GliderCENTRAL

My wife passed, now it's my turn....

Posted By: THECATMAC

My wife passed, now it's my turn.... - 06/16/20 01:17 AM

Hello there,
My wife unexpectedly passed and now it's up to me to take care of "Kiwi". We got her last July so I am kind of aware of what I need to do. We have a big cage, I give her fresh fruit and veggies and sugar glider pellets. I will do my best as I also have 3 dogs here to take care of. Our kids are adults now so no help there. I hope I can do this, I would hate to have to get Kiwi a new owner. I am hoping I can use this forum for any help I may need! Thanks in advance ....
Posted By: KarenE

Re: My wife passed, now it's my turn.... - 06/16/20 02:30 PM

I am so very sorry for the passing of your wife, and we will certainly be happy to help in any way that we can with any questions you have caring for Little Kiwi.

Let's begin. You said you got her last July, so did you get her as a joey, little one or did you get her as an adult?

Who did you get her from? Breeder, friend, trade show, Pocket Pets, etc?

Feeding fresh fruit and veggies and sugar glider pellets. Is this what you were told to feed her by whoever you got her from?

Has she had a health check by a vet or is she generally healthy by your standards?

Is she a single glider?

These questions will give us much information not to criticize but to know more about Kiwi and how to help you keep her as healthy as possible.

And most importantly :welcome: We are so very glad you are here.
Posted By: THECATMAC

Re: My wife passed, now it's my turn.... - 06/16/20 02:40 PM

Hi KarenE, I got her as a Joey at a trade show. I also sprinkle vitamins on her fruit every other day and also put a frozen cube of glider gravy on her pellets every other day. I'll feed her a little scrambled eggs, some chicken every so often, and some treats also. She seems healthy, barks at night, running on her wheel, and she is a single glider. Ty
Posted By: KarenE

Re: My wife passed, now it's my turn.... - 06/16/20 03:09 PM

Originally Posted by THECATMAC
Hi KarenE, I got her as a Joey at a trade show. I also sprinkle vitamins on her fruit every other day and also put a frozen cube of glider gravy on her pellets every other day. I'll feed her a little scrambled eggs, some chicken every so often, and some treats also. She seems healthy, barks at night, running on her wheel, and she is a single glider. Ty


Thank you so much for your quick reply. That tells us so much about Kiwi, and also tells us who you purchased her from as well as exactly what you are feeding.

She was purchased from a Pocket Pets representative which as we now know have improved their practices so that is a good thing.

What they gave you to feed her (the Glide-R-Gravy) was created under the name Critterlove by a wonderful lady who has been on this forum and in the community for years.

**There is no need to sprinkle any extra vitamins on the food as the frozen cube has all the vitamins needed. Note: Kiwi should be getting one cube PER DAY rather than every other day wink

Scrambled eggs and chicken are okay, however, should be left for special treats or cheat nights as we like to call them.

The pellets are mainly to be left in the cage just in case she wakes during the day and wants a snack. They are not meant for a full meal.

If you go to the link above for Critterlove, you will find there are different salad mixes intended alongside the 'cube' . For now, let's just concentrate getting you comfortable taking care of all the animals by yourself.

Let us know if you have more questions at all, large or small.

I don't want to overwhelm you, so don't hesitate to tell any of us to slow down rofl
Posted By: Feather

Re: My wife passed, now it's my turn.... - 06/16/20 03:13 PM

Welcome to GliderCENTRAL!!!

I am very sorry for your loss. May you find comfort and peace in your memories of her.

We are here to help you.
Posted By: Ladymagyver

Re: My wife passed, now it's my turn.... - 06/16/20 03:54 PM


I'm so sorry for the loss of your wife. I too have lost a few (3) close loved ones although not as close to me as a spouse, over the last year and understand how strenuous life can be without them.
Life moves on and while caring for pets, they help us put one foot in front of the other and keep going.

Kiwi is a cute name!

Her barking is calling out for attention and looking for a friend. Have you ever considered getting her a buddy? If your wife spent a lot of time with Kiwi, she may be a bit lonely. They are a colony animal and most require either a cage mate or a lot of human interaction.

There are many sources if you decide to get Kiwi a buddy.

Also she will need toys to keep her occupied. Foraging is a great way to help keep her busy.

Does she have any blankies?( 4x4" squares of fleece) to cuddle with?


This is a link to a pic of my cage. You will see a glider safe wheel and a treadmill, some foraging toys and bracelets on plastic chain that two of mine like to carry to their pouch.


https://photos.app.goo.gl/k1xWsyve2RQ7Z14N9

Enrichment is very important for gliders. And it can be from some of the simplest of things: Army men, barrel of monkeys, ping-pong balls, it kind of depends on Kiwi.

I can elaborate more, just let me know smile



And before I forget...
:welcome2: to Glider Central! So glad you're here!
Posted By: THECATMAC

Re: My wife passed, now it's my turn.... - 06/16/20 03:59 PM

Hi,
Kiwi has all kinds of toys, balls, climbing stuff, even homemade pouches my wife made with her name on them. My wife was a dog trainer so she knew how to over do it when it comes to taking care of her babies...
Posted By: KarenE

Re: My wife passed, now it's my turn.... - 06/16/20 04:12 PM

That is awesome. Looks like you have some big shoes to fill, but I'm sure you are up to the task. Kiwi is so lucky to have you agree
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