Hello All,
I'm a newbie with sugar gliders. We just purchased a pair of 4 month old gliders, 'sugar' and 'spice', and I am going to be building their enclosure. They are temporarily in a large bird cage.
I want to display them in our living room/hearth room area so the enclosure has to be something other than a bird cage and fit with the rest of the decor.
One of my hobbies is trim carpentry, so I will be building their display enclosure.
I was planning on a vertical glass enclosure, sitting on a small pedestal type cabinet with a PVC coated screen bottom and slide out tray underneath for cleaning. The cabinet will also act as storage. The top of the enclosure will have a full PVC coated screen top with a flourescent light for evening viewing and a blue LED moonlight for ocassional night time viewing.
The habitat section of the enclosure will measure 30" wide x 30" long x 60" tall.
I will be placing two small 4" fans in the top, one blowing in and one blowing out that will be on a repeat cycle timer that will activate for 5 minutes every hour. I was hoping this would keep the odor down and provide adequate ventilation.
There will be plenty of climbing branches inside.
Is this acceptable if there is plenty of circulation, climbing oppurtunities, and places to sleep/hide?
Here is a very rough sketch of what I'm considering:
[]http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y90/sonofgaladriel/sugarglidercage.jpg[/]
Also, is there a way to give a sugar glider a 'bath'? I was told that a water bath is out of the question, but that there is some kind of 'dust' or 'spray' that can be used to help keep them smelling nice. Any suggestions?
Thank you all,
Sean

Hi Sean, Welcome to Glider Central. It's great to have you with us. While your cage idea does show alot of thought, I do have a few concerns. Depending on the strength of your fan, I'm not sure how much ventilation it would actually provide, and am not sure that a fan blowing directly into the glider cage would be wise. We generally recommend that room fans and vents do not blow directly at/on the glider cage. Also while you may have plenty of branches, you have no way of hanging them higher up in the cage.
Also.......how are you going to get into your glider cage?
If you want to have a glass or plexiglass front on your cage to allow for unimpared viewing, I certainly don't see a problem with that, but it may be better to have coated wire the other sides for ventilation and to provide hanging surfaces.
As to bathing gliders, they generally don't need it. They are very clean animals and should take care of grooming needs on their own. If they do get dirty beyond their capability to clean, the best way to bathe them would be to take a warm, damp washcloth and wrap your suggie in it. As they wiggle free, they give themselves a bath. Then you would need to keep them warm, and out of drafts until they dry.

The cage sounds fantastic, however, as Chris said, I don't think it would be practical for gliders. There are many alternatives available online for customized cage items and accessories.

My store specializes in cage items that match your home decor. I love all the cute fleece type items, but I don't want them in my livingroom or to be the first thing people see when they walk into my home so my sister and I offer alternatives to that. We can make custom cage covers, etc., that will match your home decor'. You don't have to have a garish cage just because you have gliders! If you don't see fabric that you like, you can send photos of your existing decor and we can work with that as well.

I can't remember the name of it off the top of my head, maybe Custom Cage Works, but they make some pretty fancy schmancy glider cages and you might get some inspiration on how to convert your idea into one that might work out for you.

FYI..my brother has two neutered boys so they're not as smelly as an intact male glider..he keeps them in a large closet. The closet actually has a window with a fan that draws out air and circulates fresh air...It does NOT alleviate the smell even though he keeps the cage pretty clean.

With an enclosure made with glass/plexiglass, how can gliders jump all over? It would almost be like a glider going splat against the glass and slide right down. Gliders need exercise hence they need safe wire (pvc-coated wire is very highly recommended) so they can jump all over the place.

I am also worried about ventilation. Glass enclosure would trap the gliders' scents inside. I would not want to have air blown constantly at my face.

While the size of the enclosure is very nice, I would steer clear of flat panels such as glass/plexiglass. That is my opinion.


Jen

Please no glass they need to climb. Cage sounds great but not for a glider.Look at others cage ideas

Great looking cage but I dont think its ideal for gliders either, with mesh they have all the sides to climb on and run around giving them more exercise, also it give you lots of options to where you hang and put stuff for them. I dont think they will like the fan and they dont like lights so how about making a cage using mesh instead of glass as you certaintly sound clever enough. Good luck and be sure to post a pic of your cage when uv made it.Have a look at the cage posts and you will get some great ideas. Ive attached a pic of the cage I made and they love it.

You are very talented to make an enclosure like that. I just want to share a link to give you more ideas. Istead of having the whole thing made of plexi glass. maybe you can have the top, sides and bottom made with wiring so that your glider can run around, you can hang things, and also get plenty of ventilation. I think these cages are beautiful. Maybe they will inspire you. Cages by Design

Wow those cage are amazing....I want one!!!!!

yes they are gorgeous. you can send for a free catalog. you can also use their calculator to see how much it would cost you to create a custom cage. It is very expesive but I am sure it would look beautiful!

Oh, that is the company I was trying to think of above. I have their catalog and their cages are AWESOME. I'm getting a parrot soon and I've been checking those out and, they will customize them for suggies too.

Welcome to GliderCENTRAL, Sean! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wave.gif" alt="" />

How great that you have the skills and talent to build a nice cage! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumb.gif" alt="" />

I, however, must agree with the expressed concerns. Ideally, gliders would have a large enclosure that they can glide (or at least, leap) around in, from cage side to cage side. With glass or plexiglass walls, even with branches in the cage, there really isn't a safe and effective place for them to land. How about if you designed a corner cage, and made two sides (as well as the top and bottom) with the pvc-coated wire, and the front panel a large glass door that opens? The front could also include strips of the pvc-coated wire, which (with your talent), could be artfully included. You'd need to make sure the cage isn't flush against the corner so air can circulate, but maybe that would help.

You'll also want to think about where you can place or hang toys such as a glider-safe exercise wheel, or where you'll put their feeding stations and water bottles. With glass walls, there's no place to hang shelves, or anything. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/nixweiss.gif" alt="" />

The slide-out tray at the bottom is a definite must! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumb.gif" alt="" /> So is having built-in storage (although with my accessories, I'd need storage at least the size of the cage <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> ).

The cages in that site by Cages By Design are incredible. Well out of my price range, but with your talent, probably something you could make or incorporate into your designs, eh?

You'll definitely have to post pictures after your masterpiece is completed!

Hello Neighbor, I'm in Prescott KS, about an hour south of you! Welcome to GC!

Anyway, One of our members makes her cages out of plexiglass similiar to what you have in mind. And I have to admit, my first reaction to them was the same as the reactions you are getting above. However, I got a chance to see one for myself in Feb. and got to say...I LOVED IT!

The gliders tend to play more with toys and jump around the cage even more compared to just running on the wire sides of the cage.

With a safe (no galvanized wire) mesh bottom on it for waste to fall through and a mesh top, there will be plenty of ventilation. I don't know about the lighting though. A low watt red or blue light for night time would probably be fine but I wouldn't suggest the floresant light during the day time. They should be in a room that is exposed to natural light changes so their internal clock doesn't get messed up.
Using plexi glass, you can drill holes in the sides to allow a way to hang more things such as pouches and food dishes that you would have a difficult time doing with actual glass.

Just remember to properly treat all wood with either shallac or poly urithane or you will just be wasting your time and money. Once urine has a chance to soak in, it will stink forever.

Kayla (kaylasglidergoodies.com---AKA Butlerfamilyzoo) Uses plexi-glass cages. She said she wont use anything else for her babies. Her cages are very nice looking. HERE is a link to her site..if you scroll down a little bit, you can see a picture of a cage that she has for sale with two boys, it is VERY nice looking and if you have enough ventalation and things for them to climb on, i think it will be fine <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I currently own not only Kaylas gliders, but also the plexiglass cage. I must say in the beginning when Kayla first mentioned her cage on here I was one of the first to bombard her with questions and doubts. Then at the SGR in Texas (along with Dancing and many others) we were able to see one first hand. I changed my mind when I saw it and discussed it with her intensely. She answered every single question I had for her.
Since I have brought her babies here with me to live I must say I enjoy watching the gliders in that cage. Granted, they can not use the sides of the cage itself, however, they do use every single toy that is hanging up and show no problems of getting around in there from top to bottom. Not once have I ever seen one hit the side or even try to jump to it.
It has mesh wire on both the top and bottom for ventilation and stuff hanging from the top part as well. It is very easy to clean and as far as the lighting goes....well they need no additional lighting in there at all.

Well, color me corrected! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> I really have only ever seen this type of cage set-up (well, not as nice, of course) in pet stores, where they didn't seem to know much about gliders. I definitely would've thought it'd be awkward, stuffy, and even a bit stinky for them. Huh. Good to know! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumb.gif" alt="" />

<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> Katty, I'm right there with you..I would never have thought a plexi glass cage would be suitable. But you do indeed learn something new every day <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/agree.gif" alt="" />

Me three! I have never seen one but I would take Teresa's and Peggy's word for it.


Jen

I guess if it has air holes drilled here & there in the plexiglass it wouldn't be too bad. Plus it would allow you more hanging space. I'd like to see it when it's finished.

Hello All,
Thank you for the welcome and of course the replies and suggestions. I am reconsidering the enclosure design based on the suggestions above. If I can find it, I may use a heavy gauge PVC coated weld wire for the sides and use glass for the front and back. I think this would be a great compromise. The problem is, I can't find any of this 1/2"x1/2" weld sire anywhere in town that is 30" wide.
I've tried my Home Depot, Lowes, Ace Hardware. I'll be making trips to Sutherlands and try to find a 'feed' store today with hopes of finding some.
Oh, there was some concern as to how I would access the all glass enclosure. The front and back glass pane would be hinged with special glass hinges. The would swing out just like a door.
Also, the small 4" computer type fans will be on repeat cycle timers and would only come on for 5 minutes each 30 to 60 minutes. This would act more like a subtle 'breeze' and I doubt would bother the gliders.
The 24" flourescent lighting would only be on for a few hours after sunset, 7PM to 10PM just to eluminate the enclosure for us, not for the gliders. After 10PM, only the small blue LED moonlight would be on.
I have looked at the thread showing off everyone's enclosures and there are some very nice ones. But I've noted that no one has tried to create a 'naturalistic' type of enclosure for their gliders. I was wanting to create a 'biotope' type set up for them with natural looking branches, maybe a few plants (appropriate real or fake ones), while keeping it easy to clean and be accessible. I will 'hide' alot of their 'toys' and exercise wheel from the main view behind plantings and the main climbing structure.

Thanks again for all the suggestions and opinions.
Sean

[:"green"]I have only ever found the vinyl coated hardware cloth in 24" wide bolts. However, you may want to consider using pet-proof screening instead (similar to what they make reptariums out of) for the top & sides. You would still need to use the hardware cloth for the bottom though, so you might have to piece two sections together - maybe by stapling them to a wooden bar that spans the center.
Please do attach pictures when you have it completed - I would love to see your design! The basic sketch looks like it will be very nice <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumb.gif" alt="" />.

Sean, I just looked up in the catalog I got from Klubertanz where I get the caging supplies. Klubertanz carries pvc-coated wire in 1/2"x1/2", 30" wide and it comes only in 16 gauge. Look up at this site, www.klubertanz.com and ask for Richard. He will be more than happy to help you. I have gone to Klubertanz numerous times and they are very helpful. I must warn you, though, that the shipping is a tad high, but so well worth it! All of our cages are built with the pvc-coated wire from Klubertanz and we love it!

I hope this helps.


Jen

Thank you Jen! I needed that link! I'm going to give Richard a call right now.
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

You are welcome, Sean! Glad to help ya! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumb.gif" alt="" />


Jen

Sean, your enclosure sounds beautiful - a little forest in your living room! The computer fans might be ok although my gliders absolutely hate any breeze at all and will not come out of their pouches if they can feel one. If you are concerned about air exchange in the cage, if you use mesh sides and no direct or reflected sunlight enter the cage, you probably don't need the fans. As to light: the moonlight effect is nice for our observation of the gliders but a red light will accomplish the same thing - make it easy for us to see them in action but will not damage their eyes. Zoos often use the moonlight effect with nocturnal animal displays out in the visitor area so that the visitors do not trip or fall. Inside the exhibit, they use red lights which utilize the part of the light spectrum that will not adversely affect the animals' eyes. Even moonlighting flourescents do not support ocular health for the gliders. Plexiglass on the back will certainly help w/food flinging. The best thing for odors is consistent cleaning. Diluted vinegar will work to clean the glass or plexiglass that will have little bits of chewed up food and urine on them. Puppy pads or depends pads are good below grate liners that absorb urine. Just make the interior easy to wash - a hose or shower spray after spraying all over w/a nontoxic cleaner will keep your cage clean. Good luck! Your gliders are lucky to share your talent, craftsmanship and creativity.

