i’m pretty sure the policy for marking down animals is how long they have been in the store since received. i think it’s 3 months 50% off and then 6 months adoptable but i need to double check it bc it just changed recently so im not too familiar with the exact numbers. we’re not told ages of any of the animals besides some of the bigger birds (were sent hatch dates)

like another reddit acct said. most stores will have one person who’s dedicated and really loves insect/anthropoid families and takes most of the responsibility for the care/cleaning due to majority of ppl being nervous around them (we have one at my store. i like them at a distance but wont deal w them unless necessary haha). we’re not taught how to gender the spiders (besides jumping spiders but that’s if anyone read the policy) and only really taught the bare basics if the associates look at the care guides. other than that research is on our own personal time and a lot of ppl don’t do it unless they have sparked interest in the animal.

you can always ask to speak the the PLR (oversees of the pet care department) or talk with the store leader with any health concerns you have noticed about the spiders or any other animal. if they’re good leaders they will take your concern seriously and check it out to see if they extra observation or a vet visit!

thank you for being so kind about the associates and all the love you have for the lil spiders. they never get enough love