Are gliders lactose intolerant?

[matt_m]

Silly question probably, but as i'm a complete newbie..I just wondered. I am thinking of getting Gliders in the near future, but the thing that worries me most by far is the dietry needs and it all seems very complicated...I am ok with everything else in terms of accommodation etc, I just don't get all this Ca:p ratio stuff!!

The reason I ask about lactose intolerance is because, if they require a diet high in calcium surely the obvious would be to offer dairy products? 

Thanks!

[tillie]

Suggies should never be given milk as its too rich (apart from when hand rearing joeys with the right replacement milk) although Yogurt is fine as long as it contains no asparatane (Mm think thats spelt wrong), I give mine the Biopot summer fruit yog a couple of times a week which they love.

If they are on a good diet, you don't need to worry about them getting enough calcium. I think most people find the diet a bit daunting at 1st so dont worry, just look at the links on this site and its all explained.  I blend all my fruit/veg up after Ive worked out the ratios and freeze in ice cube trays then pop the cubes out of an eveing so I dont waste and food plus it makes life easier.
Give them a good calcium/vitamin suppliment which you can get from Marie on this site.

[Marie]

They are not lactose intolerant as such, but too much dairy can cause an allergic reaction.  I've seen it in someone's gliders, they were advised by the breeder to give them a condensed milk and water mixture instead of a nectar mix, it killed the female.  She showed the classic reactions, bloating, diarrohea etc.

Hmmm, I found an article about it, I will post a link later when I get a little time to dig it out again, and maybe I'll siticky it.

[Marie]

Here's the article Are Sugar Gliders Lactose Intolerant?

[hday]

a while ago I posted a diet thing re yogurt and people put their pets favourites!

I can vouch mine like onken biopot summerfruits
any longley farm (in the safe flavours ie strawberry, raspberry but not rhubarb!)
or yeo valley - natural yogurt/apricot etc

I was surprised they actually dont mind it plain!
(and on that post I was naughty and put cut picture too)
yogurt was my first and main licky treat I used for bonding!