Probiotic help

[shimmering]

Hi..my box turtle has had parasites alot this year, and after educating myself on enviromental factors (such as antibiotics in soil, water, etc) it seems clear that we should all be taking probiotics. (if unfamiliar, probiotics are the first line of our immune system in fighting bad germs, including parasites). I am having a difficult time deciding between a liquid called Acidophilz, which contains vitamins, and, I'm told is good for all reptiles, and a powder called Essential probiotics, which specifically has a turtle pictured on the bottle, along with other reptiles. My concerns are..which is stronger, and how do I know whether to still sprinkle on his regular vitamins if some are added to these? ...have to order today...he's just gotten off of panacur (too much this year) and was also on antibiotics for a while..he is still really tired. Thanks for any info!

 

[Yvonne G]

Hi shimmering:

I know you've been a member for a long time, but I don't believe I've ever said, "Welcome to the Tortoise Forum!!"

May we know your name and where you are?

The only probiotic I've ever used is the one sold at Carolinapetsupply.com. Its called TNT. You can get it for fruit-loving tortoises, that's what I'd use for the box turtles.

 

[shimmering]

Thank you, Yvonne. My name is Coleen, I'm in Pa. My turtle is Herman-Amber Punkin. (there was some sexing confusion early on, but once I changed his name to Amber Punkin, it stuck). I will look that up..since I am so confused. Do you add other supplements along with TNT, or is that enough?..I think I've seen it in pet stores before. I was just about to order both of the others, figuring that I could alternate. There are some great reviews on the liquid, but mostly for bearded dragons...though when I called the company (reptile supply store) they'd said it was safe for any animals. Still unsure how I'd know whether to give other supplements along with. I've been giving myself a headache over this for days, lol..but I feel like it's going to be the answer to all of the parasite troubles. Thanks again..maybe I'll go with TNT.

 

[Tom]

Just for an alternative viewpoint, I've never used any probiotics for any of my reptiles in any situation, and they are all fine. Just food for thought...

 

[shimmering]

Thank you, Yvonne. My name is Coleen, I'm in Pa. My turtle is Herman-Amber Punkin. (there was some sexing confusion early on, but once I changed his name to Amber Punkin, it stuck). I will look that up..since I am so confused. Do you add other supplements along with TNT, or is that enough?..I think I've seen it in pet stores before. I was just about to order both of the others, figuring that I could alternate. There are some great reviews on the liquid, but mostly for bearded dragons...though when I called the company (reptile supply store) they'd said it was safe for any animals. Still unsure how I'd know whether to give other supplements along with. I've been giving myself a headache over this for days, lol..but I feel like it's going to be the answer to all of the parasite troubles. Thanks again..maybe I'll go with TNT.

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Tom, I'd read that turtles keep each other healthy by getting natural probiotics from each other's stool. This may be why yours aren't dealing with parasites. Parasites are actually normal in turtles, but the degree to which they can affect them varies. (they're not uncommon in people..so indoors is probably full of them, plus there are the water/soil consderations..he only gets spring or filtered, and I'm wokring on an air purifier, in addition to the humidifier..but we've got critters in the yard, and people using weed killers, pesticides throughout the neighborhood, which, along with cleaners in the br, where his sink is, kill more good bacteria)..Thank you both for weighing in. I went with TNT..feel better about it knowing it's helped someone here