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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/s ugar-gliders-shipped.htm

How to Bond with a Sugar Glide. Website: http://www.ehow.com/how_209608 6_bond-pet-sugar-glider.html

Su gar Gliders as Pets. Website: http://www.expertvillage.com/v ideo-series/4441_sugar-gliders .htm

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