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Posted by: Marie, erinmariemcdermott@hotmail.com
Subject: Glider EATS dirt! HELP!
When: 12:31 PM, 16 Dec 2000
IP: 24.201.61.61
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Last night I let my glider, Mala, play in some non-toxic plants for the first time. I've read plenty about how much gliders enjoy playing in plants. Unfortunately she didn't seem the least bit interested in the plants, but wanted to eat the dirt! This freaked me out because I'm not sure what's in the potting soil (fertilizer etc)!!! As soon as I realized that she wasn't going to stop eating the dirt I took the plants away, but I'm not sure what to do now.
Any help anyone???



Follow Ups:

Posted by: KarenE, KarenElfrank@aol.com
Subject: none
When: 12:35 PM, 16 Dec 2000
IP: 64.12.105.47

My best advice is to keep an eye on her for any behavior out of the ordinary. Watch her eating/pooping/peeing habits for any change.
Most potting soils are non toxic but in the future I would keep her away from the dirt/plant.
She probably won't be very happy with you for taking her new toy away ... but that's just what moms have to do wink



Posted by: Beth, b_jones100@hotmail.com
Subject: eating dirt
When: 1:13 PM, 16 Dec 2000
IP: 12.74.130.223

Marie,
This is going to sound strange, but in humans who crave dirt, it means there is vitamin deficiency. She may be lacking something. Just a thought........Beth



Posted by: Marie, erinmariemcdermott@hotmail.com
Subject: Eat dirt! hee hee
When: 1:54 PM, 16 Dec 2000
IP: 24.201.61.61

That's a good thought Beth, and I wondered it myself. I'm currently feeding her BLM (with Rep-Cal), fresh fruits and veggies everyday and also the occasional cricket. I really hope that she's not deficient in any nutrients.... I'm a neurotic glider mom as it is!! Now I've something else to worry about!! :o) I live in Canada and so ever since she's been out of the pouch it's been too cold to go outside. I think that yesterday was her first interaction ever with dirt. When she wakes up tonight I'll see what she does.... wink



Posted by: Barb, blooprints@yahoo.com
Subject: none
When: 8:48 PM, 16 Dec 2000
IP: 63.180.14.170

I was going to say what Beth did...Humans (some) eat dirt and crave it because they're missing some minerals in their diet. I imagine your glider tried the dirt because it is missing some minerals in its diet....What do you feed it? Fresh fruit and veggies in addition to protein and an adequate Ca source??? Diet is your key here.



Posted by: Dawn, DBucalo@neo.rr.com
Subject: none
When: 10:03 PM, 16 Dec 2000
IP: 24.164.115.229

I put rocks on top of the dirt in the plants in their room, which keeps them from mucking around with the dirt.