I just bought a sugar glider from a lady today. I've noticed he acts different and makes me think he is sick. She said he was about 2 years old. I've watched & observed him today and he's not as active and playful as my almost 1 year old. He also has an oily look to his fur. He may have yellow fur but it may be from his gland, that I am not sure of. I asked what she fed him and I don't agree with it, as she only fed him berries and meal worms. Do you think that I will be able to get him back healthy and active if I put him on a proper diet with plenty of fresh water, fruits, vegetables and the BML diet?
Could the oily fur be from dehydration and/or poor diet? I put several things of water in the cage. Someone told me I should use a syringe to get fluids in him, should I?
I feel as it might be too expensive for me to take him to the vet, I can't afford it right now but I want to do everything I can do for him without going to the vet.
Please give me tips on what to do.
Thank you

It could be a number of things. Is he oily all over? Maybe he isn't grooming. That certainly is not a good diet. Your first plan of action should be to get him to a vet asap. I don't know who told you to do subcu fluids but I can't imagine him sitting still long enough for you to poke him and give him the fluids he would need if he is indeed dehydrated. I'd leave that to a vet. Have you heard of Care Credithttp://www.carecredit.com/ ? It's a credit card you can get and use only for medical and vet care. I use it and it is a lifesaver...literally. We aren't vets and we can't really help you too much. We don't know what he looks like either. If he is that new, maybe he is scared and doesn't want to come out and play. Offer him a good diet with plenty of f/v. Please reconsider taking him to a vet.

He also has a very sting odor. I don't know it is just how makes are or if it was from his poor diet or being sick

*strong

His smell, activity level, and oily fur is likely due to his previous diet. He may also need a grooming buddy to help him get to places.

Make sure you practice the quarantine correctly, no cross contamination with your current glider and that you get a check up exam and fecals done before introducing the gliders. If you do not have money for a check up now [which is pretty standard for introducing new gliders since they can easily pass parasites to one another.] keep them separate until you can.

This is a glider that isn't grooming. He has temporary back leg problems, due to seizures and a bad sub q.