New snakes and quarantine
I'm wondering if everyone quarantines all of their new snakes before introducing them to the "herd"? I ask because I have one snake and am considering picking up a corn from an associate but I really don't have room except where the current snake is for a whole new setup (tub or tank) in order to quarantine it in another room. Living with roommates kinda makes it difficult to quarantine in any of the public areas.
I realize it isn't optimal, but are there any precautions (aside from common sense) that I can take to help mitigate any possible issues?
*This should probably be in husbandry? Sorry about that, but please move if necessary*
Re: New snakes and quarantine
Well, if you absolutely can't quarantine in another room...at least put the snake on the farthest side of the room from your existing colony as possible. If it MUST live in the same rack...there are still steps you can take to help prevent parasite contamination, but not much you can do about any air-born contagions.
Pre-treat for mites with Provent-a-Mite. If you accidently bring mites in with a new snake, at least you can kill 'em off as soon as they hit the new tub.
NEVER share rodents. If the new snake refuses to eat something, don't give it to another snake. Throw it away or save it for later to give back to that same snake. (Which would mean don't put it back into your existing rodent colony as well, if you have on)
Make sure the new snake has its own sets of water dishes and hides and whatever else you need. Don't share furniture or equipment with the other snakes while in QT.
Always handle the new guy last, when handling multiple snakes in a day.
And of course...wash wash wash!
Re: New snakes and quarantine
Quote:
Originally Posted by
JLC
NEVER share rodents. If the new snake refuses to eat something, don't give it to another snake. Throw it away or save it for later to give back to that same snake. (Which would mean don't put it back into your existing rodent colony as well, if you have on)
I am really glad that you mentioned that! It is something that many people (myself included) might not think of.
Re: New snakes and quarantine
Quote:
Originally Posted by
JLC
Well, if you absolutely can't quarantine in another room...at least put the snake on the farthest side of the room from your existing colony as possible. If it MUST live in the same rack...there are still steps you can take to help prevent parasite contamination, but not much you can do about any air-born contagions.
Pre-treat for mites with Provent-a-Mite. If you accidently bring mites in with a new snake, at least you can kill 'em off as soon as they hit the new tub.
NEVER share rodents. If the new snake refuses to eat something, don't give it to another snake. Throw it away or save it for later to give back to that same snake. (Which would mean don't put it back into your existing rodent colony as well, if you have on)
Make sure the new snake has its own sets of water dishes and hides and whatever else you need. Don't share furniture or equipment with the other snakes while in QT.
Always handle the new guy last, when handling multiple snakes in a day.
And of course...wash wash wash!
Thank you that all sounds reasonable.
