How can I put across in a concise and knowledgeable manner to someone keeping 4-5 adult snakes (mixed ratsnake species) in a small viv with one hide at each end of the viv (and just big enough for an adult corn to cram itself into) that they need both adequately sized and adequately numbered hideboxes at each end of the viv.

I am well aware that there should be one viv per snake at both ends; and that co-habiting shouldn't be done in the first place! But I need something really well worded to convince them.

I don't think I will be able to convince them that co-habiting mixed species is bad news either. Corns and ratsnakes; all with the same or very alike thermal requirements - so I can't seem to make them realise they shouldn't be together.

thank you to all

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I'd say what the F are you doing keeping this many snakes in such a small area and where do they have to hide.
Dont sit on the fence, tell them straight...feel free to use my exact wording or change to suit

On a serious note though, i'd try and explain why hides are needed and why they shouldnt be cramped.

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I AM A GIRL! MY NAME IS VICKY and I AM A LUMBERJACK


GAZ HAS A BOA BED AND BREAKFAST AND I'M INVITED!!! Only proper lumberjacks will be accepted.

Ask how he'd like to be sat in a box room 24/7, with 5 other people, and only 2 single beds.

Some people, unfortunately, are just lost causes.

Is this in a pet shop by any chance?

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They'll learn that it's a really bad idea, when one or more of their snakes get's ill/regurges, and they can't tell which it is. If they haven't the space, or can't afford a viv for each snake, then they seriously think of not having more than one snake.

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/|\ Rapunzel )O(
1.0.0 striped Snow Corn. 1.0.0 Amel Corn. 1.0.0 Anery Corn. 1.1.0 Royal Pythons. 1.0.0 husband. 0.4.0 cats

I like my wording better

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I AM A GIRL! MY NAME IS VICKY and I AM A LUMBERJACK


GAZ HAS A BOA BED AND BREAKFAST AND I'M INVITED!!! Only proper lumberjacks will be accepted.

yes, it is a petshop...i wont name & shame etc though.

I think that's the sad thing really...the expression ''lead by example'' and all that.
Anyone short of the correct knowledge will just accept that this is fine to do.

I made a point about it; but although the managed humoured me; the staff were very dismissive and refused to take on board what I had to say; and told me I was wrong and they way the reptiles were kept was to the guidelines and in the correct manner.

I am going back to talk to the guy that actually sorts the reptile section out (the manager said she was nothing to do with it as she knows little about them) in the week; but I know I'm going to have a job convincing them that what I say is the right way.

My main reason for returning is not to have a go etc; but to help them understand and explain how to correctly and safely setup their vivs and what temps the reps should be kept at; and housed etc.

But at the moment it is a bit like ''they know best'' (the rspca did a check a few months ago apparantly and told them everything was great )

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The RSPCA are as useful as a chocolate fireguard.

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I AM A GIRL! MY NAME IS VICKY and I AM A LUMBERJACK


GAZ HAS A BOA BED AND BREAKFAST AND I'M INVITED!!! Only proper lumberjacks will be accepted.

.......... WOOOOO GO RSPCA.

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J


My Little Zoo1.0.0 Fire Salamander (S.S. Bernardezi)2.1.0 Fire Belly Newts (C. Orientalis) 0.0.4 Mandarin Salamanders (Tylototriton sp') 0.1 Tiger Salamander (A. Tigrinum)0.0.1 Green Anoles (Anolis carolinensis) Lots Of Snails

Wanted Blue Tongued SkinkCrested GeckoTomato FrogsFire Belly Toads More Room lol

Lol...yep - chocolate fireguards!

To be fair; if I was in their position and the RSPCA had told me that it was perfect, all great - I too would see absolutely no need to change anything.

The staff just looked at me like some lunatic that had come off the streets throwing around the most ridiculous advice they had ever heard.

Every time I tried to offer my help and try to explain how to do this, or too add this, or why not to do that; instead of them listening, I was just spoken over and told ''Well the RSPCA have done a check and everything is great, so that's that, I don't see the need for anything to be any different''....over and over.

I made the point of saying to them that I wasn't having a go or arguing; but that I instead just wanted to help, and offer my advice.

I completely understand the lack of willing for anything to be done, as unless like us you realise the RSPCA have very little knowledge when it comes to reptiles, it would seem a very definitive agreement that the place is infact all in good keeping.

Having said that; if they are keeping and selling reptiles, they should already be well aware of all this...

I have no intentions of reporting them or anything silly like that as it wont get anyone anywhere...but I do (despite the travel time and cost) need to go back to ensure everything is set up correctly for the welfare of the animals...

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Unfortunately, pet stores are in it for the cash not the wellbeing of the animal. Its the same in a lot of places and there isnt much you can do unless the animal is seriously suffering coz the RSPCA do Flip all to help...but are there pointing fingers if you dont have a muzzle on a dog with pit bull in it even if its the softest thing in the world...just in case.

fighting a losing battle that will never end...

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I AM A GIRL! MY NAME IS VICKY and I AM A LUMBERJACK


GAZ HAS A BOA BED AND BREAKFAST AND I'M INVITED!!! Only proper lumberjacks will be accepted.