Grape exstract & Vitamins...

[Tim66/corns]

We all want to keep our pets the healthiest they can be. And I have heard of people putting Grape extract in their water and giving vitamins to there snakes?
What is the benefit of the grape extract & how much & what kind of vitamins?
I would like to know if it will ensure the health of my pets.
Thanx Tim...

 

[ForkedTung]

Hey Tim, I think your referring to Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE) I just posted some relatively new info. about that here:

http://www.cornsnakes.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13801&highlight=grapefruit

I don't use supplements yet, I'm still looking into their pros and cons...

 

[medusacoils]

GFSE is a good antimicrobial. It helps when you have a snake that regurges and builds immunity. I only use this on new snakes or if I there is a regurge.

I also, once a month, gut load all my F/T feeders with a reptile vitamin supplement. We also raise all of our own feeders and they are on a special diet that is vitamin enriched and high in protein. I try to make sure, my babies are as healthy as they can be!!

 

[kathylove]

It is also good to just use as an antiseptic and for cleaning. I use a strong solution of it (with water) to clean water bowls, and to put into water to keep it from growing a cesspool of microbes. Just make sure it is not too strong or the low pH can actually burn tissues. It has been used for similar purposes in agriculture for a long time.

 

[medusacoils]

It is also good to just use as an antiseptic and for cleaning. I use a strong solution of it (with water) to clean water bowls, and to put into water to keep it from growing a cesspool of microbes. Just make sure it is not too strong or the low pH can actually burn tissues. It has been used for similar purposes in agriculture for a long time.

Really, I never thought of using it as a cleaner. That's a first and I guess it makes sense. I usually use a very very dilute bleach/water solution and then rinse everything will straight water. Hmmm, I am going to have to consider this.

Wayne

 

[kathylove]

I usually use bleach because it is cheaper. But for things like water bowls it is nice because it is non-toxic (as long as it is diluted).

 

[Tim66/corns]

Thank you all for the great information & suggestions for my pets.

 

[Drizzt80]

I've used GSE for years. I read Kyle's recent thread, and while it has made me re-evaluate, I've witnessed no obvious adverse effects from using the stuff. Of course, obvious is the key word there. I'll continue using it until something happens to make me say hmmm. I use 1 drop per 1 liter bottle.

I have also used vitamins and nutri-bac on a non-regular basis (2-3 times a year each) injected in f/t meals for all my snakes. Again, doesn't seem to hurt using it, and I had some irregular breeding results last season when I stopped using it for a short time to see if it was important. I think it may be for breeders, especially females.

D80

 

[Stephen29]

Where does one get GFSE from ? Is it a powder or a liquid ? What is the cost ?

Thanks , Stephen Howard

 

[medusacoils]

I have also used vitamins and nutri-bac on a non-regular basis (2-3 times a year each) injected in f/t meals for all my snakes. Again, doesn't seem to hurt using it, and I had some irregular breeding results last season when I stopped using it for a short time to see if it was important. I think it may be for breeders, especially females.

Do you think using vitamins more often, will have a negative effect on the animals?

 

[kathylove]

You buy it at a health food store. It is about $10 - $15 for a small bottle, but it is very concentrated. You use only a few drops at a time.

I didn't see "Kyle's thread". I will look for it.

 

[Drizzt80]

Do you think using vitamins more often, will have a negative effect on the animals?

Anything in excess would/could have a negative affect. Problem becomes what is too much?! I don't know the answer to that. I only supplement vitamins about 2-3 times a year. Mostly right about now with prebreeding/breeding, end then post egg laying and then pre brumation. I'll maybe throw in a 4th set if I think of it. I used to do it regular every other month.

I didn't see "Kyle's thread". I will look for it.

Here you go Kathy:

http://www.cornsnakes.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13801&highlight=grapefruit

D80

 

[Stephen29]

You buy it at a health food store. It is about $10 - $15 for a small bottle, but it is very concentrated. You use only a few drops at a time.

I didn't see "Kyle's thread". I will look for it.

Thanks, Kathy .

 

[danielle]

Over supplementation of vitamins can be just as dangerous as under supplementing them and at least in lizards has been known to cause liver, kidney, and heart issues like arythmias. The amount we humans see as small can be 100x more than they need so use conservatively if you choose to use at all. Nutribac is something I have come to think of as an essential to any snake keeper just from my experiences, but doesn't act like a vitamin. I dust all pinks with a generous layer to avoid regurges and aid digestion safely. Should you supplement with vitamins do your research to avoid giving too much of a good thing.