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, as it will need only food and water during this very crucial time. The important thing is to let it become accustom to its new owner in an indirect manner for two to three days.
FIRM HANDLING OF A BABY SUGAR GLIDER
When the baby sugar glider is inside the pouch of its mother it is snuggled down very tightly and firmly in a dark and warm secure place, feeling safe and protected since birth. And once it arrives in its new home this same feeling needs to be replicated, especially as it will be afraid of its new surroundings at the beginning. In order to achieve this, do not grab quickly at them. This rule is for any age of sugar glider. Once you hear their stressed barking or when first beginning to handle them, they need to be gently placed inside a pouch or in darkened small pocket environment. This involves placing the unzipped pouch or a small cloth quickly over them and picking them up with the body of the sugar glider held inside. Gently touch and stroke them firmly once they are inside their darkened "safe spot", rubbing the outside of the pouch or pocket area with the fingers. At first, let them learn the new scent and do not touch inside the pouch or pocket until it is felt they are relaxed and trusting. This may take days or even weeks, but once it is accomplished, then slowly and gently move inside the pouch area with the fingers or hand, petting them in a firm and slow manner.
FEAR IS NOTHING BUT FEAR ITSELF
If the sugar glider begins to chatter from fear or bites at the finger or hand (remember, they have been known to draw blood when afraid!) just ignore it as this is a process which will take lots of time at the beginning. The important thing is to not be afraid of the unique sound they make or the little nips and bites. Once you hear the very loud chattering sounds of fear, the sugar glider needs to be firmly held within their pouch or placed inside a pocket, gently rubbed as if they were in their mother's pouch until the sounds stop. The more firm you press down, the more familiar they will feel with "pouch security". They may even emit a contented hissing sound, letting their owner know they are happy and being properly handled, as they feel safe and secure.
A warning to new owners. Do not tightly cup your hand "over" the animal as this will cause them to become agitated. The hand should be held firmly "against" the baby as if it were being pressed inside the mother's small pouch. Cupping is not a feeling they recognize as normal, and will possibly bite and fight against it. Only firmness and darkness will remove their fear, eventually associating this new individual with safety and security. Recognize this is something they may resist it at first, as a new sugar glider does not yet recognize their new owner's scent nor do they yet trust little in their new surroundings-including their new owner.
RESEARCH
SunCoast Sugar Gliders. Website: http://www.sugar-gliders.com/sugar-gliders-shipped.h tm
How to Bond with a Sugar Glide. Website: http://www.ehow.com/how_2096086_bond-pet-sugar-glide r.html
Sugar Gliders as Pets. Website: http://www.expertvillage.com/video-series/4441_sugar -gliders.htm