GliderCENTRAL

How does this look?

Posted By: Anonymous

How does this look? - 02/23/15 01:19 AM

Hello everyone! I'm finally getting a pair of female joeys this saturday. I'm very excited about it. I have the cage completely set up, and was hoping I could get some reassurance that this stuff looks good...

First, the cage. It's a Madagascar 24x24x60 cage with a 15 peice fleece cage set, and one H-Wheel to start with...


Second is a homemade Glider Kitchen... I liked the ideas using upside down tupperware, but wanted something that looks a bit "cleaner". I sanded all the rough cut areas, and the bolt and washer on the inside are made of nylon instead of steel, just to be safe. The cutout lines up with the little door at the top of the cage. The springs keep it snug and tight(which is easy to take off and put on) so there are no gaps the gliders could get into.


Finally, this is my first attempt at making the BML diet. It isn't completely frozen yet, but I wanted to make sure it at least looks right...
Posted By: Dalton63841

Re: How does this look? - 02/23/15 01:22 AM

Crap I wasn't logged in! This is my post.

Where I said, "The cutout lines up with the little door at the top of the cage. The springs keep it snug and tight(which is easy to take off and put on) so there are no gaps the gliders could get into." I MEANT that the door is easy to remove and put back on, so I can put the door in place while I clean the glider kitchen.

Also, I don't know if it looks any different, but the BML I made is "Judie's version" from here: http://www.exoticsugargliders.net/BLM_Recipe.html
Posted By: Ladymagyver

Re: How does this look? - 02/23/15 02:03 AM

I use this recipe because the original calls for baby juice with yogurt. I couldnt find it. Everything else is the same, and my gliders go for it just like the original.

By the way :welcomegc:
Posted By: Dalton63841

Re: How does this look? - 02/23/15 02:06 AM

Thanks! I've been registered here for a month or so, but without actually having gliders I haven't had a lot to say. I've been doing lots of reading and learning though.

So my BML up there looks right?
Posted By: Ladymagyver

Re: How does this look? - 02/23/15 02:07 AM

And yes, it looks perfect! I will say that I taste mine every time I make it to make sure I didn't leave anything out. And make sure it's right. When they eat it, you will notice sawdust looking stuff on the top the next morning which is normal. They kinda spit out part of it, but they are getting out of it what they need.
Posted By: Terry

Re: How does this look? - 02/23/15 02:07 AM

I'm not familiar with BML to know how it should look, but if you followed institutions it should be fine.

The cage looks awesome! I had the Madagscar cage, it's a nice one.

Congratulations on getting your girls, it's so exciting!
Posted By: CandyOtte

Re: How does this look? - 02/23/15 02:08 AM

Your cage looks great.

The BML should be fine as long as you followed the recipe exactly.

I am a little concerned about the glider kitchen being attached to the outside of the cage. If the weight of the gliders and the food tip the kitchen outward there might be a pinch point between the cage bars and the plastic kitchen that could injure a glider's hand if caught in between.

The springs may stretch and not hold as tightly after some time in use.

There is also a possibility that gliders jumping around in the kitchen might cause it to slide down slightly - potentially allowing your gliders to escape through a space above the kitchen and the top of the small door.
Posted By: Dalton63841

Re: How does this look? - 02/23/15 02:10 AM

I wasn't originally going to go with BML, but the breeder I'm getting them from feeds it, and I figure it's probably best to continue with that. Plus it's kinda cool that I can get everything locally.
Posted By: Dalton63841

Re: How does this look? - 02/23/15 02:13 AM

Hmm... that's a good point. The springs actually hold really tight and it doesn't move at all. Still, I'll probably come up with a more secure way to mount it, if not just put it inside.
Posted By: Ladymagyver

Re: How does this look? - 02/23/15 02:26 AM

Ok I see everything now. My tablet is running slow... Wow I like your feeding station, not sure how safe it is, be sure it's sturdy and won't fall off when they jump around. The toys are cute! Cage set nice color, my only other concern might be the wheel. Can't see clearly, just make sure there is adequate space all around the wheel as gliders will hitch rides or run on the outside. My wheel is only 7 inches off the bottom, and the sides are about 3 -4 inches from any wall, the closest thing is a floppy hammock, about 2 inches at outer corner of the wheel.

