Petsmart dragon today

[mljones8104]

Interesting post about Pet Smart. I was in there the other day getting crickets and took a look at the beardies (I can't stay away from the reptile dept!) I noticed how small the dragons are that they are trying to sell. I ended up getting mine at my local Petco and was so impressed with everything there. The beardies were a healthy size, active and very alert. The enclosure was clean, fresh fruits and veggies were in the tank and they were very happy and healthy. I felt so bad for the beardies at Pet Smart...they were way too young to be adopted and the lighting was poor and they looked listless. It breaks my heart to see this happening and in all reality, they may not make it when the get sold. I know pet store purchases are frowned upon, but I did my research and was very pleased with everything that I saw and the knowledgeable employees at Petco. My little guy is doing well (although he is very picky) but he is active and happy. I go back weekly to visit the beardies at Petco (I prefer the size options of crickets there) and the ones that are left in the enclosure are growing so fast and look extremely healthy.

 

[MooseDragon]

Be SO careful when buying reptiles from petsmart/petco!!! They typically dont take care of them at all! Use a reliable breeder, or a reliable pet store that specializes in reptiles, and that you feel comfortable with!

 

[Beardiemama37]

Yeah , I am getting a beardie out of a store, he is the biggest one out of the clutch there and there's a lil fella there that is obviously being mowed over and licked . Although they say they're the same age, they're all different sizes. They're fed and look ok tho. the little guy is rather small though! Mine is about 7 or 8 inches at 10 weeks(if that)and the little guy is likely 3 inches at most and same age ????? They're hiring, I should apply and be their reptile girl LOL

 

[Valerie]

I was in petsmart the other day. The Bds there were small like 2 weeks old or so. I was talking to one of the employees that used to be a neighbor of mine and he said they are fed up with the breeders of their dragons because they send sick and to small babies to them. They are hoping they can switch back to their former breeder.
He said they got a batch in and because of their health they are not even going to put them out to sell because they may not make it.
The employees are not happy either.
I am not justifing the care as I think pet smart could get better about their care for dragons but they are starting out with sick dragons to begin with put togther with the lighting and the way they feed...
Valerie

 

[BeTheChange]

Pet store sales are usually always sketcky... It usually is the best to just rescue or at least to get them from reputable breeders. A lot of the animals at these large pet stores are not properly cared for, are overly priced for what you're really getting, and usually are not handled as much as they should be. But then again there are always some exceptions.

 

[Beardednoob]

Pet store sales are usually always sketcky... It usually is the best to just rescue or at least to get them from reputable breeders. A lot of the animals at these large pet stores are not properly cared for, are overly priced for what you're really getting, and usually are not handled as much as they should be. But then again there are always some exceptions.

All four of my dragons being exceptions :wink:

 

[BeTheChange]

You also know a lot about dragons, so even if they weren't healthy you'd probably get them better in a jiffy. Lol. But I am happy to say that I no longer see puppymill puppies at petstores and I have actually seen RESCUED cats at a larger Petco in my area!

 

[Valerie]

I do agree with you but the two dragons we got form pet smart are doing so much better than the dragon we got from a breeder.

 

[TwistedCrayon]

The dragon I rescued/adopted a couple of weeks ago passed away today....

 

[mljones8104]

Sorry to hear that what happened?

 

[Beardednoob]

The dragon I rescued/adopted a couple of weeks ago passed away today....

Ohh, I am so sorry to hear this. I know you were trying to figure out what was going on.