Do you ask if an exotic pet reptile was captive bred or taken from the wild?

(04-18-2013, 08:48 AM)sakee Wrote: So in this case is it better to buy a reptile from a pet shop? Do most pet shops get their reptiles from breeders?
I always here that pet shops are not the best place to get your pets from due to ethical concerns. I'm sure at some point my sons are going to ask for an iguana or some other reptile, so this would be good to know now.

Well, that really depends on the pet shop in question. You can't group all pet shops together. Unfortunately, most pet shops go with whatever is the cheapest option, and what the cheapest option is really depends on the species of animal in question. Iguanas, at least green iguanas, (Iguana iguana), more often than not, are going to be C.B. The importation from most countries has gone down over the years.

Your best bet is to try to buy directly from a breeder or reputable dealer, or at a quality reptile specific shop. A reptile show or expo is a good idea, if there is one local to you. You have a better chance to start off with a healthy animal, as many of them at some of the larger pet stores aren't always cared for well.

And on another note, iguanas can make great pets, but they are a big commitment, and do require some specific care, and they can get to 6' long on some occasions. I have a friend who has a pair that are over 20 years old.