GliderCENTRAL

Advise please........

Posted By: Anonymous

Advise please........ - 10/01/04 04:04 AM

Hi!I am getting two sugar gliders this coming saturday so I went shopping for them tonight (lots of fun!!!)I have not been to a store that sales sugar glider stuff yet.(Probably because I just found out tonight where one is )so we went to Super-petz.I bought a big hampster cage with three levels and all the tunnels and an extra smaller cage and connected the two together.It was all $100 so I hope I did okay.Its a really neat setup and there is a wheel on the top of the smaller cage that literally turns it in circles as the wheel spins too.(Make sense?)Anyway,my question is what should I put on the bottom of the cages that is safe for them?I also need to know the best way to introduce them to their new cages (the lady is sending a small cage with them and a bonding pouch)should I connect the cage that they are used to,to their new cage?And the last question is whats the best way to go about getting them used to our family.(me,hubby and son.Who wont be allowed to touch them.Tooo young)I want the change to be as stress free as possible.Thanks so much for any advice and sorry so many questions.I just want to give them the best that life can offer. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/littleglider.gif" alt="" />
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Advise please........ - 10/01/04 04:18 AM

I am having a hard time picturing the cage in my head... so I can't offer any opinions on that one. Sorry. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Do keep in mind, though, that a generally accepted MINIMUM cage size for 1-2 gliders is 36"tall, 24" wide, and 18" deep -- or something equivalent.

As for the bedding in the bottom, you have several choices. I use Carefresh bedding, but aspen shavings, paper towels, fleece, or puppy pads are some other options. I feel it is important that the gliders cannot get to the bedding. They could possibly ingest some of it, find/eat old spoiled food, or come in contact with their feces or urine. I like to keep my grates 1 1/2-2 inches from the bedding.

When introducing my gliders to a new cage, I will take them (sleeping in their pouch) and simply place them in the new cage. I also like to have a yummy meal waiting for them. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> Then, when they wake up for the night, they have a surprise! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

To introduce them to you and your family -- take it nice and slow! Give them a couple of days to get used to their new surroundings. After all, new sights, sounds, and smells are a lot to take in! Place a T-shirt that you've slept or sweated in and place it on top of their cage so they can begin getting used to your scent. Sit near their cage and speak softly to them. Be SURE that you do not allow anything scary near them while they are adjusting -- scary meaning yelling toddlers, other pets, etc. Be sure you check out the Bonding links at the top of this page and read all you can on the subject.

Congratulations on your new babies and good luck! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wave.gif" alt="" />
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Advise please........ - 10/01/04 04:39 AM

Congratulations on your new babies. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I would recommend that you look thru the board on housing size and requirement. There are a lot of sites that show you different cages.. A good site that shows you how to build a really good cage and fairly cheap..http://www.gliderconnection.com/Buildcage.html. I built my own and it is about 6 feet tall with lots of toys for them <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
Good Luck
Posted By: Srlb

Re: Advise please........ - 10/01/04 05:14 AM

Im sorry, but I have to agree with Natalie. I am having a hard time understanding what type of cage you have. I hope it is not one of the plastic ones? A glider needs high wire cage to climb and jump and possibly if large enough glide. They are not like hamsters in any way other than the smallness of them. I am in hopes that you read this and bring us to a better understanding of your cage and what you are referring to.
Congrats on your babies. Please do read up in housing and diet and bonding and please feel free to ask questions.
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Advise please........ - 10/01/04 06:01 AM

I can't say I agree with your choice of housing. I know that most people cannot afford the cages specifically made for the suggies, but at the same time its not really fair to put them into hamster cages with tubes. The fact that its called a hamster cage is for a reason. I think maybe you should reconsider your cage choice. If anything look into bird cages. There are some great people here online that sell glider cages as well, you just need a little more money for that and a credit card, lol. But anyway. Most of the things outside of a cage are fairly simple to find. I personally do a lot of online purchases so I have products made for gliders. I also buy bird perches, toys, and feeding dishes. Water bottles can just be rodent water bottles and you can even use bird houses with larger openings as little sleeping places, just add some fleece. It's very important to give your glider all the right supplies and enrichment, so when you aren't around they have something to do and a place to feel safe and happy <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Hope that helped ya out some <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />
Posted By: sugarglidersuz

Re: Advise please........ - 10/01/04 11:16 AM

[:"green"]I do understand the type of cage you are talking about. Although it sounds like fun, it's not right for a sugar glider. I would return it to the pet store & look into getting a cockatiel/parakeet cage instead. You can probably find one for the same price range as you spent on the hamster cage & your gliders will be much happier <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />.

As for bonding with them, if you do put a t-shirt on the cage, make sure there are not any loose threads - gliders have been known to get appendages tangled in t-shirt threads & having to get amputations (my vet had to do this before for another client's glider). Get a good bonding pouch that zips or cinches closed. You can put the gliders in the pouch during the daytime & carry them around with you. It is important that you let your son bond with them, too, so that he doesn't get overly curious and/or jealous about them & take things into his own hands. It's better to allow him supervised visits with them, than it is to try to make him understand to keep away from them. One way or another, he WILL give them attention. You can control the type of attention if you supervise it <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />.

I have written posts about bonding before, so if you browse the Bonding forum, you should be able to find some very detailed information on how to do it (not just from me, either!)

Good luck!
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Advise please........ - 10/01/04 11:48 AM

welcome to GC and congratulations on your 2 babies <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/yelclap.gif" alt="" /> . you have gotten some good advice already!
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Advise please........ - 10/01/04 02:35 PM

Are you serious?!?!?! Oh NO!!!! I have added some pictures.
We can afford to get a sugar glider cage but I thought if we got a tall cage it wouldnt matter.Thats what I read somewhere anyway...I hope super petz will take it back!ARGH!!!!

Attached picture 284294-bigcage.jpg
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Advise please........ - 10/01/04 02:37 PM

More pictures...

Attached picture 284296-wheel.jpg
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Advice please........ - 10/01/04 02:42 PM

this one is smaller,it has a slide in it.I saw a picture similar to this on the internet that someone had for their gliders and thought it was cool.If its wrong though I will most definitely take it back.Oh, and please refrain from the sarcasim....I just didnt now.A newbie to sugar gliders here <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wave.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/nixweiss.gif" alt="" />!Hehe!Thanks everyone for your advice!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/littleglider.gif" alt="" />
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Advice please........ - 10/01/04 02:43 PM

OOOPS! Didnt work the first time.

Attached picture 284300-smallcage.jpg
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Advice please........ - 10/01/04 03:08 PM

Well, I got the cages boxed back up and the extra tunnels in the bags and ready to take back to super petz.Kind of aggravating to have got the wrong thing but better safe than sorry. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumb.gif" alt="" />I think I am going to try to find a glider cage and if I cant then I guess I am going to have to get a big parrot cage.Thanks everyone again for your advice.Didnt know this cage wouldnt work. ~kara~ <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/multi.gif" alt="" />
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Advice please........ - 10/01/04 03:54 PM

Thats ok . Just gliders need lots of room o jump and climp an play I sugget getting a TALL bird cage with medal spacing no more than a half inch a part. If you spent a 100 dollars on that than i am sure u can get one a pretty good size.
Posted By: CritterHill

Re: Advice please........ - 10/01/04 06:44 PM

Hey

I was talking to you on the other board. If you can't find a cage locally you might want to check out some of the cages on ebay, such as
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vie...93&rd=1

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vie...83&rd=1

Catherine
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Advice please........ - 10/01/04 06:45 PM

I hear that it is cheaper than that to make a 5' tall cage?
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Advice please........ - 10/02/04 04:22 AM

