In Reply to: sad sad sugarglider posted by jill on December 24, 1999 at 02:25:37:

: My boyfriend got a sugarglider about two months ago. When it first
: moved into his house it took about a week for it to be comfortable and
: able to come out of its nest. For the last while "Cleo" hasn't come out of her nest
: and is very irritable. I've also ben reading about how active sugargliders are, and she isn't active at all,
: or not that i'm aware of.
: The people that he got it from had been feeding her cat food. IS THIS WRONG?
: I have been thinking that it's possibly something to do with her diet. Then I was wondering
: if it was because she was lonely. Is it true that sugargliders should be in pairs?
: If there are any other suggestions as to why "Cleo" sleeps her life away, could you let me know.

: thanks

Ok, first of all you need to cut out the cat food. It is not good for them. Try to find some Brisky's Accu-Feed for Sugar Gliders. You should also try feeding a fresh diet, try cut up apple, pear, orange, {peaches, plum (the fruit, not the pits)} and some meat(chicken or lean pork or a hardboiled egg with the shell still on it) for a protien source. Only feed one type of fruit per night. A fresh diet needs to be sprinkeled with a vitamin supplement that contains at least calcium and vitmin D-3. The supplement is an absolute must for a healthy glider.

On the other note. You will have to make the effort to pry her out of her nest and handle her and give her some attention. This may mean you will be bitten the first time or so until she gets to know you. This is normal. She is just getting to know you. Try offering her food, some kind of juicey fruit so when she tries to stike at you she bitesthe food and learns to associate you hand with good things.

Remember gentle loving touches and tones in your voice will go a long way in making her your friend.

Good luck,
Elwin

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