I have considered a kitchen, and your idea has inspired me... I have several small doors... hummm Thanks for sharing pics!
Posted By: Ladymagyver

Re: How does this look? - 02/23/15 02:35 AM

What about a collar or something made out of pvc to match the two together? I was thinking the rings like my old habitrail had to put the tubes together. That would have been back in 1972... a bit wider, but it might take care of many matching up issues. I would have to go to lumberyard to see what is available. Hubby says my imagination is way out there sometimes!
Posted By: Ladymagyver

Re: How does this look? - 02/23/15 02:43 AM

I feed BML because the breeder recommended and also we travel with our work, so I want to be able to find everything, and not have it mailed to us at an RV park. Sometimes we are in one place only a day or two, sometimes 6 months. We are currently in KC, KS. For another 4 months.
Posted By: Terry

Re: How does this look? - 02/23/15 02:57 AM

I personally grew to strongly dislike using glider diners. I like the idea over a cover to help keep food from getting contaminated, but couldn't stand the floors of them. I ended up using the plastic barns (like the igloos) for my girls, who shared nicely with each other. When I added a third glider, I decided not to use them anymore.

Dalton, you might want to get some more toys though. Maybe start with a ball pit or toy bin. Also, you can get straws, the crazy straws at the dollar stores are cool to hang around and let them pull them into the cage. Regular drinking straws are fine to play with as well. If you check the party favors at Dollar Tree, they may have some plastic 'ball in cup' toys. Cut the strings off and you can stick them right into those shelves, put treats or some of their fruit or veggies in for foraging.
Posted By: Dalton63841

Re: How does this look? - 02/23/15 02:58 AM

I just looked to make sure. There is a lip on the top of the glider kitchen that overhangs onto the top of the cage perfectly, so if I just come up with something to support the underside, it'll be just about perfect. There isn't any side to side movement.

How about if I mount a couple "L" brackets to the cage for it to sit on as a support?

I like your collar idea though. I'll have to do some looking around this week. I'm going to pick up the babies this Saturday.
Posted By: Ladymagyver

Re: How does this look? - 02/23/15 03:23 AM

I am excited for you! Terry is right a few enrichment toys will go a long way to keep them entertained while they learn their new environment.

Have you got blankies with your scent on them to change out every day?
I'm sure you have read till your eyes are cross getting ready for them, but keep in mind they will need a couple days to not be terrified of you.

Fiona to this day seeks out both me and my husbands scent when one of us is absent from their awake time.

Please take pics of your babies soon as possible and share with us, and if you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to ask under the appropriate topic.

:gluck:
Posted By: Dalton63841

Re: How does this look? - 02/23/15 04:05 AM

Oh yea we are definitely getting toys to put in there! I love the idea of a ball pit.I read something about hiding treats inside the ball pit too. I will definitely grab up some silly straws. We are looking at all kinds of toys to get this week.

The Cage set we got came with several extra squares of the fleece. I was thinking we could carry those with us for a bit and put them in their pouches.

I will definitely get some pictures!
Posted By: deenamarie

Re: How does this look? - 02/27/15 10:33 PM

I have a ball pit with all kinds of stuff in it they love it.. sometimes they will sleep in there.
I went and bought some fleece from Joanna's and cut some myself and a big one for over the cage when I first got my girls.
I get a lot of floor toys from 99cent store.. just went today for some more. my girls also like the tops of prescription bottles. Don't forget the monkeys in a barrel.
Posted By: Terry

Re: How does this look? - 02/27/15 11:52 PM

So tomorrow is the "Big Day" for you!!! jump It's so exciting, but you may be starting to feel a little nervous (or not) lol. I just wanted to tell you that if you are feeling any anxiousness or nervousness, it's perfectly normal, it's okay not to feel that way too of course.

