Dwarf Graniteback Retic

SWDK · 10-13-16, 09:11 AM

My new dwarf Graniteback arrived safe and sound this morning. He's beautiful and the yellow on his back is brighter in person. (Pics to follow later this evening) He's also larger than I expected. I'd estimate at least 4 feet.

The only negative is he came with mites!

I haven't had a snake with mites or dealt with them since 2012. I've always proactively used Provent-O-Mite which has worked out great without any issues. Unfortunately, I'm all out so I'm off to find some at a pet shop.

JellyBean · 10-13-16, 09:20 AM

Oh no! Bitter sweet...

But congrats on your new "baby", excited to see pics!

dave himself · 10-13-16, 09:44 AM

Can't wait to see the pics Dave and at least he didn't come with mites and bites

Albert Clark · 10-13-16, 10:42 AM

Wow, sorry to hear about the mites. What is the seller prepared to offer as compensation? What you could do is take the retic to the exotic vet and get the ivermectin injection and hold the bill for the seller. Try and get him to agree to that if you choose to. He really is responsible and shouldn't have to dictate how you go about treating the animal. Good luck man.

**Tsubaki** · 10-13-16, 01:19 PM

I always just assume I get mites with any animal, especially those from larger breeders.. Not judging, just very curious and have to ask.. Is it really a thing to ask for compensation over there? In the Netherlands you'd just get laughed at i'm afraid.. Treating any new animals for mites is pretty normal here. Can't wait for pictures

granite backs are very nice!

**Andy_G** · 10-13-16, 01:38 PM

Usually no unless it's completely covered to the point of malnourishing the snake...some people do complain or ask for compensation but it's few and far between. I would also consider it to NOT be vet worthy most of the time either. It is however frowned upon. Better to assume everything that comes in has them and to treat proactively. It's what quarantine is for.

jay's reptiles · 10-13-16, 01:42 PM

Can't wait to see some pictures!

Albert Clark · 10-13-16, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tsubaki

I always just assume I get mites with any animal, especially those from larger breeders.. Not judging, just very curious and have to ask.. Is it really a thing to ask for compensation over there? In the Netherlands you'd just get laughed at i'm afraid.. Treating any new animals for mites is pretty normal here. Can't wait for pictures

granite backs are very nice!

Well, I agree that prophylactic treatment in suspicion of mites is a good practice. On the other hand I disagree about being laughed at by asking a seller/breeder what he is going to do about compensation for selling a animal infested with mites. I have done business with breeders in the Netherlands. Most recently, just pulled one of my animals out of quarantine that came from the Netherlands. If you are going to breed then you have a obligation to sell healthy animals Tsu. Not backing up what you're selling to customers is negligent. Treating animals for mites as soon as they come to you out of the box is disappointing to say the least. That's why there is a window for establishing the health of the animal once it comes to you. Just my opinion!
On a side note I know big time breeders who adamantly disagree with prophylactically treating for mites. Especially hatchlings, juveniles and sub adults.

Albert Clark · 10-13-16, 02:04 PM

Sorry for the double post. That was a mistake.

riddick07 · 10-13-16, 02:14 PM

Sorry about the mites! Can't wait to see new pictures of this guy though.

I've used Nix for mites before and it worked great. I always have some on hand for new arrivals and when I come back from shows or pet stores I spray myself and wherever I walked to get into the house and around all the snake cages. I would probably spray around your other cages to try and make sure they don't spread to anyone else.

**Andy_G** · 10-13-16, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by riddick07

Sorry about the mites! Can't wait to see new pictures of this guy though.

I've used Nix for mites before and it worked great. I always have some on hand for new arrivals and when I come back from shows or pet stores I spray myself and wherever I walked to get into the house and around all the snake cages. I would probably spray around your other cages to try and make sure they don't spread to anyone else.

I completely agree with this.

I love nix and I've found it the cheapest, easiest to use and the safest way to treat certain chemically sensitive species.

SWDK · 10-13-16, 04:16 PM

Thanks everyone! I didn't complain to the breeder. I always treat for mites as a precaution and feel like I get lucky if a new snake doesn't have them. I have been using Provent-O-Mite for years and it's worked great without any issues. Just ran out from my last new snake treatments. I have never tried Nix, but it's worth a shot too.

Other than some mites and mild nose rub, the snake is in great shape. He's a year old and definitely 5' plus, but not quite 6'. I underestimated his length earlier.

Here are a few pics which were the best I could get. He's very active and didn't want to sit still at all. It's hard to tell in the pics, but he has a wonderful iridescent shine when the light is right.

First pic was in the bathroom after a quick bathing to wash off the mites and some smelly poop. The lighting made him look a little different.

With flash

Without flash

SWDK · 10-13-16, 04:31 PM

**Aaron_S** · 10-13-16, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Albert Clark

Well, I agree that prophylactic treatment in suspicion of mites is a good practice. On the other hand I disagree about being laughed at by asking a seller/breeder what he is going to do about compensation for selling a animal infested with mites. I have done business with breeders in the Netherlands. Most recently, just pulled one of my animals out of quarantine that came from the Netherlands. If you are going to breed then you have a obligation to sell healthy animals Tsu. Not backing up what you're selling to customers is negligent. Treating animals for mites as soon as they come to you out of the box is disappointing to say the least. That's why there is a window for establishing the health of the animal once it comes to you. Just my opinion!
On a side note I know big time breeders who adamantly disagree with prophylactically treating for mites. Especially hatchlings, juveniles and sub adults.

I treat all animals I buy (even from friends) with a nix solution before they go into quarantine. I take zero chances. My collection is worth too much to risk the precaution of anyone else.

As for asking for compensation. Never heard of it as I have never had a case of mites in my home.

Interesting topic you bring up though. It's worthy of further discussion.

If someone ask for compensation for mites how much are they owed? Reasonably I think a full refund/animal being sent back is appropriate if the buyer wants that. (shipping I believe is 50/50 here).

If buyer wants mite treatment covered then I think the cost of Nix and a proper how-to on the mixing of it would suffice. Maybe PAM if the buyer is adamant that is what they want/have to use. I would not pay for any vet visit/injection for various reasons.

SWDK · 10-13-16, 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aaron_S

I treat all animals I buy (even from friends) with a nix solution before they go into quarantine. I take zero chances. My collection is worth too much to risk the precaution of anyone else.

As for asking for compensation. Never heard of it as I have never had a case of mites in my home.

Interesting topic you bring up though. It's worthy of further discussion.

If someone ask for compensation for mites how much are they owed? Reasonably I think a full refund/animal being sent back is appropriate if the buyer wants that. (shipping I believe is 50/50 here).

If buyer wants mite treatment covered then I think the cost of Nix and a proper how-to on the mixing of it would suffice. Maybe PAM if the buyer is adamant that is what they want/have to use. I would not pay for any vet visit/injection for various reasons.

What's the protocol for a Nix treatment? I've never used it before, but maybe it's a better option than what I'm using now.