What not to do with a sugar glider

Is Your Sugar Glider Not Eating? Here Are 4 Possible Reasons Why

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The purpose of this blog is to share general information and is written to the author's best knowledge. It is not intended to be used in place of veterinary advice. For health concerns, please seek proper veterinary care. In addition, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Sugar gliders arent gluttonous eaters.

They only need to eat about 15 to 20% of their weight every day. This isnt much at all, since they only weigh around three to five ounces.

In most cases, theyll be more than happy with a handful of nutritional pellets, nuts, fruits, and/or vegetables.

But what happens if a sugar glider doesnt eat at all? Can sugar gliders purposely starve themselves?

If so, how do you get their appetite back before they fall ill?

In this article, well discuss all the plausible reasons your sugar glider is not eating plus their solutions.

4 Plausible Reasons Why Your Sugar Glider Isnt Eating

Sugar gliders are finicky eaters.

In a way, theyre like human children. Theyd sometimes reject nutritionally balanced food for treats or snacks.

But its a completely different story if they stop eating altogether.

Although sugar gliders are known to self-mutilate when stressed (i.e., over-groom to the point of hurting themselves), they wont purposely starve themselves if they can help it.

Here are some of the biggest reasons your sugar glider doesnt eat:

1 Illness

Decreased appetite is often a sign of illness. So, if you notice a significant decrease in your gliders appetite, or worse, stop eating entirely, visit your veterinarian to fix the root of the problem.

Alongside the loss of appetite, signs of illness in sugar gliders include the following:

• Inactivity
• Lethargy
• Ocular discharge
• Nasal discharge
• Itchiness
• Odd lumps on the body
• Excessive sleeping
• Weakness or dragging back legs
• Seizures
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Excessive shedding or bald patches

Healthy sugar gliders have smooth coats, bright eyes, moist noses, pink gums, perky ears, and decent skin elasticity.

Like cats, gliders mask their illnesses quite well. Because of this, theres a high chance you wont notice the above symptoms straight away.

Therefore, you must keep a close eye on your glider whenever you notice something even a bit off in their attitude.

If in doubt, its best to contact a veterinarian who specializes in wild creatures like sugar gliders. These animals can quickly pass the point of recovery if not treated immediately.

Some of the most common sugar glider diseases include ick (AKA white spot disease), skin infections, and metabolic bone disease.

2 Stress

Despite popular belief, sugar gliders dont really get depressedat least, not in the same way humans do. However, they do get stressed.

Stressed gliders would either seem disinterested in food or stop eating altogether. Overeating is also a sign of stress.

Sugar gliders get stressed for a number of reasons. This includes overhandling, improper room temperature (excessive heat or cold), small or overcrowded cage, dirty living space, noisy environment, and lack of exercise.

They also get extremely stressed when taken out of their cage during daytime hours.

Other signs of stress in gliders include:

• Excessive sleeping
• Self-mutilation (scratching or biting themselves to the point of bleeding)
• Overgrooming
• Frantic or restless behavior
• Lack of energy
• Change in sleeping patterns
• Constant barking

3 Loneliness

Sugar gliders are highly social. They require the constant companionship of another glider or a responsive human.

Without a playmate, they might actually die of loneliness. This is why professional breeders and veterinarians always recommend owning at least two gliders.

If you raise a single glider, itll quickly grow bored because it doesnt have anyone to play with. Unless youre willing to act as its forever companion (and remember, gliders live up to 10 to 12 years), its best to give your glider a friend.

A lonely glider wont act as its usual self. Itll stop eating and playing.

Itll also exhibit abnormal behaviors such as incessantly barking and running in circles.

The loss of a companion may also trigger loneliness in a glider. If the gliders companion dies of illness, or if you separate them for extended periods of time, your glider will feel extremely lonely.

When this happens, human affection wont be enough. Therefore, you should always make sure your glider has a companion when youre not around to give it much-needed attention.

4 Improper / Repetitive Diet

If your glider isnt eating, it might be due to an improper diet.

As previously mentioned, gliders wont purposely starve themselves.

But if theyre not eating well, this will affect their overall health in the future. They might get malnourished and/or dehydrated.

If they get to this point, itll be difficult to fix their eating habits without constant intervention.

In the wild, sugar gliders are opportunistic omnivores. This means that theyll eat anything they get their hands on, including fruits, veggies, nuts, and even small lizards and birds.

Generally, sugar gliders need to have a diet that comprises 75% fruits and vegetables and 25% protein. They tend to have a bit of a sweet tooth for sweet fruits, veggies, and nectar, so make sure to slip them a treat or two every so often.

If your glider prefers one specific food, make sure to feed it in small quantities. If possible, use it as a treat or mix it with other fruits and vegetables so your glider wont get bored of it.

Also, make sure to switch it up a bit. Gliders arent only picky eaters; they tire of foods quite quickly, too. If they eat the same food every day, theyll get bored of it and stop eating.

