Keeping BP's and Boas

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Originally Posted by L.West

I completely understand that but what I was trying to see was what I could do to minimize the risks to my bps since I only have a total of four snakes - so if sanitizing between handling them would keep anything from spreading - then that is what I will do.

What scares me is that a Boa could be carrying IBD and you won't know it until it is too late for the BP.

So I guess my main question is: Is IBD only transmittable if body fluids are exchanged??

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Personally, I would think that if any of your snakes have IBD, it will spread in your collection. You can sanitize your hands, but what about feeding tongs, or other herp supplies? It would be very difficult not to spread even with religious sanitizing, IMO. If you are going to keep boas and pythons, only buy from breeders that keep both. If the breeder you are buying from has boas with IBD, their pythons would likely be dead. I also suggest only buying from reputable breeders.

I use separate tongs for each snake - I don't mix anything as an added measure of precaution and I was sure to purchase from a reputable breeder.

Thanks.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by L.West

I use separate tongs for each snake - I don't mix anything as an added measure of precaution and I was sure to purchase from a reputable breeder.

Thanks.

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You should be good then.

Thanks for all your help.

By the way, is it common for RTB's to soak in their water dish??? I found my little guy in his water dish last night - I checked everything for any sign of mites but there was nothing - he just seemed to be chilling in the water.

Your thoughts.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by L.West

Thanks for all your help.

By the way, is it common for RTB's to soak in their water dish??? I found my little guy in his water dish last night - I checked everything for any sign of mites but there was nothing - he just seemed to be chilling in the water.

Your thoughts.

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You're welcome. In my experience, some do and some don't. None of my snakes have mites, and their temps are spot on, but I have noticed that a few like to soak before they shed. That is not to say that there could not be a problem. Three things that you should check for are mites, temperature is too high, and humidity is too low. If those check out, I wouldn't worry about it. Some just prefer to soak.

I checked my temps with my temp gun they were 91 hot side and 81 cool side. The humidity runs about 65%.

When I found him in the water I was getting ready to feed him - I wasn't sure that I should but went ahead and offered the rat - he came out of the water and struck the rat - he ate just fine.

Im new to Boas so I was a little worried.