Petsmart ..

[tortoise5643]

Re: RE: Petsmart ..

I'd be willing to bet money, that Russian could climb into the waterbowl if it wanted to... and then get out of it. While this setup is not idea in our minds, for a temp setup it works and is better then many Russians out there are currently living in. I see nothing cruel in that picture, sorry.

Its a Testudo tortoise but actually it could drown in the bowl

I stand corrected on what it is (IF that's not a Russian Testudo horsfieldii), but I in no way believe that tortoise will drown in that dish.

Its a Russian testudo horsfieldii commonly referred to as a Russian tortoise and a horsfields tortoise

The stores just put testudo tortoise because that way they can keep Greeks and Russians together without having to change the label.

I think (but don't quote me on this) thats testudo just means tortoise

 

[Ashley_Sheldon]

had some hatchlings flip in plant saucers too.

I totally agree with this....and have a couple stunt torts here that are always freaking me out....and after I offer a hand for traction they flip themselves back over and strut off like hey cool....

Jacqui is correct in pointing out that this is an old enough tort that it would be odd if it could not get out of the bowl....problem is that the dish shown is good for other reptiles (snakes, frogs and such) so an inexperienced person/clerk in the store would not think anything of it---after all, they have placed in the basics, water--food---hide....so in their mind they likely have done what the tort needs to survive (in a store where the objective is profit--not permanent)...

And yes, a tort can drown in that style of dish, yes that tort could ingest some of that substrate (I personally don't like but others use it with success---a point of preference is all) yes that tort could try climbing the glass, flip backwards, roll off the log right into the food and get its eyes full of fruity pebbles and land head first into the water---WEEELLLL, likely all of that is NOT going to happen but it certainly COULD happen....okay folks, lets not make this about who likes what dish and such and remember the thread was about the tort and a young lady in a quandary of what and if she should say something being she was a bit shy.....did I read that right? I say there are a number of variables involved here that no three people will 100% agree on....just saying is all

I was recently tarred and feathered for my fun and humorous thread about my big Oliver and his living room arrangements,

What yahoo gave you crap for that set up as a temp set up? Hell, some folks do that type of set up as a norm anyways.....if the tort is happy and the host is happy---who's business is it anyways. I personally dont have the shells running through the house here, but have had a CDT that needed to remain up a couple winters in a row due to his health and you bet he had some of the roost to rule....lol

Thank you for this

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Ashley:

That tortoise shown in the picture is a full-grown Russian (Testudo Horsfieldii) tortoise. They don't get very big. If it's a male it is probably through growing. If it is a female it may grow a bit bigger.

It might be an idea to talk to the manager (humbly) and suggest that if they insist upon having that type of water dish in with the tortoise they might consider sinking it down into the substrate to make it easier for the tortoise to reach his neck in.

My grandson is a manager at one of the Petsmarts here in our area. He says that they have to set up the animals (the whole store, in fact) according to how the home office tells them to do it. So trying to work with what they have shown there is better than getting in their face about using different things.

Thank you for your input I'm glad to know that he's pretty much full grown ! Thanks for everything you said

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It might be an idea to talk to the manager (humbly) and suggest that if they insist upon having that type of water dish in with the tortoise they might consider sinking it down into the substrate to make it easier for the tortoise to reach his neck in.

Yes! Great idea.

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I honestly dont know what it is , it just said "Testudo Tortoise" your probably right haha but it said they only get up to 8 inches so it might be a baby . I respect others beliefs

That might be another thing you might talk to them about: their signs. They are open to folks not knowing what they are buying. I also think your Mom should have let you speak up at the time and share your views with the store. Would it have made a difference? Most likely not, but atleast you would have known you tried. That matters a lot. You might try writing a letter to the corporation, Have you thought about doing that?

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Yeah thats a very misleading sign and yeah i might just try a letter

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Gosh, I hadn't realized it had expired. I've been running this add fairly regular and last I looked, I think I had referred 11 members. I think we all need to do this.

http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/pet/4221340223.html

Wait its an ad ? Explain more of this to me please

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had some hatchlings flip in plant saucers too.

I totally agree with this....and have a couple stunt torts here that are always freaking me out....and after I offer a hand for traction they flip themselves back over and strut off like hey cool....

Jacqui is correct in pointing out that this is an old enough tort that it would be odd if it could not get out of the bowl....problem is that the dish shown is good for other reptiles (snakes, frogs and such) so an inexperienced person/clerk in the store would not think anything of it---after all, they have placed in the basics, water--food---hide....so in their mind they likely have done what the tort needs to survive (in a store where the objective is profit--not permanent)...

And yes, a tort can drown in that style of dish, yes that tort could ingest some of that substrate (I personally don't like but others use it with success---a point of preference is all) yes that tort could try climbing the glass, flip backwards, roll off the log right into the food and get its eyes full of fruity pebbles and land head first into the water---WEEELLLL, likely all of that is NOT going to happen but it certainly COULD happen....okay folks, lets not make this about who likes what dish and such and remember the thread was about the tort and a young lady in a quandary of what and if she should say something being she was a bit shy.....did I read that right? I say there are a number of variables involved here that no three people will 100% agree on....just saying is all

I was recently tarred and feathered for my fun and humorous thread about my big Oliver and his living room arrangements,

What yahoo gave you crap for that set up as a temp set up? Hell, some folks do that type of set up as a norm anyways.....if the tort is happy and the host is happy---who's business is it anyways. I personally dont have the shells running through the house here, but have had a CDT that needed to remain up a couple winters in a row due to his health and you bet he had some of the roost to rule....lol

Lol haha !

