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A warning on hand warmers
#1191745
11/14/11 12:38 PM
11/14/11 12:38 PM
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 4,182 Maine
IslandGliders
OP
Glider Addict
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OP
Glider Addict
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 4,182
Maine
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I just got off the phone with a very distraught glider owner in my area who lost two gliders this morning. She is a member here but is too upset to post and asked me to, so that others may be warned. She does not want this to happen to anyone else. She may eventually come to this thread and elaborate but she is understandably very upset.
She used handwarmers in her cages last night, just as we so often advise people to do: sewing them into a pouch, then putting that pouch into the gliders' sleeping pouch.
Well her gliders tore through the pouch and into the handwarmer, and this morning she found them on death's doorstep. She tried to get some water into them but they were so far gone that they passed almost immediately after she discovered them.
Her other cage did not tear into their handwarmer, and they are fine.
Now I for one will never again recommend handwarmers. They are filled with some pretty serious chemicals. Have you ever read the back of the pouch? It has some huge warnings on it. Why are we advocating putting these into our gliders' cages with only a layer of cloth between the glider and the poison?
Even gliders that have never chewed can become chewers overnight. Would you want to take that risk?
I am not blaming anyone. I myself have handwarmers in the house. I have never used them, but I bought a ton in case of an emergency. However they are all in the trash right now.
My heart just goes out to someone who got advice, thought she was doing a good thing for her babies, and unfortunately had to be the example of how horribly wrong this can go.
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Re: A warning on hand warmers
[Re: IslandGliders]
#1191746
11/14/11 12:46 PM
11/14/11 12:46 PM
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Joined: May 2011
Posts: 832 Richmond, VA
Dwiizie
Glider Guardian
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Glider Guardian
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 832
Richmond, VA
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This is very sad to hear. I have always been advised not to use handwarmers, though, I've seen others have them in emergency kits and things. I have also seen/heard of people using handwarmers in the bonding pouch if they're going to be outside in cold weather, but I was advised against this as well. I had never heard of putting them in the cage for unsupervised use. Thanks for the warning, I hope it can save gliders from the same fate in the future. My heart goes out to the glider owner.
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Re: A warning on hand warmers
[Re: IslandGliders]
#1191749
11/14/11 12:56 PM
11/14/11 12:56 PM
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Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 403 Delaware, USA
culookn
Glider Lover
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Glider Lover
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 403
Delaware, USA
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First off I am so sorry for your friends loss. How horrible. However, we may all need to use this as a learning expierence with any animal.
As far as I know, handwarmers are to be used as a temporary heat source to assist us to bring up the gliders body tempature of a sick/injured glider, to which they should be in a hosptial cage.
They (handwarmers) are never to be left alone with the glider and diffently never sewn into their pouch, in case for this very reason, of poss getting chewed on.
In the only instance I can think of this should occur is in a hospital cage only, and the handwarmer is placed between several pieces of fleece, both top & bottom & sides. And the sick/injured glider, continually checked on.
If I'm incorrect in this, PLEASE someone correct me so I too can learn.
Again, I'm sorry for your friends loss and thank you for being there for your friend.
~~Anita~~ Wife to Sam (retired) & Vietnam Vet :flag: Mommy to Brandi(spca),Scarlet(F), Brie Re(F) :dog: Chipper(M), Dale(F), Sassy(F), Rosie(F), :L: Sushi(F), :CR: Shiitake(F), Almond(F), Dominio(M) :cat: missing Katie(spca) :dog: & Sugar (F) Glide free Sugar
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Re: A warning on hand warmers
[Re: IslandGliders]
#1191766
11/14/11 01:52 PM
11/14/11 01:52 PM
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 163 South Carolina
stefaniey86
Glider Explorer
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Glider Explorer
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 163
South Carolina
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Honestly to keep any temporary heat source for my gliders (if they need it) i use a cotton sock filled with raw white rice and throw it in the microwave for 5 minutes and it stays warm for hours. When i had 2 rejected Joey's that's what i used because my fiance was at work and i couldn't get a heat pad for them. (they survived and stay VERY warm)
Its safe and if they chew it its just rice.
Now if you don't have electricity then this would be a problem lol
Last edited by stefaniey86; 11/14/11 01:53 PM.
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Re: A warning on hand warmers
[Re: IslandGliders]
#1191811
11/14/11 04:04 PM
11/14/11 04:04 PM
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hdgliderslave
Unregistered
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hdgliderslave
Unregistered
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I keep the hand warmers here for winter power outages and for warming a glider when I would be constantly monitoring. I would never just leave on in a cage without being monitored. It was the same with my hedgehog.
Im sorry for your friends loss. I cant imagine it. May they glide free.
