my suggie might be sick...

Question
I have 2 3 month old suggies. One male and one female. Just recently, the boy has been acting kinda wierd. he's lazy, dont eat regular food, he just walks eral slow instead of jumping like he usually does his eyes arent as bright as when i first got him, and when he barks, it sounds weak. His legs do work just fine, he is still strong, he can still grab things. But i really dont want to take any chances. The closest to the vet, is about 3 hours. Is there anything I can do for him now until i get him there? This morning when i checked on him, he kinda just layed there, but after i gave him some gerber applesauce, he ate a lil bit of the grape, some ensure, and some water, he seemed just fine, he was playing, jumping everywhere, and just having a blast. Then he went back to sleep, and because he really didnt eat all that much, i was going to try to wake him up about every 4 hrs. and try to get him to eat a little bit of something, and now i got him up, and he was acting the same as this morning. I feadhim again, and now he's climbing all over me. first i thought that he might have pneumonia. But it seems after i fed him, he's just fine, but he gets tired easy. Do you might know anything what might be wrong with him? I also have a girl, but she is great. No singns of her being sick. I just really dont want to take any chances with losing him :( and im trying to do whatever i can to make him better.

Answer
Hi Casey,

First and most important:  I am NOT a vet and cannot take the place of a visit to the vet.  That said, it sounds like the problem is related to food.  Try making him some BML and be sure he gets that, Ensure, Glider nectar, and lots of fresh water.  If he doesn't eat much, you need to be sure that what he does eat is exactly what he needs (ie BML).  If you are not familiar with BML, it provides pretty much everything a growing glider needs in a concentrated form.  There are other diets that are probably as good, but my gliders have been happy and healthy for seven years.  They eat BML, fresh fruits and veggies, and occasional crickets or meal worms.  

Remember, sugar gliders can decline very quickly.  I would get your boy medical care ASAP.  Perhaps you could at least telephone a vet for advice.  Good luck, please keep me informed.

Here is my recipe for BML:

The Basic BML Mixture

1/2 cup Honey, do not use honeycomb, raw or unfiltered honey, Most store bought Honey is the one to use unless it uses one of the three words above

1 Egg, boiled or scrambled (I Microwave Mine)
The shell is OPTIONAL, if your blender does NOT break the shell down into miniscule pieces do not use it. I break the egg down before putting it into the blender

1/4 cup of Apple Juice, just the good ole apple juice that you and I would drink, Not frozen, not baby juice, just regular bottle apple juice. (I vary the kind of juice)

1 4oz bottle PREMIXED Gerber juice with yogurt (Mixed Fruit or Banana)
both have yogurt mixed in, the fluid is creamy colored. For those that can not find this, you may substitute 2 oz of plain yogurt and 2 oz of mixed fruit juice (I use Nouriche smoothie)

Blend well, Turn off blender, add the next group of ingredients.
1 Teaspoon of Rep-Cal HERPTIVITE vitamin supplement.
Blue label on a white plastic container, DO NOT SUBSTITUTE this supplement.
(from pet store, or online)

2 teaspoons Rep-Cal Calcium Supplement non-phosphorus with Vit. D3. Pink label on a white plastic container (from pet store, or online)

2  2 1/2 oz jar of baby food chicken  
The chicken will say either Chicken with Chicken Gravy or Chicken with Chicken Broth.

Blend well again, Turn off Blender, add next group of ingredients.
Note:  If you are doubling the recipe, pour blended mixture into large bowl and stir in the next group of ingredients.   

1/4 cup Wheat Germ

1/2 cup dry baby cereal. (Mixed or Oatmeal)



Blend well , turn off blender, if desired, stir in about 1/4 cup fresh or dried fruit, and/or vegetables.  Pour into freezer container, or ice cube trays and FREEZE, 1 cube in ice cube tray is approx. 2 tablespoons (I pour into small paper or plastic disposable cups). It will freeze to the consistency of ice cream.