Message:
Subject: Re: Calcium supplements...how much,how often?
Posted by Cynthia on November 27, 1998 at 00:52:59:
In Reply to: Calcium supplements...how much,how often? posted by Richard on November 26, 1998 at 20:29:54:
: I have been sprinkling calcium/d3 supplement on my glider's fruit and vegetables and giving them yogurt (lactose and fat free kinds) since I got them in September as I have been made very fearful of calcium deficiency in my "kids". My question is this: How much supplement and how often? Also, they never eat all of the fruits and veggies that I put out so should I be putting it on something else?
: On a completely different note, can anyone tell me when my babies will begin to reach sexual maturity ( I have a male and a female both of which are around 4 months o.o.p.), and when will he begin to show his bald spot? Just curious? Thanks,Richard.
If you are using Repcal with D3 please be careful. This is a calcium supplement that was made for reptiles and can give your glider too much calcium. Not enough calcium can cause hindleg paralysis, too much however can be fatal. Signs to watch for are palpations, your gliders cage may shake some while it clings to the bars, if your glider is getting too much calcium it could also begin having seizures. Dairy products have been linked to cataracts in gliders, it is not the lactose as we first thought but the galactinase that they can not break down. Buying lactose free products will not help.
Sexual maturity is generally reached by the female by the time she is 8 to 12 months oop, however I do know of one female that had joeys in pouch when she was only 3 months oop herself. Males generally reach maturity at 12 to 15 months oop but I have a male that got his bald spot when he was only three months oop. He and his brother are now 6 months oop and his brother is just starting to get his.