I returned the cages and I just bought some accessories and stuff.Went to walmart and got them some links(its the kind for babies and they are non-toxic)I also got some puppy pads for the bottom of their ?cage? and I have a fake non-toxic branch,a ladder,a food dish,water bottle and I believe thats about it for now.I wanted to get them some toys from wal-mart but wasnt sure what type was safe (any suggestions?) We had planned on making a cage for them but had a really hard time finding anything that could be used for the gliders and safe for joeys.Is the hard plastic mesh type at lowes okay?Its small enough that joeys couldnt fit through but I didnt know as far as it being safe or whatever.Anyone that has suggestions about this please let me know.I really need to do something soon!Super petz has nothing and I still havent made it out to WNC Aquariums to see if they have sugar glider stuff.Thats very important seeing how I have to buy sugar glider food and all.The lady I am getting the gliders from said she has not fed them anything else other than fresh fruits and veggies,mealworms and the leadbeater's recipe.Isnt there a vitamin supplement they have to have and several other things?Or should I continue with the same diet they are used to?I am planning on copying the recipes off of sugar-gliders.com and several other yummy in their tummies recipes so they wont go hungry or bored.I am really trying to do my best here and suggestions are always welcome.If anyone lives in the NC area (preferably in the western NC area) and you have accessories for sale please contact me.I am seriously considering buying from some of you guys sites though.I saw a hello kitty bonding pouch and about freaked! I WANT IT! LOL! Anyway,thanks for the advice about the small animal mansions.I should have been thinking about them needing lots of room to glide.I knew better!Shame,shame! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/nixweiss.gif" alt="" /> Anyway, tomorrows the big day and I am a bit nervous but mostly excited.The lady told me that the female was kind of crabby so I am afraid she will not like me <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worried2.gif" alt="" /> I will certainly be coming here for more advice. PS:Sorry about spelling advice wrong (advise???) and sarcasm. (sarcasim???) Sometimes you just got to slow down and ask yourself "What am I doing....what was I thinking????" Or was that just me???? Yeah!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/littleglider.gif" alt="" />
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Advice please........ - 10/02/04 04:32 AM

Oh yeah! I got them an exercise ball thingy too.Hehe! I heard that the gliders love them, so I had to get them one:)
Posted By: Dancing

Re: Advice please........ - 10/02/04 02:42 PM

Sugiesnkitties, sounds like you might have gotten off to a slightly misguided start but are doing GREAT now. I know how hard it is when you get your first glider. A bird cage with 1/2 inch spacing on the wires is great, about 2 foot by 2 foot by 3 foot is a good start. Bigger is better if you can. I was looking at the plastic mesh at Lowes myself but I am just not sure about it. Plastic (PVC) coated wire is best but I am having a devil of a time finding it in the spacing requirements I need. I hope you have better luck then I did. I'm sorry the hamster cage wasn't bigger, it did look like it would be fun. Toys are not as hard to find if you look. Try thrift stores for baby toys. I just bought a bunch of toys that would have cost me around $40 if I had bought them new and I only spent about $3. When you buy thrift store toys (garage sales are a good place to look too) make sure you clean them exceptionally well with bleach and rinse them well. Some suggestions are baby keys, rattles, "barnyard" type toys. I bought a barn that my babies love to play in. Suggies love bells just try to get the "liberty bell" shaped bells as they are safer. Metal toys should be either stainless steel or nickel plated. No zink.
Bonding issues are fairly simple to solve as long as you have patience. Bonding pouches are the best way to start. Also, a play tent (Jr. pup tent from Walmart is about $16-$20). Take your babies and a few toys (feather toys are great) and some licky treats (yogurt or baby food) into the tent. Zip the tent closed and let your babies loose. They might be timid at first but they are very curious and will come to check you out. Reward their curiosity with licky treats.
As for diet, It sounds like they are on a good diet already. I would leave them on the Bourbon's Modified Leadbeaters (BML) and rotate what fresh fruits and vegies they get to prevent food boredom.
One last note, NO ONE intended to be sarcatic with you nor did they mean to offend. You will quickly come to understand how protective we become over our little ones. Many of us have seen some down right crule things done to sugar gliders and it is almost an instinct to panic when someone describes unsuitable living conditions (even if that someone has good intentions). Please don't take it personally as we all understand being new to sugar gliders. I hope this has helped and if you have any further questions, this is a great place to go for answers. I haven't been with GC for all that long but even though I have had my suggies for over 5 years, I am still learning about them from folks here.
Congrats on your new babies and I hope we hear from you again.
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Advice please........ - 10/02/04 04:50 PM

