Myths

[ChoclateBetta]

What are some pet myths you hear people say I mean any myth my local pet store said fiddler crabs can live in freshwater.

[purplemuffin]

>reptiles only grow as big as the tank you put them in!

>snakes will lay out and measure your body so they can eat you

>all snakes are venomous(Oh excuse me, they say all snakes are poisonous..ugh LOL)

>if you cut off a snake's head, a second snake will grow

>hermit crabs naturally only live to 3 months of age

>snakes attract other snakes to your house

>monitor lizards are great starter reptiles!

>hermit crabs require almost no care!

>iguanas/turtles stay tiny and eat lettuce!

>You can keep Chameleons in tanks with no humidity and they will be fine!

>all snakes will reach 50 feet if you don't limit their food intake

>snakes can be given a vegetarian diet

>turtles love pizza

>reptiles have hypnotic powers



the list goes on. All of this heard in my workplace. I can't even begin to imagine where this stuff comes from

[ChoclateBetta]

Wow I feel sorry for the animals that belong to people who beleive these myths.

[TheCrabbyTabby]

Here are some:

-Syrian (teddy bear) hamsters can live in a crittertrial/habitrial (or equally small) cage.

A syrian hamster should ONLY be housed in a cage with a minimum floor space of 29 ½ inches x 15 ¾ inches x 15 ¾ inches. That means absolutely NO crittertrial or habitrial cages.

-Goldfish (or any fish for that matter) only grow as big as their tank.

The reason this "fact" came about was because, while the fish does slow its growth down considerably when housed in a smaller tank, it doesn't stop. The stress levels of the fish. caused by its slowed growth rate and inadequately small tank, will exponentially grow until it causes the fish's death. Therefor, goldfish should be housed in the proper sized tank to avoid this issue.

-Hamsters can't be housed in a glass aquarium due to the circulation problems.

If you clean out the tank on a regular basis, its more than suitable for a hamster, providing that its big enough. A 20L is the minimum sized tank any species of hamster should be housed in, including dwarfs. In actuality, a tank is ideal for the smaller dwarf species as they don't have bars that the hamster could escape through.

-Hamsters smell.

Hamsters are actually very clean little critters who have no natural smell. Its their waste that smells and the accumulation of which due to a negligent owner causes their cage to smell horrendously. If cleaned out properly on a regular basis, there is no smell at all.

Well, that's all I can think about for now. I might come back later with more.

[cjconcepcion]

lets not forget the biggest myth... fish can live in bowls -_-

[Pilot00]

Originally Posted by purplemuffin

>reptiles only grow as big as the tank you put them in!

>snakes will lay out and measure your body so they can eat you

Actually that is scientifically proven for boas that have grown to huge proportions. Not all snakes though.

[ChoclateBetta]

Originally Posted by cjconcepcion

lets not forget the biggest myth... fish can live in bowls -_-

That is one of the Betta killers bad water quality lack of exercise no growing room no beneficial bacteria lack of stimulation I hate they live a year or two myth and the fish do not need stimulation because they stupid hate that one.

[finnfinnfriend]

Originally Posted by cjconcepcion

lets not forget the biggest myth... fish can live in bowls -_-

Well...the myth would be that any fish can live in a bowl... A betta can very comfortably live in a large bowl as long as it is well looked after

[cjconcepcion]

and warm :) agreed!! ^^ i have two of mine in 2.5 gallon heated bowls. i just hate how petstores sell those .3 gallon things.....

[ChoclateBetta]

Originally Posted by finnfinnfriend

Well...the myth would be that any fish can live in a bowl... A betta can very comfortably live in a large bowl as long as it is well looked after

It would have to be clean right temp five gallon filtered long and plenty of hiding spaces .