Hi i was wondering if this was true or not? Giving to many mealies to a pregnant glider could cause blindness in the joeys? I just heard this today from a glider owner that i met at an animal swap today. He said something about the meal worms being to fatty and it could cause blindness in the joeys. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/nixweiss.gif" alt="" /> I was wondering if this is true or not, has it happend to anyone before?

Not an expert here but I would think a glider would have to be eating ONLY mealies or way to many to have that effect... Someone will be along shortly with a more precise answer... I do know that if a glider eats to much food high in fat and is fat the excess fat can build up and cause blindness but I have never heard of this occuring to a joey.

I dont think so cause your are susposed to feed MORE mealies when your glider is pregnant more calcium.

that's what i thought also, but then this person tried to say differently, i guess i'll just stick with giving the same amount as before, thanks

I've heard about joeys having fatty deposits in their eyes, and I *believe* it was due to the mom having a diet too high in fat. But I could be totally off base. Hopefully with more insight will come along soon!

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I dont think so cause your are susposed to feed MORE mealies when your glider is pregnant more calcium.

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SugasGlidas, mealworms provide protein, not calcium. I just wanted to let you know. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />


Jen

If the mother is on a fatty diet then it is possible for the joeys to have fatty deposits in their eyes. I suppose if you really went overboard on mealies, this would cause that problem. However, if you feed them a healthy amount, it will be fine.

okay thanks everyone <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

[:"green"]If a mother is fed a diet too high in fat, it can cause fatty deposits to develop on the joey's eyes. I have never heard of this occuring because of feeding mealworms. Generally speaking, the culprit is nuts - which should only be given as a rare treat, if ever.
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/offtopic.gif" alt="" /> Also, feeding extra protein & calcium during lactation has always been recommended. However, recently I found out that you really need to increase the overall diet, not just the protein & calcium. Otherwise, it can throw the nutrient ratios off and cause other health concerns over time... This is especially important for females that breed almost constantly. For instance, too much protein in the diet can actually cause malabsorption of the calcium which will prevent the calcium from being absorbed into the bones where it is needed. It stays at elevated levels in the bloodstream instead. So... the long & short of this monologue is: Increase all portions of a lactating mother's diet, not just the calcium & protein.

Okay I'll do that, thanks <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />