Quarantining an animal...

[Klemins]

Hello all,

When acquiring a new animal, I usually quarantine them in a separate room from my established animals. However, due to space constraints at the moment, I'm considering otherwise. How close can animals be housed without (potential) parasites jumping from one animal to another? I'm always careful about washing hands between working with them and everything else. Additionally, I got rid of my extra misting system, so watering would be a lot more efficient in the established room. Anyway, what are your experiences with this, if you have any? Do you think it's possible to house a new WC animal in the same room as established animals if I am careful about hygiene?

 

[naich]

there will always be that risk...just wash your hands as best as can...as long as the cages arnt touching and you wash up i guess you'll be okay.

 

[kinyonga]

Its bacteria and viruses that should be of concern...most parasites are transferred by "touch".

 

[DeFishy]

What I did for my guys is I kept my new WC guy on the other side of the room for two weeks in a glass terrarium (away from everyone), with strict instructions on handling/hand washing/etc. After those two weeks I moved him into his screened enclosure which was in a more desirable location but was closer to the other chams. He is still about 24" (2 feet) from the closest critter, and I wont move him closer until a vet has OKed him.