Here are some food ideas to feed your glider:

• Fruits and vegetables: bananas, berries, carrots, cherries, grapes, mangoes, peaches, raisins, dates, avocados
• Protein: nutritional pellets, hard-boiled eggs, peanut butter, yogurt, tofu, cottage cheese, and small pieces of meat with no added spices or sauces
• Treats: live insects, unsalted nuts, dried fruit, yogurt drops

As much as possible, avoid feeding your sugar glider onion, garlic, chocolate, candy, and foods high in oxalates (i.e., spinach and beets). These foods are toxic and unhealthy for your pet.

What to Do When a Sugar Glider Refuses to Eat

Once youve identified the possible cause of the issue, share your findings with a veterinarian. The veterinarian will perform a wellness check and give you advice on what to do.

If its merely a case of picky eating, here are some tips to follow:

• Cut up their fruits and vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
• When feeding your glider treats, make sure to do it in the morning so it wont ruin their appetite at night. Two to three small treats per glider are more than sufficient.
• Establish a feeding routine and stick to it. Gliders are sticklers for routine, so make sure to feed them at the same time every day.
• Feed your glider once in the morning and once in the evening.
• Change your gliders water every day.
• Regularly rotate between diets to prevent your glider from developing food aversions.

Final Thoughts

Sugar gliders are generally easy to take care of.

The biggest challenge youll face when taking care of them is maintaining a proper diet and socialization.

Once you get those two down, your glider will live a happy, healthy life in your home.

If your sugar glider isnt eating, it might be due to illness, stress, loneliness, or improper diet. If in doubt, consult a veterinarian to prevent malnourishment and/or dehydration.

Good luck!

I have a bachelors degree in construction engineering. When Im not constructing or remodeling X-Ray Rooms, Cardiovascular Labs, and Pharmacies, Im at home with my wife, two daughters and a dog. Outside of family, I love grilling and barbequing on my Big Green Egg and working on projects around the house. Growing up, I had pet dogs, cats, deer, sugar gliders, chinchillas, a bird, chickens, fish, and a goat.

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Sugar Glider

Sugar gliders are palm-size possums that can glide half the length of a soccer pitch in one trip. These common, tree-dwelling marsupials are native to tropical and cool-temperate forests in Australia, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea. Their wings are made from a thin skin stretched between the fifth forefinger and back ankle, and they use their bushy tails as rudders as they soar through the air.

Often compared with flying squirrelsrodents with similar bodies that can also glidesugar gliders are more closely related to other marsupials like kangaroos. As nocturnal animals, they see well in the dark with their big black eyes. They have mostly grey fur but their underbellies are white, and their heads have black stripes.

Reproduction

Sugar gliders nest in tree hollows with up to 10 other adults. In addition to forests, theyve also been found in plantations and rural gardens. Females have one or two young, called joeys, at least once a year. The young stay with their mothers until theyre seven to 10 months old.

In parts of their range, winter temperatures can fall below freezing. To keep warm, sugar gliders sleep huddled together. That, along with short periods of reduced body temperature called torpor, helps them save energy on colder days.

Diet

Sugar gliders have a flexible diet that can vary according to location and season. They feed on nectar, pollen, acacia, and eucalyptus tree sap. Theyve also been observed systematically searching tree cones for spiders and beetles.

Though threatened by feral animals, bushfires, and land clearance for agriculture, sugar gliders are considered to have stable populations in the wild. Sugar gliders are bred and kept as pets.

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Everything You Need to Know About Sugar Gliders

Sugar gliders are fascinating and adorable creatures that have been gaining popularity as pets in recent years. If you are considering getting a sugar glider as a pet, its essential to understand everything about them to ensure you can provide the care they need. In this article, we will cover the origin and natural habitat, physical characteristics, lifespan and health of sugar gliders, as well as their pros and cons as pets, necessary care and maintenance, and dietary requirements. Additionally, we will delve into sugar glider behavior and socialization, legal and ethical considerations of ownership, and how to find a reputable sugar glider breeder.

Understanding Sugar Gliders

Origin and Natural Habitat

Sugar gliders are small marsupials native to Australia, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea. They are arboreal animals, meaning they live predominantly in trees. In the wild, sugar gliders inhabit forests and woodlands, where they glide from tree to tree using the patagium, a thin membrane of skin that stretches between their wrists and ankles.

These nocturnal creatures spend their days sleeping in tree hollows and emerge at night to forage for food. Sugar gliders are social animals and live in groups called colonies, which consist of one male, multiple females, and their offspring.

Physical Characteristics

Sugar gliders have a distinct appearance that sets them apart from other small mammals. They are about the size of a squirrel, with a body length of approximately six inches. Their fur is soft and covers their body in a pattern of gray to brown shades, while their belly is lighter in color.

One of the most unique features of sugar gliders is their large, gliding membrane. When extended, the patagium allows them to glide for impressive distances, which helps them traverse between trees and locate food sources.

Lifespan and Health

In the wild, sugar gliders have an average lifespan of seven to nine years. However, with proper care, sugar gliders can live up to 12-15 years in captivity. Ensuring a healthy diet, regular veterinary care, and a safe environment are crucial in promoting their longevity.

