Taking new arrivals to the vet?

[Nafun]

I'm not asking if I should, I know I should. I don't care how much a seller insists a snake is healthy and parasite free, I want someone without a vested interest in selling me the snake to make that determination.

My question is, when do you recommend it?

Obviously, the longer I wait the easier it will be on the snake psychologically, but if the snake is sick, waiting could be disastrous.

I'm getting my new carpet tomorrow. Should I take her to the vet immediately? Should I wait until she starts feeding? Should I wait longer?

[BlindOne]

Personally, I don't take new arrivals to the vet. In the past, if it was a WC, I'd quarantine for a month or two before they got to be in the snake room.

If the animal exhibits any symptoms, straight to the vet, otherwise I wouldn't be that concerned if you are buying from a reputable breeder.

[SlimeyLimey805]

i second BlindOne. if you dont see any signs of sickness, parasite, etc; and it is a CB specimien there is no need to wisk it off to the vet to suck you wallet dry ;p.
assuming you new animal IS a WC or a CH or what have you, then i still believe it is sensible to allow the snake to settle in and get use to its new home before taking him/her to get checked. obviously if you have a snake that is apparently in need of veternary care then by all means take him/her asap.
p.s. congrats on the new snake!! (when it arrives..)

[infernalis]

My CBB animals never see the vet unless they are sick.

[mykee]

What Wayne said.
If the animal is a suspected WC, (i.e. you don't trust who you bought it from) then by all means take it to the vet.
I have never taken a single 'new acquisition' to a vet for no reason.
I trust who I buy from.

[shaunyboy]

same for me.i would only take wild caught to the vets.with all my captive bred i only go to the vets if they show signs of illness.
cheers shaun

[Aaron_S]

I agree with the others who believe in just buying from trusted people. My list of breeders is very short of who I will purchase from currently. For me, spending an extra hundred or two on the "worry free" purchase of a snake for my collection is worth it.