GliderCENTRAL

Dangerous Bags for Gliders

Posted By: Anonymous

Dangerous Bags for Gliders - 01/30/05 07:46 AM

Hello all,

My husband and I just read through teary eyes Crittermom's posts and the loss of her glider after she became stuck in the lining of her sleeping pouch.

I too have had similar situations with my glider. I found her in between the linings but thankfully she was not in critical condition. Unfortunately my glider did lose a claw to another sleeping pouch with a lining due to the strings tying around it.

I have since gone to a fleece bag. There are no additional linings and the sleeping pouch is made very well. I would highly recommend it to any glider owner.

I do not know the rules of posting where I bought it so I will not do that now but if I can, please let me know.

I was so sorry to hear about anyone losing a glider to a darn bag!

<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/upset.gif" alt="" />-Willow's Mom
Posted By: Dancing

Re: Dangerous Bags for Gliders - 01/30/05 08:07 AM

<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wave.gif" alt="" /> Welcome to GC.

I thank you for your warning about pouches. Sadly there are to many gliders getting caught in poorly made or worn out pouches and things. I am happy to hear your glider is ok.

You can post who you bought from and it is through personal experience of others that we learn who makes the best and safest things.

I would like to again suggest that everyone do regular inspections of their pouches, toys and cages to look for potential hazzards for their little ones.
Things to look for on pouches are loose strings, stitching that can be "pulled" into loops, fabric that can snag little toe nails (terry cloth is a very hazzardous fabric), signs of excessive wear that could lead to potential hazzards. Also if you use your bonding pouch as a cage pouch, make sure the strap is secured outside the cage (or removed) so they can't drag it inside the pouch and get tangled in it.
With toys, look for small parts that could be chewed on or possibly eaten. Make sure there is no type of paint that could be chewed off. Bells should be either the liberty bell or cow bell styles. Jingle bells can catch little toes. If a bell is a jingle bell style make sure the slits in it are wide enough to NOT catch a toe. Safe jingle bells are generaly very large.
Cages, Look for any rust, sharp edges or wires and any potential escape possibilites.

These little ones depend on us to provide them with a safe place to live, sleep and play.
If anyone has other things to look for, please add to this as we all learn from others.
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Dangerous Bags for Gliders - 01/30/05 01:21 PM

Willow's Mom,
Thanks for the warning and it'd good that you switched over to fleece completely. That's the safest way to go.
Posted By: Cheryl

Re: Dangerous Bags for Gliders - 01/30/05 01:22 PM

Hi,

I would like to recommend Sheila Willson's (To & Fro Gliders) pouches. They are all very well made and she has a very good selection of fleece fabrics.

Cheryl
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Dangerous Bags for Gliders - 01/30/05 02:11 PM

If I may I have had really great luck with the Gliding Room's pouches. Thier bonding pouches have detatchable strings ( they can be clipped to the cage, then the string put on when its time to wear it) and thier bra pouches ( which is what I prefer to use) have clips so I can clip it to me ( my bra or shirt) and clip it to the cage bars. For the newer owners that need a cage pouch that works also as a bonding pouch that cannot handle thier gliders to switch thier pouches yet, these are ones I would take a look at.

This is just my 2 cents worth!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />
Posted By: Karin

Re: Dangerous Bags for Gliders - 01/30/05 04:50 PM

I have been a pouchmaker for over 3yrs, and these stories just rip my heart in two. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/upset.gif" alt="" /> To this day, before a pouch leaves this house I check and recheck for any possible dangers, just knowing a little one will be using it to sleep or play in. We as pouchmakers and toymakers have a responsibility to the glider's to research and research some more to make them as safe as possible.
There are some accidents that are preventable, and then there are just tragic accidents.
Some things to do as the owner is check your pouches often. If you see ANY wear, replace it. Long nails can sometimes be an issue, and unlike in the past, that is avoidable by either keeping their nails trimmed, using a nail o matic or sandpaper on the outside of a Stealth, or even taking them to the vet and paying to have it done. If owners would follow these simple rules, many many accidents could be avoided.
Anytime you have an issue with a particular pouch, contact the maker! They should always be willing to work with you to make any improvements or whatever is needed. That is their job to do so.