Like any pets, sugar gliders are prone to certain health issues, including nutritional deficiencies, dental problems, and obesity. Its important to provide them with a balanced diet and regular exercise to prevent these problems. Additionally, finding a knowledgeable exotic veterinarian who specializes in sugar glider care is essential for their overall health and well-being.

Sugar Gliders as Pets

Pros and Cons

Deciding whether or not to get a sugar glider as a pet requires careful consideration of the pros and cons. On one hand, sugar gliders are incredibly cute and can form strong bonds with their human caregivers. They are highly social animals and enjoy interacting with their owners.

However, sugar gliders require a significant amount of time, attention, and commitment. They have specific dietary and environmental needs that must be met to ensure a happy and healthy life. Additionally, their nocturnal nature may not be suitable for everyone, as they are most active during the night.

Necessary Care and Maintenance

Providing proper care for a sugar glider involves several key considerations. First and foremost, they require a spacious cage that allows them to climb, glide, and explore. The enclosure should include branches, toys, and hammocks for enrichment.

Additionally, sugar gliders need a balanced diet consisting of fresh fruits, vegetables, protein sources, and a specialized pellet mix designed specifically for them. Its crucial to avoid foods high in sugar, such as chocolate and processed snacks, as these can be harmful to their health.

Dietary Requirements

To ensure that your sugar glider receives proper nutrition, its important to provide a balanced diet that replicates their natural feeding habits. The majority of their diet should consist of fresh fruits and vegetables, such as apples, oranges, carrots, and leafy greens.

Protein is essential for their overall health, and it can be supplied through cooked chicken, eggs, or commercially available insect-based diets. Additionally, offering a variety of live insects can provide mental stimulation and mimic their natural foraging behaviors.

Sugar Glider Behavior and Socialization

Common Behaviors

Sugar gliders exhibit a range of interesting behaviors that contribute to their unique charm. They are highly energetic and agile, spending their waking hours climbing, gliding, and exploring their environment. Gliding allows them to cover large distances effortlessly, making it a fascinating sight to behold.

Another notable behavior of sugar gliders is their ability to bond with their owners. They form strong attachments and enjoy interactive playtime. They are also known for their vocalizations, including chirps, barks, and hisses, which they use to communicate with one another.

Socialization Needs

Due to their social nature, sugar gliders require regular interaction and bonding with their owners. Its important to spend dedicated time with them each day, engaging in activities that stimulate their minds and bodies. This can include providing toys, playing games, and allowing them to explore outside their cage in a safe, supervised manner.

Its worth noting that sugar gliders should not be housed alone, as they thrive in the company of other sugar gliders. When considering sugar glider ownership, it is recommended to get at least two gliders to ensure their social needs are met.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

Legality of Ownership

Before deciding to bring a sugar glider into your home, its essential to research and understand the legal regulations regarding their ownership in your area. While sugar gliders are legal to own as pets in some countries and states, there are restrictions in place in other regions.

Its crucial to check with local authorities, such as wildlife departments or pet ownership committees, to ensure that you can legally and responsibly keep sugar gliders as pets. Violating ownership laws can result in legal consequences and potential harm to the gliders themselves.

Ethical Implications

In addition to legal considerations, there are also ethical implications to owning sugar gliders. Due to their high maintenance needs and specific environmental requirements, some argue that keeping sugar gliders as pets may not be suitable for everyone.

Its important to assess your ability to meet their needs and provide a suitable home before committing to ownership. Additionally, its recommended to adopt a sugar glider from a reputable breeder or consider rescuing one from a sugar glider-specific rescue organization to ensure ethical sourcing.

Finding a Sugar Glider Breeder

What to Look for in a Breeder

When searching for a sugar glider breeder, its crucial to find a reputable and responsible breeder who prioritizes the health and welfare of their gliders. Look for breeders who have a good reputation in the sugar glider community, participate in glider associations, and provide ongoing support and education for new owners.

Additionally, a reputable breeder will ensure that their gliders receive proper veterinary care, are well-socialized, and have appropriate lineage records. Avoid breeders who prioritize quantity over quality, as this may indicate a lack of care and knowledge regarding proper breeding practices.

Preparing for Your Sugar Gliders Arrival

Once you have chosen a reputable breeder and are ready to bring a sugar glider into your home, its crucial to prepare adequately for their arrival. This includes setting up their enclosure with the necessary supplies and creating a safe and enriching environment.

Ensure that you have a suitable cage or enclosure, along with toys, perches, and bedding materials. Stock up on the appropriate food items, including fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as a high-quality pellet mix. Its also beneficial to establish a relationship with a knowledgeable exotic veterinarian who can provide ongoing healthcare for your new pet.

By taking the time to research and prepare, you can ensure that your sugar gliders transition into your home is smooth and that they receive the care and attention they need to thrive.

Conclusion

Sugar gliders are captivating pets that require a comprehensive understanding to provide them with a suitable home. From understanding their origin and natural habitat to considering their dietary requirements and socialization needs, its crucial to prioritize their well-being at every stage.

In addition to the necessary care and maintenance, its important to be aware of the legal and ethical considerations of owning sugar gliders. By finding a reputable breeder and preparing adequately, you can embark on a rewarding journey with these unique and enchanting creatures.