Melanistic Markings From Diet?

29 Oct 2010, 01:11

I purchased 2 pr of double bars today to replace the ones eated by the sugargliders. I noticed that they have black marking on their face and chest and was wondering about them. I've seen earlier on this forum that this can be caused by poor nutrition. If this is the case what is lacking in their diet and how can I correct it?

Greg

29 Oct 2010, 07:20

Hi Greg, congrats on the newbies

I've heard of this too with the same conclusion - I can't recall what the problem was, I think it just moulted out.
I've always wondered what they would look like - any chance of a snap or 2

29 Oct 2010, 10:57

Or they could be young ones. As the colour starts as grey and moults/fades with maturity. I would just give them a good healthy all round diet and observe. As long as you have all bases covered they will seek out anything they are lacking. Congratulations on the newbys, and good luck in breeding them next season.
LML

29 Oct 2010, 15:47

Well congradulations is premature. When I came home for lunch one was dead! Anyway here is what a live one looks like:

29 Oct 2010, 16:22

yep, like you both said
wow he's a cutie

sorry to hear about the other one

29 Oct 2010, 20:25

They can moult out,So i have heard.I have seen melanistic fully coloured gouldians moult out (not mine) And their fate was the same as your little fella Just a month after full moult.Just to put another roughy in,I have a few masks and We masks that have melanistic bellys.For a split second the first time i seen it I thought I had some exotic disease,Untill I worked out the melanistic look was from charcoal, And it stays on for some time to.I have some now looking a bit like it.