Hair Loss in Sugar Gliders

Sugar gliders are small marsupials, similar in appearance to chipmunks. There are some common medical conditions that can cause hair loss in sugar gliders, and if these conditions are left untreated, they can result in more severe health problems that put your sugar glider's life at risk.

  1. Identification

    • Oily skin and poor coat quality are often the first sign that hair loss is imminent. Small patches of bare skin will then begin to appear over the glider's body.

    Causes

    • A poor diet or unsanitary cage conditions are the most common causes of hair loss in sugar gliders. In some cases, hair loss in sugar gliders may come from the glider repeatedly trying to escape from his cage as he rubs his body against the bars of the enclosure.

    Effects

    • Loss of hair in sugar gliders causes the delicate skin of the glider to become exposed putting them at risk for skin infection. Hair loss that is caused by poor diet or unsanitary cage conditions can be an indicator of other health conditions such as digestive disorders, urinary tract diseases and rear leg paralysis.

    Considerations

    • Male sugar gliders that have reached sexual maturity may experience hair loss on the top of the head and on the front of their chest. This can be attributed to the scent glands that secrete pheromones to attract a mate.

    Prevention/Solution

    • By providing a healthy diet and regularly cleaning your glider's cage, you can help to prevent the loss of hair in your sugar glider. To help prevent escape attempts that can result in hair loss, provide your glider with adequate exercise time outside the cage and rotate toys in the cage that will keep them entertained.