Hi all, I found what I think is a worm in the cage this AM when I was cleaning it out. Looks all twisted up, it was creamy-white colored, it was dried, not squishy so I couldn't unravel it to see how long it was... my guess maybe about an inch or two?? Thinner than a mealworm, a bit thinner than the thickness of pencil lead. I have a male and female, both are acting fine/normal. Thank you!!!

That's one of those moments!

It sounds too big (if 1-2 inches) to have been from the gliders themselves. They could have gotten a hold of something and that's what is left. Is it possible that when washing a drop tray or toys outside that it could have been brought into the cage accidentally?

Also, if you aren't totally sure that it was a worm, could it have been something that unraveled from a toy that they may have chewed on to make it unrecognizable? Certain ones may have a little piece of plastic or who knows what that you may haven't have seen, but they found.

???

Thank you! I will keep an eye on them and see if anything else "appears". If it is not a worm, I can't imagine what it could be...?!?!?! Thank you again!

Do you have anything attached to the cage with small zip ties? Your gliders may have chewed one off and dropped it into the cage pan.

Nope I don't think it is a twist-tie, here is a photo... sorry, I should have done this for my original post. It really looks like a worm to me... YUCK!

For peace of mind go get a fecal float and smear on your gliders

That doesn't look like any worm I've ever seen, even in cats and dogs. I know this sounds stupid but it almost looks like a twirled up wet noodle that dried up. I know tape worms get fairly large but usually break off in segments. But I totally agree with others to get a fecal test done to be on the safe side

is your male neutered? could this be the remains of a joey

It looks like a ramen noodle.

You said you did not try to untangle it?

Was it like rubbery like a rubber band?

You could also bring that with you to the vet when you take in the fecal samples and see what the vet says.

No my male is not neutered. How is that part of a joey? What part??

Yes it does look like a noodle - but much too small. The key is a normal sized house key, the picture is zoomed in, so the size is not as big as it appears on your computer screen. No I did not untangle it... It was dried out/hard when I found it yesterday.

No weird stuff in the cage this morning when I cleaned out the tray... No fragments or pieces, etc.

I have read that you should NOT use a dog or cat dewormer... is there anything that is suitable for sugar gliders? I don't intend to give them anything before consulting a vet... but I wanted to know if you all had any suggested natural treatments?

Thanks!

No, there is no "natural" treatment. A fecal and float would be best at this point ad I'd take the specimen with me.
Let know if you decide to take them, I'd love to know what that is.

Sooooo, apparently I can't read and also can't find the edit button I swear used to exist.
I'm sorry, I misread your post. You did not say anything about a natural treatment, I somehow created that and now sound like a big jerk.

No, I did ask about any other treatments - natural or otherwise. You're not a big jerk ! Thank you for your help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

just wondering if this is solved?!

Nope, not yet!

Have you taken them and that thing to the vet??? Fecals, floats and smears are in order do you have a vet?

Was this ever solved? I'm very curious as to what it was

quote:

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Originally posted by Minnesota Zoo

It looks like a ramen noodle.

You said you did not try to untangle it?

Was it like rubbery like a rubber band?

You could also bring that with you to the vet when you take in the fecal samples and see what the vet says.

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I agree with MinesotaZoo it kinda looks like ramen noodle dried up.

Now I'm curious!

It looks like the skeleton of a joey.