by Nancy Houser

Created on: March 01, 2009

With the little sugar glider quickly becoming one of the most popular exotic pet in the United States, proper handling and touching are very important things to know for social stimulation while also allowing a loving communication between the sugar glider and its owner to develop. Simply put, correct handling can make a big difference between owning a gentle and loving sugar glider as compared to having one that bites and grows up anti-social. All of this revolves around the fact a sugar glider makes snap decisions about its personal safety in two important areas: its sense of smell, and its sense of touch and handling.

AT HOME AT LAST!

When the sugar glider arrives home in its new environment, professionals in the field advise to handle this irresistible cute pet as little as possible for next couple of days. This allows it to slowly adjust to new surroundings, learn its owner's voice and adapt to new smells. Of course, all of this depends on the age of the sugar glider and how well it adapts to its new home. And if the sugar glider is a tiny 8 week or slightly older baby, it will hopefully arrive in some form of a small container for comfort and easier handling when placing it inside its new cage or home.

Most shippers of sugar glider will advise new owners to purchase some form of pouch or cloth, as each animal will be able to be handled properly when catching them to provide security and safety, which keeps the sugar glider under as little stress as possible. For small ones, this is similar to the pouch of its mother, keeping in mind that the babies have never left its mother or nursery much before being sold. It provides the scent of its previous home and familiar surroundings, making the transition much easier without having to touch or handle the baby sugar glider directly.

Once the sugar glider arrives to its new owner, gently hold the pouch or pouch-like pocket in the hand, placing it inside the cage. Unzip or unfold the small container very slowly, folding it inside out in order to push the sugar glider into its new home. As expected, the little pet will need time to adjust to its new home and surroundings as it learns about all kinds of new sights and smells before any attempt at bonding with its owner can begin. Keep some bite-size apples in the cage, as they provide both nourishment and water to the newly-arrived family member. Keep in mind that proper handling of the sugar glider is not an important thing at this time whether it is a baby or adult,

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