My only other suggestion is, if you have what is termed a "digger", don't use pouches. There are alternatives such as a plasic chin house loaded with fleece blankies.

I hope my post helps if even just a little, to prevent a preventable accident in the future. We all love our suggies, and they need us to keep them safe <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/heartpump.gif" alt="" />.

Karin
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Dangerous Bags for Gliders - 01/30/05 04:54 PM

Karin, what's a digger? One that just scratches at the pouch or something?
Posted By: Karin

Re: Dangerous Bags for Gliders - 01/30/05 05:13 PM

Diggers have this obsession to dig at their pouches probably to get as "deep" as possible. Alot of times, just adding a fleece blanket will stop them from digging, but some just don't stop. Bourbon and I have been working on a pouch for these guys, and it's being tested right now...so far so good. But until there is a safe alternative, the nest boxes or chin houses are the way to go with these guys.
Note: Cotton and flannel are not as safe as fleece, MY OPINION ONLY. If cotton just gets one little "catch" of a nail...it is so strong it's hard to break free from. Flannel is worse. Both fabrics ravel alot, ie: strings. They are fine for bonding pouches though, unless the pouch is used as a cage pouch also. Then be cautious and observant <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumb.gif" alt="" />.

Karin
Posted By: CritterHill

Re: Dangerous Bags for Gliders - 01/30/05 05:43 PM

Karin, I would love to hear more about the pouch for diggers. I have 2 female diggers. One would do it all the time, the other only when she has babies. They will chew apart a pouch until they can get in the inner lining. The first time it was done we almost lost two babies as they managed to crawl further into the lining than she could reach. Luckily I am paranoid <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" /> and check frequently and when we have babies the whole pouch will come out daily so I have chance to check.

Catherine
Posted By: Karin

Re: Dangerous Bags for Gliders - 01/30/05 06:04 PM

Email sent <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumb.gif" alt="" />.

Karin
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Dangerous Bags for Gliders - 01/30/05 06:23 PM

It does happen... My beautiful little rescue that I got about 2 yrs ago, died a couple months after from that. Taz was the most amazing little glider ever, he was so friendly. He wasn't one to sleep in your hands, or like being restrained, but he loved climbing all over you... If on the floor he would follow me all over. He was the first glider I ever had, he came to me as a rescue. He was neutered and the person had wanted to breed, so he was "just taking up space". He was so sweet. It really upset me when he passed. I came home from school to see him hanging with his foot caught in his pouch. I told myself I would never get another glider. When I was selling a pair of lineolated parakeets though a month ago, the woman who I knew had sugar gliders before, showed up with this little guy. Her mother-in-law bred and had a colony of 5 and she never handled any of them ever. Xander was (and still kinda is) completely wild when I got him a month ago. He's getting better now, not biting as often, and not constantly crabbing, but he doesn't seem to like me all that much yet, lol. So, so much for not getting another glider, LOL. Xander, I am guessing is about 5 months old, no bald spot yet, and he is a cinnamon het (I believe thats what you call it, I'm not up on colours, he's grey but comes from cinn parents). Hopefully he bonds to me, but we'll see. He is a cute little guy though, despite his demonic tendencies, lol. I do not use a sleeping pouch anymore though. Xander has a small budgie nestbox lined with nice soft material he can't get caught in. You have to be very careful, and watch their nails as well. I know I will never make the same mistake again. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Dangerous Bags for Gliders - 01/30/05 10:45 PM

I would like to recommend Robyn's pouches and bonding bags(thesugarglidersnugglehut.com). Her bags are well made and she also has tons of cute fabrics and fleeces to choose from. Great prices too!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/yelclap.gif" alt="" />
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Dangerous Bags for Gliders - 01/31/05 12:22 AM

Wow, what a great topic this turned out to be. By mistake I posted it elsewhere and did not know it was moved. I thought it was strange no one responded.

