HEALTH OF YOUR SUGAR GLIDER
Number 1, Make sure you have a vet on hand that is knowledgeable about suger gliders, do not wait until your precious bundle is sick.
Of Course diet is very important, so, check out the diet/nutrition section. I will have more on how your glider should look to you, to ensure it is healthy, coming soon.
Aflatoxicosis: The glider can get it from eating affected crickets. It is a fungus , can could be found in the food that crickets eat, usually corn based. I use mealworms, that are not in corn based product.Also it can be found in peanuts, If caught in time, it is reversible.
Once a glider shows signs of illness, it is close to death, and could die within hours.. ( they hide illnesses because predators can pick up on the ill.) Seek a Vet ASAP.
Constipation: caused from lack of fiber in fiber in diet, not enough fluids, stress not enough exercise, poor diet, and Gastrointestinal problems. SIgns are crying when voiding, straining when having Bowel Movement. Provide a well-balanced diet. Make sure you have fresh water available at all times. Make sure your glider is getting enough exercise. I place paper towel (no ink)in tray of cage to monitor stools and urination.
Dehydration: The sugar glider can dehydrate in 24 hours. Insure that the water bottle is working properly. I check the bottles daily. Illness can cause dehydration, so make sure you are giving them well balanced diet.
Hind leg paralysis:This is caused from calcium deficient diet, and even stress. If you notice the hind legs are weakened or not moving, get your glider to vet ASAP. Hind leg paralysis usually is reversible.
Causes of Stress in Sugar Gliders
Moving , such as new owner, leaving their family, is very stressful. There are new sights, sounds and smells.
Any changes among the colony, such as new cagemates, loss of cagemate.
Boredom and being lonely.
Going to the veterinarian
Illness
These are only a few.
Signs of Stress
Very restless, doing the same thing over and over again
Barking
Over-grooming
Selfmutilating
No Energy
Eating too much, or loss of appetite
SUGAR GLIDER SAFETY
You want to prevent accidents from happening to your sugar glider. NEVER LEAVE YOUR GLIDER UNATTENDED. Many owners have gotten comfortable with their gliders and think it won't hurt now, to leave them unattended. This is where they were wrong, and their precious animal is no longer here. TRUST ME when I say, do not leave your glider unattended.
BATHROOMS: The most dangerous is water in the toilet. Lids must stay down to prevent drowning, since glider's can't swim. Even the most diligent of owners have found their escapee from the cage dead in their toilet. If you want to take your glider in the bathroom to bond, glider proof it first. Put all chemicals perfumes razors, anything they can get to, out of the way. Don't forget the cabinets . is there a place underneath where they can crawl into? Because if there is, good luck getting your baby out of it. I place blankets up against the cabinet. But, if my glider wants to jump off me, I direct it back on me. I don't want my glider to think it can run ammuck in a room.
KITCHEN:There is nothing in a kitchen for your glider but danger. under refrigerator or stove, water in the sink, the space between floor and bottom of your cabinets. Check for poisoin in the area.
UTILITY ROOM: Clothes washers have a drain they can weasel into. Is it blocked off? Clothes hampers, an escappee can curl up there and fall asleep.
LIVING ROOM: The glider can get under the couch, into the recliner, is the fire place closed off to keep your baby from going up it? Fans?
What about vents? are they covered?
The best platime area, is a tent. You have the freedom of not worrying if your glider is going to get in a pinch.
Just think ahead. and NEVER LEAVE YOUR GLIDER UNATTENDED
This page was last updated: February 9, 2010
