I actually used to run the reptile department at one of the petco's...



They have a few breeders. CalZoo exotics is one. GormetRodent is another, i believe they ship some 'tiles. There are a couple others but i cant remember them off the top of my head.



Im not sure which Petco you are visiting but generally their reptiles are not in the best of health. Their ball pythons area all wild caught, or captive hatched. Their water dragons, knight anoles, green and brown anoles, and many others are wild caught as well. Even the captive bred animals such as the leopard geckos are often heavily loaded with parasites. Most of the animals are sold much to young and delicate.



Sometimes you can get a good animal from petco, i have had it happen several times, but often times you can get parasite ridden ones as well. And usually at pretty jacked up prices. I had two leopard geckos i got their die off very quickly of parasites quite recently. After that i quit getting reptiles there.



One thing to note is that they do have a 2week health guantee on all their animals. If you decide to buy a reptile from them i would take it to the vet or at the very least get a fecal done within the first two weeks. If they are ill you can either arrange for them to pay for future vet visits and medications relating to that ailment or get your money back for the animal. Just a note, they will not pay for your initial vet visit unless you plan it with them ahead of time and take it to the vet that they have a billing plan with.



Mostly though you will get healthier and better priced animals from a breeder. Although i wont say i dont have a few petco originiated animals that have become wonderful pets.



hope this helps.



~Mim
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0.1 Bearded dragon

0.1 mexican kingsnake

1.0.2 Leopard Gecko's

0.0.1 Rose Hair Tarantula

1.0 BTS

0.0.1 Reverse Okeetee Corn

0.1 Bullmastiff

4.1 Cats

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