Thank you all very much for the input and the compliments. I hope I can build this enclosure well enough to warrant your praise. I'll definately post some pics when its completed and 'sugar and spice' are in their new home.
I've noted over the past several days, that the gliders spend all day sleeping in their pouch/nest, so I don't think that the ocassional breeze from the fan will bother them but it will go along way in keeping the air fresh inside the enclosure. I'll program the timer so the fan is off during the night time hours though.
I appreciate the concern about the blue LED, but I really don't think a single blue LED will bother the gliders. I'll see what a red LED looks like, but I am partial to the 'blue' look, but I'll do what is best for the gliders. I will locate it up very high and near the back of the top screen so that it will only barely elluminate the enclosure, most of which would be in shadows from the large branches and such. Again, this light will only be on from 10PM to maybe midnight and then it will go off. No artificial lights will be on from midnight to 8PM. Only indirect light from the windows.
I'll definately be putting 'puppy pads' on the pull out tray to make waste removal easier.

one note- if you don't mind the green hardware cloth- I have ordered it several times in 30" rolls through Ace, I can look up the part # or you can searhc my old posts if you can't get your store to look it up for you- it comes in small rolls that are 30" wide by I think its 5 ft long (I think thats why we made the cages the height we did...)

Amie

</font><blockquote><font class="small">Quote:</font><hr />
one note- if you don't mind the green hardware cloth- I have ordered it several times in 30" rolls through Ace, I can look up the part # or you can searhc my old posts if you can't get your store to look it up for you- it comes in small rolls that are 30" wide by I think its 5 ft long (I think thats why we made the cages the height we did...)

Amie

<hr /></blockquote><font class="post">
LOL I did the same thing, got my wire from Home Depot 30" wide by 5' long, so my cage is 30" wide by 5' high by 15" deep. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

In my experience, the 1/2"x1/2" green vinyl-coated hardware cloth has a very thin coating thus it does not last as long as the pvc-coated wire which is obtained at Klubertanz. Over time, the vinyl coating of the hardware cloth will wear down and start rusting. My husband had two cages and three travel cages built with the hardware cloth and they all had to be replaced, because of rust.

When gliders are in contact with rust, it very commonly causes UTI (urinary tract infection) and it can be very costly to correct by the vet.


Jen

Thanks guys, but I checked out the wire at ACE and its too thin, only 19 gauge. Plus, I agree with Jen that the section I'd have on the bottom would eventually rust from urine and fall apart after awhile.
I went ahead and ordered some 14 gauge 3/4" x 3/4" black coated hardware cloth from Klubertanz. Hopefully it will be here by Friday.
Thanks again everyone!
Sean

3/4"x3/4"? I am afraid that the spacings are too big. Gliders can easily squeeze out through that big of an opening. It is recommended that the bar spacings be no bigger than 1"x1/2".


Jen

I changed the order to 1" x 1/2" <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
Thanks for the tip!
Oh, anyone out there have access to nice long branches of grapewood or manzanita branches? I'm looking for something about 5 feet long with multiple branches, but it has to be 27" or narrower at its widest part.
I've checked ebay but some the 'parrot perches' they have are at least $175 plus shipping!
Thanks

check your pet stores- ours have some larger branches!

and Jen- our cages are over a year old without any issues from the green cloth.. except one spot that I had Bill patch where I caused a problem with how I put the wheel in the cage and the spinning hardware was rubbing the wire.. But I too have thought of switching to kubertanz because its black for future cages... Bill and I have to make some decisions because if we're getting Samson and Zoie we need to build them a cage when we get home from SGGA so I need to order the cloth now... I already ordered the PVC joints because we are going to be stocking them as part of our business anyway..

