Does Size Matter?

One of our regular routines with the gliders is their weekly weigh-in.  We started this within about a month of Foehn and CB's arrival. Monitoring their weight is an easy way to monitor their overall health, as any sudden change in weight can signal a more serious health problem. I like having a simple way to monitor their general well-being, and being a scientist I keep track of the data we collect. Yes, it's in a spreadsheet. Their weight can vary from week to week, so I calculate a four-week running average. That's a good way to smooth out the weekly variations and still be able to detect a trend.

The "normal" weight range for adult gliders is 95-135 grams for females and 115-160 grams for males.  We've read about some gliders that tip the scales at well over 200 grams (and one as high as 275), often referred to as "fluffy" gliders (not to be confused with the Yellow-Bellied Glider, commonly known as a Fluffy Glider).  To compare the weight to something common, Cirrus weighs the equivalent of about 12 nickels. A "fluffy" glider at 200 grams weighs the equivalent of  a roll of 40 nickels. 

Since we have been weighing Foehn and CB, they both have gained about 7 to 8 grams.  Foehn is about 78 grams, and CB comes in at about 85 grams. They are still youngsters, only 10 months old. Gliders usually attain their full adult weight somewhere between one and two years old.  Virga and Cirrus, on the other hand, are 7 years old and full adults. Cirrus weighs just 62 grams, while Virga is closer to normal at 81 grams. When Cirrus came into our home she was just 59 grams, so her weight gain, while small in an absolute sense, is significant. Foehn and CB appear to be on track for achieving normal weight, but probably the lower end of the range. Cirrus is obviously well below the normal weight for an adult female, a Virga is smaller than normal as well.  However, both are active, healthy, and eat well.  As long as that's the case, then size doesn't matter.