Buying a collection, need to quarentine but can't. Any suggestions?

[The Serpent Merchant]

Aaron, can't thank you enough man. For this question and the the question earlier on the heat tape. Thats two issues you and a few other people have helped me solve tonight.

no problem

[RideRed12]

And yes, we are talking about several adults. Including a few pastels, and mojave and a Russo. All being females along with several normal females. Plus one Suri Boa and One Nica Boa.

[RobNJ]

I do believe the hatchlings died because of improper care as the husband passed about a month ago.

So if a group of hatchlings die off in just a month due to improper care, what makes you think the rest of the snakes will be fine?

I'm just stuck, its too good of a deal to pass up

This in of itself is often a good reason to pass on a deal.

And putting your concerns of IBD aside, as IBD is not the only reason for quarantine, even buying from the most reputable of breeders, quarantine is not something to be swept under the rug. Another thing to think about if that if at first glance the snakes seem fine, you buy them, bring them home, they end up not being fine...are you prepared to have 10 snakes that could possibly need vet treatment? And by not quarantining, are you prepared for your snakes to all possibly need vet treatment?

[RideRed12]

That has all crossed my mind, it would'nt take long to improperly care for them. So what should I look for, or are you telling me if you were in my position its not even worth the risk. Because I'm halfway in between.

[RideRed12]

I need more info on the hatchlings, that strikes me as really odd.

[RobNJ]

I would not personally go for it. If I were able to go against every initial instinct and buy them, they would be in quarantine for a good amount of time. I would, in that case, actually look to keep them in someone else's home. No offense, but I would really have to question where your head is at if you bought them, knowing that they've not had the best care for at least a month(I would wager longer if babies just started dying off) while knowing that you can't properly quarantine. I'd really hate to see a thread a few months down the road that all your snakes are getting sick and you can't figure out why...I'd feel for your situation, but would not feel bad for you.

I'm not saying don't buy them...I'm saying it just does not sound like a wise move on your part if you buy them and cannot quarantine them.

[ball-nut]

This "awesome price" deal imo has too many variables that could very quickly turn it into the worst deal ever.
I would only entertain the idea if i could guarantee my established animals were safe from any cross contamination that may occur.
Im assuming they have some kind of housing where they are now, see if the current owner will strike a deal, allowing you to house them separately from your current group. They probably will do a good deal on the current housing as they have no future use for them.

sent from my phone to the internet to your screen.

[RideRed12]

And that would be my next issue, I have no way to properly quarentine them. I can put them in a different rack, but only across a room at best. So this is probably going to be a no-go but I'll check it out. The whole thing just makes me nervous.

[Slim]

I have no way to properly quarentine them. I can put them in a different rack, but only across a room at best.

RR12,

This one issue alone is why you really should pass on picking up this collection.

If you have a concern for the well being of these snakes, try and arrange a rescue or pruchase from someone who can house them correctly.

I do risk management for a living, and in my opinion, this is to much of a risk to take on, even if the possible rewards are high. The possible downside out weighs the possible upside.

Good Luck with your choice.

[TheSnakeEye]

I would say go for it as long as you can properly quarantine. Either way it doesn't hurt to check them out and see what vibes you get from the owners. If it's a good price and the snakes appear to be in a good condition, I would try to find a way to quarantine.