Beaky and Peepers playing hardball...

My two newest gliders are being "tough little cookies" because they aren't eating well. Granted, they are rescues, and I would expect some "settling in" issues; afterall, they have a whole new setting, etc. They were on the Mazuri diet before my bringing them home, and I was told they loved peas and dried fruit, but I wanted to get them on a more balanced diet - but they are resisting, which is surprising to me since all of my other gliders readily took to the BML diet.

To recap: I brought them home Saturday, June 17th, and I offered them each one tablespoon of BML and one tablespoon of veggies. Virtually nothing had been touched when I checked their bowls on Sunday. Hmm. Ok, just settling in, I would expect "not clearing the plate for maybe a day or two."

Sunday, June 18th was Father's Day; so, I went to visit with my parents, and I left them alone to settle in (knowing that I would be gone only a few hours). That night, I offered them the same diet, and I hoped for better results and went to bed.

Monday, June 19th. Time for me to attend my professional development coursework, and I knew I would be gone all day. I went into their room to check on them, and lo and behold... what do I see in their foodbowls? Almost ALL of what I had left there the night before. A few "spitballs" indicated they had "tasted" their food, but "passed" on the rest. Not good, but, they have been through a major change; still, I was beginning to worry - these little girls needed to eat! So, before leaving for the morning, I offered a Mazuri biscuit, one each, soaked in apple juice, and I left for the day, and I hoped for the best. When I got home, I went in to check on their bowls, and although the biscuits had broken down in the juice... virtually nothing had been touched. Ok, this is really not good; so, I offered them a few mealworms (mealies). Those girls inhaled those mealies in no time flat! OK, at least they had something in their little tummies, but that was a start.

Now, time gets a little messed up with me (and to those of you who know me well, I can hear you laughing, so "shhh"), and this week has been a little "odd." I've had some medical issues of my own, which were a little scary, but, hey, bottom line, I'm ok (I had an EKG, an oxygen test, and I still need the chest x-ray, blah, blah, blah). Anyway, as best I can recall - this is "their diet journal."

Last night, I am chatting with a close friend about these dietary woes, and so we thought we would try a reduced amount of BML and veggies. They are "nibbling at" their food, but still not eating it all. I find this really strange because ALL of my other gliders have gobbled down their BML and have not been nearly as fussy as these two girls.

So, here's a picture of last night's dinner leftovers. I have not offered them anything before leaving today. No Mazuri, no mealies, no "nothing" now that sounds harsh, but we are hoping that this new strategy will get the girls to eating what is good for them.