Anyhow, I bought my fleece sleeping pouches from:
http://www.sugarglidershop.com/

They are listed under "Nest Pouches".

I used to buy them from a nice woman who made lined ones but I realized we had a "digger" and she constantly chewed and scratched at the lining until she could get down in between.

Thanks everyone for all your great input on this subject. It is so sad to find out someone loses a glider due to a bag.

Also, someone mentioned the sandpaper, this same website sells a running wheel with sandpaper. The sandpaper is helpful but it doesn't keep the nails from ever being trimmed, but you definately get more time between trims.

-Willow's Mom
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Dangerous Bags for Gliders - 01/31/05 03:16 AM

The best pouches I have found so far are made by JoyceCarter...her website is www.sweetglidergizmos.com and her purses for sugar gliders are awesome. Some are a little more expensive than others, but they look like areally fancy purse that you would buy at a high class shop. And the sleeping pouches w/ the snap on each side...that work great. I have been using them for 2 years and haven't had a single problem.
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/littleglider.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/littleglider.gif" alt="" />Jasmine & Jaya
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/gliderangel.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/gliderangel.gif" alt="" />Kona & Chenzie
Posted By: Sheila

Re: Dangerous Bags for Gliders - 01/31/05 04:35 AM

I use double lined pouches with rotating cage clips on my site. I have many trios which means multi gliders in a bag. In the almost 4 years of selling bags, I have only had this happen once prior to about two weeks ago. I had three diggers. Now all three of these diggers were getting ready to have joeys. I think stress makes them dig. None of these gliders have ever done this. I have many wonderful fabrics some costing $15.00 a yard. I feel even some fleece naps and the diggers go through these quicker than say the more expensive fleece. In the more expensive ones, there is actually more threads per square inch which gives them a tighter weave. If your gliders are checked everyday, you should be able to free a glider and dispose or repair the pouch, without harm to the glider, but you must check every day! It is essential for anyone who is using pouches to inspect them. It is better to have several pouches so that you are rotating them often and forced to check them because they are being rotated or washed. I see many pouches out there that are not safe and I have even purchased some from some of the vendors listed that were not safe. I don't mean to put anyone down, but all it takes is one accident with a glider, which we did have one once and she lost her hand. Whenever I see vendors with a pouch made like I use to, I tell them the story and tell them why they are not safe. I have also purchased "cubes" that were made with cotton and not lined or even pinked. That is an accident waiting to happen. When I purchase something like that over the internet, I let the vendor know that it is not a good thing for gliders. Some continue to sell them and don't care what I have to say, and some respect me and know that I do care. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/gliderangel.gif" alt="" />
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Dangerous Bags for Gliders - 01/31/05 04:47 AM

Just an addition, it sort of belongs here & sort of doesn't. My gliders like to gather my hair (it's constantly falling out) and take it into their pouches. This is another reason it's so so important to check your pouches everyday even if they are seamless. Just a few days ago I had to free Monster from several of my hairs she had taken into her tent to nest with, and I check my pouches every morning. She must have snagged them off me on the way to bed. I believe that the owners and pouch makers share a responsibility to the gliders; the pouch makers to do their best to make a safe pouch, and the owners to check them daily for strings and replace them when they get worn. I hate reading about glider deaths, but it's so much worse when it could have been prevented.
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Dangerous Bags for Gliders - 02/01/05 01:46 AM

"My only other suggestion is, if you have what is termed a "digger", don't use pouches. There are alternatives such as a plasic chin house loaded with fleece blankies."

I'm sure everyone knows this, but just because you use a chin bath house does not mean you don't have to check it or them often. Check the bath house for cracks (possibly caused by washing in hot water and drying in cold) and watch the blankets for snags, chewed bits, ect.
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