Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I currently own one, female eastern indigo. Early this coming week, I’ll be adding a Black and White Tegu to my collection (from Agama International). I was curious what methods of quarantine you all use (I’ve only ever owned one herp at any given moment).

How long should I quarantine the new lizard? Does that just mean taking caution in washing my hands, etc. when working with one reptile to the next, or do I need to keep them in separate rooms?

thanks

-Josh

Hi Josh,

I always wash my hands between handling reptiles, even if I know they are healthy.

Whenever I bring a new animal into the house it goes into another room for at least 3 months just to be on the safe side.

Eric
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If Jesus is your co-pilot, you'd better change seats!

Thanks for the info.

Yeah, I wash my hands before and after handling a herp.

A quarantine room should be as follows. A room separate from the house. If that is not possible you can create negative pressure in a closet or bedroom simply by adding an exhaust fan similar to the ones found in bathrooms to exhaust air to the outside of the house. If an import or animal comes in that is highly contagious I have heard horror stories about entire collections dying off. The fan will only cost about $50 for a good one and creates a negative pressure atmosphere in the room. Air flow only comes into the room. If you are purchasing captive born there is little risk. If you are bringing in Imports you are playing with fire without proper quarantine procedure. Some people quarantine for up to two years. Snakes can harbor stuff and stress can cause an otherwise healthy specimen to shed a disease that was kept under wraps by lack of stress. Hope this helps.
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"Life without risk is to merely exist."