Full Spectrum Light

[WeHo36]

A quick question for someone...
I have a southern flyer and I worry about his calcium. He gets the powder on his food a few times a week but I know he needs sunlight to help convert it to use.
He's strictly indoors and his cage is in a room with no windows. I bought him a full spectrum light but.... he's nocturnal!!!!
If I turn the light on all day, he's in his little hidey hole sleeping. Turning it on at night seems rather odd.
Any suggestions?

[rippie-n-lilgirlsmom]

:Welcome From what I have read here.. flyers do not need the full spectrum light.:thumbsup

[WeHo36]

If flyers don't need the full spectrum light, how do they convert the calcium so thair bodies can utilize it? Without the vitamin D, I mean?

[muffinsquirrel]

Flyers can convert the D2 they get in foods to the D3 needed for the calcium. As long as they are on a good diet, they should have no problems. I also give L&M Farms Liquid Vitamins for Mammals. You will see it packaged for various animals - rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, ferrets, etc. - but it is all the same thing....only the dosage differs. I use 1 drop per ounce of water, and also provide plain water for them. They will drink whichever they need. I feed yogurt 3 or 4 times a week for the calcium - any good yogurt with live culture. DO NOT use yogurt that has artificial sweeteners - no Lite or Low Fat. Also, mushrooms are good for the vitamin D situation, most of my flyers love them. I provide a cuttlebone in each cage, but am one of the few that does not use a calcium substitute. If I have nursing mommas, or young pups that are being weaned, I will mix some Esbilac powder into their yogurt.

muffinsquirrel

[Sissy]

Flyers can convert the D2 they get in foods to the D3 needed for the calcium. As long as they are on a good diet, they should have no problems. I also give L&M Farms Liquid Vitamins for Mammals. You will see it packaged for various animals - rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, ferrets, etc. - but it is all the same thing....only the dosage differs. I use 1 drop per ounce of water, and also provide plain water for them. They will drink whichever they need. I feed yogurt 3 or 4 times a week for the calcium - any good yogurt with live culture. DO NOT use yogurt that has artificial sweeteners - no Lite or Low Fat. Also, mushrooms are good for the vitamin D situation, most of my flyers love them. I provide a cuttlebone in each cage, but am one of the few that does not use a calcium substitute. If I have nursing mommas, or young pups that are being weaned, I will mix some Esbilac powder into their yogurt.

muffinsquirrel

:goodpost Your good MS

[WeHo36]

Thanks!
We have a passion for Lucerne Yogurt at our house so I'll just start picking up the plain flavor!
The birds like banana and apple; we like peach, the dogs like vanilla and cherry soooo, what's one MORE flavor to keep on hand, eh? <g>

[TexanSquirrel]

:Welcome

[muffinsquirrel]

Thanks!
We have a passion for Lucerne Yogurt at our house so I'll just start picking up the plain flavor!
The birds like banana and apple; we like peach, the dogs like vanilla and cherry soooo, what's one MORE flavor to keep on hand, eh? <g>


No need to limit him to plain - mine like most all flavors.....including LIME!!! The closest I have ever come to 'plain' is Vanilla, which is what I start my pups out on, mixing it with their formula when I begin weaning them. And strawberry is a real favorite!

muffinsquirrel