How do stores treat betta fish?

I get the impression from petco that it might go something like this:

Fish get shipped to petco in individual containers.

Petco puts them on display.

doesn't change water. Doesn't feed them.

Keeps them on display until they are sold or dead.

gets new shipment.

eh? Betta seem to receive the worst treatment of any fish in these stores.

 

I believe they do feed them (not sure about Betta's).

 

I'm sure it depends on the store, but the Petsmart I go to, I've seen betta kibbles in the cups and a few stray ones on the lids that didn't make it in the cups. So I know they feed them there. The bettas at a Petco near me always have pristine water, so I think they receive good care there (though the cups are a little smaller, unfortunately). There's an LFS I go to and they actually keep their bettas in small glass bowls - still not NEARLY enough water, and of course not heated and filtered, but that's not really practical, and I'm sure they're at least in clean water and being fed.

Long story short, I'm sure it depends on the store I've heard horror stories about Walmart bettas, but I've never seen any where I live.

eh? Betta seem to receive the worst treatment of any fish in these stores.

I think this is because of the long-standing myth that bettas are happy, if not healthier, in tiny bowls. I've never witnessed it myself, but apparently some people have heard pet store employees telling customers that heated, filtered water and space to swim is BAD for bettas. Tsk tsk.

 

I think this is because of the long-standing myth that bettas are happy, if not healthier, in tiny bowls. I've never witnessed it myself, but apparently some people have heard pet store employees telling customers that heated, filtered water and space to swim is BAD for bettas. Tsk tsk.

Oh, I hate those small cheap little 1.5 gallon tanks they sell as betta bowls.

If anything, my betta is the most curious and exploratory of my fish.

 

Honestly, them in that TINY little cup individually is no worse than how they pack the sales tanks after a shipment, 25 fish in one 10gal? My petsmart and petco do ok with their bettas, although it could always be better

 

I think the reason people think they are treated the worst is because a lot of people think bettas are special. You NEVER hear people complain about other fish, and you don't hear people who aren't into bettas complaining about it.

 

I get the impression from petco that it might go something like this:

Fish get shipped to petco in individual containers.

Petco puts them on display.

doesn't change water. Doesn't feed them.

Keeps them on display until they are sold or dead.

gets new shipment.

eh? Betta seem to receive the worst treatment of any fish in these stores.

It seems to me that this would be categorized as slander since you have mentioned a particular store. Also, it's my opinion that you should not write what is pure conjecture on your part about any store. It's just not right.

 

It seems to me that this would be categorized as slander since you have mentioned a particular store. Also, it's my opinion that you should not write what is pure conjecture on your part about any store. It's just not right.

Yes, this is probably true. It might be a good idea to close this thread or delete the name of the store as to not make this a thread of negative reviews based on pure conjecture or guesswork. I don't think any of us want to be a part of that.

Good call LyndaB!

 

I know for a fact that my petco feeds them and does a 100% water change once a week. Now, the whole betta in a cup thing is bad but it is not that bad...

 

I only mention petco because it is the store I frequent the most and overall I am impressed by their operation. Of course the worst place to be a betta fish is walmart.

And even though Petco by and large has a better operation going on than other stores, it still keeps them in the small cups, and last time I visited the bettas didn't look like they were in good shape. Several were dead and others were lethargic. Since they treat their other fish so well, it was curious.

 

My point is, by mentioning their name, it's no different than someone saying "Did you know that taiwwa never does water changes, pours dishwashing detergent in the tanks when they get dirty and beats the family dog". There is nothing to substantiate those claims but once they're out there on the internet, you can't take them back.

 

I used to work at a chain petstore, and we changed the betta water every week. When the methylene blue tinted water would fade you could start seeing the poo and we'd know it was time to change their water. I loved feeding them, they were so happy for attention. (Yeah, I know, humanizing a fish!)

 

I have friend who worked at a fish ware house. She always tells us that the cups are a blessing. The fish it would seem don't go straight from breeder to store. they got to a ware house for shipping. In the warehouse they have VERY VERY tiny, dark little containers. She had to go through every few hours and just dump the dead fish.

 

My point is, by mentioning their name, it's no different than someone saying "Did you know that taiwwa never does water changes, pours dishwashing detergent in the tanks when they get dirty and beats the family dog". There is nothing to substantiate those claims but once they're out there on the internet, you can't take them back.

Agreed. We can talk about "Chain stores" all day. But be careful of mentioning actual names. Should probably delete the names and replace with "chain store". And we don't want this forum to be a "bashing" site.

 

All chain stores are not managed by the same people.
The care given to any fish differs from store to store.