In Reply to: Re: Discussion OPEN posted by steveCOCO on December 14, 1999 at 01:42:02:

: : This would be a very good topic to open up... We have been researching this self mutilation thing with these gliders, and what we all have found they have in common is that they all usead a nestbox of somesort , that had rough edges around the openings, also in each one there was some galvanized wire of some sort. so here is a possible scenerio..
: : when the gliders rerach puberty, their wanger is out regularly, when entering and leaving the nest box numerous times at night, they have a tendancy to rub it on the rough opening, then they get out and mark/urinate on the galvanized wire. Since the galvanized wire causes a chemical reaction , could it be possible that the reaction on the "possibly" irrated area, may cause some irratation? Since the glider only knows it is irrated, they try to rid the irratation by chewing? This would only apply to the males. Now, I know many people have used both , nestboxes and galvanized wire and had no problems, so that also must be taken into consideration. but this is the main thing we all have seen as a common thing with these gliders. Any opinions on this scenerio? Mind you we are not locked into this, this is just a theory.
: OK, lets start up on this then!
: I am sure the only way that the glider can get the heavy metal
: poisoning is by chewing on the metal.(correct??)
: Well if so then thoughs cages should just go out of style be done with.
: I mean i have my one glider Coco and i am waiting from
: irishcreme to hopefully get another one.
: But! I could not find the type of cage u glider experts are talking about:(
: I know what kind u are talking about but i could not come by this type of cage:(
: So like many people i do have the calvonized cage.
: My glider never chews on it so i do not worry much.
: But when i get my new glider(hopefully soon Irish hehe)I will buy a coated cage:)
: But i am speaking for myself on this issue. How about all of the other people at this forum that
: have the none coated cages??
: Will you go and buy a new cage??
: I hope so(if there is anyone that has that type LOL)
: so maybe i am the only one that at this forum that might still have that type,
: or maybe not. You must always be aware of what YOU and YOUR glider is doing.
: For example you must always watch see if your glider does chew on the cage.
: If so you got a problem if it is none coated.
: When and i say u must be aware of what u are doing, I mean know how to care for your glider
: and never ever accidently sit on it while it is sleeping in it's little sock!!(like i did yesterday night)!
: I didn't really sit on it luckily but it was close!I am so lucky i slouched back when i sat down LOL.
: Make sure u know what your gliders habbits are.
: But like always if you don't have time to sit up at night watching to see if he\she
: does chew on the cage get the coated!
: The coated cages are the best way to go for health reasons and sound.
: You won't him the glider as much when it jumps around at night in a coated cage.
: Well now that i have rambled on its time to end.

A little addon after reading burbons post.I SHOULD OF READ THAT FIRST!! DOH!!
ok burbon i see ur point with the nest box.
I agree with your thoery. I use a large coco nut shell that still has its
soft outside and stuff on it.
it was intended for a birds nest but i used it as a nest for my glider.
it works well and it has no sharp edges.
I am so glad to hear that when my glider reaches puberty it will piss on the floor outside of its cage
LOL :).i will be sure to put some paper or something down so he doesn't stain the carpet or the floor hehe:)

Follow Ups:

• steve IrishCreme 09:54:40 12/14/99 (0)
• Please.. Bourbon 09:31:13 12/14/99 (3)
  • Re: Please.. steve 00:24:10 12/15/99 (2)
    • The concern with socks Bourbon 07:29:06 12/15/99 (1)
      • Re: The concern with socks steve 18:59:08 12/16/99 (0)