So, after my experience with Mo (one of my rescues), who was TERRIBLY infested with worms, I realize that I am probably biased towards treating.
Keeping this in mind, I would like to put a little poll out there: Should I de-worm my two new tortoises (Jill and Mila) 'just to be on the safe side' before introducing them to the others (in a few months) when they appear very healthy, their feces are normal, activity is good?
It seems like probably I shouldn't. We had some other unexpected vet expenses recently, so we can't have a fecal run for another few months... so I won't know if any worm eggs are present.
With Mo the worms were visible with the naked eye, but I know that even a tortoise that is not 'shedding' any worms may have some in her gut. Some say that this is normal, others say that all 'new' tortoises should be treated.
Jill and Mila were well taken care of in their previous home - they were in an aquarium that was a bit on the small side, but they got good food, good UV, and were soaked regularly.
What do you think?
Keeping this in mind, I would like to put a little poll out there: Should I de-worm my two new tortoises (Jill and Mila) 'just to be on the safe side' before introducing them to the others (in a few months) when they appear very healthy, their feces are normal, activity is good?
It seems like probably I shouldn't. We had some other unexpected vet expenses recently, so we can't have a fecal run for another few months... so I won't know if any worm eggs are present.
With Mo the worms were visible with the naked eye, but I know that even a tortoise that is not 'shedding' any worms may have some in her gut. Some say that this is normal, others say that all 'new' tortoises should be treated.
Jill and Mila were well taken care of in their previous home - they were in an aquarium that was a bit on the small side, but they got good food, good UV, and were soaked regularly.
What do you think?