I'm really worried about Roxy. She's never crabbed at all since we got her a few months ago. But tonight she keeps running in her wheel and then she'll start crabbing and peek out and then start running again. I haven't taken them to work with me all week since I was sick and didn't want to be coughing all over them but I still have been playing with them at night. Is she just grumpy or getting sick? I'm getting a little worried!!

My babies get crabby randomly sometimes, I wouldn't worry too much, but keep a close eye out and make sure you check frequently and moniter any changes.

Has there been any loose stool, watery eyes or lethargy?

I haven't noticed anything different. No change in eating or drinking or going to the bathroom or anything. Maybe she is just grumpy

I will repeat here what I said in the chat room:
1. I wouldn't be taking my gliders to work if I were you. You could have easily picked up your cold AT work, which means they were exposed to it the same time you were. SHOULD they be sick, then they won't show signs until it's late in the game. Gliders hide illness VERY well, and can die quickly shortly after YOU realize there's something wrong.

2. For the above mentioned reasons, you should NOT be handling your gliders when you're sick. Period.

3. It could be 'that time of month' for her. You never know.

Kepp a VERY close eye on her, and don't play with her while you're sick.

I agree you shouldnt handle your gliders when you are sick. However, if its a cold you have - that is viral. Gliders arent going to catch a viral illness from us. Bacterial illnesses are totally different as they can catch anything bacterial from us.

Sometimes when we are sick, we have no choice but to handle and feed our gliders as there may not be anyone else to do it for us. Wash your hands before handling them or fixing their food. Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. Do the things you would do if your friends or family were with you.

I agree that it could be her time of month and she is being vocal about it. But as always....if you feel there is something wrong a vet visit might be in order.

Hope you get well soon!

Thanks so much guys!

Rita - Thanks for letting me know about the colds vs. bacterial. I was freaking out that they might die. I really love my girls and I don't ever want to put them at risk for anything. I've been trying not to touch them much but I'm just praying they don't get sick

Just adding my 2 cents here.

Rita is absolutely right, bacteria can pass from one species to another, but most viruses are species specific.

Unless you work in a petshop, bringing your gliders to work with you is a choice, and something I am sure many would love to do. So long as you are protecting them from the environment, there is no harm in bringing them along. It's no different than carrying them around our necks in a bonding pouch all day. However, with the threat of bacterial infections from other animals in a petshop environment, that would not be a good choice to make for your gliders.

I will say a prayer for your baby!