New females

by **Assaye** Mon 19 Jul 2010 - 1:46

Made the mistake of popping into the small lfs on Saturday. Just wanted some hoppers for my bearded dragon and STUPIDLY looked at the bettas. There was a tank of 'females' in with red-tail black sharks, barbs and chinese algae eaters :firefurious: and they were all nipped and shredded! Most of them were really small and thin but there were four 'girls' that just took the ****. So tiny that I can't even sex them and totally emaciated. One of them is missing 'her' entire caudal fin and is all bent out of shape because of how thin 'she' is.

I didn't know whether to walk away, make a fuss or bring them home. So I sort of did a combination. Asked for some female bettas and loudly stated that I wanted to emaciated ones to "at least give them a chance of a decent life". I also made sure to state how I wasn't sure if they'd live out the week and the sales guy gave me the smallest one free. Still, £6 on four bettas in that condition. :firefurious:

I can't really complain, though. I should have walked away but my heart ruled my head. I'm not pretending this is a rescue because I selfishly didn't make a fuss as that happens to be the best, closest and cheapest store for reptile food and small filters/heaters and I didn't want to ruin my standing with them. I am going to send them a rather angry e-mail, though and see about getting the local authority involved. The condition of all their pets is pretty bad and they give no advice when selling them other than "have you got a tank/cage/filter?"

When they get bigger and I'm sure they're healthy the females will go in my sorority and I might keep or adopt out any males.

Here is a video of the little ones in their temporary tank:

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by **2tall** Mon 19 Jul 2010 - 3:25

That was soooo good of you! Its sickening what some stores do (or don't) to/for their stock. I amazed at the allowable conditions that permeate some lfs's.

I'm not one to always bite my tongue

and have made several comments. Of course with no results as it continues. Whats one to do? Money is their ultimate goal after all!

In any event, thanks and good luck with them!!