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Re: A warning on hand warmers
[Re: IslandGliders]
#1191812
11/14/11 04:05 PM
11/14/11 04:05 PM
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 5,830 USA
SugarBlossoms
Serious Glideritis
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Serious Glideritis
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 5,830
USA
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They also cannot be used on airplanes as the air pressure can cause them to release the gas and kill small animals and if they burst, they can kill all animals in the cargo area. I was told this by Delta and sure enough, when I looked it up, it's true I'm so sorry this has happened. It's not her fault, many have used them to help keep gliders warm in the past with no problems. God Speed little angels.
Keeper of Handprints on my Heart, You left your Footprints on my soul. My precious loves that left to quickly, Peanut, Katie Isabella, Kiwi, Bonnie and Monroe.
Spread your wings and glide free of pain, Until the day I see you again.
God speed my precious angels. I love you. Mama.
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Re: A warning on hand warmers
[Re: IslandGliders]
#1191817
11/14/11 04:17 PM
11/14/11 04:17 PM
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,280 Ohio
LiveInTheMoment
Glider Slave
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Glider Slave
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,280
Ohio
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Oh that is horrible . I personally never thought that was a good idea, but assumed you all knew something I didn't .
Erika (AKA ProudParent) & my kids: Suggie Rocky Killara Willoughby
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Re: A warning on hand warmers
[Re: stefaniey86]
#1191827
11/14/11 04:30 PM
11/14/11 04:30 PM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 7,748 New Jersey
JillMarie
Serious Glideritis
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Serious Glideritis
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 7,748
New Jersey
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Honestly to keep any temporary heat source for my gliders (if they need it) i use a cotton sock filled with raw white rice and throw it in the microwave for 5 minutes and it stays warm for hours. When i had 2 rejected Joey's that's what i used because my fiance was at work and i couldn't get a heat pad for them. (they survived and stay VERY warm)
Its safe and if they chew it its just rice.
Now if you don't have electricity then this would be a problem lol Honestly, I would be nervous with the raw rice as well. Is it true that birds die from eating raw rice, or is that a myth? If true, I wouldnt want my gliders to eat it either.
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Re: A warning on hand warmers
[Re: IslandGliders]
#1191905
11/14/11 06:43 PM
11/14/11 06:43 PM
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,979 Wisconsin
Feather
Administrator
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Administrator
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,979
Wisconsin
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I did a bit of snooping and found this article on how reuseable hand warmers work. How do reuseable hand warmers work. Here is a site for reuseable hand warmers, they are said to be safe and non toxic. HotSnapz They are pricey but I am going to look into them further as I live in Wisconsin and a power outage could be dangerous in the winter. I also have a generator and Avitec heat panels for my parrot cages, they would just have to share with the gliders. The panels are big enough that they can cover two cages and the parrots would have a warm place to sit.
Kimberley Feathers-Sweetie, Mister Peanut & Big Mack Fur-Guinan, Mr. Spock, T'Mir, Cho, Toothless, Maverick & Maharet T'Pol, Elizabeth & Curzon TY, TJ, Light Fury, Madison & T'Pring Forever in my heart, Gizmo, Tucker, Khayman and the rest of my babies over the
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Re: A warning on hand warmers
[Re: IslandGliders]
#1191932
11/14/11 08:13 PM
11/14/11 08:13 PM
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Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 4,108 Phoenix AZ
chattrbabe
Glider Addict
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Glider Addict
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 4,108
Phoenix AZ
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I have those hand warmers on hand, but I have and will only ever use them in emergencies, like if the power goes out. I would never leave my gliders unsupervised with them - sick or not. On other days, if I need something, I have premade rice warmers that I just toss in the microwave and off we go.
Ash
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Re: A warning on hand warmers
[Re: IslandGliders]
#1191955
11/14/11 09:18 PM
11/14/11 09:18 PM
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,511 Texas
Jackie_Chans_Mom
Glider Addict
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Glider Addict
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,511
Texas
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I keep hand warmers on hand for emergencies. But, I will agree, I have never seen anyone recommend leaving them in the cage unsupervised. I can't imagine how terrible this owner must be feeling.
Gliders do not need any additional heat source other than each other for typical indoor temperatures. They just do not. A few extra fleece blankies in a nice double layer cage pouch is sufficient for 2 or more gliders in the winter, even if the room they are in gets down into the 50s.
The only exception to this rule is for sick or injured gliders who are so ill that they are not regulating their body temperature. If not traveling, I prefer to use a Snuggle Safe for those gliders.
This is terribly heartbreaking. We can all use this situation as a learning experience.
Last edited by Jackie_Chans_Mom; 11/14/11 09:18 PM.
