Vermiculite ingestion in neonates.

TurtleBug

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I have used it a few times on newly acquired tortoises that were given antibiotics, but I cannot tell if it made any difference since I didn't do any kind of comparison between animals.
 

DPtortiose

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Sep 16, 2015
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Only looking at the site and the included bacteria genus that it supposed to contain I wouldn't use it.

http://www.mzrproducts.com/#!patent-and-abstract/cign

Several genus added contain known pathogens, which in itself isn't a bad thing. But bacteria become diseases by (unbalanced) population growth. So adding an unknown amount of unknown bacteria species to an unspecified species isn't something I would do.

http://www.mzrproducts.com/#!research-and-publications/c1pna

The research above is mostly published by a single author in a single journal over almost two decades ago. The referred to field trails where done on commercial birds and not on reptiles. So I’m more than a little bit skeptical.

I managed to find only one study referred to by the website: https://www.google.com/patents/US5879719 Haven't had the time to read it though.

I'll see if I can find the rest, the concept is really interesting. But I have my doubts it works as advertised.
 

Kapidolo Farms

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A couple of things.

Don't use fine grade vermiculite, it is small enough for them to eat, and it blocks more of the surface area of the eggs. As an example of where to buy, not a specific recommendation. http://www.greenhousemegastore.com/product/vermiculite-4-cubic-foot-bag/soil-additives

Or don't use vermiculite at all. You can use small expanded clay beads like what indoor gardeners use. Does all the same work as vermiculite and can not be consumed by neonates.

If you check daily for neonates, check for piping eggs and put piping eggs in a separate container lined with slightly moist paper towel, and some food.
 
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