For wire that would be appropriate for making a glider cage, try Home Depot (they have rolls of 1/2" x 1/2" PVC coated wire at some locations) or www.klubertanz.com <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumb.gif" alt="" />

Let us know if you need any advice on building the cage. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I agree that the diet the breeder has them on sounds like a good one. Most of the truly healthy glider diets are prepared at home, not bought in a bag. Dancing's suggestion is a good one, plus it's what your joeys will already be used to! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Advice please........ - 10/02/04 04:50 PM

WOW!!!Thats some great advice.Thanks alot!I guess I was being a little too paranoid about stuff because I am new to the "glider world" and want to do everything right.I really appreciated everyones advice.You all had really great ideas.I am going today to shop for their food and more toys.I can tell everyone on here loves their gliders and I cant believe anyone could be mean to such tiny little ones.Of course I dont understand why anyone can be mean to any babies,human or animal for that matter.Anyway,I have some great ideas now and I have my list and I am confident that I will do well as far as food goes.I am so glad that I found this website to get lots of support on my journey through the "sugar gliders world".Hehe! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/multi.gif" alt="" />THANKS EVERYONE <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/muchlove.gif" alt="" />
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Advice please........ - 10/02/04 06:44 PM

Hey no problem! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> That's what we're here for. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" />

We were all new once... and there's a lot to learn about these little guys!

Let us know if you have any more questions! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wave.gif" alt="" />
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Advice please........ - 10/02/04 08:23 PM

Yeh, you definately cannot use that for sugar gliders. That aren't the type of animal that likes to just crawlaround and go thru tubes...they like jump and climb and glide if they have room. Take it back for sure and get your money back...whoever that person online was that you saw with that kind of cage for their glider was definately giving a BAD example. Get a glider cage and you will have MUCH happier gliders. Hope everything works for you and your able to get all the right equiptment thats needed for glider ownership <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Advice please........ - 10/02/04 09:47 PM

I took it back yesterday.I am going today to either get a glider cage,big parrot cage with the 1/2" spacing or the stuff to make one.I already know the sizes for making one I just have to find a place that sales it.I am getting the gliders today and I am happy that they are coming with a temporary cage so it gives me a couple days if that much to find something if I dont have any luck today.
Posted By: queenduck

Re: Advice please........ - 10/02/04 11:32 PM

My SIL got a huge hamster cage for hers, she lives out of state as I would have stroked if I had seen it. So she is explaining it to me, and I was saying NO NO NO. She wouldn't believe me and thought it was the greatest thing for a glider. HUMMM. Well, I finally gave up arguing with her. Few months later she mentions to me that she got a big bird cage, coated wires and all. I asked her why, she wouldn't admit that I was right, but did say the hamster cage had served its purpose and now it was time for a new one. LOL I was right. Good luck to you.
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Advice please........ - 10/03/04 05:01 AM

I am not only new here but also know not to argue with the glider experts.I have been reading alot about them but when it comes to whats best for them I certainly am going with experience.All of you with gliders have it so who am I to argue.Besides it made alot of sense.They truly wouldnt have enough room to glide and have room for their toys too.I am so happy I found this place!
Posted By: Karin

Re: Advice please........ - 10/03/04 05:10 AM

Aww, don't worry <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />, they will have you wrapped around their lil fingers soon enough, meeting all their demands, and a slave you shall be! It's soooo worth it though <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/roflmao.gif" alt="" />.

Karin
Karin
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Advice please........ - 10/03/04 05:27 AM

Welcome to GC. We are very happy to have you. from the sounds of it you are going to be a GREAT glider owner. As far as toys go, you should look at many of the GC members sites. They all make great stuff!! Queenduck makes great sissy pouches...helps alot with the bonding process. I bought mine last night. If you ever need anything jsut ask we will all be here when you need us.

