Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Well, I've been bad and haven't been quarantining (sp?) any of my new snakes. Shame on me, though I've been lucky so far. However, as my collection is growing, I would hate to have a mass infection of something.

I've read up on some past threads about this topic, and got some good info. However, I can't seem to get a straight answer on the length of time, and whether or not a vet trip is necessary. I've seen (for length) anywhere from 2 weeks to 6 months. And for the vet trip... some say just look at the poop and shed to see if it looks sick.... and some say take a fecal sample to the vet at the end of the quaratine period.

I tried internet searches too, but to no avail.

Can anyone here point me in the right direction on this subject? Perhaps a tip or two?

Thanks in advance!

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Aubry,

It depends on the age of the snake. If its a hatchling and it's feeding well I usually only quarantine for about a month. The main thing I'm looking for in hatchlings is mites. If the snake shows no signs of mites and is feeding/shedding well and the poop looks normal its goes in my collection.

Sub adult and adult snakes are different. I like to keep them seperated for at least three months. I don't always have a vet check the BM's but if ANYTHING looks suspisious (sp) I take the snake and a BM to the Vet. I also make sure and wash or clean my hands between handling any reptiles in my main collection. I've had two instances where I've euthanized snakes that were sick.

You're wise to be cautious.
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Vichris

Vichris Variables

Thanks Chris. That sounds like a good routine. Perhaps that is why I was getting mixed info on length of time... age of animal. I'm glad to hear that a vet trip isn't necessary. I do have a good herp vet and would be willing to do it, but it would save a few bucks if I didn't have to take every single one. Although, I won't hesitate to go if I feel there is a slight chance the animal has something.

Thanks again!
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Mark M. Lucas has a very good quarentine article on his site.
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-J.Hill

Thank you for refering me to Mark's website. I never knew that was there. That was one VERY detailed article! Thanks!!
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Yeah, he's got a surprisingly good amount of info on there, I only found that like a week ago.
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-J.Hill

I looked up that Mark Lucas artical also. It is very detailed. I only have one W/C snake in my collection and he was quarantined by a previous owner. I agree with you captive bred is the way to go BUT you still need to exercise precautions.

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Vichris

Vichris Variables

My quarentine protocal depends on the source. Animals that I know are WC are kept away for at least 9-12 months and sometimes longer. Fecals are done for parasites by a qualified vet. If they come back positive, meds are administered and fecals are run until they come back clean at least 2 times. No reason to risk things.

Brandon Osborne

Thanks Brandon!!
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I would go 6 months on a w.c. snake and go for the fecal at the vet. Lots of people have gotten a microscope to have a peek for themselves. Have the vet show you what to look for and you can do science in your own home! Seriously, it is your collection, take precautions to protect what you have. I have mostly w.c.'s and have three rooms set up, main collection room, w.c. quaranteen and c.b. quaranteen. A whole room isn't needed, but I have an understanding wife and almost all kids moved out so I have extra rooms to use. I watch my w.c.'s more closely than my c.b.'s but I know EXACTLY where my w.c.'s came from, and use breeders that I trust for c.b.'s. That said, others have even stricter quaranteen methods. I lost only one w.c. gopher last year in brumation, and no snakes last year.
Todd Hughes

Thanks Todd! I probably won't be getting any w/c animals, but your info is still very helpful. Wow, two quarantine rooms, eh? Lucky guy to have so much room!! Oh, and that speckled king on the bottom picture is amazing!
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Thanks, yeah,lucky that the kids are gone, whoohoo!!! Uhoh, sometimes they boomerang on ya'!
Todd Hughes