Green Anole questions...Petco or Pet Supplies Plus?
I'm getting a green anole set for my 10 year old for his birthday. I've read a ton of literature and feel that I'm comfortable getting into the hobby. I'm going to devote $100 or so for the setup and don't plan to skimp on anything. My question is this...is Petco or Pet Supplies Plus a better place to buy the lizards and/or equipment? Does a non-chain hobby pet store offer better products? Price isn't a huge consideration, though a penny saved is a penny earned. I'm more worried about quality and durability, not only of the equipment, but the pets themselves. Thank you for your response.
DeadDude2011-04-01T14:17:37Z
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It really depends on the specific store. I've seen horrible local stores with sick, half dead, or mite infested lizards and I've seen a few chain stores with some of the healthiest reptiles I've seen. So I would get the Anole from whatever location has the best looking/healthiest animals.
For the supplies, chain stores tend to be way cheaper. Most local stores can't compete with their prices. Local stores usually have more knowledgeable employees and are more willing to talk to you and help you out (not always the case though). If you find a local store you like then I would suggest supporting them as much as you can afford to.
All depends on the quality of the Petco. I've been to some pretty bad ones, but I've also been to some really good ones, as well as some very poor quality non-chain stores. As stated above, chain stores generally do have cheaper prices than non-chain stores. Normally I would suggest you look into a non-chain store first, but with green anoles, they're extremely hard to find in non-chain stores as it's all about making a profit and profit margin on a $10 lizard is very low if not into the negative. If these two stores are your only options, stop by and ask when they'll be getting the next shipment of anoles in. It's best to pick them up on the day they arrive before they get stressed in small cages with too many males and start to become brown.
Go with a non-chain specialty store, if you have one in your area. That way, you could actually get some quality advice about the products and livestock, and most independent retailers are willing to work with you on price if you're buying your whole setup from them.