TORTOISES ¶sites
Our garden tortoises are exposed to higher worm burdens than their wild counterparts.
Our gardens have many more slugs & snails that transmit these parasites who thrive in damp grass.
​
Recommended testing frequency: 2 times per year
Highest risk period: before hibernation
​
ASCARIDS
aka the Large Roundworm Nematodes:
Angusticaecum
SYMPTOMS
Large, thick white worms, up to 10cm long
Diarrhoea
Lethargy
Slow growth rate
Can migrate through other organs
Death through bowel rupture in extreme burdens
​
pinworms
aka Oxyurids:
​
SYMPTOMS
Small thread-like worms
Unknown -
these guys live in the large bowel feeding on poo
They may even be helpful by preventing constipation
​
Can survive hibernation by going into stasis alongside their host
flagellates
Trichomonads
Hexamita
​
SYMPTOMS
Microscopic Bugs
Heavy burdens in causes:
Anorexia
Reduced gut motility
Diarrhoea
Poor growth rate
Hexamita causes renal failure if it migrates up from the cloaca to the kidneys, with slimy urine
cryptospoidium
aka Crypto
​
SYMPTOMS
microscopic parasite
Diarrhoea (often pasty)
Blood & mucus in faeces
Can be fatal
​
Worming Treatment Options
controltips
Good parasite control is about more than regularly using a wormer
You can reduce risk & use of anthelminthic drugs:
​​
-
Avoid overcrowding
-
Avoid using damp areas of the garden
-
Feed on a tile or slate
-
Keep grass short to increase sunlight on the earth
-
Rotational graze if possible
-
Ensure new tortoises have a clear faeces check
-
Bath regularly & poo-pick the enclosure
-
Maintain a high fibre diet - plenty of weeds rather than bagged salads
​
Follow our Small Holding at Orlestone Farm for 'Worm of the week' and 'Plant of the week' tips: