Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have WC black rat, about 42 inches. Rescued him from a neighbor's back yard last summe when she came over insisting there was "this huge snake" on her back patio. Since it's a suburban area, I knew he would eventually run afoul of some bozo with a hoe screaming "rattlesnake!" so I decided to try him at home. He's done vry well -- tamed down within a few days, fed eagerly (except for a layoff from October to Februrary) and continues to thrive on F/T mice. I have kept many snakes in the past, including some native venomous, but I know he certaimly has some natural parasites. I'd like him to live a long and healthy life. What's the best preventive/treatment for internal parasites? Also, does anyone in central Oklahoma know a vet who treats reptiles?

wild caught animals, although they usually do have some parasites, are usually in a harmonious relationship with their gut flaura and fauna. If the snake is healthy (good appetite, skin, and normal stool) then you don't need to worry about it. If you are still concerned, it is very easy and cheap to deworm them with any number of medications.