rescue

[unknownclown]

I'm thinking of taking this on....
California Kingsnake needs rehab (http://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/pet/3030024309.html)
I have an empty enclosure available and have dealt with troubled eaters before but was wondering if you all have any thing to add to my concerns. I will be back to update this if I do decide to help this one out...

[mykee]

Here's my issue with "rescues" and why I will never, ever take one into my home: I will, under no circumstances, (even with proper quarantine) allow an animal into my collection that could in any way compromise my animals. Most people quarantine for three months. This will do nothing if you have an animal that has a viral RI. My collection is too important to me to allow a "defective" animal into it.

[shaunyboy]

i also would NOT bring a rescue into my collection,i did it once back in the day,but wouldn't do it now

imo,you have no idea of any underlying health issues with a rescue

cheers shaun

[marvelfreak]

Sound like you would just be setting yourself up for heartbreak.

But if you did take it the first thing i would do is go straight to a vet and get a complete check up on it. I would keep it in another part of your home. I would keep it in quarantine for at least 6 month. Just to be safe. Last, but not least look at your other snakes and ask is it worth the risk to them if it has something contagious?

[jaleely]

good intentions but "it's too slow to catch food" is a big red flag that the snake is sick, or so malnourished that it may not make it.

So, I agree with what has been said. Before i really had a hard look at my keeping style, i took in snakes from the pound. In retrospect...i am not willing to risk my current snakes with *anything*. I am proud of my rescues, and i love them, and it was very rewarding to help them...but i shudder to think what could have happened had they actually had something more wrong with them than they did.

I did quarantine for about 6 months, but even that seems too short in retrospect.
Anyway, just be careful. If you feel you can have the little guy in a safe and quarantined environment from the others, then that is up to you and i hope he makes it!
I had separate spray bottles, tongs, poo cleaner-uppers (large spoon and tupperware LOL) even new bedding selections...all separate and i used hand sanitizer before and after any contact with anyone.

I should really still do that anyway. They're all in the same room now, though, but anything new ever brought in will get the same treatment!