<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/offtopic.gif" alt="" /> khyricat, my husband's cages are over 5 years old so obviously the hardware cloth showed much wear and tear of the vinyl coating thus the rust started. They have since been replaced with the cages built with the pvc-coated wire from Klubertanz. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumb.gif" alt="" />


Jen

Check out ebay for manzanita branches. Some people sell large pieces in bulk that are ready for being made into perches. You'd have to figure out a means of attaching them, but ebay is good for finding larger pieces at a reasonable price.

Sean, I use fresh eucalyptus branches and change them out often because they are usually available for me to cut off the trees. You might be able to find branches that will work for you from safe trees in your area. The gliders do not need thick branches. They are so agile that thin flexible branches work just fine, too.

Thank you jungleflockmom! I've already been out scouting for possible branches but nothing yet that would give me the desired appearance for this enclosure. I did find a nice old cedar root system that I've cut down to an appropriate size and am bleaching as we speak.
This is what I'm hoping to find:
http://www.justdriftin.com/old/Disk5/Mvc-005s.jpg
http://www.justdriftin.com/newpics/bruce%20outside%20perch%20photos%20004.jpg

I'm pretty sure that cedar is bad, mkay? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> I think the oils or smell is too much for them! But I'm sure someone more experienced will chime in on that.

You won't need fans with mesh sides, but I would suggest making the back out of mesh as well. Just so you can watch them run on that, too.

I definatly understand your desire for a more natural looking cage. I went a similar route. I found a glass curio cabinet some time ago. It measures 78"x28" round. It hag 3 curved glass panels that made up the ouside, about 6' by 1.5' each. The front panel is the door. I polyed up the inside, like 4 coats, then I replaced the back two-thirds with 1"x1/2", and made a raised mesh floor. It has a small 15 watt light in the top. I recently bought a six foot silk ficus (just check for wires and dye) and put it in, replacing the ropes and plastic chains.

My gliders LOVE it. They seem more active and happy, and they seem more eager to get in when i put them up. Not to mention how COOL they look hugging a tree like they're supposed to! Hope to get some pics up soon!

As far as the moonlight, moon phases are REALLY important to glider habits. Thats why I'm saving up for this (click on lunartracker on the left). Quote from site:

"This is the reason that dimmers are important on a moon light. Many people use dimmers to manually simulate the lunar cycle. However, it is practically impossible to do this by hand. The minute adjustments needed from day to day are too difficult to do with a manual dimmer. In addition, just as the intensity of moonlight varies from day to day, the manual adjustment would have to be made daily as well. Quite a hassle!This is where LunarTracker comes in."

Cool, huh?

ok. I have more of a daft technical type question. How are you planning to hold mesh sides together with a plexiglass front and back. I only ask because I am following this post avidly and while waiting for my quote to come back from the cage builders, I mentioned this to hubby and he really likes the idea of it. If we had to build a similar cage, I would love to steal your ideas if I may <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />. There are not many people who can build glider cages around here (I'm in South Africa - Cape Town)and shipping one in makes it quite expensive <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I can't wait to see pictures.

Actually, I've decided to go the full glass route with the screened top and bottom. I'm going to be adding a large multi branch grapewood or manzanita climbing tree, and maybe a very tall full width lattice work system along the back pane for climbing. A wheel, a few other 'toys', and a large fern or other safe tropical plant on the bottom and one hanging plant near the top to act as a 'canopy', and that will top it off.
There is an easy way to make the screen/glass combo. You simply need to make 4 wood frames and inlay either the glass or the screen in each frame. It is best to router a groove inside each board's inner edge to allow the glass or screen to slide in, like a flat panel cabinet door. Then simply nail three of the sections together and hinge the front or a side panel for a door. Put a top and bottom on and you have your enclosure.
I'm picking up the glass this morning, so I hope to make some good progress today. I'll post some pics if I get anything done <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> The screen is due in Friday. I should have the enclosure completed by late Saturday.
Thanks again for all the suggestions and help.
Sean

