Did you know that sugar gliders can live up to 15 years? Many people may find this surprising. Small animals are becoming quite popular as pets and It’s not hard to understand why. Little animals are often rather affordable. They’re also extremely cute, take up little space, and can easily pass weight restrictions imposed by renters or homeowners associations. However, many of the most common small animals survive only a few years. That extended lifetime is one of many things to consider before adopting sugar gliders. This post features a local Dayton, TN veterinarian discussing some care advice.
What Are Sugar Gliders?
People frequently misidentify these lovely little fellows as rodents, but they are actually marsupials. These adorable small mammals are indigenous to Australia and Indonesia. They just recently became pets, first gaining popularity in the exotic pet niche in the 1990s.
What Are Some Fun Facts About Sugar Gliders?
Sugar gliders are distinctively unique among our animal pals. Their care requirements are similar to those of a pocket pet in some ways, but more akin to those of birds in others. Before deciding to adopt one, you should conduct extensive research. We’ll go into more detail about care later, but in the meantime, here are some fascinating facts about them:
It’s All In The Tail: That adorable tail takes up half of a glider’s body length, which is around a foot.
They’re Delicate: Gliders have a thin membrane that extends from their wrists to their ankles, similar to the ones flying squirrels have. This is known as a patagium. It lets gliders jump and glide through the air. However, it is also extremely fragile. Because of this, you should never use a harness on a glider.
They Make Funny Sounds: Sugar glider vocalizations are super cute! They frequently sound like a dog barking rather than anything else.
They are Nocturnal: Sugar gliders are most active at night time. That’s something to bear in mind if you’re considering getting one for your child. Your cute little furballs may keep your youngster awake at night!
They All Have A Sweet Tooth: Sugar gliders receive their name (or part of it) from the fact that they enjoy eating sweets. In the wild, their natural meals consist primarily of fruits, nectar, and honey.
They Really Do Glide: Believe it or not, they can glide up to 150 feet (45 meters).
They Need Friends: In the wild, gliders live in pretty big colonies: each one can have up to 15 gliders. You don’t have to adopt that many, but you should have at least two. A single glider will become lonely and melancholy without any friends!
What Kind of Cage Do Gliders Need?
Sugar gliders are not difficult to care for, but they do have highly specific requirements. You’ll need a fairly large cage. We recommend selecting one that measures at least 24″W x 36″H. However, the bigger, the better. These guys love to climb, so choose something that is taller than it is wide. The bars should be spaced less than half an inch apart. It’s also best to get something with enamel or powder coating. Wire cages can cause injuries.
For bedding, you can use non-treated wood shavings, shredded newspaper, or commercial liners or substrate. Check with your veterinarian about this, as many popular substrates are hazardous to gliders.
Your cute little pals will require accessories, toys, and hides. Hammocks, bags, swings, ladders, and tents are all possible additions. Gliders will also like branches, (big) rings, bells, and bridges. Of course, you’ll need dishes too. Ask your vet for advice on this as well.
What Sort Of Foods Do Sugar Gliders Eat?
This is one area where sugar glider care can get tricky. They can eat commercial glider food, but you’ll need to supplement it with things like arugula, bibb lettuce, dill, or radicchio. You can serve applesauce and honey sticks as rewards.
It’s also important to understand what not to give your pets. This includes anything high in calcium and oxalates, like raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, spinach, carrots, beets, pears, lettuce, figs, and collards. You should also avoid foods that are harmful to almost all animals, such as chocolate, garlic, and anything high in fat, salt, or sugar. Ask your veterinarian for particular guidance.
How Do You Bond With A Glider?
Gliders, like many other small creatures, are prey in their natural habitat and can be rather timid and shy. They may need time to feel safe with you. However, Once you’ve earned your pet’s trust, you’ll notice that he or she grows quite connected to you. In fact, one of the best things about these little guys is that, because they are so gregarious, they frequently bond with entire families. Of course, they will naturally be most attached to whoever loves them the most.
That isn’t something to take lightly. Once gliders do become bonded to someone, they will be devastated if they are separated from them or rehomed. As a result, we highly advise against purchasing gliders unless you are certain that you will retain them for their whole lifetimes. Otherwise, choose something shorter-lived, such as a hamster or Guinea pig.
How Do You Bond With A Sugar Glider?
It may take some time to really become friends with your pint-sized pals. Here are a few things that you can do to speed the process up a bit:
What Are The Signs Of Sickness In Sugar Gliders?
As with any other animal, you’ll need to learn about typical health issues and disease symptoms to look out for. Pay close attention to your gliders and look for signals that something is awry.
The list contains the following:
If you detect any of these issues, contact your Dayton, TN veterinarian straight away.
Get Specific Advice From Your Dayton, TN Veterinarians
This is simply a brief summary of sugar glider care. There’s a lot more to cover. Always conduct extensive study before acquiring a new pet. Also, don’t be scared to see your veterinarian for tips and advice. We’re always delighted to help!
Schedule An Appointment At Our Dayton, TN Pet Clinic.
Do you have any inquiries regarding sugar glider care? Contact your pet hospital today!
