Columbus Veterinary Clinic

Bonding with your Sugar Glider

Known for their strong personalities and high intelligence, sugar gliders can make for delightful and engaging pets. If you are considering purchasing or adopting one, however, you should be aware that bringing one into your home is not a decision to be made lightly. Sugar gliders do require lots of love and attention – and will give plenty of it back in return.

Bringing Home a New Sugar Glider

It is not unusual for sugar gliders to respond to a new environment with caution or even fear. Do not worry if your new pet does not warm up to his or her new home right away. He or she might even create a very unique, almost warbling sound; this is called crabbing, and it is a sign that your glider is feeling a little scared.

To help your new glider get used to you, be sure to carry him or her frequently. Special little bags called carrying pouches are available for just this purpose. A carrying pouch will allow your glider to feel safe and comfortable while learning about you. To help the process of bonding along, you may want to also place an article of clothing that smells like you in the glider’s cage, to get him or her used to your scent.

Your sugar may try to bite the first few times you try to pet it. If this happens, calmly remove your hand and try again later. Do not show surprise or fear, as this can encourage aggressive behavior.

Visit a Columbus Veterinarian Clinic

For more information about socializing a sugar glider, contact your local Columbus vet clinic.