Probiotic Questions

[ApricotMuffins]

I recently purchased a trio of Society Finch cocks to act as foster parents. They were purchased from PetSmart because I couldn't find any local breeders/hobbyists selling their society finches. They're currently in quarantine and are just starting their Ronextreatment.

After their 7 days of Ronex, I plan on giving the trio a week on probiotics to finish up their quarantine.

On the probiotic jar, it says to store in a cool dry place, but that it can also be refrigerated or stored in the freezer to preserve live cultures. It seems that the freezer would be the best place to increase the shelf life of the probiotic, but does anyone on the forum know just how long that shelf life is when it's in the freezer?

My other question is if the probiotic needs to be mixed daily, or if it can be mixed into 2 quarts of water and used throughout the week.

[monotwine]

I keep mine in the fridge and usually buy one that is good for all my animals so it doesn't actually spend that long on the shelf anyhow. The type of coating on the probiotic may decide its shelf live. i.e. I use one that is protected from temperature. More importantly, I think, is that it must be dry and sealed.

I've always been advised that its best to mix each dosage daily. Since it is usually a live culture once activated it may die off before the last dose is given to your birds.

But honestly I'm not sure.