I posted a thread not too long ago about dealing with strongyle parasites in my two russian tortoises. One of them especially has seemed particularly under the weather with a diminished appetite and decreased activity. Since receiving two treatments of medication, he's actually seemed a bit more active, and has just recently started passing large amounts of what looks like mucous and worm material. He was spending the majority of time under cover but has lately been the first tortoise up and out in the morning, though he's still rather lethargic until I take him outside or give him some other form of stimulation. His appetite still isn't great but he will devour hibiscus on occasion and he was very fond of a piece of butternut squash the other day.
The vet told me I should avoid using any natural substrates as they often come with parasites. They convinced my wife to buy the carefresh paper bedding which I've read is very unhealthy due mostly to impaction potential and moisture deficiency. Though I was just told that coconut coir has the same impaction risks. Anyway, I'd been using a mixture of coconut coir and Zoo Med forest floor cypress mulch, both purchased from my local pet shop. Does anyone have any experience with Zoo Med substrates having existing parasites?
I also spoke with someone from a tortoise society who told me I should only be using soil (untreated) and nothing else. She said it was important that they are able to eat the soil for nutrients. She also said that she had direct experience with a tortoise dying from eating coconut coir. Any thoughts on that? I was thinking maybe I should mix soil with the cypress and coconut but I don't want to keep introducing parasites into their living space if I can avoid it.
Thanks for your continuing help!
Patrick
The vet told me I should avoid using any natural substrates as they often come with parasites. They convinced my wife to buy the carefresh paper bedding which I've read is very unhealthy due mostly to impaction potential and moisture deficiency. Though I was just told that coconut coir has the same impaction risks. Anyway, I'd been using a mixture of coconut coir and Zoo Med forest floor cypress mulch, both purchased from my local pet shop. Does anyone have any experience with Zoo Med substrates having existing parasites?
I also spoke with someone from a tortoise society who told me I should only be using soil (untreated) and nothing else. She said it was important that they are able to eat the soil for nutrients. She also said that she had direct experience with a tortoise dying from eating coconut coir. Any thoughts on that? I was thinking maybe I should mix soil with the cypress and coconut but I don't want to keep introducing parasites into their living space if I can avoid it.
Thanks for your continuing help!
Patrick