i was wondering if there is anyone here with 8+ year old gliders?

i can already tell there are a lot of posters here who have had gliders for around a year or less... but i'd like to hear from some veteran glider owners... diets, routines, etc...

to some extent, im just curious how many of you there are!

There unfortunately aren't very many.

http://www.sugarglider.com/glidergossip/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=17620

http://www.sugarglider.com/glidergossip/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=22527&whichpage=1



edited to fix links

I had a bunch early on in 97 but I had to let that crew go when I relocated in 2000 and I havent tracked anyone down to see how they lived. Knowing how most folks lose interest in them and/or dont keep them for long, I figure that they have all been rehomed or have died by now anyway. I returned home after a few years and got hold of a new bunch. I currently have 17 and my oldest is early 2002. All boys are neutered and all three colonies have personality and are busy at night.

The trick to longevity is common sense and caring and realizing that keeping gliders is a burden much like a marriage. You shouldnt go into it blind and you should never give up until you have exhausted every means to a solution.

We're getting there. Last November I adopted two brothers who were then five years old; so they're about six. I had owned my single glider for three years, and he had at least two owners before me; so he was at least five at the time, and is now at least six. To steal a phrase, they have lots of personality!

Their diet is 50/25/25, with extras like yogurt or V-8 Fusion at least three times a week. We have tent and bathroom playtime, not for hours every day like some do, but for as long as I can manage. Playtime is a lot more complicated (and fun) with three! I trim nails whenever I notice a snag, it's not scheduled. We'l1 be going to the vet for annual checkups at the end of November. What else?

I know that both Molly and Dot are at least six years old, and are very healthy girls. I think variety in their diet, and good regular preventative veterinary care is key--along with lots of love and play time!

i'm getting my first monday, and a companion for him within a month (i like the idea of them coming from the same breeder, who has a good reputation - but she only has one available now.. but a few are OOP now).

i've been going crazy on preparation. and, after being directed to a million threads, websites, etc... and reading it all... i am not sold on any of the diets. i don't want to hijack this thread with diet discussion, because i am sure you all sick of that discussion... but i'd really like to hear the preference from those of you who have been doing this for a long time, and have witnessed the diet manifest.

and of course, you are the ones who can tell me about the stuff thats not obvious... that you learn over time. the devil is in the details!

Unfortunately, you will not get a solid answer from anyone for the simple reason that these guys have not been domesticated long enough for conclusive research. I wish there were a better answer. My guess is that's why more haven't responded.