Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm sorry that I pestered you guys with the petco deal... Should I still get a leo or leave the forum

No need to get upset and want to leave. This is the best place you can be to talk to people about leos. You hae ot remember though. Many people on her are very opinonate, like I am. I am not saying it is bad. You have asked our opinons and we have told you. You just shared with you are personal experinces for the good and the bad and told you how to get a happy/healthy leo. I am sorry that your parents see what we tell you in other ways, but we are just trying to help.
If you are having second thoughts on getting a leo, hold off on getting one.
Prove something to your parents. It summer time do work in neighbors yards or hold a car wash to help pay for a great leo. Do chores or something. There are many ways to make money. YES, even for a 12 year old.
We are trying to save you the trouble of having a sick leo.
Thats all.

I hope that helps.
Alicia

I prepared for one a YEAR in advance!!! I got a book and read it cover to cover, then went to the library and took out every book regarding leos or pet reptiles I could find. I went to pet expos and talked to all the breeders. Then I found out about kingsnake.com and started reading the archived posts and following the message board. I finally got my Beanie a year ago last May. And then got Phoenix a year ago this July.

Cleo
1:1 leos (7 eggs cooking)

I know we sound like jerks trying to rain on your parade. But we are REALLY REALLY giving our honest opinions. We just don't want you to go into a great new experience and have it come crashing down because the animal is sick. We want you to be successful and that's why we are so apprehensive about getting a leo from a chain like Petco or Petsmart because 90% of leos that come out of those places either are sick and die, or are sick and it takes a vet trip or two to cure it. Don't leave the forum, there is no sense in doing so. You can get a leo wherever you want, but we have your best interest at heart. Trust me!

Cleo
1:1 leos (7 eggs cooking)

Thank you guys I AM GOING TO PETSMART TO GIVE THAT LEO A FIGHTING CHANCE AND IF IT DIES THEN i WILL GET ANOTHER)

Dont go and buy that leo if its sick and you cant take it to the vet. It wont just suddenly recover and your first leo shouldnt be a rescue, as you have no experience. If you buy that leo, it just gives the store more money to buy more leos and make them sick.
If that one dies you'll just get another? No, i dont think so. Your parents wont get you one from a breeder, so you buy another one from petco after that one dies and same thing happens again?
Sorry, but you going about it the wrong way. Try to inform your parents on what a healthy leo looks like, and explain why you shouldnt get one from a chain store. Show her some of these posts and offer to work around the house or something so you can get a healthy one. Dont mean to sound mean or rude, but I dont know any other way to tell you. If you have to wait, then so be it. Dont buy on impulse and have a sick leo that wont eat ect, this wont make anybody happy, especially yourself, sitting their with a dying leo i know wont be fun. Look in the paper, sometimes people need to find a good home for animals that are perfectly fine they just cant keep them anymore. Good luck, and please follow the advice in these posts, you'll end up alot happier that you did in the end,
later
Mac

Leos aren't like some pets where they die, and its sad, but you can easily replace them. Its not like when I had my fish and he died, and I was sad, but got over it quite quickly. I have become very attached to my leos and would be devastated (crying my eyes out!) if they ever died. You most likely will become attached and be very upset if the animal dies. And if your parents see you crying that your leo died, they might not let you get another because they don't want to see you get hurt again. Do not get a sick leo unless you are willing to pay for vet care and possibly, euthanasia. You will just hurt yourself and the leo will make out any better. Sadly, when it comes to sick reptiles, even the most compassionate rescuers often fail.

Cleo
1:1 leos (7 eggs cooking)

Trust me I have tried that approach it doesn't work. Long time ago I was at Petco and saw this sick veiled chameleon, I bought it thinking I could help this little guy get better WRONG! To buy from places such as Petco & Petsmart only encourages them to use your money to get more sick animals and sell them to people. I know we all sounded like we're beating down on you but we are really not. We come to this forum because we all share a love for these animals. We need to help change the mentality of reptiles are disposable animals. If you can't change your parents' mind will you please consider holding off and not get one for now? Do chores around the house, clean the neighbor's yard, dog sit, wash cars or whatever to make enough money so you can get one from a reputable breeder. All of us are telling you this because we want your first ownership of a leo to be an enjoyable one. Oh and don't leave the forum we like having you here.

Most people would just go and get the animal at a chain store out of whim and keep it on sand or improper temperatures. A sick gecko was thrust into my lap and it was alot of work and tears and money. Please keep asking us questions, our mistakes and knowledge can help you!!!!!