I was thinking along the same lines (using a router). Your post had me and my hubby's heads thinking. He came up with some good ideas. We might make one is a few months. But I think we will go with the mesh on the sides too. I like to hang my wheel. If I attached the wheel to the bottom mesh it will be hard to slide out the bottom, for cleaning. We are setting ours up to have a slide out bottom and pan. I would love to see pics of how yours turned out! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/multi.gif" alt="" />

My husband and I are also interested in copying this idea (down the road a few months). We have a few cages, so we think we'd like to build one large piece with dividing walls to make three cages in one. We'd love to see pictures when you are done <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

minnimouse- Is that a solid white glider in your avatar? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/muchlove.gif" alt="" />

</font><blockquote><font class="small">Quote:</font><hr />

I definatly understand your desire for a more natural looking cage. I went a similar route. I found a glass curio cabinet some time ago. It measures 78"x28" round. It hag 3 curved glass panels that made up the ouside, about 6' by 1.5' each. The front panel is the door. I polyed up the inside, like 4 coats, then I replaced the back two-thirds with 1"x1/2", and made a raised mesh floor. It has a small 15 watt light in the top. I recently bought a six foot silk ficus (just check for wires and dye) and put it in, replacing the ropes and plastic chains.


<hr /></blockquote><font class="post">

I would love to see a picture of your cage... it sounds really awesome! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumb.gif" alt="" />

<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/offtopic.gif" alt="" /> yes it is <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Her name is Elise, and she is what is called a Leucistic or Black-Eyed White (BEW).

</font><blockquote><font class="small">Quote:</font><hr />
yes it is <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Her name is Elise, and she is what is called a Leucistic or Black-Eyed White (BEW).

<hr /></blockquote><font class="post">
Do you ever have any BEW babies for sale?
Is it possible to introduce a new female to a young pair?
I'd love to have one.

Finally! AOL has not loaded GliderCentral for the past week! It's been slower progress on the new glider enclosure than I'd hoped. Waited quite a while for the screen and glass to be cut but its finally comming together. I'm waiting on one more section of screen for the back. I decided to go with 3 panes of glass and one back pane of the 1"x 1/2" black PVC wire.
I ordered my Stealth wheel a few days ago and have a nice large manzanita branch comming from LA next week.
I think the 'sugar' and 'spice' will be moving into their new home this weekend.
Here are a few pics:
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y90/sonofgaladriel/DSC04188Small.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y90/sonofgaladriel/DSC04190Small.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y90/sonofgaladriel/DSC04191Small.jpg

It looks beautiful! I can't wait to see it with all the accessories and suggies inside! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/yelclap.gif" alt="" />

wow, its lovely... I also cant wait to see ur sugs and their stuffs in there! LOL
Good Job..

Oh wow that is fab, you are sooo clever. what size is the actual living space?

The actual enclosure's dimensions came out to be 28"x28"x46" tall. The entire unit is 30"x30"x72" tall.
I had to cut down the glass because at 60" tall (overall 90" tall) the glass seemed too make the unit 'top heavy' and it concerned me, especially with kids in the house.
I hope this is big enough for my pair.
I finished my doors and a temporary back screen assembly today. I'll post some pics of the 'almost' finished enclosure later tonight if AOL will let me access the site.
Thanks again for all the kind words.

It looks lovely, but is it glider-friendly? Where are you going to place food bowels and water bottles? With all glass sides you have no where to hang them, and its not a good idea to have them on the ground as the gliders can eliminate into their food, and if you use water dish instead of bottle then if it is too deep they can drown. How often were you planning to take them out of the cage to play? Have you considered a bonding tent, or worked on glider-proofing a room? 28 by 28 strikes me as a bit small, but if they are out of the cage frequently (at least 2-3 hours a day/night)then it should be okay. Generally 36 by 36 is the minimum recommended cage dimensions. 28 by 28 doesn't leave a lot of room for a sleeping pouch, a wheel and other toys that the gliders need to be happy and healthy, like I said its a gorgeous cage, but whether its glider friendly worries me.

