Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I was at my local pet store today (there is only one).what I saw there was a shock to me.My reason for being there was to pick up some F/T's for my BP. New to the store since last week when I was there is a 7.5 ft red tail boa, whom I am told is app. 5 yrs old. He was in a home made tank that was app.2.5x2.5x16wide. there was amop bucket filled with water, somewood shavings(appeared to be pine), and a large heat rock. The snake was extremely dry wit the eyes fully capped one appeared to have the remnants of the last shed rigfht with the current cap.when asked the store owner told me it belonged to a customer of his who wanted to sell it.the price was 300 for tank and snake. I was also told the snake had not eaten in about two months, witch wouldn't worry me except for the fact that his skin appears to be loose and falling off him not in a way related to shed. he did have some heft to him but without knowing prior to now what he weighed it is hard to tell how skinny he really is.I did make a couple of recommendations to the shop owner ( 1 was to get the snake some major humidity because there wasnone to speek of,2 was to set up a proper tank with a gradient and proper heat, and 3 was to take this snake to a vet!) He appeared to just shrug this off.He also told me that if the snake was feeding he would charge 500 or 600.For a normal that is awful high. I was tempted to buy the snake except for the few facts I would have to replace the tank,and supply all the equipment for it,I would immediately have to take it to the vet, the cost of him itself, and it looks like it could possibly die anyway!the cost of this alone is too much for me to deal with at this time. and then there is the fact that my wife has just gotten used to my 30 inch BP,and nearly beat the crap out of me for the thought of getting a 7.5 ft snake.so there is the story.also this pet store is not a big carrier of snakes only a few and far between normally.
so now you know the situation... What would you do?
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1.0 ball python(normal)Maximus
0.1 golden retriever Amber
0.1 dalmation/lab mix nikita
0.2 bettas

>>I was at my local pet store today (there is only one).what I saw there was a shock to me.My reason for being there was to pick up some F/T's for my BP. New to the store since last week when I was there is a 7.5 ft red tail boa, whom I am told is app. 5 yrs old. He was in a home made tank that was app.2.5x2.5x16wide. there was amop bucket filled with water, somewood shavings(appeared to be pine), and a large heat rock. The snake was extremely dry wit the eyes fully capped one appeared to have the remnants of the last shed rigfht with the current cap.when asked the store owner told me it belonged to a customer of his who wanted to sell it.the price was 300 for tank and snake. I was also told the snake had not eaten in about two months, witch wouldn't worry me except for the fact that his skin appears to be loose and falling off him not in a way related to shed. he did have some heft to him but without knowing prior to now what he weighed it is hard to tell how skinny he really is.I did make a couple of recommendations to the shop owner ( 1 was to get the snake some major humidity because there wasnone to speek of,2 was to set up a proper tank with a gradient and proper heat, and 3 was to take this snake to a vet!) He appeared to just shrug this off.He also told me that if the snake was feeding he would charge 500 or 600.For a normal that is awful high. I was tempted to buy the snake except for the few facts I would have to replace the tank,and supply all the equipment for it,I would immediately have to take it to the vet, the cost of him itself, and it looks like it could possibly die anyway!the cost of this alone is too much for me to deal with at this time. and then there is the fact that my wife has just gotten used to my 30 inch BP,and nearly beat the crap out of me for the thought of getting a 7.5 ft snake.so there is the story.also this pet store is not a big carrier of snakes only a few and far between normally.
>>so now you know the situation... What would you do?
>>-----
>>
>>1.0 ball python(normal)Maximus
>>0.1 golden retriever Amber
>>0.1 dalmation/lab mix nikita
>>0.2 bettas

I would also explain to the guy the way he is housed is cruelty to animals and could be illegal in your state. I would then go on to report this to your local humane society, the Better Business Bureau and your local newspapers with a carbon copy to the owner of the petshop with each letter you write.

Here's a link with some things you can do to possible help this situation out. Definitely don't give them any more of your money or they will only continue to practice doing things the way they do.

Pet Trade Problems

Good luck and please keep us posted!!
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Rob Talkington

I used to work in a pet store and I would advise you to not buy it. It's going to be far too large of a cost for somebody else's problem.