Sugar Glider Grooming Himself!

[Miss Lily]

Just remembered this video I took of my first sugar glider, Ziggy, washing himself and thought I'd share it. He had to wear a collar to stop him from biting himself and this is what he did when I took it off for a while so he could have a good wash. He was such a sweetheart, bless him, and sadly he is no longer with us. I will always treasure this video - my favourite bit is where he washes under his arm! The quality isn't great - it was taken a few years ago with my very old digital camera!

 

[ronnie]

Awww,he's was gorgeous!

 

[laurie]

Wow Tiff that little thing is adorable. How big are they and what is the care like of one of them? Are they friendly? I think I could go for one of those.

 

[Miss Lily]

They are about the size of a chipmunk! Their dietary needs are similar to chams in that the calcium/phosphorous ratio of fruit and veggies, etc needs to be taken into account. Suggies can suffer from MBD too if they don't get enough calcium in ther diet and they should ideally be kept in pairs at least (although Bubble is now alone since Bonnie died). They are nocturnal and have no control whatsoever of their bodily functions! They may look cute but their habits most certainly are not! They scent mark everything, males escpecially.They can be quite stinky, lol! I found out the hard way with my boy in the video. I didn't realise until later in glider keeping that the more you wash the cage, branches etc, the more they scent mark and the stronger it becomes!

I got my male in 2000 before they were commonly known in the UK, and got two females (Bubble & Bonnie) in 2004. Sadly Ziggy had to be put to sleep due to self mutilation. It was awful. Bonnie died on her 4th birthday and I only have little Bubble left now. She will be 6 years old in February, bless her! After she is gone I am not getting any more gliders. It's a 'been there, done that' kind of thing!

 

[vidald71]

Too cute!! What type of cage does he live in?