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PETCO???

malesh02 May 23, 2005 01:06 PM

Does anyone know where Petco gets their snakes from? I've noticed that their balls and other reptiles in general looked very healthy and alert. Anyone ever purchase an animal from them?

Replies (7)

AlteredMind99 May 23, 2005 02:25 PM

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

drako32186 May 23, 2005 08:26 PM

My brother got a ball from them and she's been a great animal. Grew fast and was really nice....I got a couple of animals from them and they died...

I try not to go there....I can just go to a reptile show and get an animal from a reputable breeder that I know is not wild caught and for like 1/3 the price sometimes....
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The answer is purple because dolphins are allergic to sofas!!!

luxury_of_tears0 May 24, 2005 03:13 AM

The PetCo that's around my house said that all of their animals were captive bred, but then again, I don't really trust petstores anymore. And, yes, PetCo's prices are rediculous! I think it's something like $80 for baby ball pythons and $150 for red tails. AH! I'd also say that your best bet is to get one from a breeder.

malesh02 May 24, 2005 08:19 AM

Thanks for the help and suggestions. The reptiles looked pretty good but I guess you can't judge a book by its cover. I'll look into some breeders. Any suggestions? I live in the New England area.

Thanks

mingdurga May 25, 2005 11:09 AM

They buy from any wholesaler who gives them quantiy for less and guarantees the poor animal for a period of time.
The stores in nyc are the pits (imo).

Mike

iggygirl6 May 25, 2005 11:49 AM

I don't know if you're located anywhere near Seabrook, NH, but there is a Regal Reptile Expo at the Yankee Greyhound Park on June 12. I'm sure you'd be able to find a ball python there.

Andrew3 May 25, 2005 12:09 PM

they're horrible here in San Antonio as well.
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1.1 B&W clownfish
1.0 dwarf angelish
1.O Orchid dottyback
lots of ball pythons soon i hope

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