Pet Shops vs Breeders
Reptiles in pet shops are often left on display 24/7 from hatching, sometimes without hides denying them the opportunity to remove themselves from public view. This can be extremely stressful for the animals. They are rarely handled so humans remain to be a potential threat in the mind of the reptile and are often not fed or supplemented appropriately due to the lack of knowledge by the staff on how to care for these animals. Juvenile reptiles are often housed with many other conspecifics of the same age to the point of overcrowding increasing competition for resources, best basking spot etc, which increases rates of bullying and also increases levels of stress. Pet shops often sell WC and CF animals at a cheap price but sell CB reptiles at an extortionately high price. Reptiles may go for a significantly higher price in pet shops compared to the prices of reptiles from breeders.
Quite often reptiles fall ill in pet shops due to impaction from inappropriate substrate, disease, parasite infestation, stress, poor husbandry (i.e. lack of or too much humidity causing shedding issues, scale rot, respiratory infections etc, poor heating or unguarded heat bulbs resulting in burns, lack of UV lighting resulting in Metabolic Bone Disease) - and other such disorders linked to poor husbandry. Untreated injuries and infections are also an issue. Many reptiles have died shortly after being purchased due to any number of these issues with their previous care.
Bear in mind that not all pet shops are incompetent when it comes to the care of reptiles but this does seem to be the case for many generalist pet shops. Specialised reptile stores will often display a higher level of care towards their reptiles.
Reputable breeders should have a sound understanding of how to look after the animals in their care, even understanding how to properly incubate the eggs can affect the personality and health of the reptile. Incubation humidity, oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations and other micro-climatic factors can influence embryonic development.
The health of the offspring should be taken very seriously, it is recommended, for example, for many hatchling reptiles to reach an age of at least 1 month before being sold on so signs of ill health can be caught early on. The one month will also allow the hatchling to settle in and adapt to captivity before being sold as a pet. Animals from a person with experience, knowledge and dedication to their welfare are a great advantage.
Also bear in mind that not all “breeders” are as concerned about animal welfare so do be careful with whom you buy from.
Quite often reptiles fall ill in pet shops due to impaction from inappropriate substrate, disease, parasite infestation, stress, poor husbandry (i.e. lack of or too much humidity causing shedding issues, scale rot, respiratory infections etc, poor heating or unguarded heat bulbs resulting in burns, lack of UV lighting resulting in Metabolic Bone Disease) - and other such disorders linked to poor husbandry. Untreated injuries and infections are also an issue. Many reptiles have died shortly after being purchased due to any number of these issues with their previous care.
Bear in mind that not all pet shops are incompetent when it comes to the care of reptiles but this does seem to be the case for many generalist pet shops. Specialised reptile stores will often display a higher level of care towards their reptiles.
Reputable breeders should have a sound understanding of how to look after the animals in their care, even understanding how to properly incubate the eggs can affect the personality and health of the reptile. Incubation humidity, oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations and other micro-climatic factors can influence embryonic development.
The health of the offspring should be taken very seriously, it is recommended, for example, for many hatchling reptiles to reach an age of at least 1 month before being sold on so signs of ill health can be caught early on. The one month will also allow the hatchling to settle in and adapt to captivity before being sold as a pet. Animals from a person with experience, knowledge and dedication to their welfare are a great advantage.
Also bear in mind that not all “breeders” are as concerned about animal welfare so do be careful with whom you buy from.
© 2014 Cat Read