Are you the proud new owner of a Sugar Glider? Looking for ways to properly care for and pamper your new pal? The tips in this article will help you provide an enjoyable and safe living environment for your new pet.
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Purchase a cage. Though many breeders will give you a cage with your purchase, it may not be big enough. Minimum cage size for a pair of gliders is 3 feet high by 2 feet wide with no more than 1/2 inch bar spacing. There are several sources for cages online or check your local pet store. Avoid galvanized steel cages because they can rust and cause urinary tract infections in male gliders.
Create the habitat. Sugar gliders are intelligent and need an engaging environment. You need to stimulate your gliders mind with interesting things to look at touch, smell and play with. If your glider is neglected in this area you may have health issues along with behavior problems. Most toddler toys are glider safe including, fun rings, barrel of monkeys, small plastic beads, empty spools of thread, safe glider wheels. Consider rotating toys and rearranging the elements in the cage on a regular basis.
Give them a place to sleep. Sugar gliders sleep in pouches. Fleece is a great material because it won't catch their feet. Additionally, hollowed out coconuts are also popular.
Select a healthy diet. Preparing food for sugar gliders is more like feeding animals in a zoo than opening a bag of kibble. There are several diets available such as Burbon's Modified Ledbetter Diet or the Suncoast diet. Both help the gliders get the calcium they need to avoid malnutrition and HLP (hind leg paralysis). Do some research online to find one that works for you.
Keep snacks on hand. Gliders love snacks and snacks can be a great resource for bonding. One of the most nutritious is live meal worms. Seeing how much your little guy loves mealies will help you get over the "ick" factor (most pet stores sell plastic tweezers). Other snacks include fresh fruit, dried unsulfured papaya, dried unsulfured coconut, yogurt drops, pine nuts (in limited quantities), peas, and "lickey treats" which could be yogurt, applesauce or baby food. (Hawaiian Delight and chicken with apples are favorites.) When choosing snacks avoid all artificial sweeteners, colors or other non-natural ingredients.
Select a vet. Just like dogs and cats, sugar gliders occasionally get sick. Make sure you have a vet in your area who specializes in glider care. Also, consider neutering your male glider if paired with a female glider to prevent inbreeding.
Take the time to bond with your glider. One of the most special things about sugar gliders is the need for socialization. Though some breeders will sell single gliders, gliders do much better in pairs or colonies. Gliders are capable of a lot of love and if you spend time with them and give them respect, they will grow to trust you. An important thing to consider is that gliders form strong bonds and can become despondent when the bond is broken. A glider's life span is 15 years. Before bringing home a glider, you will need to consider if you are offering them a forever home. Snuggling your sugar glider and petting them when they are sleepy in their pouch is a great way to connect. Another useful technique is "tent time." Playing with your gliders in a tent allows them freedom to roam without a mad dash somewhere you can't coax them out of.
Connect with other glider owners in your area. It is great fun to connect with other glider owners to share the joy. Plus they can be a great resource when you have to ask questions. There are many forums and message-boards that are glider-related. Log on.
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