Mill Breeders

[thefotokat]

You are fortunate to not have these in the UK.  They are a terrible group.  I just wanted to give you an idea of what they do/how they work.  These mills can have well over a hundred (I've heard estimates of 600) gliders.  They are usually kept in 1' x 1' cages.  They breed them constantly and pull the joeys at anywhere from 3-5 weeks for sale.  They have brokers/sellers who travel around and rent booths at many different types of venues.  They sell at home shows, garden shows, reptile shows, pet expos and motorcycle shows.  They will show off an adult glider who is very friendly and pull in the impulse purchasers.  They give out some faulty information.  Many joeys purchased from these venues have died.  Giardia is very common.  It's even included on their literature they send out as being normal.  I saw one of these booths at a motorcycle show this past year.  They had 2 cages of gliders...about 30 joeys in the female cage.  These gliders are terrified.  It is heartbreaking to watch.  They often are able to sell all the joeys they bring.  As for the money part, customers must buy the cage (klubertanz wire, about 2' x 1' x 1'), a heat rock, dry pelleted food, their vitamins and a bonding pouch.  This sells for close to $400.  If a second joey is purchased, the customer gets a discount on that joey:  $100 instead of $150.

This is a horrible practice and situation and one that we are working hard to end. 

[tidlin]

That's HORRIBLE.  Reading that makes me very, very sad.  I heard a very well known US website is actually a mill breeding company type thing?  It should be shut down.

[roxyandboys]

thankfully we dont have these over here yet.

[Amalthea]

Key word there is "yet"... *sigh*

[xxnaomixx]

i would happily march right on in to any mill that occurs over here and rescue every single glider it makes me really really sad and angry. these guys are sensitive little creatures. Mine get upset if im revising all day and not paying attention to them, i cant imagine how emotionally damaged these mill bred gliders are that have none at all and are confined to these ridiculous cages. At the end of the day they are still wild animals that love bugs, gliding, nectar companionship. Its probably counterproductive because i wouldn't imagine they turn out very good joeys being looked after so appallingly. What kind of a life is that for these wonderful creatures? x