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Cage Mates (on loan)?
#1410424
06/20/17 02:31 PM
06/20/17 02:31 PM
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 64 Tennessee
GliderLuvr
OP
Out of Pouch
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OP
Out of Pouch
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 64
Tennessee
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My glider lost his cage mate about 3 months ago. Prior to losing my little girl, we had already planned to have this as our final pair, not expecting to lose our little girl after only 6 years. What does one do when their last glider is alone and only 6 years old? Is there such a thing as "borrowing" a cage mate? I guess there would still need to be a quarantine, plus the chance they wouldn't get along... My little guy is pretty closely bonded to me (purrs, snuggles, grooms, etc.) and is pretty laid back and easily dominated by another glider, so it's been suggested that I don't necessarily need a cage mate for him...no over-grooming, no flips in cage, no SM, no lethargy (other than his usual pouch potato behavior)...still actively forages at night and takes some turns on his wheel. Of late, though, there seems to be a pattern of him waking from 9 - 11:30 AM and making some noises (grunts, slight crabbing, etc.), followed by urine and/or feces. vet visits have been inconclusive (no red flags in urinalysis and fecal), so I'm beginning to wonder if some of this may be behavioral...make some noise and momma comes running to check?! If I wear him (to listen for further issues), he knocks out with pops/purring, sleeps hard, and doesn't seem to be having further issues...plus, he looks good at night (I watch him for about an hour before I go to bed). What do ya'll think, behavioral or medical? Can gliders manage ok without a cage mate (in the case of your final glider; otherwise, I always recommend a pair, of course)? Thanks much for your time!
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Re: Cage Mates (on loan)?
[Re: GliderLuvr]
#1410429
06/20/17 07:06 PM
06/20/17 07:06 PM
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,998 Wisconsin
Feather
Administrator
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Administrator
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,998
Wisconsin
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My glider lost his cage mate about 3 months ago. Prior to losing my little girl, we had already planned to have this as our final pair, not expecting to lose our little girl after only 6 years. What does one do when their last glider is alone and only 6 years old? Is there such a thing as "borrowing" a cage mate? I guess there would still need to be a quarantine, plus the chance they wouldn't get along... You could keep him as a single glider or try to find him a mate that is close to his age.
Getting younger gliders I would recommend two but that will start you all over with young gliders.
Some people try to rehome them somewhere where they would have a buddy. My little guy is pretty closely bonded to me (purrs, snuggles, grooms, etc.) and is pretty laid back and easily dominated by another glider, so it's been suggested that I don't necessarily need a cage mate for him...no over-grooming, no flips in cage, no SM, no lethargy (other than his usual pouch potato behavior)...still actively forages at night and takes some turns on his wheel. Of late, though, there seems to be a pattern of him waking from 9 - 11:30 AM and making some noises (grunts, slight crabbing, etc.), followed by urine and/or feces. vet visits have been inconclusive (no red flags in urinalysis and fecal), so I'm beginning to wonder if some of this may be behavioral...make some noise and momma comes running to check?! If I wear him (to listen for further issues), he knocks out with pops/purring, sleeps hard, and doesn't seem to be having further issues...plus, he looks good at night (I watch him for about an hour before I go to bed). What do ya'll think, behavioral or medical? If you can carry him daily, I would carry him. It sounds like he sleeps very hard when he is in the bonding pouch with you. Can gliders manage ok without a cage mate (in the case of your final glider; otherwise, I always recommend a pair, of course)? Thanks much for your time! You know him better than anyone, you will know if he is stressed out because he is alone.
Kimberley Feathers-Sweetie, Mister Peanut & Big Mack Fur-Guinan, Mr. Spock, T'Mir, Cho, Toothless, Maverick & Maharet T'Pol, Elizabeth & Curzon TY, TJ, Light Fury, Madison & T'Pring Forever in my heart, Gizmo, Tucker, Khayman and the rest of my babies over the
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Re: Cage Mates (on loan)?
