Can anyone tell me the specifics of the genetics of curley tail gliders. I've sort of done an informal poll and it seems that maybe 3 of us have gliders that have tails which remain in a curl...always. Scientifically or breeding wise, I'd like to know more about the trait. So, if anyone can lend a brain cell or two, I be most appreciative! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
Re: The Genetic Mutation of Curley Tail Gliders ?
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#52266 07/28/0512:27 AM07/28/0512:27 AM
This is a behavior normal to sugar gliders during breeding and, I have observed all of my breeding females exhibit this behavior though not in a continual manner, as such this might not be a spinal defect at all it might be a severly stressed glider or a glider with a hormonal imbalence. But I am not a vet and I have no knowldege of marsupials or any animal who uses its tail to carry debris having been studied. This could be a case where the mouse modle cannot be applied to sugar gliders.
Re: The Genetic Mutation of Curley Tail Gliders ?
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#52269 08/01/0511:55 PM08/01/0511:55 PM
Thanks, Leyna for the abstract. Though it gives a starting point, I agree with Ushuaia. I'm just not sure that can be related to a marsupial...Hmmm...maybe someone else will come along with some more points of reference. Thank you both for your thoughts. Jen <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
Re: The Genetic Mutation of Curley Tail Gliders ?
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#52271 08/02/0512:21 AM08/02/0512:21 AM
Actually, if you look, most every mammal with a tail will display the trait of a curled tail, including, but not limited to: cats, dogs, horses, rats, and mice. As with other animals, there is a very strong chance that a genetic abnormality is the reason that a few gliders are displaying the curled tail trait. I personally have never owned a glider with a curled tail, so I can't speak from experience though. Also, unlike Ushuaia, my gliders rarely curl their tail, even when excited or mating. I think I've seen the behvior half a dozen times in the whole 4 years I've owned gliders. I know at least 3 of my gliders can curl their tails, but the others never have (that I've seen). There is a possibility that the ability to curl their tails is gentic as well, much like with people and the ability to curl their tounges...
Re: The Genetic Mutation of Curley Tail Gliders ?
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#52272 08/02/0509:01 PM08/02/0509:01 PM
The reason gliders curl their tails is to carry debris to the nest this is a very common behavior in the wild and is a behavior probably not dirrectly linked to short gene sequence.
Re: The Genetic Mutation of Curley Tail Gliders ?
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#52273 08/02/0510:49 PM08/02/0510:49 PM
My straight tail gliders will curl their tails at will or at a stimulus. For instance, if I play with Widget's normally straight tail, she will wrap it around my finger (so cute!) Once again, very interesting feedback everybody! Thanks!
Re: The Genetic Mutation of Curley Tail Gliders ?
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#52275 08/03/0507:29 AM08/03/0507:29 AM
I have one females who's tail is in a constant arch. If she is out and about the cage, it is up and over her head at any given time, I noticed it the day I brought her home and this has never changed about her.
Re: The Genetic Mutation of Curley Tail Gliders ?
[Re: lillysmomma]
#52277 08/03/0502:43 PM08/03/0502:43 PM
I have 2 males that have a constant curl in their tails. Neither of them are related, but both of their tails are curled up as tight as can be just like a little Pug dog's tail at all times. I've always heard it was a sign of excitability, which does seem to be the case with these two in particular...LOL. They're two very playful little guys.
lol, Well its not the case with Mini, she is never excited only sometimes for food. I think her tail is curl cuz in her past life she was a Chameleon she also moves just like one its very cute.
Re: The Genetic Mutation of Curley Tail Gliders ?
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#52279 08/03/0511:23 PM08/03/0511:23 PM
My little BEW Sesamie has a tightly curled tail that rolls up over her back. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/heartpump.gif" alt="" /> She certainly is not stressed or ill. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/roflmao.gif" alt="" /> So far, none of her babies seem to exhibit this trait.
Not yet Judie. I have been talking to Fantasia about her mommy's curl tail. She needs to have one just like her mommy does. Does her daddy tail curl over his back? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/roflmao.gif" alt="" />
Whisper holds his tail high and sort of over his back...but it does not coil like a "tight spring" like Sesamie's does. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/heartpump.gif" alt="" /> Of all my gliders... only Sesamie has such a tail. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/muchlove.gif" alt="" />
Judie, could you post a pic of your curly-tail? I'm curious if this is similar to double-jointedness in people (I have only one with an extreme tail). I have double-jointed thumbs, my older son, all his fingers and elbows.
Here's a pic of my Troi..my curly tail "extreme" girl...
Jen/Colin Commander Riker 12 16 02-10 04 12 you will be FOREVER missed Sinbad, Gabby, Baby, and Alley
Re: The Genetic Mutation of Curley Tail Gliders ?
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#52283 08/04/0501:56 AM08/04/0501:56 AM
Jen...that picture is so cute <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/offtopic.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/offtopic.gif" alt="" /> Troi blends in so well with your carpet, you could almost play "Wheres Troi"!!!