Ehh, hope this is the right forum for this...

[Morgan says]

I just fed my ball a gerbil today and the gerbil was infested with red mites. I have read over a few things saying that they will not transfer from species. But I wanted to come here and ask if that was the case at all. Any information or a good link would be helpful.
Thanks,

Morgan.

[Lankyrob]

Why would you feed an animal a prey item that you know is infested with parasites?

[Morgan says]

I had no idea till it was half way in his throat!! I was recording it and saw something moving on his head and then looked closer and called the pet store I had just purchased it from and gave them a chewing. I knew it was not from him.

[Morgan says]

When I looked closer I saw that the gerbil was covered in the small guys. :/ I had never had this issue before but I guess the supplier they go through keeps their bedding for them outside. :(
Should I remove said prey item next time???

[Snakefood]

you can't really take prey away once it is halfway down. In the future, I would really check out the prey item before feeding, but that is a mute point this time.

don't quote me as I am not a vet, but I don't think it will harm the snake, but my advice would be to call a herp vet in your area and ask them.

I personally breed my own prey, this way I know the line I am feeding from is clean and healthy.

[jarich]

Its all protein now. ;)

Mites from mammals wont infect your snake, so no worries.

[shaunyboy]

Its all protein now. ;)

Mites from mammals wont infect your snake, so no worries.

^^^^
what he said

cheers shaun

[Morgan says]

Thank you guys for the help. I know these are naive questions but I am still learning at this point. I have had Mooshi for a little over a year and have come here for most of my problems. I appreciate your patience and understanding!
:)