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calling you and really needs some attention as they are lonely. A sugar glider by itself will bark much more often than one which has company, where more of a sneezing sound will be heard instead. Little hissing sounds are those of happiness and contentedness.

If not receiving enough companionship and are housed alone, the sugar glider will become very lonely and stressed out. This causes them to become very ill if left unattended. Their high levels of stress behavior will demonstrate a refusal to eat or becoming very picky about their food, withdrawal, a strong desire for more and more attention, barking throughout the night, fur chewing, lethargy and lack of activity level, or even running in circles around the top of their cage. Signs of this means immediate attention should be given.

WHAT IS STRESS?

Stress in small animals within a small amount keeps survival at its best, but too much stress has been shown to make a small animal like the sugar glider ill, or eventually killing them. What is best known is that disease is caused by stress, with smaller animals having their own unique needs, behaviors, nutritional considerations, socialization needs, and health considerations. Stress in sugar gliders is no different.

Stress is caused by fear responses, challenging and new environments, and new events occurring in their lives that are unexpected. When this happens, preventive measures need to be applied before the little sugar glider develops negative associations with them. Bad behavior, such as biting or not bonding can develop, along with serious health issues.

Overall, stress in a sugar glider can be reduced by feeding them the correct diet and keeping their cage clean, and making sure they are not lonely. Proper nutrition and hygiene are extremely important in their welfare, with normal social groups almost mandatory in the requirements for this little social pet. Appropriate areas where they can sleep and nest are important, provided through correct research or contacting professionals who work with sugar gliders. When playing with them or having them out of their cage, potential predatory animals like the family cat or dog, or even flying birds out of their cages can be extremely stressful situations for the sugar glider. Small children can drop them or squeeze them too tight, which causes them to bite and develop long-term stress. Falling from heights or being accidentally stepped on also causes stress to them also, causing physical damage or the death of the sugar glider. Before bringing one home, research as much about them as you can, in order to prevent as much stress in their lives as you can.

REFERENCES

Sugar Glider Medical Reference. Website: http://sugarglidersrus.com/gli ders/index.php?option=com_cont ent&task=view&id=32&am p;Itemid=46

Caring for Sugar Gliders. Website: http://www.ilpetaurodellozucch ero.it/doc/Caring_for_SugarGli ders.pdf

Sugar Glider. Website: http://www.sugarglider.com/arc hives/ruth/health.html

Learn more about this author, Nancy L. Young-Houser.
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