How to Relieve Sugar Glider Stress

Sugar gliders are small marsupials native to Australia and Indonesia. Sugar gliders, like all exotic pets, have specific environmental, dietary and behavioral needs which are essential to their health and well being. Sugar gliders confronted with new environments, people, animals, or insufficient housing or food are prone to developing stress, which might result in self-mutilation, diarrhea, loss of appetite, vomiting or sleep problems. There are steps you can take to reduce and relieve your sugar glider's stress.

Things You'll Need

  • Toys
  • Paper towels
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Instructions

    • 1

      Check your sugar glider's diet. Is it eating the proper amount of protein? Some sugar gliders select the fruits from their food mix and don't eat enough hard boiled eggs, meal-worms or other protein sources. Insufficient protein can cause stress in sugar gliders, so observe what your sugar glider is actually eating during mealtime.

    • 2

      Provide entertainment in your sugar glider's environment. Toys that are safe for tropical birds are safe for sugar gliders. If it has adequate stimulation it is less likely to exhibit stress behaviors.

    • 3

      Bond with your sugar glider. Sugar gliders experience less stress if they are bonded with the humans who take care of them. Rubbing paper towels over your face and neck and leaving them in your sugar glider's cage helps your pet feel connected to you. Sugar gliders also enjoy being carried in a pocket or pouch.

    • 4

      Find a companion for your pet. Sugar gliders require a lot of attention. If you can't interact with it for at least three hours each day, consider adopting a second sugar glider.