We have a reptile "specialty" store in the East Bay California that people loooooove. I quite honestly suspect it's the air of expertise that is lovingly stoked. They keep several species of tortoises and they're all badly pyramided, in small, hot cages, many in sand, many without water. The owners also, from what I understand, breed in San Diego, but I'm unclear on what species. They also offer tortoise brumation, I know a few folks who take advantage of that service- specifically because they care greatly for their animals and want "experts" to do it for them, which I empathize with.
If anyone asks I usually just recommend people here for information on Tortoises, or for purchasing. But people really really seem to love this place, and pretty uniformly recommend it as the place to get the best info/animals, etc. Here's their care sheet for tortoises (TLDR, don't offer desert tortoises water, etc.)
Ok. I know it's pretty common for pet stores to be awful with this stuff, but it really breaks my heart every time someone passes along a recommendation for this place and their expertise. I'd like to at least offer them some more information- has anyone started a discussion like this with stores? Even if they don't start caring for their tortoises better, it'd be amazing to see the care sheets updated with the care sheets offered here.
I'd like recommendations on how to approach this- I am just an enthusiast, but I appreciate when I get correct information (how would I know otherwise?). It is East Bay Vivarium, in Berkeley. Should start by emailing with recommendations for care sheets? Let it go? *feeling pained*
If anyone asks I usually just recommend people here for information on Tortoises, or for purchasing. But people really really seem to love this place, and pretty uniformly recommend it as the place to get the best info/animals, etc. Here's their care sheet for tortoises (TLDR, don't offer desert tortoises water, etc.)
Ok. I know it's pretty common for pet stores to be awful with this stuff, but it really breaks my heart every time someone passes along a recommendation for this place and their expertise. I'd like to at least offer them some more information- has anyone started a discussion like this with stores? Even if they don't start caring for their tortoises better, it'd be amazing to see the care sheets updated with the care sheets offered here.
I'd like recommendations on how to approach this- I am just an enthusiast, but I appreciate when I get correct information (how would I know otherwise?). It is East Bay Vivarium, in Berkeley. Should start by emailing with recommendations for care sheets? Let it go? *feeling pained*