percautions that should be taken when selling

[chamzilla91]

For like 6 months I have been thinking that like when you order a cham when you enter your info ect. They should make you fill out a questionaire thing about the husbandry of that reptile and youd have to pass the test 100% to be able to proceed to checkout. It would leave mostly dedicated or experienced owners or first time buyers so that there would be so much mistakes in the care. Sorry if this is like dumb to all of you, it has just been on my mind whenever I see people making mistakes in their husbandry and stuff

???

 

[Olimpia]

I don't actually think that's a stupid idea at all. It would be like the theoretical part of a driving test, it would ensure that people have at least read the "manual" before getting a pet.

I actually wonder why more chameleon breeders don't include a care sheet with their animal when they ship them. Most have care sheets on their site but we know that not everyone is going to put any effort into looking for info. It might be easier for them to read if it's conveniently sitting ontop of the deli cup when they open up the box with their new pet. Or hand you one when you purchase at a show. I've seen it done with a lot of bearded dragons we've purchased but never with any chameleons. It really wouldn't be all that expensive to print and include a small care guide with a sold pet.

 

[carol5208]

I don't actually think that's a stupid idea at all. It would be like the theoretical part of a driving test, it would ensure that people have at least read the "manual" before getting a pet.

I actually wonder why more chameleon breeders don't include a care sheet with their animal when they ship them. Most have care sheets on their site but we know that not everyone is going to put any effort into looking for info. It might be easier for them to read if it's conveniently sitting ontop of the deli cup when they open up the box with their new pet. Or hand you one when you purchase at a show. I've seen it done with a lot of bearded dragons we've purchased but never with any chameleons. It really wouldn't be all that expensive to print and include a small care guide with a sold pet.

Kammerflage Kreations does and it was a great way to learn what to do before I found the forum!!! It gives you all the basic info you need, lights, temps, handling, feeders etc. Their supplementation schedule is different than what is suggested on the fourm though.

 

[Kansascity]

Imcurt does that and it is a great idea

 

[beeze]

Excellent idea! The sellers should educated the buyers BEFORE selling. This is a live animal not a car.

 

[chamzilla91]

It was just an idea so that it would maybe help new chameleon owners know the basics through doing research before they purchase the cham. I want to be a veterinarian for reptiles when I get out of highschool/college because that's what I'm aiming for. And if I ever in the far far far future ever attempted breeding a chameleon or other type of reptile I will deffinately make a sheet that has all the basic knowledge and a checklist of the essentials that you will need to keep that species, also put references to good websites (like this one )

 

[imcurt]

Imcurt does that and it is a great idea

My wife did plenty of research and came up with a great care sheet.Its not perfect. but give a person some basic guide lines. I want all my babbies to have the best possable chance at a health life.For every health babbie i raise thats 1 less taken from nature!!It only takes a second to push a print tab.

 

[warpdrive]

shoot, I have even sent care sheets with every mantid order I've sent in the past. come to think about it, I've even done this with other insects too.

yet, while I agree that a breeder who sends a care sheet is a sign that they at least care, it is still the resposabilty of the new owner to collect all the information on how to care for an animal.

Harry

 

[SonTigerPantherCham]

I made a copy of my Kammer Kare sheet, and gave it to my local vet!. She doesn't specialize in herps but wanted to be able to pass on the info to others.

 

[Olimpia]

yet, while I agree that a breeder who sends a care sheet is a sign that they at least care, it is still the resposabilty of the new owner to collect all the information on how to care for an animal.

Harry

Absolutely, but especially for people who don't think they need extra info (ie, they trust the knowledge of pet store employees, or theyI think one book is complete and correct, etc.) it might not even occur to them to do any extra research. I remember when I was much younger and I had pet birds, I read a book and that was about it as far as research went. Now I think that although they did fine, there's probably a ton I didn't know and could have changed for them.

So as a breeder I think that it's important to have a care sheet if you can that covers the basics and then some, CORRECTLY. So if that's the only thing they ever read on the subject of husbandry, at least that much is right. And then you can always encourage extra research and questions.

My philosophy is to assume people, in general, are stupid. Sounds a little harsh but it's the philosophy behind instruction sheets on furniture. It's easier to dumb things down for the few instead of assuming that everyone is as responsible as you might hope them to be!

 

[kirsty]

even so like us if you've researched and feel sure you know what your doing , they're such a complex species that things can and do go wrong. Its a great big learning curve constantly and we have read book after book and care guides some conflicting each other . Plus we were meant to be buying a male and she turned out female which threw us totally and things have had to be changed to accommodate. To be honest i learn everyday . The pet shop we got her off is supposed to be ok but didnt give a care sheet and in my opinion that was wrong!! and some of their husbandry was too . breeders should choose more carefully who they sell their babies too

 

[jannb]

As a responsible pet owner I felt that it was my place to find a kind and loving home for my babies with correct husbandry and access to a chameleon vet.

 

[Texas Panther Man]

As a breeder I printed care sheets for all my buyers when I did shows in the past. I will do so again with my clutch Im raising now. What was so sad abou the shows were I would end up giving care sheets to other breeders buyers. They would see me handing out care guides and ask if I had any more. I always ran out by the end of the shows. Really used to irk me that a breeder that spent countless hrs breeding and raising a clutch couldnt take an hour and a half to type up a two page care guide and print some copies. I want to see ALL of my offspring go to knowledgeable caring buyers who will enjoy them and have success with them. Ok, Ive stepped off the soapbox. lol

 

[sdheli420]

it actually is a good idea..(im sure sales would go down, and healthy long living chams would go up..) i did have to laugh when i saw the screameleons ad where they open the shipping box and it comes with "instructions" like its a mechanical device..haha..but then thought..there ARE people out there that will spend 500+ for their first set up, and just jump into it with not even reading up about anything..i like this idea..it would keep unknowing moms from ordering a cham for their spoiled bratty child that has no clue what he/she is dooing and most likley never will take the time to learn..(the animal will be used as a "phase" cool one day, boring the next)

 

[AvanaChameleon]

I have eggs incubating now and when i go to give the little fellows to their new families i will definitely be giving them a care booklet and buying guide for basic items needed (so hopefully will have the proper set up form the start).

 

[sandrachameleon]

I always provide a care sheet, which includes links to pages on this website, and ask some basic questions of potential buyers to feel out whether or not I think the chameleon has a chance of survival in their care. I also ensure the buyer knows they can email me anytime they have a question any time in the future.

But any seller who is "in it for the money" doesnt want to reduce the pool of buyers isnt likely to bother weeding out potentially poor owners.

Frankly, while I agree the seller ought to provide basic care info, ultimately it is the responsibility of the BUYER to do research and ensure they are able to care for the animal. This is true whether you are buying a dog, a hamster or a chameleon. When you buy a pet, you are taking responsibility for it. It is not the sellers responsibility to look after the animals well-being past the point of sale.