iHerp Answers! mail us Problem? search Search       Create an Account, It's Free!
  Home > iHerp Answers > Breathing mold--what are possible effects in BRBs?
Q: Breathing mold--what are possible effects in BRBs?
Posted By:

Accalia

In Relation To:

Naga

I opened my youngest BRBs humid-moss-hide and lo and behold, MOLD!! It was only a week old in there--i think i got a bad batch!!  And shes been SITTING in it!!!! I discovered this yesterday, removed the moss-hide, cleaned her with a good bath, cleaned her enclosure, and am praying nothing comes of it. She seemed perfectly fine, her healthy, little 'tude/but sweet little self. Its later down the road im worried about, can this exposure cause something bad???(Disease, respritory issues?) I love this baby girl with all my heart, and would be devastated if she got sick. Already decided to try a new method and brand with the moss--for one thing--another entry/exit hole for a bit more air flow..............Any words on this? (please be gentle, im still new at this)Frown


Points: 150
Topics: General Health , Respiratory
Tags: Boa, Brb, Cenchria, Epicrates, Mold, Rainbow, Respiratory
Species: Boas > Rainbow Boas > Epicrates cenchria cenchria
Administrative: Show/Hide

Accepted Answer 10/28/2012 3:46:21 PM

Aimee

that's difficult to answer. it depends on the type of mold, how long it's been in there, and the health of the animal. 

most of us (and our pets) breathe in thousands of mold spores every day - especially those people like me, that live in Seattle :)  a healthy immune system will kill the spores and you never know the difference.

the exceptions would be if it were a long-term exposure, or if your animal is immunocompromised, or if it's a particularly toxic type of mold.

anyways, if it's been a short amount of time and your animal is healthy, it will probably be fine. I keep my animals largely in naturalistic setups and every now and then I see a little mold - around a water dish, in a gecko's food dish, etc. your snake will probably be ok. just maybe boost the temps for a little while to promote immune function in case she's fighting off any illness and keep a close eye on her for symptoms.

 
Assisted Answer 10/28/2012 10:58:32 PM

SnakeMama

I have a baby PRB the same size as your Naga... from time to time I will find a tiny bit of mold.  It seems impossible not to with the high, high humidity they require.  I have, however, found less since switching to a EcoEarth/Cypress combo substrate.. with a little moss on top and  a bit in one of his hides.  Hardly ever find it now.  I check him daily.  I wouldn't worry too much, as you found it and remedied it quickly.  I know they are said to be resistant against scale rot... unlike other boas.  Perhaps the rest of them is resistant due to their necessary living conditions?  I would just pay attention, as you are. :)

 
Member Comment 1/13/2013 10:57:35 PM

Leia@bbcreptiles
My BRB's are still growing. Got me when they were a few months old and have kept them on a combo of cypress and sphagnum moss. Occasionally I will find some mold, but the cypress is very resistant to mold. As long as you check the enclosure often and remove any waste, you should be good. I find the waste tends to mold more often than the substrate. My BRB's are doing great. Very healthy... No problems... Great eaters. Enjoy your BRB! They are great snakes and very pretty.
 
Member Comment 2/20/2013 1:37:02 AM

abi21491

This question has had no activity for 14 days and will be closed by an administrator unless the original poster takes action.

Recommended Action: Points awarded

An administrator will select responses and assign points at their discretion.

Original poster, please close this question out and assign points. If you have any further information in the resolution of your problem, please post it here so that others may learn from it.

 
Author Comment 4/4/2013 5:32:45 PM

Accalia

Thank You guys! Smile

You are not logged in. If you would like to participate (it's free!), you must log in, or Become a Member!
  

Member Login
Forgot My Password
Copyright ©2008, All Rights Reserved. iHerp, LLC | Terms of Use 6/24/2026 1:51:09 PM | 0.0.0.0