Rescuing Bettas - Good Or Not?

[Jaded12]

I read a lot about people rescuing fish and wonder whether you think it's a good idea or not. I agree when people say about not rescuing fish as it's putting money in the stores pockets and they'll only treat the next shipment of fish the same.
On the other hand, I couldn't ignore a fish that was in a bad way just because of principles. I would talk to the store and explain that the fish isn't being looked after properly and do what I could about it.
My lfs have took notice of me when I've commented about their Bettas being kept with unsuitable fish, they have now changed the way they keep them. Many of my bettas of the past and some of the present were/are rescues. Some I got for free others I paid full price it all depended on the circumstances surrounding that particular fish. Some fish didn't make others led long wonderful lives and turned into gorgeous fish I'll post some of their stories later if I can dig them up.

Chain stores such as walmart get money in their pocket whether or not someone buys the fish or it dies on the self, I know, I've worked there. They dont care if the fish dies because they get compensated for it either way. If you buy that fish yes you're making room for a new fish but if that same fish were to die on the shelf it would still be making room for a new fish and the store would still be benefitting. Understand what I'm saying? You can complain all you want, the store wont change, they'll give you a fish for free or discounted just to get you to shut up not because they care about the welfare of the animal. So I say rescue all of the little fishies you can from big chain stores because it sure makes a difference to a little fish who would otherwise end up dying in a cup.

As for local ma and pop lfs' those are much easier to help out and turn around, if the conditions aren't great try talking to the owner explain what conditions the fish need after all healthy stock increase sales, if they wont listen or change stop shopping there and tell everyone you know who shops there to stop too because those little stores need business and if they start losing business they're much more likely to change.

Whats everyone elses thoughts?

 

[Bubblenester]

I'm just curious- how do the stores get compensated for fish that die on their shelves? By the supplier? That just seems really weird to me... I mean, at my store the supplier will often replace fish that die in transit or if we lose a large portion of them just a couple days after they come in... but replacing fish that came in healthy and then died weeks later? No way.

 

[*Fishkies*]

The pet store probably makes enough money off the bettas they sell to replace the cost of the lost betta that died. Prices for bettas can be outrageous sometimes, expecially if the fish has fin rot to begin with and they still want to sell it for the normal price.

 

[Jaded12]

I dont know about petco or petsmart and stuff but at walmart we had to write down everyfish that died each day when we took them out of the tank and at the end of that week that list was sent in and the store was conpensated for all of the fish that died.

 

[Amunet]

I say rescue all you can, but also complain about the condition they're in. Yeah it might not change anything, but you never know. Maybe one day someone will listen and changes for the better will happen.

I think I'd feel aweful if I left a betta to die when I knew I could've saved it. To hell with if I'm giving them money.. that's a little life I could possibly save.

There are so many bettas I wish I could rescue, but I just don't have the room for it unfortunatly. But more power to those who do have the room!

 

[hollyp0p]

I agree rescue too, I know from experience even small chains have their asses covered on stock loss, not just fish...everything!
I went into a UK chain of pet stores in my local area the other day called 'The Ark', and there was a VERY ill looking little male cellophane, I'd have rescued him but to be honest he looked half gone already.....it breaks my heart, only one shop in Plymouth actually look after their bettas, ok they're in tiny betta barracks, but they are healthy and flaring and neighbours and enver have finrot already!!!!
I tell you though, next time my QT tank is free and I see a betta in need.....they're coming with me

 

[Bubblenester]

I dont know about petco or petsmart and stuff but at walmart we had to write down everyfish that died each day when we took them out of the tank and at the end of that week that list was sent in and the store was conpensated for all of the fish that died.

Oh I see, so your store is compensated by the company. They're still losing money for every fish that dies, but with a company as big as Wal Mart, they're not going to care about losing a little money on dying bettas anyway.

I've never actually rescued a betta, because once a fish is pretty sick I can almost never save it. I just don't have that healing touch, I guess.

 

[Rufuss]

Rescuing Bettas is good overall, although your technically supporting the company.. But still, a saved fish is always a good thing.

As for me, rescuing bettas is not good for me. Mainly because I suck at taking care of more then one pet.