by Liza Cameron Wasser

Created on: March 03, 2009

The signs of stress in a sugar glider can take many forms. Refusing to eat is one stress sign, but so is overeating and the consumption of inappropriate substances such as feces or bedding. Your sugar glider may also show stress by excessive sleeping or frantic pacing in his cage. Hair loss caused by excessive grooming is a sign of stress. Your sugar glider may become so stressed that he engages in acts of self-mutilation. Self-mutilation is very serious and requires immediate veterinary attention.

There are many causes of stress in a sugar glider and they can become ill from stress.

Many times it is not clear whether the stress is causing the illness or the illness is causing the stress. Stress can come from environmental factors such as an inadequate diet, abrupt temperature changes, dirty living conditions, a cage that is too small or the wrong amount of light and darkness.

Stress can also be caused by psychological factors like inadequate shipping conditions, loneliness, boredom, fear of other household pets or mishandling by children.

It is not always easy to find the cause of your sugar glider's stress. Paying close attention to your animal and noting the fluctuations in the signs of stress can help you pinpoint and remove the cause and de-stress your pet. Check environmental factors first to make sure everything is as it should be. Monitor everyday activities to see if his stress has social or psychological causes.

Environmental causes of stress are relatively easy to fix. Always house your pet in a cage with plenty of room for play. Keep the cage away from drafts and be sure the amount of light and darkness is close to what occurs naturally. Keep your sugar glider's cage clean. Be sure your pet is getting a healthy diet with the appropriate vitamin supplements.

Social stress factors can also be lessened by caring for your sugar glider's social and psychological needs. Provide plenty of toys and change them often to avoid boredom. Play with your sugar glider often. Sugar gliders develop a close bond with their owners and require your attention daily. Sugar gliders naturally live in colonies, so never own a solitary pet. Loneliness is a huge cause of stress in sugar gliders. Monitor your children to make sure they handling and playing with the sugar glider in the correct way. Make sure your sugar glider is not being terrorized by any other household pets.

Understanding your sugar glider's social and physical needs is paramount in providing a stress free environment for your pet.

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