~~ Val B ~~ 806-803-0318 Daily giving the abused, unloved, unwanted and neglected SOMETHING TO BELIEVE IN PLEASE COMPLETE YOUR SUGAR GROUP SURVEYS!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Re: A warning on hand warmers
[Re: JillMarie]
#1192017
11/14/11 11:08 PM
11/14/11 11:08 PM
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 2,342 Inman, SC
Johannasgliders
Glider Slave
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Glider Slave
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 2,342
Inman, SC
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Honestly to keep any temporary heat source for my gliders (if they need it) i use a cotton sock filled with raw white rice and throw it in the microwave for 5 minutes and it stays warm for hours. When i had 2 rejected Joey's that's what i used because my fiance was at work and i couldn't get a heat pad for them. (they survived and stay VERY warm)
Its safe and if they chew it its just rice.
Now if you don't have electricity then this would be a problem lol Honestly, I would be nervous with the raw rice as well. Is it true that birds die from eating raw rice, or is that a myth? If true, I wouldnt want my gliders to eat it either. Snopes.com (link below) says that rice killing birds is False. Snopes Rumor has it I usually double pouch, give blankies and their body heat is enough. I've never needed to add anything more. I am so sorry this has happened.
"While I Breath, I Hope."
Johanna Johanna's Gliders and Rescue Gliders and Designs by Johanna
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Re: A warning on hand warmers
[Re: IslandGliders]
#1192288
11/15/11 06:46 PM
11/15/11 06:46 PM
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Joined: May 2009
Posts: 12,099 Vulcan, MO
Meg_n_Von
Glideritis Anonymous
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Glideritis Anonymous
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 12,099
Vulcan, MO
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That's so unbelievably horrible! I knew a story like this would pop up sooner or later...
Megan & LaVaughn Sugar Exotics Kira Sadie - Neal Pip - Violet Logan - Charli - Tyler - Seamus Chloe - Cas Boone RIP David Your life was short lived, but your memory will last forever.
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Re: A warning on hand warmers
[Re: Johannasgliders]
#1192543
11/16/11 10:54 AM
11/16/11 10:54 AM
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,516 North Dakota
kjgoulet
Glider Slave
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Glider Slave
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,516
North Dakota
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Honestly to keep any temporary heat source for my gliders (if they need it) i use a cotton sock filled with raw white rice and throw it in the microwave for 5 minutes and it stays warm for hours. When i had 2 rejected Joey's that's what i used because my fiance was at work and i couldn't get a heat pad for them. (they survived and stay VERY warm)
Its safe and if they chew it its just rice.
Now if you don't have electricity then this would be a problem lol Honestly, I would be nervous with the raw rice as well. Is it true that birds die from eating raw rice, or is that a myth? If true, I wouldnt want my gliders to eat it either. Snopes.com (link below) says that rice killing birds is False. Snopes Rumor has it I usually double pouch, give blankies and their body heat is enough. I've never needed to add anything more. I am so sorry this has happened. Any other thoughts on this?? It seems interesting and like a good alternative should it be needed..
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Re: A warning on hand warmers
[Re: IslandGliders]
#1192564
11/16/11 12:16 PM
11/16/11 12:16 PM
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 13,748 Vincennes, IN, USA
suggiemom1980
Glideritis Anonymous
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Glideritis Anonymous
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 13,748
Vincennes, IN, USA
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I'm so sorry this happened to your babies and you! It's heartbreaking. The only way I could think of to safely use hand warmers is with glass loaf pans. Put the hand warmer in the end of one and the other glass loaf pan on top. Being glass, it will be heavy enough to hold the hand warmer down, and the gliders won't be able to get to it. You may have to fill the top pan with fleece so it doesn't get too hot. I think you could use any two glass baking dishes like for pies or cakes, as long as they fit tightly together. Do hand warmers give off any kind of fumes? If so, that might be a concern in using glass baking dishes. I'm going to try this on the back porch and see if anything happens to the pans or if I can smell anything. I'll report back when my experiment is done.
Connie 812-890-9734, 24/7 Emergencies/Joey issues SmallWorldSuggies"The greater the challenge, the sweeter the reward" "Glide free Silly "Ozball" Ozzie. You left us 11/21/12..way too soon. You're forever loved, remembered, missed."
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Re: A warning on hand warmers
[Re: IslandGliders]
#1192568
11/16/11 12:24 PM
11/16/11 12:24 PM
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,092 Mishicot, WI, USA
Incerta
Glider Guardian
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Glider Guardian
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,092
Mishicot, WI, USA
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I used reusable hand warmers with the baby mouse, but I didn't give him a chance to get near them. I put them under his aquarium and him in his pouch on top of the spot. Glass helps conduct the heat, too, so it kept him warmer longer I've heard that the rice killing birds thing is a myth, too. It does expand a tiny bit in their stomachs, but the worst that could do is make them full faster.
