Weight Gain

[Nell]

Hi all, just a little worried as my rescue suggies' weight is going up at a snails pace, and has gone down a few times. Maddie is at 63 (she was 65 at her heaviest) and Oliver is at 73 (he was 75 at his heaviest) I've had them over a month now and their weight represents about a 10 gram gain, however the vast majority of this was in the first 2 weeks, since when it's been up and down.

Currently they're on Zolcal D with oatmeal mixed in with their food, and a couple of mealworms every night. Also they're not very active at all, they'll come out, and investigate a little at night, but as yet I've not had either of them glide.

Should I be worried, and is there anything else I should be doing to help them?

[Marie]

I'd cut the Zolcal D out now and supplement as normal (Calcium 2 - 3 times a week depending on your diet ratios).  Are they clearing their bowls or leaving some?  Do you give them cat biscuits?  I'd be giving them about 5 biscuits each a night, and continue with the oatmeal.  

Don't worry about the gliding so much, they will do it if the want/need to.  

[Nell]

Thanks Marie, I'll cut the Zolcal D, though Ollie still has stiff legs so should I still give him it every now and then? We give them cat biscuits (they have never eaten them all yet) and sometimes chicken (which they love). They've been very on and off with their food -they've never fully cleaned the bowl- sometimes they'll eat most of it, and sometimes they'll barely touch it.

[Marie]

If Ollie still has stiff legs then carry on with the Zolcal D.  You should have seen some improvement by now though.  what's he doing when he looks stiff?

[Nell]

Ok I'll keep up with it. He is a little better, but not 100% yet as his feet are still stiff when he walks. Much more confident these days though, and quite a bit faster.

Just had a thought, I don't think either of the gliders have ever had anything done to file down their claws before, and they were massively overgrown when they came to us which meant they always got stuck to any material they climbed on. Do you reckon the way he walks may be a behaviour he's learned to try and prevent his claws getting caught??

[Marie]

That was my other thought, sometimes long claws can make them move awkwardly, as can too short claws!  I cut my Dinx's too short once .... she was so confused when she couldn't grip on to the wall paper!  Bless