by Heinz Sladek

Created on: February 22, 2009

Stress in sugar gliders is something that is tricky to recognize because it often masks itself in an assortment of behaviors that can also be associated with other things including normal behavior, illness and reproduction. One thing that a pet owner needs to remember is that all animals, no matter the size will suffer from stress at one time or another, and it is imperative for owners to be familiar with their animals and to know their behaviors and traits. Before owning a sugar glider, get to know the animal by finding out everything feasible in order to make sure that you, as the pet owner, are prepared to care for these little darlings. Stress, just like with humans, asserts itself in a multitude of ways.

Stress can be caused by a multiplicity of illnesses. Other stressors include an derisory diet, an unhealthy environment, overcrowding, or over-handling. Remember if your little pet was shipped, shipping can be an immense stressor. Because these animals are exceptionally communal, they truly need a buddy so ennui and loneliness do not cause your animal stress. Also, losing a cage-mate or giving birth can cause stress in your sugar glider. Make sure his or her cage is large enough, and that he or she is not exposed to disproportionate amounts of heat, cold, light or darkness. Also, be conscious of your sugar glider's proximity to other pets in your home. Cats and dogs can often scare and stress your sugar glider causing grave results. You might also want to keep your pet away from all electrical appliances so that the noise radiating from the appliances does not cause stress in your animals.

Stress in sugar gliders often shows itself in an array of ways including one of the most common stress indicators, self-mutilation. Often times sugar gliders will mutilate their tails, limbs, and reproductive organs when under stress. Another common stress indicator is your pet's dietary habits. Some sugar gliders will either lose their appetites or become extremely gluttonous, gorging themselves on food and water. Another indicator of dietary stresses in sugar gliders is the eating of their own fecal material. They have also been known to eat foreign matter, injuring their internal organs. Another indicator of a stressed animal is obsessive compulsive pacing either back and forth or in circles, losing hair, crying, barking, hissing, biting or jumping. Of course, excessive activity or lassitude is another strong indicator of stressors in sugar gliders.

The most important thing to remember when raising sugar gliders is to know your animal and to do everything you can to prevent undo stress on the animal. Get to know your animal, make the change to your home as easy as possible and limit any changes to slow transitions rather than quick transitions, when considering changes in their diet, living quarters, and location in your home.

Sugar gliders can make wonderful pets but remember that they are considered exotic pets and they do have special needs with regards for their care and handling. They are tremendously endearing, social and that they enjoy interacting with people. They will be much happier if they have a companion and remember that when you choose to have a sugar glider for a pet, you are in this for a very long time as they often live between 8 to 15 years. Most of all, once you have made the decision to bring sugar gliders into your home learn about them, nurture them, love them, and they will love you back for their lifetime. Have fun with your sugar gliders.

Credits:

http://nessexotic.com/portals/0/docs /sugargliders.pdf

http://www.suzsugargliders.com/stre ssinsugargliders.htm

Learn more about this author, Heinz Sladek.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.