Message:

Subject: Re: Rotational diet
Posted by Jo on February 17, 1999 at 20:36:51:

In Reply to: Rotational diet posted by IrishCreme on February 17, 1999 at 20:27:57:

Thanks for the explanation of the diet Irishcreme...It is really common sense when you think about it..4 day 100% total nutrition. Also I sneak in some bugs every now and then to give them a little more protien. Also they have brisky's on hand. You no longer need to worry about is this the right amount of correct nutrition because they are gettin it in one form or another over the four days.

Many people I have spoken too have talked about 33% protien increase. Increase protien when Romeo was sick definatley helped to save his life. Now the little bugger is mating! (It has been 4 wks since he was sick)I have been talking with a rescue group from Austrialia and am trying to find out their exact diet, so far it seems they eat sap from black wattle and galls, currently I have no Idea what these things are, but I am Checking

Hope this helps....

JO

: : I am curious about this four day rotational diet. It forces the glider to eat a strict 25% protein, 75% fruits/veggies over a four day period?
: : But what if the nutritional requirement is more like 33% as has been suggested by recent research? Wouldn't separating the parts of the diet over several days give time for a nutritional deficiency to develop?

:
: Actually, a rotational diet that offers a 25/75 ratio is not as 'strict' as it seems. It does not 'force' the glider to eat certain things... but simply offers a balanced smorgasboard for them to choose from...
: If it is eventually decided that gliders need up to 33% protein as a requirement it will be nothing more than a simple adjustment in routine.
: Many animals (as well as humans) can 'tell' if there is a little something missing from their diet and compensate accordingly. There has been many mornings that I have found more of one thing, than another, eaten... the following week its a different item they seem to have 'chowed down' on...
: And so, I would have to say 'no' to the opportunity for deficiencies to develop... as 4 days is really not enough time... since the object is balance.

: Before I heard of any Glider Food, I did lots of reading/research (& pestering my vet) for fear of waking and finding one of my babies ill, due to a mistake I may have made...
: The rotational diet I use has been adequate for (myself &) my gliders for over 2 years, with no illness or deficiencies in that time... thank goodness!
: As anyone who uses rotational diets will attest, it takes a lil'bit more work preparing, planning and getting used to than the commercial diets now available, but once into a routine its actually fairly easy.

Follow Ups:

• ewwww... IrishCreme 18:18:09 2/18/99 (1)
  • Black Wattle and Galls Clara 18:51:28 2/18/99 (0)