I'll never forget when I was waiting to pick up my first pair. They were older and with them came their cage, but I wasn't really sure what they had until I went to pick them up that day. I had met them prior and saw the cage, but she was cleaning it, so I wasn't sure what would be coming with them. It ended up just a wheel, a few balls, a very small pouch with a hole in it, and a food dish. I had already picked up a pet carrier to transport them in and went straight to Petsmart to pick up other essentials I knew of at the time, mostly a water bottle, although she had told me they drank from a bowl and didn't know how to use a water bottle. It turned out they did, but since they don't drink a lot of water, it didn't look like they were drinking from it. I had placed a bowl of water in their cage until I saw them use the water bottle. I would have loved to have had found a place like this and really prepared better and more ahead to picking them up. When I homed my Ollie, I was prepared, and had plenty of stuff for them, but he came with lots of his own stuff. And along with much I learned, one thing is, it's never enough, :rofl2: Yes, that's right, you'll be forever shopping, looking for, or making something for them.
Posted By: Ladymagyver

Re: How does this look? - 02/28/15 12:29 AM

Terry you are so right! We have 14 grandkids, and I love them all, but I find I look for stuff for my babies first! I think my 38 year old Daughter is jealous too!
Posted By: Terry

Re: How does this look? - 02/28/15 12:34 AM

:rofl2: I'm so glad I'm not the only one. I have 4 grandchildren, 3 are under 2 yrs old, and I find myself shopping for my sugar gliders. I have a dog too, I love them all to pieces, but those darn gliders crazy
Posted By: Dalton63841

Re: How does this look? - 02/28/15 05:12 AM

Right now it's still all just excitement!

I have my glider kitchen reinforced so it can't move at all. I made a ball pit and hanging foraging cups and a couple of reset toys. I am going to check out goodwill for some nice preschool floor toys during my drive tomorrow.

I have a month's worth of BML made and frozen. I have frozen fruits(cherries, blueberries, melon slices) and frozen mixed vegetables(corn, green beans, peas, carrots), yogurt drops, and dried fruits, and today I picked up some live mealworms. And of course I have bonding pouches and a travel cage for them.

(In other news, the initial buy in cost of glider ownership is MUCH steeper than most people realize!)
Posted By: Terry

Re: How does this look? - 02/28/15 04:35 PM

Such is the case with exotics usually. I had a Leopard Gecko and a Rankins Bearded Dragon. The little dragon's expenses were higher than the Leo's but between enclosures, substrates & furnishings, lighting fixtures, timers and bulbs and thermometers and thermostats. And of coarse, it was pretty much the same, I never had enough for them and was always looking for something better or more for them. I'm pretty much the same way with my gliders. Always looking for improvement for their environment even after the initial start up cost.
Posted By: Ladymagyver

Re: How does this look? - 02/28/15 07:22 PM

I got my cage and gliders first, then went on a spending spree. I have no idea wha I have in 4 cages, toys, a wheel, bonding tents, and the fleece to make pouches, vines, tunnels, blankies, 1/2" square plastic mesh., pet screen for bonding pouches, and so on...

it would be great if you could share total cost. It might help others when making the choice to adopt .
Posted By: Dalton63841

Re: How does this look? - 03/01/15 05:12 AM

I got my babies! I will post pictures soon. Right now they are taking turns eating and exploring their new home.

Jeez... Overall cost...

2 Joeys - $300(From what I've seen usually MUCH more for 2, but these girls are sisters and pet only)
Madagascar Cage - ~$200 after shipping costs
2x Cage Set - ~$100
Wheel - ~$60
2x Bonding Pouches - ~$25
3x DIY toys - ~$20
BML Ingredients - $25
Mixed Fruits - $10
Mixed Vegetables - $10
Mealworms - $5
Treats - $5
Travel Cage - $15
Water Bottle - $5
Gas Money to drive to a breeder - $30

I feel like I'm forgetting a few things, but even that is already over $800, and I feel like at the moment I only have the bare minimum.
Posted By: Ladymagyver

Re: How does this look? - 03/01/15 07:59 AM

Memories! Yep sounds about right!

Now that you have that initial expense out of the way, it's all down hill except for the splurges once in awhile for have to find/ get toys!

The most expensive part of the BML diet are the Rep Cal suppliments. I still have over a half a jar of each, and I bought them in September.

I have found a lot of toys at Goodwill or thrift stores. One of their favorite toys is a Noahs Arc I found boat only for $4. My husband has his eye on a pirate ship at Walmart for $49. He goes to the toy section every time I take him shopping, and he still checks it out to see if it's went on clearance. I keep telling him the babies don't need a working cannon or all the accessories. Lol!
I'm so glad your babies are home with you and now the fun begins!
Posted By: Dalton63841

Re: How does this look? - 03/01/15 08:41 PM



My old iPhone isn't taking the best pictures these days, but here they are. The one on the left is a WFB who I named Charlotte. The one on the right is a standard grey I named Sabrina.

Charlotte is the adventurous playful protective type, and Sabrina is a cuddly little sweetheart.
Posted By: Terry

Re: How does this look? - 03/01/15 08:54 PM

It's fun learning their different personalities isn't it?

They've both pretty little girls, enjoy!
Posted By: Ladymagyver

Re: How does this look? - 03/01/15 10:41 PM

Awwww. Too cute! Don't feel bad if the cuddle r bonds with you first.
Posted By: Dalton63841

Re: How does this look? - 03/01/15 11:05 PM

(Secretly, Charlotte is my personal favorite. I can see I will have to take my time working with her.)

One thing I noted as interesting... The breeder gave us the sleeping pouch they were in to put in their cage, as kind of a "security blanket" in their new unfamiliar home. As soon as I put it into the cage, they scurried out, explored, and then settled into one of our sleeping pouches, and have since ignored the one they slept in from the breeder.

I'm still leaving it in there though. I assume they are just making their rounds through the pouches but will still appreciate having their security blanket.
Posted By: Terry

Re: How does this look? - 03/01/15 11:44 PM

:lol:

My three have all been my favorite.
Posted By: darkmornings

Re: How does this look? - 03/02/15 10:27 AM

Originally Posted By: Dalton63841
(Secretly, Charlotte is my personal favorite. I can see I will have to take my time working with


They will take turns being the favorite. The one that needs you most, the one that did the sweetest thing, the one that did something so cute you will have to share. It will probably change weekly if not daily.

Im not sure it matters that they like the new pouch better but,could be the location. My glider likes the top right. If there is a sleeping possibility, thats where she will be.
Posted By: Terry

Re: How does this look? - 03/02/15 04:37 PM

Originally Posted By: darkmornings
Originally Posted By: Dalton63841
(Secretly, Charlotte is my personal favorite. I can see I will have to take my time working with


They will take turns being the favorite. The one that needs you most, the one that did the sweetest thing, the one that did something so cute you will have to share. It will probably change weekly if not daily.

Im not sure it matters that they like the new pouch better but,could be the location. My glider likes the top right. If there is a sleeping possibility, thats where she will be.


That's what I meant, lol, but I didn't say it as clearly as that. At different times, each of them have been my favorite: And you are so right, it does correspond with their need or sweetness factor.

Skadoosh has always been the sweetest, she was the most adventurous in the beginning, but now she's more laid back but sometimes more timid. I think she changed a little with the new arrangement and how it affected their out of cage play after the first move. I'm hoping she'll regain a bit more of her spirit and adventurous again, but I must say, I'm loving her sweet factor.

Lulu, well she was the real scary one, and the one I celebrated more with because of her accomplishments seemed bigger (although, I was still proud of Skadoosh). Lulu has developed and grown so much, but on occasions she still gets protective about her pouch when she doesn't want to be disturbed.

Ollie was my newest one and had my heart when I first read of him. He had lost his mate and was a loner. His mom had so much going on that she felt she couldn't take on a new glider and follow the protocols of quarantine and intros. She had told me she wasn't his first home and that he had been a rescue. I have no ideas how many homes this little guy had and he was only around 4 yrs old. I have had some struggles with him with food aggression, and sometime he guards a specific toy (usually floor toy), he is also a little nipper, but I have only had him a few months when we moved across country. We have had a few special visits since our move back, so hoping our relationship will bloom.
Posted By: Dalton63841

Re: How does this look? - 03/02/15 05:45 PM

You are both right! Sabrina is SO smart! Last night they were playing. Well, at least I thought they were playing...

When I watched closer, I noticed Charlotte was just having fun, but Sabrina... She was going around to every corner and door and then pushing against the cage with one paw. At one point she went into the glider kitchen, hopped up on the lid, and almost popped out the little window that's in the lid.

She was systematically checking over the entire cage looking for weak points! Needless to say for the moment the glider kitchen is removed.

And as for the pouch, I think they were just trying something different. Last night after they played a bit, they went back to that pouch, so I'm glad I left it in there.
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