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Tiakristin3 Posted - Sep 04 2017 : 10:06:05 PM
Hi everyone!
I was encouraged to share this after reading a post from Cottonflower2 and concerns over possible dehydration. I think it's important for all of us to keep this in mind!
Since getting my first glider almost 2 years ago, I have always used water bottles in their cages. They're convenient, clean, and gliders take to them easily. I'm usually pretty careful about making sure they're full, not leaking, and cleaned/changed regularly. I also look for air bubbles inside the bottle when the gliders are drinking to make sure they're getting water. Recently, when my little one was drinking, I didn't see any bubbles. I was a little concerned and took a closer look. Then my glider started trying to lick the outside of the bottle, like she was trying to get water that way. I realized that the bottle was clogged and even when I squeezed it, not even a drop was coming out. While she didn't show any signs of dehydration, when I replaced the bottle with a small bowl she drank so much, as if she hadn't had water for days. It was quite the wake up call and made me realize how important it is to be extra vigilant. I've heard of other glider "parents" using 2 water bottles in a cage, for this very reason. There also are other water dispensers that aren't as likely to get clogged. Just wanted to share with you all in hopes that you never have a "clogging" issue!  |
| 6 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
kidqwik Posted - Apr 18 2018 : 08:54:58 AM
quote:
Originally posted by TJones09
There's usually no need to worry about drowning gliders in a water dish. That is unless you have an extremely oversized one for their needs and fill it so they can fit in and have their head under water. I'm sure this is never the case. However, you don't want it large enough for them to sit in even shallow water, because they could get chilled being wet, but I don't believe that's the case for most water dishes anyways.
The biggest issue with open water sources is contamination, but if you clean and fill daily/nightly, that should be okay. I just like to be sure water is clean obsessively, lol. I despise water bottles now since using a silo for the first time. My glider(s) use silos, but I did add a covered water dish as well, and they used that also.
The most important part is to make sure they have access to water when they want it, and it's kept clean.
Lol. I saw some people in one of the FB forums saying they'd drown in a tiny little water dish. I was like no. It's not like you're sticking a toilet bowl in the cage.. I was worried about contamination at first as well, but only like maybe once it twice have I ever saw poop in them. They drinks from it like dogs do at their water bowls and lap it up. I've seen 4 at the bowl at once which is good because their no competition for water drinking time. They also use it to clean their mouths when they eat their Happy Glider and fruits and veggies. |
TJones09 Posted - Apr 17 2018 : 08:00:26 PM
There's usually no need to worry about drowning gliders in a water dish. That is unless you have an extremely oversized one for their needs and fill it so they can fit in and have their head under water. I'm sure this is never the case. However, you don't want it large enough for them to sit in even shallow water, because they could get chilled being wet, but I don't believe that's the case for most water dishes anyways.
The biggest issue with open water sources is contamination, but if you clean and fill daily/nightly, that should be okay. I just like to be sure water is clean obsessively, lol. I despise water bottles now since using a silo for the first time. My glider(s) use silos, but I did add a covered water dish as well, and they used that also.
The most important part is to make sure they have access to water when they want it, and it's kept clean.
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kidqwik Posted - Apr 17 2018 : 05:14:43 PM
I use two little metal water bowls attached at different levels in each cage. I feel these are better than the bottles and the gliders prefer drinking out of these that the bottles or silos I've tried. The key is to keep them hydrated and this provides the best access to water. The bowls get cleaned every night with fresh water and no, the glider isn't going to drowned in them. :) |
Jessie_Luna Posted - Apr 16 2018 : 01:07:14 PM
The cage i bought for my gliders came with 8 dishes that hang on the sides for food water and anything else, i keep the food in the bottom 2 so that they dont get food all over the place because of how messy they are, but the rest i fill with water. Seems like overkill but i want to make sure they have enough water. |
TXWolf Posted - Sep 05 2017 : 03:25:07 PM
Great info, and helpful reminder!
I keep 2 water silos up high in the cage, a regular water bottle midway up the cage, and recently added a small shallow water dish at the bottom of the cage next to their food dish. It might be over-kill, but I didn't want to take any chances of the lil fuzzbutts not having access to water at any time. :-) |
TJones09 Posted - Sep 05 2017 : 02:54:19 PM
Thank you, this is a great reminder to watch water supply to our gliders very closely.
It is strongly suggested to keep 2 water bottles for your gliders for this reason (due to malfunction) as you stated.
I personally use a water silo, I just feel they're safer, and are much easier for me to manage filling, changing out and cleaning. I can clearly see the water level in the silo and check bowl, though there shouldn't ever be an issue with malfunction, I check anyway. |
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