~Jess Hart
(630) 338-9190
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Re: A warning on hand warmers
[Re: IslandGliders]
#1192592
11/16/11 01:32 PM
11/16/11 01:32 PM
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Joined: May 2011
Posts: 832 Richmond, VA
Dwiizie
Glider Guardian
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Glider Guardian
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 832
Richmond, VA
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To speak about the rice, I am not sure about whether its a myth or not BUT I do know that rice absorbs moisture, if a glider ate a few beads of dry rice, and it used the glider's stomach moisture to fluff the rice before the glider could break it down.... I'd imagine digestion problems at the least, even if it doesn't make them "explode" as the bird thing would imply. They wouldn't be swallowing a grain whole though would they? Is rice a choking hazzard, even without the bird myth stuff? I DO know a rice heatpack like the one described is AWESOME for people. I fill a tube sock with rice and microwave it, and wrap it around the base of my neck, kind of like an airplane pillow. Soooo soothing. For people use only, you can throw some lavender and other good smellies in there for some aroma therapy while you relax. Yeeeessss
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Re: A warning on hand warmers
[Re: IslandGliders]
#1192603
11/16/11 02:31 PM
11/16/11 02:31 PM
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Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 436 Lower Mid-Michigan
bjve
Glider Lover
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Glider Lover
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 436
Lower Mid-Michigan
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Yes...the birds and rice thing is definitely a myth. I don't really worry about my gliders swallowing a seed/ride. I guess I figure that in the wild they know how to go after food and get rid of seeds, and not choke.
Bobbie Mom to 2 humans, 1 dog, 2 horses, & 12 sweet gliders Georgie, Poppy, Jasmine & Aymee Lily, Libby, Lils & Levi Luna & Zeke Sheldon & Biebers and the TRIPLETS (Yoda, Pinot, & Grigio) www.HighGlassGliders.com
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Re: A warning on hand warmers
[Re: Dwiizie]
#1192613
11/16/11 03:05 PM
11/16/11 03:05 PM
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 2,342 Inman, SC
Johannasgliders
Glider Slave
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Glider Slave
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 2,342
Inman, SC
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To speak about the rice, I am not sure about whether its a myth or not BUT I do know that rice absorbs moisture, if a glider ate a few beads of dry rice, and it used the glider's stomach moisture to fluff the rice before the glider could break it down.... I'd imagine digestion problems at the least, even if it doesn't make them "explode" as the bird thing would imply. They wouldn't be swallowing a grain whole though would they? Is rice a choking hazzard, even without the bird myth stuff?
Food is broken down by secreted enzymes that take place in the digestive tract. Rice couldn't absorb the enzymes. The enzymes would be breaking down the rice. I always use Snopes.com to verify Facts, Rumors, Myths and even missing children emails. So far it hasn't let me down.
"While I Breath, I Hope."
Johanna Johanna's Gliders and Rescue Gliders and Designs by Johanna
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Re: A warning on hand warmers
[Re: IslandGliders]
#1194112
11/20/11 07:02 PM
11/20/11 07:02 PM
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Crystalg820
Unregistered
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Crystalg820
Unregistered
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I'm sorry for your friends loss. I have had to use the handwarmers occasionally, I bought a bag that zips, it is actually for putting shoes in for travel. I put the handwarmer inside zip it and then put their fleece on top of it, always supervised though. Had a few cold nights in the fall when we were camping. The shoe bag (actually it is a pouch that holds the actual shoe bags) is pretty durable and has worked. It was an emergency thing and the safest option for where we were, got it at walmart in the travel section. But now need to rethink using them.
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Re: A warning on hand warmers
[Re: IslandGliders]
#1196140
11/25/11 11:02 AM
11/25/11 11:02 AM
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Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 213 Oklahoma
mae
Glider Explorer
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Glider Explorer
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 213
Oklahoma
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I too keep the handwarmers on hand for just in case situations, but my thought is this. I have a small birdcage i use for travel purposes. If i had to leave the gliders unattended even for a few minutes and they needed the extra warmth, i can put them in the removable tray under the cage and put their pouch lower. The grate at the bottom of the cage would prevent them from being able to get to the handwarmers if you added a layer of cardboard over the grate so they cant possibly reach down and grab the warmer. Add a cage cover and it should keep it nice and warm. Please feel free to correct anything in my theory that wouldnt work.. rather be safe than sorry.
Zoey Ali willow Wann :dog: Duke & Cain :kitty: Callico J Cat & Boo & Uno Roman A quiet man is a thinking man, a quiet woman is hatching a plan!
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