In Reply to: Pet Store Frustrations!!! posted by Teresa on May 26, 1999 at 14:21:26:

What I did here when I encountered the same thing, I made up a double batch of leadbeaters and took it in to them, and a bag of mixed veggies. I also took in a jar of apple/chicken babyfood and a box of straws. I told them to use a pouch and hang it on the door so the customers could look in when they are asleep. I showed them how the customers (with an associate handy) could use the straw to feed the apple/chicken babyfood by just dipping the tip into the jar.. That way they could see them, feed them and also reduce the stress caused by many hands reaching into the cage itself. This has worked very nicely here. The petshop always notifys me when they are getting low on the leadbeaters. I also made up a small care sheet as to the leadbeaters recipe so the new owners also have the recipe to continue feeding their new friend without changing their diets. I also tel them to leave about a half of a small bird cup of catfood or parrot food in the cage at all times. That way when people come in they won't think they are not being fed.. Most gliders will eat all the leadbeaters and pick on the catfood or other foods. Also by USDA regs. If someone there is not knowledgable about gliders they are required to get some in to teach their employees about what is in the best interest of the gliders. Regarding housing.. well that initself is screwed up there is little anyone can do about that.. Their cage is only required to be big enough for them to comfortably stand up in. But a letter or call to a USDA office in your area will let you know whether they are licensed or not. If they are not the will have to remove all exotics till they get licensed. Then they have a set of guidelines that they must follow..
At first.. this pet shop hated me.. well they still do, however they know I can teach the new employess how to handle and feed the gliders with little to no stress.

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