Crooked backs and tails indicate a calcium deficiency. Rounded, firm thighs, whether or not accompanied by bumps in the tail, legs or swollen jaws, indicates advanced calcium deficiency. Flaccid or limp toes or limbs indicate possible fractures. Feces-streaked vents and swollen, distended bellies may be related to amoebic or parasitic infections, inadequate heat, substrate which has been ingested and become impacted, inappropriate food items or dehydration. These may be related to attacks by other animals or overcrowding during shipment or in the store.
Some stores blame their suppliers for the condition of their animals.
But if the store consistently sells animals are sick, underweight and listless, if the enclosures are always dirty, dark, too small or too crowded, the problem is not be their supplier. Improper environments are due to ignorance, lack of interest or the overriding desire to maximize profits on the part of store management. If they are getting sick, illegal or incorrectly identified animals from their suppliers, they should vigorously complain or send the animals back. If pet stores don't demand healthy, legal animals from their suppliers, the suppliers have no incentive to provide them. By the same token, if herpers don't demand healthy animals and clean, appropriate conditions, stores have little incentive to provide them.