[Re: GliderLuvr]
#1410451
06/21/17 08:08 PM
06/21/17 08:08 PM
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 64 Tennessee
GliderLuvr
OP
Out of Pouch
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OP
Out of Pouch
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 64
Tennessee
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Hi Feather, You have been so kind to be the first to reply to multiple posts from me as I have been trying to troubleshoot. You may have seen my updates/response to several of my other posts already. My little guy has bladder stones that are trying to pass through his urethra, so I am on pins and needles hoping there won't be a blockage. Regarding stress, he has always been more laid back (and more of a pouch potato), so it's harder (for me anyway) to determine if he's stressed/depressed. When he first wakes, he forages, eats, grooms, jumps around some, sits on his wheel, and hangs out in his hammock. Once I go to bed, I'm not really sure what he does. If I stay up too late (TV on, etc.), he eventually heads for his pouch, so I get the sense he likes his space/privacy but enjoys sleeping on me during the day. When I let him out of the cage, he's curious for about 15 minutes, then wants back in the cage (his space) and has never been too excited about tent time. After losing his cage mate, I considered rehoming him (knowing they do better in pairs), but given his medical history (crystals and bladder stones), I really questioned if someone else could/would provide the devoted care + be as vigilant in catching the warning signs. He is also very closely bonded to me and took a while (about 6 months-a year) to form our bond; oddly enough, I think the vet visits and loss of his cage mate have sealed the bond...All that to say, I'm not sure how well he would adjust to a new home. I love him dearly and want what is best for him. If I could provide him with a new cage mate, it would be a non-issue, but sadly we are unable to continue with another pair, so I continue to worry.
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Re: Cage Mates (on loan)?
[Re: GliderLuvr]
#1410505
06/24/17 06:42 AM
06/24/17 06:42 AM
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Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 4,320 SW Missouri USA
Ladymagyver
Moderator
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Moderator
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 4,320
SW Missouri USA
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After losing his cage mate, I considered rehoming him (knowing they do better in pairs), but given his medical history (crystals and bladder stones), I really questioned if someone else could/would provide the devoted care + be as vigilant in catching the warning signs. He is also very closely bonded to me and took a while (about 6 months-a year) to form our bond; oddly enough, I think the vet visits and loss of his cage mate have sealed the bond...All that to say, I'm not sure how well he would adjust to a new home. I love him dearly and want what is best for him. If I could provide him with a new cage mate, it would be a non-issue, but sadly we are unable to continue with another pair, so I continue to worry. Oddly enough, you are right, you know him better than anyone else would, and yes, we have learned vet visits helped with our bonding. You just have to keep him from getting bored, and providing him with fresh blankies with your scent when he is in his cage may help too.
Dawn Be patient, and Trust your journey.... Grace Ruby Mom Fiona, Dot, Stewie and Dad Wish I could turn back time... Miss you all...
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Re: Cage Mates (on loan)?
[Re: Ladymagyver]
#1410510
06/24/17 08:23 AM
06/24/17 08:23 AM
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Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 5,389 Maryland
Terry
Serious Glideritis
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Serious Glideritis
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 5,389
Maryland
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I have heard of people having lone gliders, for various reasons and they thrived well. A lot depends on the particular glider, how strong the relationship is and how much time you can spend together are huge factors. I personally feel, in the case you described, re homing him would be more harmful than keeping him alone. Follow advice given by Dawn, and you should notice how he's doing being mate less. I had a little Rankins BD some time ago. When he was a baby, I had to take him to the vet, he had parasites. Then he got them a second time, months later. Maybe the first treatment didn't finish the job. After a vet visit and another round of treatment, he got better, stayed better, and he developed a close attachment to me. He would wait up for me when I worked evenings, so he could spend a little more time with me and then I'd put him to bed, lol. If I went out and got home late, he'd be asleep, half up on the front of the enclosure; he had fallen asleep while waiting up. Anyway, please keep us posted on your decision and how he's doing, we are here for you, to help you through it.
Last edited by Terry; 06/24/17 08:25 AM.
Lives with: 1 God 1 dog, (Willow) 1 Sugie, (Ollie) R.I.P. Lulu (2/28/12-10/13/17) R.I.P. Skadoosh (2/28/12-3/26/18)
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Re: Cage Mates (on loan)?
[Re: GliderLuvr]
#1410694
07/04/17 02:58 PM
07/04/17 02:58 PM
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 13,748 Vincennes, IN, USA
suggiemom1980
Glideritis Anonymous
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Glideritis Anonymous
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 13,748
Vincennes, IN, USA
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My most bonded glider, Roo, lost his mate unexpectedly a few months ago. I could immediately see a significant change in his behavior. He was very clingy and wanted to be in my bra every waking moment. He ate well but didn't play or run in his wheel. After a month, I swapped pouches and tried to introduce him to a laid back neutered male. He said no. I tried a laid back female from the same cage. He said no to her too. I tried a second female from the same cage and it was instant love! Altogether, he was alone about two months. As soon as he accepted his new mate, I saw his instant happiness.
Connie 812-890-9734, 24/7 Emergencies/Joey issues SmallWorldSuggies"The greater the challenge, the sweeter the reward" "Glide free Silly "Ozball" Ozzie. You left us 11/21/12..way too soon. You're forever loved, remembered, missed."
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