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I'd be willing to bet money, that Russian could climb into the waterbowl if it wanted to... and then get out of it. While this setup is not idea in our minds, for a temp setup it works and is better then many Russians out there are currently living in. I see nothing cruel in that picture, sorry.

Its a Testudo tortoise but actually it could drown in the bowl

I stand corrected on what it is (IF that's not a Russian Testudo horsfieldii), but I in no way believe that tortoise will drown in that dish.

Its a Russian testudo horsfieldii commonly referred to as a Russian tortoise and a horsfields tortoise

The stores just put testudo tortoise because that way they can keep Greeks and Russians together without having to change the label.

I think (but don't quote me on this) thats testudo just means tortoise

Ohh ok thanks for this

 

[Cowboy_Ken]

This is an ad I run in the local Craiglist to introduce more people to the tortoise forum and to help them learn the proper care of tortoises and turtles.

http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/pet/4221340223.html

And it works too!

 

[Ashley_Sheldon]

This is an ad I run in the local Craiglist to introduce more people to the tortoise forum and to help them learn the proper care of tortoises and turtles.

http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/pet/4221340223.html

And it works too!

Oh ok wow ! How generous of you ! I will be sure to check it out !!

 

[Cutva]

I got my tortoise here. I went in to buy light bulbs when she was sitting there with her face pressed in a corner. They said she was fine but I knew she wasn't. So I wasn't planning on it but I couldn't just leave her! She is the happiest little guy now though!

 

[Vishnu2]

I am not going to read this whole post. As I probably should before I comment.

However, being a former GM of a Petco in Dallas, Texas I will say this. This tortoise was set up in a "Show" tank for the holidays. Petco has 2 licensed Vet's that work out of California. (Not always where they should be). There are animal specialist that are actually Vet Techs that work for each region. They travel and make sure no immediate animal is in danger( weekly inspections). If a swollen eye appears for example they (the current employee) takes the animal into isolation and makes a vet appointment for the soonest day possible. (Most that day). And is no longer for sale.

Fresh greens used to be given to all animals including Guinea pigs with fresh bell peppers. But, Petco pulled that when the cages looked less inviting by having greens all over enclosure. Petco is a corporation so they have to consider ALL reptiles not just the tortoises. So, when a lizard shows aggression over food, pellets are then given. It's also a cost thing. The pellets are a Petco brand given. Believe it or not some tortoises like that food and some lizards.

The water bowl is typically NOT filled to the top with water and the substrate should of been around a smaller bowl. I agree. Not the best idea. As for the terra cotta dishes. Petco used to use them. The water soaked through and caused mold.

However, as a GM I did listen to my customers and their concerns. Petco, offers Care sheets. They're even offered on their website or was when I worked for them. In all my years @ Petco I had 7 people complain about the care of the reptiles. When I gave them my opinion of how to care for the Russian, Greek or RES they went and bought sand anyway. There is only so much a Petco employee can do. When you purchase OR adopt an animal it's up to you. I gave my personal opinion and most didn't follow my advice. Why you may ask? Because they didn't want to hear their new tortoise or reptile needed a bigger habitat which would cost them more money or more time (to make or to clean).

I as a GM even refused sales to some. I can't speak for all GM's. I can only speak for what I did. As a former GM I apologize that you felt upset, you totally should of spoken to someone. Their job is to listen. Changes have been made in animal care due to customer input just so you know.

Thanks!

---

Ashley:

That tortoise shown in the picture is a full-grown Russian (Testudo Horsfieldii) tortoise. They don't get very big. If it's a male it is probably through growing. If it is a female it may grow a bit bigger.

It might be an idea to talk to the manager (humbly) and suggest that if they insist upon having that type of water dish in with the tortoise they might consider sinking it down into the substrate to make it easier for the tortoise to reach his neck in.

My grandson is a manager at one of the Petsmarts here in our area. He says that they have to set up the animals (the whole store, in fact) according to how the home office tells them to do it. So trying to work with what they have shown there is better than getting in their face about using different things.

Your grandson is correct. The veterinarians decide in Cali how things should go. GM's do have a small say depending on their state. I being in Texas at one time could do certain things with my enclosures that people in Colorado for instance couldn't change. It depends on the state and the animal advisor.

 

[BeeBee*BeeLeaves]

I have the email to my area's district managers for both PetCo and PetSmart and I use it. I write them. Not often, but when I see something that can be improved upon or brought to their attention. Tortoises, of course. They thank me for sharing my concerns. Every time, they have responded with nice emails back and grateful. I know one of them trolls here, cause she told me. I invited her to peek in. It all began with my two little Greeks I got in 2012 at PetSmart. Which led me to TFO since I knew not what I had gotten myself into. I was guilty of falling for them on a trip to get dog food and plants for a water garden. Bam! My point is that it is a great opportunity to educate others. Understandably, the stores have a bottom line and share holders, but everyone can learn and in time it will make a difference. If I have to, I write CEOs or the Chairman of the Board. You would be surprise how they do listen to passionate consumers. : )