|
Four words that describe sugar glider behavior, and tips to consider when adding a sugar glider to your home.
Nocturnal
Sugar gliders run and play at night and sleep during the day. Therefore, you can expect them to be active and noisy after dark. For this reason, you probably want to avoid housing your sugar glider in your bedroom.
Arboreal
Sugar gliders are very active animals and can glide several feet by using their flaps of skin on their sides. The are arboreal, meaning they spend most of their time in trees. Therefore, you should create an environment that permits your sugar glider to climb. Add branches, platforms, and climbing toys to the cage.
Vocal
Sugar gliders can make a variety of sounds (frequently referred to as crabbing, chirping, purring, and barking) to express their emotions. Crabbing is a loud sound, similar to an electric pencil sharpener or buzzsaw. Crabbing generally occurs when the sugar glider is frightened or startled. Chirping and purring can indicate that the sugar glider is contented. Barking occurs for a variety of reasons, and may indicate that the sugar glider seeks attention, wishes to eat, or is interacting with his or her cage mate.
Social
Sugar gliders can be friendly and social. If raised together, they can reside peacefully. However, some sugar gliders may bite and scratch. Their sharp claws and teeth can break skin and cause bleeding to cage mates and owners. Sugar gliders who are poorly socialized or abused gliders may aggressively bite and cause serious damage to themselves and others.
|
