Register Register New Posts Active Topics | Search Search | FAQ FAQ

GliderGossip GliderGossip
Sugar Gliders
How can I make them drink more water?
How can I make them drink more water?
Question
avatar
Jul 10 2008
12:05:34 AM
Our gliders don't seem to be drinking a lot of water. It is filtered water and is refilled often, but sometimes, they just don't want to touch it! I don't think that they get dehydrated at all, but I don't want this to happen. Every now and then they will drink a bunch, but then they go back to their "water-fast" lol. When we give them water and some applejuice they seem to like that more, but we don't give them that all the time. Any ideas? Do gliders just not drink too much?
Question
avatar
Jul 10 2008
12:08:23 AM
Jett Face Hugger GliderMap Gliderpedia Editor Visit Jett's Photo Album Jett's Journal Australia 681 Posts
Don't worry to much they will drink what they need. Gliders tend not to drink much water but do take plenty of moisture from there foods. You will notice they often chew up there food and spit a lot of it out so they do gain alot of what they need from there food. If they are not dehydrated then they will be getting what they need.
Default, miscellaneous
avatar
Jul 10 2008
12:15:41 AM
daisyg Joey GliderMap Visit daisyg's Photo Album AL, USA 17 Posts
You didn't mention if you were using a water bottle or a bowl for their water. I use a double feeding dish that hangs on the side of the cage. Mine will drink from that. I have used a water bottle in the past, but that didn't go over very well.
Default, miscellaneous
avatar
Jul 10 2008
09:14:30 AM
best_friendz2 Face Hugger Visit best_friendz2's Photo Album 841 Posts
If you are posative they arent drinking at all then mix water with apple juice. They like the apple juce but they still get the water they need.
Question
avatar
Jul 10 2008
10:54:18 AM
Munchies Mom Super Glider GliderMap Visit Munchies Mom's Photo Album USA 270 Posts
Hi...this is their mommie. We have been trying the apple juice lately, it seemed to make them drink a lot at first, but now they kind of seem over that treat. We do use a bottle, maybe we should try a bowl? They used to drink SO MUCH water (even the rescue we got them from said she'd never seen gliders who drink so much) and I guess maybe that's why it's disconcerting.....or it could be because we're both kind of over-protective parents
Default, miscellaneous
avatar
Jul 10 2008
10:58:34 AM
kyro298 Glider Sprinkles GliderMap Gliderpedia Editor Visit kyro298's Photo Album kyro298's Journal CO, USA 15262 Posts
Maybe they weren't getting hydrated enough at the breeder. You don't want to get them used to having the Apple Juice because then it will be harder to get them to drink plain water. If they are getting fresh fruits and veggies at night, they will get lots of their water that way, as Jett mentioned. If you're sure they aren't dehydrated, I don't know that I'd be too worried. Are you sure the water bottle is working correctly? If you do decide to try a dish, make sure it's very shallow and change it out every day or even 2x a day, unless it's dirty and needs to be changed more. I found mine occassionally used it as a potty!!
Question
avatar
Jul 10 2008
08:54:19 PM
THEHYLAND Zippy Glidershorts GliderMap Visit THEHYLAND's Photo Album FL, USA 4774 Posts
You could try to add some water to their main food at night. I amd not sure what you are feeding them. I use the BML, ice cube. I micro the cube for 8 sec and then add about 1 tsp of extra water and mix. They eat most if it up.
Food, Diet
avatar
Jul 11 2008
10:15:36 AM
Eric C Retired GliderMap Gliderpedia Editor Visit Eric C's Photo Album Eric C's Journal TX, USA 2321 Posts
I wouldn't give apple juice, or any juice for that matter, because I would be worried about dental issues, like teeth decay. There is a lot of sugar in fruit juice, and that sugar is what does the damage. Tooth decay can lead to all sorts of issues, such as an infection in the gums which could end up requiring surgery or worse, death.

In my opinion, plain water is the best and healthiest option. (And that goes for humans too!)
Question
avatar
Jul 12 2008
05:21:12 AM
Jett Face Hugger GliderMap Gliderpedia Editor Visit Jett's Photo Album Jett's Journal Australia 681 Posts
I'm so glad you posted this Eric. I agree whole heartedly with this statement. Gliders will not deliberatly dehydrate them selves if they have access to water unless they are sick already. Offering them apple juice is not a good alternative and even unsweetened apple juice is not something they need in there diet.
Default, miscellaneous
avatar
Jul 12 2008
06:26:09 AM
Rach Face Hugger GliderMap Visit Rach's Photo Album 626 Posts
Yes I also agree.
water is the best especially for rehydration adding anything changes the composition of water wich can mean it is not really hydrating them much at all.
It kinda like saying drinking coffee all the time keeps you rehydrated just because it has water in it, when in fact it is more likely to dehydrate you a little.

Also as eric said adding honey or juice isnt good for thier teeth.



Default, miscellaneous
avatar
Jul 12 2008
07:22:57 AM
Munchies Mom Super Glider GliderMap Visit Munchies Mom's Photo Album USA 270 Posts
Thank you all so much for your help. They seem perfectly happy and spry, so I guess I won't hold them down and force feed them water (jk). When I really think about it, I guess they do get a lot of water from their food, the bottle's just supplementary. And they do still seem to like to pee all over me, so there must be plenty of water in their little bodies!!
Default, miscellaneous
avatar
Jul 12 2008
11:51:06 AM
DuDex Joey GliderMap Canada 31 Posts
Mine do not drink much either. I have a small water bottle in the cage (they've never touched it only sniffed) and a bowl of water on the ground. I guess they are getting alot of juices from the fruits etc so I think they're okay but I will try mixing it with apple juice. Thanks for your help.
Question
avatar
Jul 13 2008
05:14:43 PM
best_friendz2 Face Hugger Visit best_friendz2's Photo Album 841 Posts
quote:
Originally posted by Eric Coleman

I wouldn't give apple juice, or any juice for that matter, because I would be worried about dental issues, like teeth decay. There is a lot of sugar in fruit juice, and that sugar is what does the damage. Tooth decay can lead to all sorts of issues, such as an infection in the gums which could end up requiring surgery or worse, death.

In my opinion, plain water is the best and healthiest option. (And that goes for humans too!)

The breeder told me about the apple juice, propobly bad info.
Default, miscellaneous
avatar
Jul 13 2008
10:59:36 PM
Roz Face Hugger GliderMap Visit Roz's Photo Album USA 902 Posts
I have two bird bowls that hang on the sides of the cage..size like you would have for a lovebird...and a water bottle...I also give them at night anice cube of gliderade..melted...some nights they drink over half the water bowls and all of the gliderade...once in awhile I will give them 100% apple juice mixed with water...
How can I make them drink more water?

GliderGossip GliderGossip
Sugar Gliders
How can I make them drink more water?