Can a snake get sick from...

[Ash]

We picked up a live feeder rat today, but once I saw it out of the box I realized it was emaciated. I suspect that this isn't because it didn't have enough food, but because it's sick, maybe with parasites. If I feed it off anyway, can parasites be passed on?

I'm thinking we'll just return it and not exchange it for a different one. If this one's sick, they're all bound to be sick.

[joepythons]

We picked up a live feeder rat today, but once I saw it out of the box I realized it was emaciated. I suspect that this isn't because it didn't have enough food, but because it's sick, maybe with parasites. If I feed it off anyway, can parasites be passed on?

I'm thinking we'll just return it and not exchange it for a different one. If this one's sick, they're all bound to be sick.

I would not feed it to my snake if it looks sickly

[bsash]

I have never fed off any animals that I have assumed to have parasites. I am unsure if they will transfer to the snake, but I never took the chance. If they are just sick, or old, I have fed them off with no problems.

[Warocker's Wife]

So I don’t know if your snake can get sick but I would assume it.
I would never feed an sick feeder to a snake.

MADCOW disease hello..

I would ask for your money back and get a feeder somewhere else.

[LadyOhh]

You can transmit parasites (roundworm, hookworm) to your snake if the rat is a carrier.

That is why you need to make sure your feeders are of a high quality.

You never know what a sick rodent can be carrying.

[bsash]

I have always bred my own feeders, so I know they are healthy, and parasite free. I am talking about the ones that get a respiratory infection or just get old, I have fed off with no issues. In my opinion, you should try and take the feeder back, most places will not give you your money back, but it is worth a try.

[Elise.m]

I would take it back, and ask for store credit or money back. If they don't give you that, then I would leave the feeder with them and not go back.

[Jeremy78]

I would take it back and be taking my business somewhere else. A store who sells a visibly sick rat to someone wouldn't be getting my business.
I believe that just because they are a feeder they don't deserve a crappy life. That's why I raise my own feeders, fat and healthy :-). And happy :-P

[NightLad]

As others have said, the short answer is: yes.

There are other posts in the Husbandry section which feature graphic images of what happens when a snake has parasites, especially in the way of worms. Think 'poop' made out of white stringy worms. Not pretty.

And not cheap to get cured, either. Your talking vet bills, medication...

Really, playing it safe is always the best way to go.