Message:

Subject: 4 day rotation
Posted by Jane on February 18, 1999 at 08:11:25:

In Reply to: becca posted by Jo on February 17, 1999 at 23:13:35:

I dont fancy the idea of limiting the gliders diets by a four day rotation forcing the animals to eat things. I have for four years fed a variety of food per Ruth's diet each night. This has included feeding fruit, veg, and an ectra plus dry food at all times. My dry food has migrated from cat food to Brisky's and Mazuri omnivore. The variety dish includes leadbetters or glideraide or yogurt or baby food. This diet was suggested four years ago to me, I kept it basically the same and have had very healthy gliders on this diet. My females have never eaten babies or have I had any major problems with weight. I took information that I trusted that has been available since gliders came on the net and I have had wonderful experiences. I keep wondering about the confusion and where it comes from.
My pets have always managed to balance their protein levels gladly eating the 25-33% that I offer them. The occasional use of yogurt plus melaworms gives calcium. All living creatures provide calcium as it is required for nerves to work- hence living bug= calcium supply. all this negates teh need for clacium supplements. I have never in four years bought or used a supplement although I use glideraide and Chapparels zoological vitamins in the leadbetters. Of course these are just my observations. but in my opinion the correct diet is on the net and has been for 4.5 years.
: The rotational diet is a varitey of food but on certain nights they only get to choose from fruits, or vegs or protiens.

: but as diet go, you have to do the research and make the choice that is right for your glider and you. Since your gliders are as different as night and day. so will be their diets...

:
: HOpe this helps...

: JO

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: :
: : : Actually, a rotational diet that offers a 25/75 ratio is not as 'strict' as it seems. It does not 'force' the glider to eat certain things... but simply offers a balanced smorgasboard for them to choose from...
: : : If it is eventually decided that gliders need up to 33% protein as a requirement it will be nothing more than a simple adjustment in routine.
: : : Many animals (as well as humans) can 'tell' if there is a little something missing from their diet and compensate accordingly. There has been many mornings that I have found more of one thing, than another, eaten... the following week its a different item they seem to have 'chowed down' on...
: : : And so, I would have to say 'no' to the opportunity for deficiencies to develop... as 4 days is really not enough time... since the object is balance.

: : : Before I heard of any Glider Food, I did lots of reading/research (& pestering my vet) for fear of waking and finding one of my babies ill, due to a mistake I may have made...
: : : The rotational diet I use has been adequate for (myself &) my gliders for over 2 years, with no illness or deficiencies in that time... thank goodness!
: : : As anyone who uses rotational diets will attest, it takes a lil'bit more work preparing, planning and getting used to than the commercial diets now available, but once into a routine its actually fairly easy.

: : You sure its the rotational diet you are reffering to and not the "variety" diet??
: : A "smorgasborg of foods" to choose from is the variety diet, the rotational diet feeds only fruits or veggies for three nights and all protein on the fourth night. It "forces" the glider to eat certain types of food, that is the whole purpose of the rotation.
: : I am not sure this "starve and binge" cycle is such a good thing. Wouldn't this cause some stress? And I am not convinced teaming it up with Brisky's is a good idea either.

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