I like to remember that buying at a pet store means that selling animals there is profitable for them, encouraging them to continue doing it. It's my personal opinion that pet stores should sell pet supplies, not pets. Very few pets of any kind receive correct care at pet stores. I'm not saying not to get a second, only to consider getting your second from somewhere that you would like to support them to continue doing what they're doing. You may "rescue" this snake from there, but next week there will be a new one. As long as they continue to sell, the store will keep bringing them in. On the other hand, my main experience is with dogs and cats, so maybe others have different views on reptiles from pet stores?
Is it just me or is $35 extremely low for a pet store price? Snakes in pet stores around here are at minimum $100. I wonder why they have it priced so low?
Sharan, it is obviously NOT a "fancy" corn like they sell in big box stores, otherwise he would be $100!!! :roflmao:
I totally agree with everything Sharan said, and am also curious as to why it is priced so low and if this is a constant thing, getting a new snake once the old one sells. This kind of turnover is not one I would shell out money for.
I do have some questions, you said it has been there at least two months. Is this a small pet store or a big box store like Petsmart? Do you know how old it is or, if not by age, its size? What morph is it? (if they can't answer the morph question that might be a red flag) Do they sell any other snakes or other reptiles or does this seem like something they acquired and are selling it for someone else, keeping the store mainly an aquatics store? How often and what does he eat? Where did they get him from? How is he being kept, is the cage clean, does he have clean water, fresh bedding, hides to hang out in, etc?
You don't say where you live in your info, could you post the CL ad or the name and phone number of the petshop? I would be happy to do some research for you and ask them these questions myself. Since I can't see what any of this looks like, please do let me know all of the living conditions, pictures would help a lot, they should have no problem letting you hold him and take pics of him being held and in his viv. If this is a problem, RUN.
I know, LOTS of questions, but this will also help people here give you an opinion. If it is in poor condition and a dirty tank with dirty water, I would pass. If it is looking healthy and clean and well cared for, this might be an opportunity for a great second corn!
I would NEVER recommend buying from a big box store, I agree with Sharan that they should sell supplies, not pets since they are pretty clueless about many species of animals and how they should be kept, but there are some smaller, reputable pet shops where they are very knowledgeable about what they are selling.
Last question for you, are you prepared to take on your second corn? They have to have separate enclosures, and you do have to quarantine the new kiddo in a separate room for 3 months to ensure he doesn't have any communicable diseases that could harm your first kid. Just make sure you have the viv all set up before bringing him home if that is the way you go.
So bring on the pics and the ad and any other info, we will help you with info so you can make an informed decision.
Sorry so long, but I always want what is best for you and the snake.
-Michelle
