Message:

Subject: Re: depression
Posted by Bell on September 02, 1998 at 16:42:26:

In Reply to: depression posted by Dianna on September 01, 1998 at 21:56:38:

: I sadly had a male sugar glider,"Peaches" die about 2 months ago. His buddy "Pumpkin" -usually very energetic- became very depressed and lethargic. I got him a new friend -a female named "Hopscotch". She has a very sweet disposition and lives up to her name. Although they get along very well and snuggle when they sleep, "Pumpkin" is still very visibly depressed. He gets up to eat, but has not come out to play since "Peaches" death. "Hopscotch" tries to get him to come out to play, but "Pumpkin" either sleeps or watches from their hovel, ears down and eyes droopy. I get him out and put him in a hamster ball and he appears healthy, but when I return him to his cage, he returns to his former state. I know Sugar Gliders can die from loneliness, so please help!

I'm not an expert on this, but one thing you could try if you have a good bond with him, is spending a little more "play" time with him...nothing perks my glider up more than getting to be out of his cage with me.
also, i have heard that dramatic changes in temperment could indicate illness of some kind. perhaps you could have him checked by a vet to be sure that it is depression you are really dealing with.
as i said, i'm no expert....any other opinions?
good luck,
Bell

Follow Ups:

• ill? Bourbon 17:09:00 9/02/98 (0)