Monday, October 14, 2013

Sugar Glider Checklist

If you are getting your first sugar gliders, these are the basic supplies you need to have before you bring them home:

  • Cage that is at least 24''W x 24''L  x 36''H, preferably larger.  Bar spacing should be no more than 1/2 inch.  The doors should have some type of lock to prevent escapes; if the doors slide up use clips to secure them.  A slide out pan in the bottom is a huge plus, it is so much easier to clean.
  • Travel carrier/bonding pouch-great for bringing your gliders home or to vet visits.  
  • Safe wheel.  Avoid wire hamster wheels, they can break feet and tails.  Wodent wheels were once a popular choice, but build up urine and feces inside quickly due to the enclosed design.  The best choices are Raptor wheels, Stealth wheels, or Custom cruisers.
  • Toys- the more the merrier!  Foraging toys are a favorite for most gliders, hide treats and food in them for added fun.  Toys that make noise are also great.
  • Sleeping pouch made of fleece.  Other materials can unravel and threads will get caught around feet, so stick to fleece.  Make sure the pouch is double layered with all seams on the inside!
  • Food dish- one that is hard to tip over preferably.
  • Water bottle- 8 oz. or larger, make sure it doesn't drip.  It's a good idea to have more than one.
  • Nail clippers/file- when your gliders' nails start to get caught in their pouch it's time for a trim.
  • Food- this is a whole subject on its own, refer to our past post here for diet choices.

Now that you have the basics, there are a few extra supplies I recommend that aren't quite necessary but still nice to have.
  • Treats!  Give in moderation.
  • Bedding for the cage bottom, you can leave this out if you wish but it is easier to clean with it.  Carefresh, fleece, or newspaper work well.
  • Glider Kitchen- you can make your own out of an old tupperware container, just cut a hole in the side (big enough for the gliders to get in and out) don't forget to sand the edges of the cut if they are rough.  Putting your gliders' food inside the 'kitchen' will minimize messes.
  • Tent- great to play and bond in so gliders can't get lost in other parts of the house.

Thursday, October 3, 2013

What A Good Diet Will Do For Your Glider

You may be questioning whether it's worth it to go with one of the good diets I listed on my past post (hereor settle for the easy, but less healthy, option of pellets.

Below are before and after photos of a rescued glider we took in a while ago that was eating a diet of mainly pellets in her last home.  As you can see in the first photo, she was completely stained brown with very cracked fur.  After taking her in we switched her to the HPW diet and she has greatly improved.  Her staining has completely faded and the cracks are starting to go away.  She's had increased energy and overall seems like a much healthier glider.

I think the photos speak for themselves.  A good diet makes a huge difference!

Before:

After: