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Common New Owner Questions:
Q. Do sugar gliders bite?
A. Yes, sugar gliders can bite. Anything with teeth can bite, but tame
and bonded gliders rarely do. A sugar glider bite feels similar to that
of a hamster bite, although they don’t always break skin. Sometimes a
tame and bonded glider may bite out of illness or if it is startled.
Unbonded sugar gliders will bite out of fear. If your sugar glider does
bite, it is important to take the bite. If the sugar glider learns that
it can archive what it wants by biting, it will continue the behavior.
A less painful type of “bite” is called a nip. In this case the sugar
glider doesn’t break the skin, but creates more of a pinch. This is
often times a warning of its unhappiness or discomfort. Sugar gliders
may nip you if they smell food or something they think is food on your
hands (ex. lotions).
Tips to avoid being bit:
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Avoid grabbing a sugar glider from above. This will
create a defensive response, and may result in a bite. Instead, try
coxing the sugar glider on the back of your hand, or scooping it up
gently from below.
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Some sugar gliders are “pouch protective” in these
cases, the sugar glider will feel the need to protect their nest.
Gently coax the sugar glider out of the pouch by working him up to
the top of the pouch.
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Offer the back of your hand instead of the palm.
Most animals will find this less intimidating. Not to mention,
taking a bite on the back of the hand is less painful than on the
palm. Q. Do sugar gliders need immunization (shots)?
A. No. Sugar gliders are not required or recommended for
immunization shots at this time. The lower body temperature keeps
the glider safe from many illnesses that would other wise affect
placental mammals. One example is rabies. If a sugar glider came
into contact with rabies the glider could not get or spread the
disease. Sugar gliders are marsupials, as such their body
temperature is lower than that of placental mammals.. Of coarse this
does not mean that sugar gliders unable to get sick. There are still
many diseases sugar gliders are susceptible to.
Q. Do sugar gliders make a lot of noise?
A. Sugar gliders are nocturnal animals. They are extremely active,
vocal, and playful at night. Often times a verity of vocalizations
can be heard, from barking (similar to a small puppy barking),
crabbing, to chittering and hissing. Toys and wheels make noise.
Most people, especially light sleepers, should not house sugar
gliders in their bedroom. For the most part, yes, they can be loud,
however, they aren’t usually loud enough to keep the neighbors up.
Q. Do sugar gliders teeth keep growing?
A. NO!! Sugar gliders are NOT rodents, they are marsupial possums. A sugar gliders teeth should
never be trimmed or floated.
Q. My sugar glider doesn’t seem to drink a lot of water. Should I be
worried?
A. Sugar gliders receive most of their “water” from the foods they
consume. This is why dry pellet diets are not recommended as a
healthy diet. Fresh water should always be offered. If you are
concerned about dehydration, try tenting the skin on the back of the
sugar glider’s neck. If it goes back down immediately, there are no
problems with dehydration. However, if the skin stays tented or goes
down slowly, the glider is dehydrated. Often times offering a small
amount of juice, glideraide, or a 50/50 mixture of Pedialyte and
water will help a dehydrated sugar glider. Sugar gliders can hide
illnesses well. If you have any reason to believe your sugar glider
may be ill, take it to the vet as soon as possible.
Q. What is that bald spot on the head and chest of my sugar glider?
A. The “bald spot” on the head, and chest are caused by active scent
glands secreting oils. Intact males will rub their chest, head, and
anus on their cage, colony members, and other objects, to mark what
is “theirs”. Males that are neutered will stop producing the oil
that mats down the fur creating the “bald spots”. Over time,
neutered males will completely loose their “bald spots”.
Q. What is that pink worm thing coming out of my sugar gliders
anus??
A. This is a males penis. The penis is pinkish in color, and is
considered to be bifurcated. This means it is divided in two, but it
is actually 2 separate shafts. New owners often mistake the penis
for worms, or intestines. The penis is quite long, but is most often
retracted . You may at times see your male with it out, cleaning it,
and even showing it off.
Q. Can I take photos of my sugar glider with the flash?
A. Yes. You can safely take a few photos of your sugar glider using
the flash. It is recommended that you limit photos in one session,
and use the flash when needed. Occasionally using the flash feature
on your camera will not harm the sugar glider’s eyes. However, using
it repetitively for long photo sessions, may become uncomfortable
for the sugar glider.
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