[strawberryfields]

Hi everyone!

Yesterday (when I wasn't home :x) my roommate, who has two sugar gliders, was looking at my list of appropriate things to feed my nine-week old hedgie Rocko. One of the things on the breeder's list was yogurt, which my roommate interpreted as, "It would be safe to give a hedgehog those little sugary yogurt drops that he buys for the sugar gliders."

Last night, Rocko had a little bit of diarrhea, which was green. (TMI!) I freaked out and asked my roommate if he had given him anything. Of course, when he said the yogurt drops, I scolded him for feeding Rocko ANYTHING without clearing it with me first. Those things are packed with sugar and have no nutritional value. :shock:

I watched Rocko through most of the night to make sure he was drinking and not having more diarrhea. He appeared fine and was eating his kibble. This morning, his poop is still a little bit green and not as solid as normal, but it's not diarrhea anymore.

Should I be especially concerned and take him to the vet? I know it's normal for hedgie poop to change when given a new treat (especially a not-so-great one..) but I'm paranoid that he might have gotten really sick. Or is this something that will pass, and I just need to make sure he stays hydrated?

Hedgie parents certainly worry more than any other parents, don't they. :roll:

 

[HedgeMom]

He most likely doesn't need the vet. Add some acidophilus to his diet to help his poor gut recover. Something you always want to keep on hand.

And your roommate gets a "Stupid Pet Owner" award because those yogurt drops are horrible for Sugar Gliders. I can't find one reputable care sheet that suggests feeding them. They are pure sugar and fat in a cute shape.

"Ingredients:

Yogurt drops contain sugar, partially hydrogenated palm kernel oil, whey, nonfat yogurt, titanium dioxide, lecithin, salt, and artificial flavor"

Better to give a piece of fresh fruit that has actual fiber and nutrients that the glider (and hedgehog) need and avoid the Small Pet Twinkies.

 

[Kalandra]

Usually, as long the the stools are not liquid and frequent, I just monitor them for 24 hours and only provide their kibble they are used to and I'll add a little acidolphilus to their diet to help the GI to recover. Often the stool will become normal in consistency and color fairly quickly. If there is no improvement or if they become more frequent or more runny, then its off to a vet. It sounds to me like he is already showing improvement again.

 

[strawberryfields]

your roommate gets a "Stupid Pet Owner" award because those yogurt drops are horrible for Sugar Gliders. I can't find one reputable care sheet that suggests feeding them. They are pure sugar and fat in a cute shape.

"Ingredients:

Yogurt drops contain sugar, partially hydrogenated palm kernel oil, whey, nonfat yogurt, titanium dioxide, lecithin, salt, and artificial flavor"

After I read that, I convinced my roommate to stop feeding them. They're completely empty calories! At first the conversation was going like this
Him: "But the suggies LOOOOVE those yogurt drops!"
Me: "Of course they love them! It's like cake! But you wouldn't eat cake as a snack every day, would you??"
He still seemed reluctant, but later I saw that he'd tossed the rest of them and was using blueberries as a treat instead.

Oh, and Rocko is back to normal. Brown, solid poops :lol:

 

[Lilysmommy]

Good for you for convincing him to stop offering them. I'm sure his suggies will be healthier and happier in the long run.