Message:

Subject: Re: Herpeton Bonding
Posted by Clara on May 02, 1998 at 04:14:46:

In Reply to: Re: Herpeton Bonding posted by Tara on May 01, 1998 at 14:29:05:

I knew this already, it is often brought up in the ISGA talk list, but thanks for bringing it to other people's attention. I do give mine fruits, but it only consists of maybe 5% of their diet. It's kind of weird, but mine won't really eat fruits, they don't like them. Fruits aren't a part of their natural diet and make their urine too acidic. I don't give them nuts as they are much too fattening. I feed my gliders Zoofare, which an insectivore diet, in addition to Brisky's. They also get some vegetables and gut-packed crickets. I am glad you found my page informative, thanks.

: Clara,

: I read your page on feeding of gliders and thought I would share
: with you what I have learned from my vet. I recently took my
: boy in because he had lost a patch of hair from the back of his head.
: She told me that it was probably stress related or nutrition related.
: I told her that I fed him fruits and veggies and a little chicken each night.
: I was also giving him seeds as treats, plus giving him rep cal each week as
: a supplement. She told me of a colleague who studied in Australia for a year,
: and found that the gliders diet in the wild is more of that if an insectivore/carnivore.
: This is from the article I was given: "the natural diet includes the "sugary sap or gum" of
: the eucalyptus. the name 'sugar' doesn't relate to 'sugar as in fruit' although they may like those foods.
: It also does not rely on nuts, grains, or seeds despite the books published by breeders
: and much info on the net. In the wild, foliage is not a major food item. The insects are high
: in protein, and plant exudate is high in sugar content...Honey and fruit may be partial substitutes for (excess sugar)
: in captivity."
: I was recommended a variation of the Chicago Zoological Park diet that includes foods appropriate
: for insectivores/carnivores of at least 50% especially if active breeders, along with fruit sugar source.
: So, I give him some fruit (less than before, same with veggies), a serving of Leadbeaters mix, and mealworms.
: Since I changed the diet, which was a little over a week ago,
: his hair has started coming back, his stool is not as loose, his cage doesn't smell as bad, and he's more active.
: As for the stress part, I'm looking for a friend for him, but haven't found one yet.
: I'm not writing this to say that you are wrong in your feeding suggestions/guidelines. So, please don't be
: offended by me! I love my boy (Yoda), and just want to get to know others with gliders
: so we can exchange information and maybe clear stuff up that may/may not be wrong out there on the web.
: I have perused your page before and found it informative. The stuff that I quoted above was not exactly quoted,
: but a little paraphrased for space/ and copywrite paranoia (that's from being a college student!).
: I just wanted to share what I have learned and hope I didn't offend you or anyone else reading this!
: Tara

• Sugar Gliders & Exotic Pets

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