Poly Gloves

[Mr Buster]

I read where someone in another thread stated that while soaking you should just reach in with your hands and scoop out poop.

Well, let me respond, "No thank you."

With my Firebelly toads I bought a package of 500 disposable poly gloves from Smart and Final for less than $6 two years ago. I am guessing I still have 250 to 300 of those gloves less.

I can just put a glove on when transferring Buster from the habitat to the soaking container just like when I handle my toxic toads and also deal with the waste or anything else with those disposable cheap gloves without having to worry about transferring bacteria and germs.

These are better than rubber gloves when you consider that you do not have to sanitize disposable gloves.

I hate to so strongly disagree with some people's methods in handling in certain situations. But I think the gloves are the safer way to go when you take parasites, botulism, and bacteria into account.

 

[leigti]

Well, I do wear disposable gloves when I clean the chicken coop. So I guess I could wear them when I clean the tortoise enclosure.

 

[Blakem]

I feel like theirs worse things that I could touch, like a doorknob. At least I know what my tortoise is eating and his poo is nowhere near most poo. I know some that mix it into their garden beds!

 

[Mr Buster]

I feel like theirs worse things that I could touch, like a doorknob. At least I know what my tortoise is eating and his poo is nowhere near most poo. I know some that mix it into their garden beds!

Because the waste is up to 25& nitrogen which helps grow produce and flowers etc, . However, up to 50% of fecal matter is dead bacteria which if it gets into a cut, your eyes, or mouth can poison you with infection.

 

[Tom]

How about simply dumping the dirty water and replacing it?

Wear gloves if you want to, but the risk of having an issue is very low. I've been cleaning up after exotic animals since the 70's and I haven't had an issue yet.

 

[dmmj]

I don't touch the poo or doorknobs so I guess I'm done for. Use gloves, don't use gloves personal choice I guess. I'm a germaphobe so I don't touch it in the first place

 

[Cowboy_Ken]

For most doorknobs, I trust people remember and do as grandmother instructed to wash their hands. With this faith, I use my mouth…

 

[Crzt4torts]

For most doorknobs, I trust people remember and do as grandmother instructed to wash their hands. With this faith, I use my mouth…

That's hysterical Cowboy Ken.

 

[JoesMum]

I simply scoop tort poop with my hand and then wash my hands thoroughly. I would feel differently about poop from carnivorous species, but with a veggie like my Greek I really don't feel the need for gloves.

I routinely wash my hands before and after handling him as well.

 

[saginawhxc]

Between all the animals I've had and all the babies I've raised I guess I'm decently desensitized. I'm not going to floss with it or anything, but I grab it up with my hands all the time. I just make sure to wash thoroughly after.

 

[Gillian M]

Thanks for posting @Mr Buster .

Personally, I do not use gloves. I wash my hands very well each and every time I deal with Oli, his enclosure, etc.

 

[MPRC]

We have a dollar store ladle where we soak the torts, but I've been known to use my bare hand. After 7 years as a vet assistant not a lot scares me.

 

[domagoj]

Why not just use some toilet paper. I use it all the time and flush it down the toilet afterwards. Works fine for me

 

[Speedy-1]

Guess I am not a "tough guy" I wont handle fecal matter barehanded ! I have 5 different exotics plus my dog , so cross contamination has always been a concern of mine ! I got a couple little spray bottles and keep them full of alcohol. Squirt my hands , rub them together , let it dry and I am sanitized and good to go !