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Sugar gliders are very social animals. It is usually recommended that
sugar gliders are kept in pairs. Gliders that are lonely can over groom,
or even self mutilate. Please understand that loneliness is NOT the only
possible cause of a sugar glider that is self mutilating. If you ever
experience a sugar glider self mutilating, get to a knowledgeable vet
ASAP. Extremely lonely and depressed sugar gliders have also been known
to stop eating and basically "loose the will to live". Although these
are extreme cases, it is something a responsible sugar glider owner must
take into consideration and be prepared for.
Some sugar gliders tend to be "ok" when they are alone, but are prone to
obesity and boredom. While you are a great "friend" and "playmate" for
your sugar glider, you can't play, wrestle, and communicate like another
sugar glider would. People are not usually nocturnal like sugar gliders.
They will need someone to play and interact with in the wee hours of the
morning, and a warm body to cuddle up to while they are asleep in their
cage. From the lack of playing and stimulation that another sugar glider
can provide, some sugar gliders may over eat and become obese. Of coarse
there have been a select few cases where a sugar glider really was just
fine being the only glider, but that is truly rare. Any sugar glider
that is housed alone needs to be watched carefully to ensure the animals
health and happiness remain intact. We do not recommend sugar gliders to
be housed alone long term. Sometimes an owner may want to bond with one
sugar glider, then consider another down the road. We do understand this
process works for many new sugar glider owner. Most responsible breeders
will not sell a sugar glider that is intended to be housed alone it's
entire life. |
