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Sugar glider basics

Basics on how to care for feed and house a sugar glider and keep him healthy and happy.

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Before bringing your sugar glider home, make sure you have adequate housing for him. When looking to buy a cage, look for one specifically made for a sugar glider, and try to find the biggest one you can that will accommodate your available space. Aquariums are not suitable for your pet because they are too small. Add bedding such as corncob to cover the bottom of the cage. Never use cedar shavings. They are toxic to small animals. Food and water dishes should be set high in the cage because sugar gliders usually won't eat food from the ground, and putting the dishes up high will also prevent the sugar glider from getting his droppings in the food and water. You will also want to put some non toxic tree branches and perches in the cage.

Sugar gliders in the wild enjoy eating insects some fruit and nectar. There are products available that are specially formulated for sugar gliders nutritional needs. You can also purchase live crickets and mealworms for them. Some stores sell them freeze dried for those who don't like dealing with live insects. Never feed wild insects to your sugar glider because they could have been exposed to pesticides and they could carry diseases and parasites.

Sugar gliders like to roam free and once tamed, can go out of his cage for exercise. To keep your sugar glider safe, it's important to make sure there are no dangers. Because sugar gliders fly, you will want to be sure that all windows and doors are closed. Make sure there are no hot items on the stove. Close all toilet lids and make sure there is no water in sinks or bathtubs. A bathroom is never really safe for a sugar glider, so it's best to also keep the door shut.

Before sitting anywhere look to make sure that your sugar glider isn't lurking in the seat. Keep ceiling fans off. If you have other pets such as dogs or cats, make sure they are kept away from your sugar glider. Because they are small enough to get into danger just about anywhere in the house, it's best to just pick one room in your house that is sugar glider proofed and then let him stay in there.

Sugar gliders are "communal" animals that need the company of either another sugar glider or attention from their owners. It's important to spend at least two hours or more per day your sugar glider. They can become so lonely and depressed they can actually die as a result of the lack of attention. So if you are unable to supply either the required time, or a second sugar glider to your pet, then you may want to consider finding a new home for him.



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