I think I know what went terribly wrong, but I would like more input......

I had 2 gliders that I received from a pet store when the were OOP for about 6 months (that was a little over a year ago). The store told me they we not related, but had been together since they had been OOP. The little girl was named Laney. About 8 or 9 months ago she looked like she may have had something in her pouch- but then nothing. About 1 month ago I decided she for sure had a baby in her pouch. Over the weekend she passed away with 2 joeys that were to young to try to wean.

They seldom came out of the cage (more by their choice), because they never really bonded with people (I blame the petstore life- because I did and do try). They were happy with hand feeding- but not much else. I left town for 5 days. It appears that instead of being fed properly the person feeding them just left the seed mix (that I normally just use for snacks) and Saturday morning when I came home and found poor Laney the water bowl was bone dry. The joeys were still alive and she was slightly warm (but mostly cold)

Of course my first reaction is to blame (and shoot) the negligent pet sitter--but could 4 days of poor nutrition caused her death?? Coulld the lack of water for the nursing mama caused it?? Or is there something else I should consider? If they had been siblings could that have been a problem? Has anyone guessed on another cause (besides nutrition) that causes that unexpected paralsys that causes death??

They are in a room that does not get cold. There diet is pretty consistent of fruits/vegetables daily and meat w/2 or 3 meals (all dusted with sugar glider suplement). Also I add meal worms w/calcium once or twice a week. Litter was changed 1 or twice a week. Any comments, other questions I should consider or suggestions for me?????

ANOTHER THING. poor oscar is only so so okay. He is letting me hand feed him and he is eating alright, but he is staying in his pouch much more than normal. When he is out, I watch him very carefully and other than his ears being down, he is moving around okay. Could he be staying in the pouch so much because of lonliness?? If they have been together 1-1/2 years, should I get a younger or older female to bond with, or a male, or none at all.

I am furious that poor Laney may have passed away because of neglect and never want it to happen again so please provide any and all input. Thanks. Sadie

Follow Ups:

• Re: recent death--looking for more answers Bourbon 00:09:38 10/13/99 (0)
• Re: Dehydration... Lisa 19:23:12 10/12/99 (0)
• Re: recent death--looking for more answers tammyH 17:31:36 10/12/99 (2)
  • Re: recent death--looking for more answers Sadie 17:36:04 10/12/99 (1)
    • Re: recent death--looking for more answers TammyH 18:03:55 10/12/99 (0)