Quarantine

[deranged chipmunk]

Please remember that 30 days is a guideline, just as a week is a guideline there are so rules set in stone for the hobby. If you want to quarantine for only a week, that is your prerogative. They are your animals, and you can do as you please with them. Me, personally? I quarantine for a month. It allows my tank to cycle, and it gives me numerous feedings and bowel movements from the animal to observe. I cannot tell you how many threads are in the tree frog forum, for example, that started with "I have had my frog for two weeks and everything was fine......" Had they quarantined for a month, they wouldn't be tearing a tank apart to disinfect. To be honest, this is the first I have ever heard of a 7 day quarantine, for frogs or any animal in a glass cage. I even quarantine fish for 30 days before they go into my tanks.

I always think of it this way, what is more important, my impatience or the health of the animal that I chose to take care of?

[Heatheranne]

Thank you, Lynn . I was just searching for this. We're always on the same page .

I'd like to add there has been a recent outbreak of chytrid fungus within the hobby on the west coast. At this point it seems to be one small incident, though careful purchasing should be taken.

Talk to the breeders, ask around, assess the health of the frogs before purchasing. And then quarantine properly. Be sure to wash your hands well between tanks and food/supplies.

We should not be paranoid buyers, we should be educated buyers. This is the proper technique anyway . Even healthy appearing frogs should be quarantined until proven healthy . This will save you much heart ache, money, time, supplies, etc. you will be thankful you did in the long run .

Skin and fecal exams are a good idea also.

Thanks, everyone! Please read this post and pass it along to your other friends with frogs . We want to keep your frogs and frogs within the hobby healthy . This is the best way!!!

Thanks again, Lynn! Great post!!!!!

[Heatheranne]

Another note:
Many frog diseases can be treated if done quickly. It is a good idea to have a herp vet available, especially if medications are needed. Chytrid and other diseases can be treated, if not permitted to progress to a irreversible severity.

It is always a good idea to educate yourselves on diseases of amphibians. Be careful though, many diseases present in the same way when symptoms first start. Having a reputable herp vet is best when you are unsure of the disease(s) you are dealing with. It is not wise to guess on treatments if you are not educated as to treatment. Wrong treatments can cause delay in cure and can actually worsen the situation. Being prepared is best . Don't be frightened by the possibilities, paranoia is your worst enemy. Just educate yourselves, provide proper husbandry, and be prepared .

And remember, we are here to guide you in the right direction and to answer questions you may have .

[flybyferns]

Bumping this so everyone is reminded not to take any shortcuts !

[Mmfh]

Absolutely! Not frogs but I have had my crocodile newts in quarantine for five months. By doing this I can get to know them (who is the better eater), check stool, and make sure no health problems pop up. All new animals are kept in a separate room and strict hand washing is followed and I have tongs and equipment specifically for my quarantined animals. I'd rather do this, which is more work, than have a problem and a large vet bill. thank you for reminding everyone how important this procedure is.

[Lady]

I am so glad I am setting up the quarantine for my first frog now before I buy. The last thing I need is to buy my frog and not be sure it is healthy. By doing the right thing up front I can make sure my frog is in good shape. An ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure in my book. I have also located a herp vet.

[victorsgrace]

I have a bit of a concern regarding the stress factor for a WC toad being kept in a as close to steril as possible enviroment and have "substrate" changed daily.

Any thoughts on this?


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