When letting your sugar gliders out to play, it is always a good
idea to "glider-proof" the room first. Removing any dangerous situations
that the sugar glider could get into can save it's life.
- Never leave gliders unsupervised: They
must be watched at all times to ensure their safety, even if you
have a glider proofed room. Sugar gliders are very curious by
nature, and always seem to find a way into trouble.
- Glider proof a proper room: Choose the
safest room to glider proof. Laundry rooms are not generally
acceptable, as they can easily make their way into the washer
and dryer. Since dryers have a hose that leads outside, it would
be very easy for your sugar glider to make it outside. Walk in
closets and bedrooms make the best rooms to glider proof.
- Remove other pets or other sugar gliders:
No matter how much you trust your pets not to do any harm to
your sugar gliders, please remove them from the room during play
time. Animals can act on their instincts fast, and for no
reason.
- Close off cracks, holes, fireplaces and vents:
Seal and close off anything you can fit more than a finger in.
Be sure that you close it off properly. Sugar gliders are very
smart so make sure the seal is secure and there is no possible
way the glider an get break through.
- Close windows, doors, cabinets, and drawers:
Be sure that windows and doors are shut. Place a sign on the
door when your glider is out of the cage to warn others,
especially if your glider room opens to the outside.
- Plug outlets, and remove excess cords:
Be sure to unplug everything, and use child safety plugs to
close off electrical outlets. Remove any cords or electrical
items as possible from the room.
- Remove dangerous furniture: Sugar gliders can
be caught in recliner chairs, futons, and some gliding chairs.
These items should be removed before the sugar glider is let out
to play.
- Cover open water and toilets: Sugar
gliders can not swim. Cover or remove standing water such as
fish tanks and toilets. Remember, toilets are especially
dangerous, I recommend that you fold a towel between the lid and
seat to ensure your sugar glider does not get in. Some sugar
glider owners recommend a toilet ladder, which hooks on to the
side of the toilet bowl for them to grab on to and get out.
- Keep the glider room clean: Remove any
garbage, laundry, or excess clutter. Be sure to keep a lid on
any trash cans in the area. Remove any harmful items such as
chemicals, medicines, unsafe house plants, and food.
- Turn off fans, space heaters and appliances:
Be sure that all fans, including ceiling fans, are turned off.
Be sure to remove any space heaters or other items that create
hot surfaces to ensure your sugar glider doesn't get burned or
injured. Unplug and cover any appliances that can harm your
glider, such as paper shredders, VCR's, and printers.
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