Does anyone know how well they see? I find when I offer mealies from my hand they sometimes bite me. I do not think it is on purpose. Sometimes I offer mealies on the lid of the container. They do not seem to see them well. Do they see any clearer in the dark?

Considering they're nocturnal I would theorize that they're like dogs in that they can see movement better than stationary items. For night vision, they would have an abundance of rod cells which are better at detecting low levels of light versus cone cells. Incidentally this means that sugar gliders are most likely color blind. They could quite possibly be farsighted too, as that might help them in spotting branches and landing spots when determining if jumping/gliding is the appropriate thing to do.

Good answer Eric. It was spot on! I also have think they are color blind as well, but can see red. I havent read this in anything, but mine tend to like red things and I have heard dogs can see red. Mine sometimes overestimate how far to grab for mealies or other treats and miss as well.

with this topic being on eyesight. Does anyone know if there is studies on gliders eyes? With a glider passing from natural cause, Has anyone seen reports?

I tried to put that as simple as I could, as I am one who doesnt like hearing about gliders that has crossed over.

Sorry Kissed I don't know.
Thanks Hugs. I wondered if anyone else noticed this with the gliders. That is exactly what I was trying to say about missing mealies. I am not knowledgeable about eyesight problems but the farsighted suggests they can not see good nearer correct? This would make sense in effect of the mealie incidents. Hugs, what do you think about the use of the red reptile lamps? I don't remember if we discussed it. Thanks.

Mel, are you talking about the ones that give off heat? I am not an advocate of them. Gliders can overheat quickly and that leads to dehydration which can also happen quickly and have devistating effects. (I have one glider who has sezures and is blind now due to her owner not giving her any water to drink before I got her) There have not been any studies on glider eyes that I have seen, but I have not dug that far into that sort of thing yet.(I've been REALLY into diet lately...) I know there must be some out there.

Yes Hugs I'm referring to heat. My husband thinks it is okay. He is a miser when it comes to use of heating. On the rare colder nights we have here in Texas I have used one. Do you think temporary use is fine or could overnight be harmful to dehydration concerns? I was told the gliders body temp is different than ours. I BELIEVE it was something like 10 degrees. Supposedly if it is 70 degrees to us it is 60 degrees to them. Is that correct ? Thanks.

I have always went by, if you are comfortable in a short sleeved shirt, then they are fine