Origin Class : Mammalia Subclass : Marsupialia Order : Diprotodontia Suborder : Phalangerida Superfamily : Petauroidea Family : Petauridae
What is a sugar glider ? A sugar glider is a small marsupial possum from Australia, and parts of Indonesia and New Guinea. They are not related to flying squirrels, and are considered exotic animals in the United States. Sugar Gliders are nocturnal, meaning they are active during the night, and asleep during the day. Where did they get that name ? Their name comes from their two obvious characteristics. Sugar or Honey because of their preference of sweet things, and Gliders for their gliding membrane called a patagium. What does a sugar glider look like ? An adult sugar glider head and body measure about 5 to 6 inches in length with a tail equal in length to aid in balance and gliding. An adult male in proper body condition weighs about 100g to 130g, where as an adult female will be around 90g. The tail is fluffy, often curls on the end and usually is longer than the body length. Sugar gliders have hairless ears that can be moved independently in order to pick up the smallest sounds. A "wild type" or "standard" color sugar glider is gray or brownish in color with a long black stripe that runs from its’ nose to the end of the back. The underside of a sugar glider is a cream or white color. The last inch or so of the tail is black or brown. They have large protruding eyes, like most nocturnal animals, to allow for a wider field of vision. A sugar glider has five digits on each forefoot, with sharp claws to help grip branches. The hind feet also have 5 digits, and include a partially fused together 2nd and 3rd digit used for a grooming comb. There is also an enlarged, clawless, opposable big toe. The sugar glider has a patagium, a furred membrane of skin that connects to the wrists and ankles on each side of the glider, used for gliding. Sugar glider joeys are normally a nice slivery grey but as they age, they will shed away this soft joey coat and replace with their true colours. Some glider colours that we have here are the normal grays and a few shades of browns. Some would turn brown if they constantly stay in coconuts because of staining to the fur. You should not worry about the colours, for each sugar glider is unique in its own little way.
Before you decide if a Sugar Glider is right for you, please consider the following :- [spoiler]i ) Laws : Sugar gliders are not legal to have as pets in some homes or apartments, such case is in university campus. That is why, it is important to research this to see if your place allows sugar gliders as pets, especially to those who are students. ii ) Cost : Sugar gliders are expensive animals. Prices start at about RM300 for a normal gray sugar glider. Sugar gliders are very social colony animal, therefore, it is recommended that you get 2 sugar gliders instead of just one, same sex pair are preferred. Sugar gliders need large cages, toys, and have a complex diet. Even if you get a good deal on the price for your sugar glider, and cage, there are a lot more costs ahead that must been considered, such as vet bills and diets. iii ) Life Span : A sugar glider in captivity can live up to 15 years, provided it has good care. That means 5,478 nights of, chopping up fresh fruit and veggies, touching bugs, balancing meals, cleaning cages, and spending quality time with your glider. Being that sugar gliders are very social animals, having only one, you must handle it a minimum of 2 hours each night, not doing so can lead to depression, and ultimately other health problems. iv ) Allergic Reactions : A sugar glider is a furred animal, therefore if anyone is allergic to animal fur in your household, a sugar glider may not be the best pet for you. Sugar gliders do not have much if any dander, so usually that isn't a problem. People with sensitive skin may break out in a rash when handling sugar gliders. As part of their grooming practices, sugar glider will "sneeze" on their hands and groom their fur. The saliva in combination with their sharp nails can puncture the skin and cause a condition known as Dermatitis. v ) Vets : A sugar glider is considered an exotic animal, therefore not all vets treat them. It is important that you find a good vet that has knowledge of your exotic pet, before you get your sugar glider. vi ) Can not be potty trained : Sugar gliders can not be potty trained as they have little to no bowel control. They go whenever and where ever, which includes on you and your clothes. vii ) Children : A sugar glider can be a great pet for older children. If you do decide to buy a glider for a child, keep in mind that you will have to supervise care, as well as handling. Sugar gliders don’t make good pets for young children, seeing that they love to squeeze their pets, and could possibly injured the sugar glider's fragile body. viii ) Smell : There is a smell that comes with the sugar glider, as they do have scent glands. There are things you can do, such as, having a male neutered. Also regular cage cleaning will be needed. Males may mark you with his scent to claim you as his. Some owners add a few drops of apple cider vinegar to neutralize the urine and musky smell with some success. ix ) Other Animals : In the wild, sugar gliders’ predators are mostly predatory birds, such as owls. Sugar gliders should not be kept in the same room as screechy birds, because they find their calls threatening. As a general rule, sugar gliders and other pets don't get a long. Some dogs and cats can care less about the presence of your new glider, but others will just wait for the right opportunity. Use your judgment in these matters. Gliders should always have their own housing. Housing them with other animals can be very stressful for your glider.
Love & care for you suggies because they are only small creatures that need a lot of attention.
Love my little baby, Sosa
Love,
Shasha_xoxo
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