Aubrey,
...I got quite a few imported BRBs when I was building up my collection. Generally imported BRBs are pretty hardy and can do well in captivity. Imports often have mites and ticks and should be treated with Permethrin as soon as they arrive. Quarantine should last for at least several months and early quarantine should include strict measures to not let exteranl parasites from the imports live in your home and eventually spread to the rest of your collection. Imports often have scars from tick bites. These scars will clear up a little each time the snake sheds. Larger scars from injuries will also usually heal up. Injuries and scars on the head can be more serious and may not respond to any treatment. I would not buy an import with heads scars except for minor nose rubs. Rather than having fecal exams on mine I went ahead and treated all of them with Flagyl and Panacur. Imported BRBs will eat well and gain weight as soon as you get rid of their external and internal parasites. Imports often will bite but thewy can be tamed with regular firm handling sessions. Do not back away when they strike or you will only reinforce the striking behaviour. If you are getting BRBs to breed you may be better off buying CB two year olds. They are likely to be large enough to breed before any imported adults get cleaned up enough and calmed down enough to breed.
Good luck,
Jeff
>>I am considering picking up a pair of adult imported BRB's. I've always made a point to buy captive bred animals, so I am unfamiliar with the world of wild-caught. I know that they would need to be quarantined and have a few fecals done before introducing them into my healthy collection. What I want to know is if you think it would be worth it?
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>>I know that certain types of reptiles (ie. Chameleons) are almost doomed to die in captivity if they are imported. Are BRB's usually pretty strong wild-caught individuals? I would hate to invest in this pair, only to have them wither away later on.
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