Did you know that sugar gliders are marsupials, like kangaroos and koalas? They carry their babies—which are called joeys–in pouches for a little over a month. These cute and lovable little animals may not be the most popular pets on our roster of clients, but they definitely have some loyal fans. Read on as a local Eugene, OR vet answers some basic sugar glider care questions.
Are Sugar Gliders Hard To Care For?
Sugar gliders aren’t difficult to care for, but they do have some very specific needs. They also require a fair amount of TLC and monitoring. While you may not have to do a lot for your pets every day, you will need to understand the do’s and don’ts of caring for sugar gliders. This is especially crucial for those who are new to owning these adorable little pets. We can’t overstate the importance of doing lots and lots of research before adopting gliders.
What Do You Feed Sugar Gliders?
Sugar gliders can have commercial glider food for their main meals, which are typically going to be breakfast and dinner. You’ll need to round out their menu with fresh, safe produce. Do plenty of research on this, and ask your vet for specific advice. Not everything is safe for gliders!
For veggies, you can offer your tiny pals sweet potatoes, kale, collards, green beans, beets, peas, lima beans, dill, radicchio, bibb lettuce, arugula, carrots, jicama, Bok choy, squash, red bell pepper, or snow peas. Suitable fruits include oranges, papayas, tangerines, pineapples, mangos, cantaloupes, bananas, kiwi, peaches, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and cherries (without the pits). You can also offer your gliders unsweetened applesauce, plain oats, frozen orange juice, and plain yogurt. Protein is also a must. You can offer small amounts of eggs; turkey, or chicken; or mealworms. For treats, small bits of fruit are a good option.
It’s also important to know what not to give your cute pets. That list includes rhubarb, garlic, onions, scallions, leeks, and chocolate. There are also many things that are only safe on occasion, such as corn, broccoli, and cauliflower.
For produce, offer fresh or frozen, rather than canned. It should be offered in small, manageable bites, so you will have to either chop it or run it through a food processor. Remove thick skins, pips, pits, and seeds before handing it over.
Ask your Florence, OR vet for specific advice as far as your pet’s diet and care needs, including portion sizes, feeding protocols, and suitable snacks.
Is It Okay To Only Have One Sugar Glider?
Definitely not! In fact, this borders on cruelty. Sugar gliders are extremely sociable animals, and are more or less hardwired to live in groups. In the wild, sugar gliders play together, eat together, cuddle together, and groom each other. While your pet may become fond of you, and may enjoy interacting with you, that bond will never replace the need to be around other gliders. A single glider will get extremely depressed without any buddies. They may get so sad they stop eating or overgroom themselves.
You will need to be careful about picking appropriate cage-mates. If you have males and females together, well, you may end up with more gliders than you bargained for. If you have males and females, you may want to have your boy gliders neutered. Ask your Eugene, OR vet for more information.
How Do You Bond With A Sugar Glider?
Sugar gliders can be quite timid, so it may take your cute little pets some time to warm up to you. Keep in mind that, as far as your pets are concerned, you’re pretty much a giant. Your gliders will need to get used to you before they feel safe with you.
One thing you can do is offer them places and ways to snuggle up with you. Many small animals like enclosed spaces, like pouches. Wear a hoodie or sweater with a pocket, and let your pets nap in the pouch as you watch TV. It’s not hard to see why this would be comforting to a marsupial!
If you want to go a step further, consider buying or making a glider apron. This is basically an apron with some fun features for gliders to use, such as a ladder, a swing, or perhaps a pouch.
Of course, just providing your pets with great care will also go a long way. Talking to them gently, and providing small treats, such as fruit slices, will help them form positive associations with you. Your Florence, OR vet can give you more information about helping make friends with your cute pets.
Is It Illegal To Keep Sugar Gliders?
It is against the law to have sugar gliders in certain states, such as Alaska, California, and Hawaii. This is out of concern for the effects that escaped gliders could have on ecosystems, as they may form colonies that could very well thrive in those climates. They are legal here in Oregon, but you may need to check with your town, county, landlord, and HOA, if applicable, for legal restrictions and requirements.
What Sort Of Cage Do Sugar Gliders Need?
As with any smaller pet that stays in a cage, making sure that these guys have a roomy, comfortable home is often half the battle when it comes to caring for them. Gliders love to climb, so they need a lot of vertical space. We recommend getting something that is at least 3 feet high and 2 feet wide, but bigger is better.
Choose something with bars that are spaced a half inch apart or less. As for toys and furnishings, your furry pals will appreciate having things to jump on, climb, and glide to. If you really want to pamper your pet, consider making them a climbing wall. This can be a lot of fun for both you and your pets. They’ll have fun exploring, and you will enjoy watching them! Swings, bird perches, rope toys, ladders, and hammocks are all good choices, and are very popular with these guys. You can also use kitty shelves or glider platforms.
Do Sugar Gliders Need A Lot Of Veterinary Care?
Like any other pet, your sugar gliders will need regular exams. They can be prone to dental issues, and also are susceptible to various illnesses and diseases. Make the most of that appointment, and use the time to ask questions about your cute pets’ health and care needs.
Owners and potential owners should also be aware that gliders can transmit certain diseases to humans. These include Cryptosporidiosis, Giardiasis, Leptospirosis, and Toxoplasmosis. Always wash your hands thoroughly both before and after handling your pets and/or their belongings.
It’s also important to keep an eye out for signs of illness. Some of the common ones with sugar gliders include depression, lack of appetite, weight loss, poor fur condition, lethargy, and respiratory issues. Contact your Florence, OR vet right away if you notice any of these warning signs, or anything else that seems out of the ordinary.
Contact Our Eugene, OR Pet Hospital
Do you have questions about caring for a sugar glider? Contact us, your local Eugene, OR pet hospital, anytime. We are dedicated to offering top-notch care and are always happy to help
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