Thanks for your concerns, but I think its plenty big enough for these two.
My boys and I take them out of the enclosure at least once, most often twice, a day for play time and for some time outside while on their little leashes.
The back of the enclosure if fully screened in which I have hung their water bottle and food dish up high. I'll have plenty of climbing branches, some thick hanging ropes for swinging, a Stealth wheel, some fleece platforms suction cupped to the sides, and some other toys for them.
I think they'll be happy here. If not, then I'll build them another one <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />
Oh, a standard bird cage type enclosure measuring 36x36x24 has 18 cubic feet of space. My enclosure has 18.5 cubic feet. Also, I think that the gliders, being somewhat arboreal, will enjoy the height off the ground that this enclosure offers as well as the vertical climbing space.

Cool, sounds like you have everything covered, hope it works for you and your little ones. Just one last thing, you mentioned leashes, by leash do you mean a harness that goes over their neck and around their middle? If so, I have to find the link but there have been discussions about gliders being injured by those type leashes, with their gliding membranes being torn. I know you want the best for your babies, so I just wanted to let you know.

Your cage is beautiful! Great job! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/yelclap.gif" alt="" /> And I think it's roomy enough for 2 gliders. Usually the minimum recommended size is 2'x2'x3', from what I remember.

<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/offtopic.gif" alt="" /> There are several breeders who breed for leucistic. Usually they have a waiting list, and BEW joeys typically cost in the $2000 - $3000 range, I believe. (Someone correct me if I'm wrong; I've never really considered getting a leucistic). In the past it most breeders required a USDA license to purchase one, but I don't necessarily think that's the case any more. To produce leucistic joeys, you must either have two 100% hets or a leucistic paired with a het. If you have a "normal" glider without the leu gene, you won't have leu babies, even if the other parent is a BEW.

If you see a different percentage het advertised, such as a 50% or a 66% leu, it just means that because of the glider's lineage it has a 50% or 66% chance of being a 100% het. Once that glider produces a leu baby, it becomes a 100% het.

Thank you guys.
The leash is a piece of narrow nylon rope that simply goes around the neck like a puppy. The breeder provided us with them. They really are only just a way to keep the gliders from getting away from us outside. We never use them to 'pull' them around.
Here is a pic of the enclosure 99% completed. I will be replacing the galvanized back screen with the 1"x 1/2" poly coated screen when it arrives in a few days, so please no flamming <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> I promise it will be replaced the second the polycoated arrives.
I am waiting for a nice tall manzanita tree branch to arrive this week as well. I'll be adding some more things as they come in.
What you see inside is just temporary but the gliders do enjoy the room and the climbing the tree and ropes so far. I removed their sleeping pouch for the pics.
Here are the pics:
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y90/sonofgaladriel/DSC04195Small.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y90/sonofgaladriel/DSC04198Small.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y90/sonofgaladriel/DSC04196Small.jpg

I have to say that looks absolutely AMAZING!!!!!! Being so close, I would LOVE to come see it! (ahh but life is so crazy busy!)

You did a wonderful job on it!

Reading through the posts, I did see one thing that concerns me...cedar... When cedar gets wet (from urine, water, etc) it can produce toxic oils that can cause respritory/breathing problems for small animals, especially gliders, and should not be used. Being here in KS, I can tell you that elm is plentiful and safe. Just make sure that the tree has not been sprayed for pesticides. If you need some that have not been sprayed, I would be glad to cut some off my trees and drop them off to you. Either fresh branches (that they love to strip the bark off of) or dried (deadfall) works great.

The cage is beautiful and you did a fantastic job...hummm....wondering if I could afford 15 just like it???

That is one of the prettiest cages I have ever seen anyone make here!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/yelclap.gif" alt="" /> I always thought of making something similar to that. but I think your ideas had mine beat. Very nice! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumb.gif" alt="" />

By the way... I love how it matches the wood in your home. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/agree.gif" alt="" />

Thank you Teresa and Jessica for the compliments. The cedar branch you see in the pics is only for a few days. It was pointed out to me earlier about the possible problems with cedar, so it won't stay in the cage but for a few days. A nice old manzanita branch/tree is on the way.

<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/multi.gif" alt="" />That is pigging fantastic!!!!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/multi.gif" alt="" /> Wow it didnt take you long to make..........wish you lived here then you could make me one <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Maybe you could make them to sell?