Message:

Subject: Re: Sleep habits
Posted by Dina on July 31, 1998 at 22:54:30:

In Reply to: Sleep habits posted by Mark Ghia on July 31, 1998 at 20:59:35:

Hi, here's my little 2 cents :)

: The sugar glider seems to BOND which attracted me to it. PLUS it is
: SMALL and from what I read, and does not mind traveling with you.

I take my glider with me everywhere, I've only had her for about a week, but she eats great, plays fine, and bonded perfectly. It was weird though, for only one day, I took her to my friends house and there were a lot of kids there,
I think she got stressed out cuz she started chewing her tail a lot and the next day I noticed a bit of hair gone, shes ok now and I think their hair grows fast cuz that bald spot on her tail is gone. It was my mistake, im going to be more careful now. Just something to consider.

You also said:

: If they sleep all day, can the be awakened? OR is it like a cat. Cats
: are nocturnal but will get up if you wake them. Cats can play for a
: while but then go back to sleep. DO gliders act the same way?
: I have heard the will be very upset if you wake them.

Umm, I have to laugh at this one because I've grown up with cats and they are the least nocturnal animals I've ever owned. My cats play with me, I've even taught them to fetch,
then at night they cuddle up to me and sleep all over my bed, then they wake up with me to eat with me... >:) My glider gets reaaly pissed when I wake her up (literally) she pisses on me, but then shes fine all day, like 9 hours.

You said:

:As a pet, how can you spend the time if they are awake when you are
: asleep. That is , if they do not wake until 10 pm, I do not see why
: everyone brags what great pets they are. Staying up until 2 am just so
: she has a playmate seems like it can cut into sometimes NEEDED sleep.
: Again, if they ONLY let you play in the middle of the night, why do they
: say these guys make great pets? I am not being judgemental but this seems to be the
: one "non traditonal" trait of a good pet.

I had this doubt at first, but when you think about it, it rocks. You dont have to worry about entertaining the glider
during the day but at the same time, you reach in your pocket no matter where you are and there it is, grooming itself, and licking your hand. At night, after a boring day of work etc, you can play and watch them eat (i love watching Briz eat) Get an excercise ball, like a hampster ball. They love running around in them. They DO make good pets but a lot of people wont give them a chance because of
the fact that it takes time to bond. If you dont have time to play with your glider at all, I think it would be mean to get one.

: Can they tolerate bright lights or sun? I know they do not prefer it but
: is it as extreme as some say?

They can be blinded by bright lights, so I've heard, dont take chances when it comes to a species you dont know enough about. Just play it safe. :)

Have Fun !
Dina n Brizzo

Follow Ups:

• Re: Sleep habits Mark 09:04:55 8/01/98 (0)