakes were fed every 10 days...newborn, and every 2 weeks for adults. birds and small animals had bowls of food but most of that was just husks..very little food in it. they get it cheaper that way. thats why i HATE pet stores. The only reason I would get a pet from a pet store is to get it out of that hell hole!

Please note, these are two pet stores in the panahandle of Florida. One is a national chain, however it is a franchise. the other is an independantly owned and operated store. Not all pet stores work this way (i hope). After blowing up at the owner i filed complaints with the bbb and informed the hsus (as much as i hate them) of their practices. sorry this has been lengthy.
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The reason mainstream thought is thought of as a stream is because it's so shallow. -George Carlin

Battling ignorance one stupid person at a time.

Current snakes:
0.1 Licorice Stick Black Rat(Lola)
1.0 Neonate Black Rat (het for Lic Stk's) (Frankie)
1.1 Texas Bairds (Jose and Rosa)

[ Hide Replies ]

• Slightly off topic.... - Cation, Mon Aug 23 14:05:26 2004
• pet store feeding practices......looooooong - crtoon83, Mon Aug 23 14:55:22 2004
• RE: pet store feeding practices......looooooong - herplvr2004, Mon Aug 23 21:45:16 2004
• RE: pet store feeding practices......looooooong - qime, Mon Aug 23 21:57:28 2004
• RE: pet store feeding practices......looooooong - crtoon83, Mon Aug 23 22:45:13 2004