When live non-mammalian feeders are put into reptile or amphibian enclosures, there should be some food for the prey to eat in case they themselves are not immediately consumed. Live mammalian and avian feeders should not be left in tanks unattended by a store employee, especially when the rodents are old enough to have significant teeth. Since most captive reptiles will easily eat killed prey, there is little reason to feed live mammalian and avian prey to pet store carnivores. Herps which must be fed live mammalian or avian prey should be fed before or after store hours. Such behavior is also common in many boids.
Many animals arrive at the store already severely emaciated and dehydrated.
Look for ticks and mites. These are often left untreated, with new, unaffected animals placed in the same tank as the parasite-laden animals. In many reptiles, when the mouth is very pale, or is a grayish-pink, the animal may be anemic. Swollen eyes are an indication of infection or dietary problem. Crooked backs and tails indicate a calcium deficiency.