Habitat - Outdoor :: new member - first RES in Koi Pond, any concerns?

[untsmurf]

Your ponds are beautiful and you definitely know what you're doing.

[Terryo]

Thank you....they are really a joy.

[tinkersumx]

This is crazy, but I totally got salmonella from my RES. I'm very careful, at least I though I was careful. I wear gloves when I deal with the pond and wash my hands afterwards. I'm a nanny and I'm fully aware of the precautions you need to take with animals/reptiles regarding salmonella. I still ended up with it and it was HORRIBLE! I've made it a rule in my house that kids aren't allowed to touch the water & I'd advise you to do the same

[SpotsMama]

Tinkersumx - I'm so sorry to hear you got ill! I've heard it's pretty bad. Glad you are now past it.

I wonder if it's possible you picked up the salmonella someplace else? Sounds like you were taking lots of precautions. I'd be surprised to hear you got it from the turtles. It's also possible to get salmonella from almost any meat - chicken, hamburger - eggs, and I don't know what all else. I believe other animals and birds can carry it too.

It's a very good rule, however, that kids not be allowed to touch the water. No need to take chances.

[Terryo]

OMG! That is terrible! Are you OK now? What are the symptom's? I have had my pond now for 21 years, and never got sick. Sometimes the water was really disgusting, before I got a better filter system. I hope this doesn't discourage you. My nephew got it years ago from eating chicken that wasn't cooked properly. I hope you are better now.

[tinkersumx]

I'm a vegetarian, so it couldn't have come from any food that I eat. It lasted for almost 3 weeks, I lost about 10lbs... which is A TON for me. I'm 5'8" and 108 so loosing 10 pounds has quite the impact.
I felt fine unless I tried to eat anything. When I did eat I would get crazy dizzzy, have horrible stabbing pains... I couldn't keep anything in me. Once after eating 2 mushrooms and 2 pieces of bell pepper I laid on the bed and the room spun around me (as if I was drunk, except I've never been THAT drunk).
I got by on spoonfuls of frozen yogurt throughout the day and a lots of water. It sucked!