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Sugar gliders are often called "pocket pets". They are small, soft, and often sweet. They can make great pets, though they do take a bit more care then many types of pets. Handling them can be easy, but should be done with care.

Talk Softly, Move Slowly.

Your sugar glider needs you to be gentle. You will need to talk softly and move slowly. This is especially true before your sugar glider is bonded to you. You will want to talk gently to your sugar glider. Give it time to smell you and then place your hand under all four legs. Gently scoop your glider up. As your sugar glider becomes bonded and knows that you aren't going to harm it, it will be willing and even excited to go to you for out of cage time.

Handle in a Safe Place.

You don't want your sugar glider to get hurt while out and about. Make sure that you have a safe place that you can take your sugar glider. One suggestion is a kids pop up tent. This atmosphere is easy to use, safe, and can make it easy for a lot of safe play to take place.

Once in your safe place it is time to let your glider get to know you. You will want to let them crawl all over you. This will let them check you out, become comfortable with you, and get to know your scent. You will also want to offer them treats. Bring a few mealworms, dried fruits, yogurt drops, or other appropriate treats. This will give them something to look forward to and allow them to connect your scent with their treats.

Bonding Pouches.

You can get a couple of different types of bonding pouches. These will be secure pouches you can wear with you. They offer a window for seeing out off and getting fresh air. At the same time they have your scent near by and your warmth. This works well for day time hours when they are a bit sleepy and will curl up in there and take a nap with you.

Playing.

Once bonding has occurred, it is a lot of fun to play with your sugar glider. You can use feathers, cat toys, and finger toys for a lot of fun with your sugar gliders. Sugar gliders love batting at and playing with these types of toys. It will have you laughing and feeling closer to your furry little friend.

Biting.

Biting can be a problem at first. This is because they want to scare you away. It is important that you don't jerk back or leave them alone if they do bite you. Their bite will feel like a pinch. If you jerk back or leave them alone they will continue to bite whenever they don't want you around, which could be a lot before bonding takes place. Instead, take the bite and gently tell them not to bite. Then continue on with holding them and spending time with them.

Handling is an important part of the life of a domestic sugar glider. It is important for their companionship. You have to give your new sugar glider a few weeks to become bonded with you. After this bonding period it can be a lot of fun to have your sugar gliders and a to spend time with them!

Learn more about this author, Danelle Karth.
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