Stupid people

[LipstickLizard]

I work in a pet shop, just the regular kind that sells your average bunnies and hamsters. And the amount of kids and silly parents I've had in asking about sugar gliders. Grrrrrrrr. One guy bought the gliders for his daughter birthday, then came in asking how to feed them and what sort of bedding to use. At least he had the right sort of cage already though, somebody else asked me if a rat cage would be suitable. Another guy wanted suggies for his kid, baulked at the price and went away with rats...apparently now he is keeping them in a glass aquarium. AAAAAAAAAArgh. The situation is getting slightly ridiculous. Stoopid newspaper articles. I've had loads of people asking at thats just in a normal pet shop. How are those who have bred their gliders faring?

[Amalthea]

People are stupid... It'll happen with every new "fad pet", unfortunately...

[Marie]

I thought (hoped) it had died down!!!  I've not had any enquiries for a while now ... maybe they heard that I'm really unfriendly!!!

[loulou]

stil get enquiries every now and again but nothing to the weeks after the silly article came out, I know our prices are slightly higher than the crappy breeders though so this may also be a factor

[Rhianna]

are you saying they keep the gliders in the glass aquarium or the rats?

the pet shop i am in now a lass is trying to get gliders in, but i talked them out of it. the caresheet said to give them canned syrup fruit, for their "sweet tooth". so i corrected the real diet, and put them totally off.

[Marie]

Would that care guide be from Simon's Rodent by any chance?

[LipstickLizard]

are you saying they keep the gliders in the glass aquarium or the rats?

the pet shop i am in now a lass is trying to get gliders in, but i talked them out of it. the caresheet said to give them canned syrup fruit, for their "sweet tooth". so i corrected the real diet, and put them totally off.

They were keeping rats in a glass aquarium...perhaps not quite as bad as keeping gliders there but certainly not suitable for them .

Marie, whats with Simon's Rodents? I knew someone who was going to purchase something off them, why are they so bad (in addition to rubbish care advice)? Would like to warn him if they are.

[Rhianna]

i dont see a problem with rats in aquariums. iven the right D.I.Y done to them, they can be great places for rats in my opinion. put a hammock in, large ones can fit wodent wheels, you can hang ledges over, and they let plenty air circulate, have alot of floor space and easier to clean.

if it was just the rat and aquarium with food bowl, then i understand but if they have toys and stuff, then i see no problem.

Yes marie it was from Simons Rodents. The twats.

Simons Rodents is no more then a breeding farm. half the animals are snappy and taken away tto young, and his advice he gives on exotics is absolutely shit. he seems to have either no clue about animals, doesnt care, or possibly both.

[Amalthea]

Rats should not be kept in aquariums.  They have very sensitive respiratory systems and you can not give them enough ventilation if they are in a tank.  Also, rats are very intelligent and I don't believe you can give them enough stimulation in a tank.  And they enjoy climbing the bars.

[Rhianna]

i hve seen them with the wire mesh ontop that you do for gerbils. it had a big branch in, lots of toys and a hammock, plus a shelf.

i would keep them in a cage like, but i dont think aquariums are complety unsuitable. given enough things to do, they could be ok. not ideal, but ok.

[Tracey]

are you saying they keep the gliders in the glass aquarium or the rats?

the pet shop i am in now a lass is trying to get gliders in, but i talked them out of it. the caresheet said to give them canned syrup fruit, for their "sweet tooth". so i corrected the real diet, and put them totally off.

They were keeping rats in a glass aquarium...perhaps not quite as bad as keeping gliders there but certainly not suitable for them .

Marie, whats with Simon's Rodents? I knew someone who was going to purchase something off them, why are they so bad (in addition to rubbish care advice)? Would like to warn him if they are.

I haven't heard a good word about SR to be honest!  I spoke to someone who actually went to the 'facility' they said it was disgusting! 

[Amalthea]

i hve seen them with the wire mesh ontop that you do for gerbils. it had a big branch in, lots of toys and a hammock, plus a shelf.

i would keep them in a cage like, but i dont think aquariums are complety unsuitable. given enough things to do, they could be ok. not ideal, but ok.

A mesh lid does not give enough ventilation Still would upset their sensitive respiratory systems.  I bet you anything the rats in there had chronic myco flare ups

[Rhianna]

i dont know. maybe in later life. i guess i never really thought about it really. i wouldnt keep a rat in one like. you know more bout rats then me anyway, so i will take your word on it.

gerbs like them though

[Amalthea]

Tanks are definitely the best housing for gerbils!

[roxyandboys]

tanks are great for gerbils!  i also kept my mice in them, but not good for ratlets, well, unless they're acacia ratlets!