Quarantine Process in an Apartment

[SpookyLighthouse]

So I already have one snake, a young milk snake that I got earlier this year. I live in an apartment and my roommates all keep reptiles themselves. I was wondering if anyone had any advice for quarantining new snakes but in one room? I don't have another space to do it, though I have a rack on one side of my room and my milk snake is on my bookshelf on the other side. Is there anything that could make the process safer for my milk snake? I already have separate supplies set aside so there's no back and forth with feeding and cleaning. Hoping to get a ball python in another month or two.

[Bogertophis]

About all I can say is do the best you can. You know about separate tools etc- but it's a risk being in the same room, especially since others sharing the apartment also have herps & you'll be going in & out of shared spaces with them too. So wash your hands a lot & thoroughly ('the long version'), change your clothes & shower between handling them, then "cross your fingers".

[SpookyLighthouse]

About all I can say is do the best you can. You know about separate tools etc- but it's a risk being in the same room, especially since others sharing the apartment also have herps & you'll be going in & out of shared spaces with them too. So wash your hands a lot & thoroughly ('the long version'), change your clothes & shower between handling them, then "cross your fingers".

That's what I figured. Thankfully my room doesn't get a ton of foot traffic and I'm pretty familiar with what signs to look for should something get brought in. I'll definitely take extra steps though to prevent the possible transfer of anything as much as I can.

[Bogertophis]

Better safe than sick herps- it's not like they always have problems, but just really miserable when they do. Whether mites or mystery illnesses, just stay vigilant.

[dakski]

Bogertophis is dead on, but I will add that you want to handle the new snake last, feed last, clean up after last, etc.

They should be as far apart as possible if in the same room and as mentioned, use different tools - hooks, tongs, bowls, etc.

I also recommend when in quarantine to use paper substrate and white water bowls. This makes it more likely to see things like mites, if present, and keeps it easier to clean and keep clean.

Good luck and keep us posted.

[Ascended]

The above advice is best.
I can only add a small suggestion.
Spay a barrier on the floor around your collection. Maybe a mite spray that's for tanks and to be aired before use, but not for spraying on the snake it self.
The idea is that if there are mites in the other peoples collection that they have not identified yet, they should not be able to cross the barrier. Same goes for your collection and protection theirs.
I use this product in tanks well before use and to make a barrier on the floor that mites can not cross. (well ventilate the room though)
You probably have an equivalent product where you live.

[Bogertophis]

The above advice is best.
I can only add a small suggestion.
Spay a barrier on the floor around your collection. Maybe a mite spray that's for tanks and to be aired before use, but not for spraying on the snake it self.
The idea is that if there are mites in the other peoples collection that they have not identified yet, they should not be able to cross the barrier. Same goes for your collection and protection theirs.
I use this product in tanks well before use and to make a barrier on the floor that mites can not cross. (well ventilate the room though)
You probably have an equivalent product where you live.

That won't stop mites from "hitch-hiking" on you, your clothes, other room-mates or in substrates though.

For me, the trade-off (some deterrence but having to breathe in the stuff) wouldn't be worth the risk, but that's a decision we each have to make.

[Ascended]

That won't stop mites from "hitch-hiking" on you, your clothes, other room-mates or in substrates though.

For me, the trade-off (some deterrence but having to breathe in the stuff) wouldn't be worth the risk, but that's a decision we each have to make.

Fair point. Re substrate and cloths, I quarantine substrate too. Cloths are easy for me, I wash them and shower after going to a pet shop or other high risk environment. .
More difficalt though in a shared housing environment with limited space.
Like I said though, ventilate to room, Spray close to the carpet to avoid air bourn partials. Its the aireasole partials that's the problem, (like covid) if you can reduce them its ok once it coats the floor/enclosure and you give time before introducing snakes to it.. I have no problems, but to be fair, I do not spray it in the same room as my animals. I spray then move the animals once the partials have settled and give it a day to be sure. I have never had a problem.
But that's anecdotal. Take Bogertophis view over mine. they are much more experienced.
It works for me in my environment where I can take precautions. Your environment is different.

[Bogertophis]

Fair point. Re substrate and cloths, I quarantine substrate too. Cloths are easy for me, I wash them and shower after going to a pet shop or other high risk environment. .
More difficalt though in a shared housing environment with limited space.
Like I said though, ventilate to room, Spray close to the carpet to avoid air bourn partials. Its the aireasole partials that's the problem, (like covid) if you can reduce them its ok once it coats the floor/enclosure and you give time before introducing snakes to it.. I have no problems, but to be fair, I do not spray it in the same room as my animals. I spray then move the animals once the partials have settles. Ame with enclosures. I have never had a problem.
But that's anecdotal. Take Bogertophis view over mine. they are much more experienced.

Hey, I'm just offering some discussion, not the "last word", lol. And happily I've only dealt personally with mites TWICE, both times were many years ago. I've been keeping many snakes for a lot of years, & it's shocking to see how prevalent mites & some herp diseases have become. I feel statistically very lucky, but these days I don't go to expos, & rarely to pet stores- "risky" places.

Might be a way to follow your suggestion more safely- I dislike aerosols anyway- they go everywhere. Maybe spray it onto a sponge (inside an open box outdoors, to help contain it), then wipe the sponge on the floor (& wearing rubber gloves). I wonder if that's really enough exposure though, to prevent mites from crossing the "barrier"? Full disclosure, I really dislike using pesticides- I avoid them 99.9% of the time. They have a way of biting our own health too.

And your perimeter treatment still won't keep out airborne pathogens, even if it works for mites.

[Ascended]

Nothing wrong with respecting your opinion. I am new to ball pythons, you are not. I have a lot to learn and don't want to mislead people. you had a pont, its a different environment
to mine. it would have to be managed differently. Although yes, my system might work with some adjustments as you say.

But regarding air born pathogens. this works, but costs thousands