~jill
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Advice please........ - 10/03/04 09:51 PM

SugiesnKitties- I am in the process of building a cage for my new glider too (just got her not quiet two weeks ago, and she's in a cage that's homemade, by somebody else, but really cool. I just want to make a bigger version of it). I looked high and low before I finally found 1/2" X 1" PVC coated wire. I saw the 1/2" X 1/2" at Home Depot, but wanted a little less wire so I could see my baby! Just to illustrate how hard I looked, here's the list of places I went: Home Depot, Lowes, Cashway Lumber, Callahan's General Store, Tractor Supply, Georgetown Farm Supply, Berry's Hardware, Tomlinson's Pet Supply, another general store... plus a couple of online suppliers I called. I FINALLY found a 25 foot roll of it at American Fence Supply. THEN I had to look for a tray for the bottom of it (found it at the Container Store after only two stops!) and now I'm looking for "pig rings" to fasten the wire walls together. I have a bag of them, but they are galvanized metal, which isn't good for gliders, so I'm trying to find them in a better material. So you're not the only one looking for cage building supplies!
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Advice please........ - 10/03/04 09:57 PM

By the way, for the pig rings, I let my fingers do a little more of the walking, but it's hard to ask for stuff like that over the phone because a lot of ppl don't know what I'm asking for. So I end up feeling like I need to go there anyway and look for myself. So far I've checked Home Depot, Hobby Lobby, Zingers Hardware and Breed & Co. Hardware. Callahan's probably has it, but they aren't open on Sundays. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Advice please........ - 10/03/04 10:06 PM

Ok, I agree that gliders should have a huge cage, but in a pinch, I've found that two large finch cages connected with a small air duct tube (the metal kind. They are safe) provides tons of room. When I couldn't afford a big ol' cage, thats what I did. My glider then had two cages and a bendable tube to run through. Tho, yes, bigger is better. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Advice please........ - 10/04/04 03:40 AM

OMG! I just looked at the link in one of the above posts for the build-it-yourself cage, and they used plastic tie-wraps to attach the wire walls! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thinkerg.gif" alt="" /> Why didn't I think of that? I've been running all over town looking for those stupid J-clips/pig rings or whatever you call 'em! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tantrum.gif" alt="" />
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Advice please........ - 10/04/04 02:58 PM

LOL!!! I finally found a store that has a big cage and for a good price too.I think after I get the cage I am going to boycott the store though.I am so tempted to go and tip toe to the back of their store and see how they are housing their sugar gliders.But then I could get in trouble for that and well,the only person(s) that should be getting in trouble is the owners of the store.Honestly "PUT SOME SOX AND SHOES ON AND GET AN EDUCATION ON SUGAR GLIDERS!!!!"
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Advise please........ - 10/04/04 03:54 PM

Is this some sort of plastic cage? If so, it won't work very well for gliders. Coated wire is best, preferably 1/2"X1" grid--as much cage as you can afford, and higher is better than wider. My cages are 2X2X5. They have a pull out tray, and we just line that with newspaper (the gliders never come in contact with it, just the mess). HTH
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Advice please........ - 10/04/04 03:59 PM

Zip ties are the bomb!! We screwed around with j clips and j clip tools until we wore our knuckles out. Now, we just zip tie EVERYTHING, of course making sure things are safe for our gliders.
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Advise please........ - 10/04/04 04:05 PM

No,its the metal kind of bird cage.Its about 4 foot tall and if not 2 foot wide and 2 foot deep,close to it for sure.Its about 1/2" spacing.He had another kind too that was about 3'wide 3'deep and about 3'tall but I didnt think it was tall enough.He said he can get them taller for a good price so I dont know.I am supposed to call today and see what he come up with.I am just going to be patient until the perfect one comes along.
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Advise please........ - 10/06/04 04:38 AM

I saw a couple cages where the person that made them took a dremel to the edges where the wire had been cut and made them a little less sharp around the edges :o

(Just an idea)
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Advise please........ - 10/06/04 04:47 AM

</font><blockquote><font class="small">Quote:</font><hr />
My husband's "Dremel" tool is great for smoothing out the cut edges of the wire. Anybody want to buy a cage?


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

The cage I saw was at my breeder's house, and she said she bought it from a friend :o

Might be the same person (both the person who posted that and my breeder are located in Texas)...if it is, then that means I have spent way to much time around power tools to be able to recognize what exact tool was used just by looking at a final product <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />
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