No definitive Time Frame on some Illnesses

So, basically any normal qt process still doesn't quarantee that an illness like IBD will be transferred to ones collection since from what I read there is no definitive time in which it may rear its ugly head.

How does everyone ever get to a point that they feel safe and secure adding a boa to a snakeroom that also houses bp's???

I am planning a 3 month qt process for my new boa but feel I may never be totally safe.

Am I understanding this correct. Do any of you guys house bps and boas in the same snakeroom after proper quarantine.

Thanks.

I don't have a boa at this time, but plan to get one in the future. I think the best you can do is follow your usual QT procedures, and make sure you get the boa from someone reputable. As much as I love them, I don't think I could ever risk my BP collection by picking up a chain pet store or rescue boa - you just don't know what you could be getting as a "bonus."

That is true Lorie, but a BABY boa is much more susceptable to IBD and isn't likely to harbor the disease like an adult would. Annarose is right - I would also stick with a reputable breeder, but having done that, you'll be fine with a 90 day qt.

I have a BP and a Carpet Python in the same room as my Boas. I QT any new boas for 6 months before moving them into my snake room. But even that is not a guarantee. There is always a certain level of risk involved...

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I guess it boils down to: if you want a boa then you have to accept the level of risk in it.

I will definitely follow strict qt procedure and pray nothing goes wrong.

Too much is unknown about IBD. There are certain things you can do to reduce the risk as others have said, buy from a reputable breeder and quarantine are the best things you can do.

I have my hog island boas quarantined with my ball pythons and that was a risk I was willing to take. I don't have any personally experience with IBD, but everything I have found says that younger snakes are more likely to show symptoms much sooner than adults (and it's still not clear how it spreads). If you are getting a younger snake from a good breeder I think you will be able to relax after quarantine. :)

Well given that information - my new snake is 1.5 years old - so am I to understand that I am taking an even greater risk?? Geez, I'm beginning to wonder if its worth it.

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Originally Posted by L.West

Well given that information - my new snake is 1.5 years old - so am I to understand that I am taking an even greater risk?? Geez, I'm beginning to wonder if its worth it.

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IBD isn't anywhere near as common as you are thinking it is.

If you are getting this snake from a reputable breeder than you don't need to worry so much about IBD. IBD has been known to lie dormant in boas for a number of years if they get it later in life but that doesn't mean all adult/sub adult boas have IBD. Just as you can get ball pythons with IBD from bad breeders you can get boas with IBD from bad breeders. No respectable breeder is going to sell you a snake that they even suspect might have IBD. If you are getting yours from someone who either produced her or has had her for a long while (mean this person is not a flipper) then you don't need to worry. Quarantine as normal, look for mites and signs of illness and enjoy owning a boa. :)

My red tail boa is my favorite out of all of my snakes and she was well worth the risk. When I first got her I was panicky like you. I kept her at the opposite end of my apartment and freaked out at every little thing. You learn to relax after a while. Boas are a joy to own. They have these amazing personalities that make it so easy to fall in love with them. I wouldn't trade my boa for anything (yes even something as stupidly outrageous as a million dollars).

Also for something that can live to 20-30 years old, 1.5 years is still considered a baby. :D

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Originally Posted by Kinra

IBD isn't anywhere near as common as you are thinking it is.

If you are getting this snake from a reputable breeder than you don't need to worry so much about IBD. IBD has been known to lie dormant in boas for a number of years if they get it later in life but that doesn't mean all adult/sub adult boas have IBD. Just as you can get ball pythons with IBD from bad breeders you can get boas with IBD from bad breeders. No respectable breeder is going to sell you a snake that they even suspect might have IBD. If you are getting yours from someone who either produced her or has had her for a long while (mean this person is not a flipper) then you don't need to worry. Quarantine as normal, look for mites and signs of illness and enjoy owning a boa. :)

My red tail boa is my favorite out of all of my snakes and she was well worth the risk. When I first got her I was panicky like you. I kept her at the opposite end of my apartment and freaked out at every little thing. You learn to relax after a while. Boas are a joy to own. They have these amazing personalities that make it so easy to fall in love with them. I wouldn't trade my boa for anything (yes even something as stupidly outrageous as a million dollars).

Also for something that can live to 20-30 years old, 1.5 years is still considered a baby. :D

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Agreed! 100%! ;)

And just to reiterate, 1.5 years old is still a baby. If she were to have or contract IBD, you'd most likely know it fairly quickly. Just enjoy your baby!

That's why many people won't take in boa rescues or boas from anyone besides a few select people. I got my Bci from a highly reputable breeder then I got my Bcl from a non-professional who I had been in correspondence with for a while. I recommend 6 months qt anyways. It isn't likely that your boa will have IBD, but it's certainly something you want to avoid at all costs.

I just keep our boa in a separate room with separate supplies. It's not a hassle and gives me peace of mind.