Message:

Subject: Re: Glider Toys and other stuff
Posted by ;; on September 02, 1998 at 13:09:00:

In Reply to: Re: Glider Toys and other stuff posted by Bourbon on July 01, 1998 at 00:53:24:

: Dina,

: As far as toys, there is so much out there others use, but you will find more by using your imagination, EVERY time I go into a store I look at different things from the eyes of my gliders. Tree branches for sure, keep somethings in mind while looking. Their claws are hooked and will grow so you want to try to avoid things their little toes can get caught in. Some have been known to get their toe nails caught and twist and break their legs trying to get out of it. They love to climb, jump, hide and swing. Also the little toy mice (without catnip) I have found cat toys also are pretty neat. A ping pong ball is light enough to pick up and throw around. I also use a ball that has a little flutter thing in it. My babies think it is a but fluttering. Sisle (sp) balls with feathers, the feathers don't last long. I have mine hung in the cage by a nylon strap. I also bought a plastic container that had lttle holes in it, they love to run in and out of it. Some people use the hampster bals when the glider is out of the cage. The "WODENT WHEEL" you can find it on the net. Is very popular as well. I put a straw on a branch they tried so very hard to get it off.

: As far as teens. It isn't just teens I have been trying to get through to. It is everyone that is thinking of getting a glider. I am really trying to help people with their decision, Pleading with everyone to research the gliders. So Many people get a glider and don't know the first thing about them. Many people see or hear about a glider that is bonded and think they are neat, but they don't look at the downsides. They don't take the time to read and learn about their new "FAD PET". I always thank those that research them before getting one. I never ask how old they are. You must admit though that teens have other things they need to take into consideration that adults don't. For instance gliders are nocturnal so they are up mainly at night. That is their play time. Lets take a typical 13 year old. They go to school all day and go to bed usually before 11:00. now if the glider gets up at 12:30 or 1:00am then there isn't much natural interaction there. During the summer they may be real busy doing what kids do. Many people who buy fad pets think that is what they want because it is neat or cute, but when the newness wears off they are left in the cage only to be fed and left alone. Of the 2 teens that recently wrote in, Cat was asking for the ups and downs, The posts that followed explained just that. She was doing her research she was wanting to find out all that she could. I really don't feel that anyone had talked down to her. Everyone was being very honest with her and no one asked her how old she was. The other was Craig who wanted someone here to convince his parents that he was responsible enough to own a glider. The posts that was sent to him explained the downsides of a teen owning a glider. There was a post I put out a while back about getting a 1st glider that was directed mainly to adults (my fault there) but it was mainly done to stress that research is very very important. The person Brenda that was referred to there, we don't know if she was a teen or not. The reply i posted that I recieved in my email was from an adult woman who wanted a glider but after researching thought it wouldn't be fair to the glider that she couldn't give it the time and attention they need or might demand. The bonding process alone is VERY trying for some owners. In no way was it ever intended by me or anyone else for that matter that teens would make bad owners. Some would make great owners. Ask yourself if you think a majority of teens would make good parents. I always say that gliders have the attention needs of a newborn infant but the personality of a teenager..

: I thank you also for researching before you get yours, It already show you want to be a responsible mom to your glider. Have fun and good luck with your new bundle of joy..

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