Sugar glider

Self-mutilation

SignsChews its own tail, limbs or penis; bleeding, hair loss. Triggered by loneliness, stress or pain from an injury

PreventionKeep two or more together. At least 1 hour of interaction daily. See a vet early for any injury or urinary problem

Hypocalcemia

SignsWobbly or paralyzed hind legs, seizures, trembling, lethargy

PreventionNever feed insects and fruit alone. Use a species-specific pellet and dust insects with a calcium supplement

Obesity / fatty liver

SignsWeight gain, sluggishness, swollen belly, sudden loss of appetite, jaundice

PreventionLimit high-fat insects and nuts. Make pellets the staple. Provide enough space to glide

Penile prolapse / self-chewing of the penis

SignsIn males, the penis stays out and will not retract; dries out or discolors; constant licking

PreventionSame as preventing self-mutilation. See a vet immediately before it dries out. Neutering may prevent it in some cases

Diarrhea / parasites

SignsWatery stool, soiled anus, weight loss, dehydration

PreventionDo not overfeed fruit. Fecal test for new animals. Wash cage and dishes daily

Cataracts / eye disease

SignsCloudy white eye, discharge, bumping into things. Common in offspring of malnourished parents

PreventionPrevention is good nutrition. Never ignore eye problems; see a vet

Falls / fractures

PreventionFalls happen after hitting windows, mirrors or glass. In the free-roam room, close curtains and remove obstacles

First aidIf it drags a leg or cannot move, place it in a dark nest pouch and keep it still. Do not handle; see a vet the same day

Toes or claws caught

PreventionLoose-weave fabric, towels and netting snag claws and can cost a toe. Use fleece nest pouches

First aidDo not pull; cut the fabric free with scissors. See a vet if there is bleeding, swelling or a torn-out claw

Bite wounds from cagemates

PreventionHouse together only if compatible. Consider neutering males. Introduce newcomers gradually from a separate cage

First aidSeparate them and press the wound with clean gauze. See a vet if the wound is deep, infected, or the animal is lethargic

Heatstroke / hypothermia

PreventionSensitive to both heat and cold. Keep the room at 24–28°C with air conditioning and a heater

First aidIf cold, wrap in your palms and a towel and warm gradually; if hot, move to a cool room and see a vet immediately

Salmonellosis

RouteFrom feces, urine, or a soiled cage and dishes

PreventionWash hands after care. No eating or drinking while cleaning the toilet area. Wash dishes daily

Giardiasis

RouteOral, via hands or water contaminated with feces

PreventionFecal test for new animals. Wear gloves when handling diarrhea; wash hands

Dermatophytosis (ringworm)

RouteContact with the skin or fur of an infected animal

PreventionIf there is hair loss or dandruff, wash hands after touching. Do not hold it until treated

Leptospirosis

RouteContact with urine of an infected animal or contaminated water

PreventionDo not clean with cuts on your hands. Keep the cage dry and clean

Food

• Feed a sugar-glider-specific pellet as the staple, offered in the evening
• Small amounts of fruit and vegetables; insects 2–3 times a week
• Dust insects and fruit with a calcium supplement

Water

• Fresh water daily in both a bottle and a dish
• Moisture from fruit alone is not enough; check that it drinks

Toys & play

• Ropes, perches and bridges for a 3-D layout
• Fabric pouches and tunnels (no loose weave)
• A smooth, solid wheel with closed sides

Nest, bed & hideout

• Hang a fleece nest pouch in the upper section
• Keep several pouches; swap and wash daily

Bedding & litter

• No substrate needed; use pet sheets or newspaper
• Urine output is high, so change sheets daily
• Wipe urine odor with water; do not use deodorizers

Cage / housing material

Wire mesh with fine spacing (1.5 cm or less) to prevent escape

Size & space

Tall cage at least 50 W x 50 D x 80 H cm

Layout

• Nest pouch at the top; food dishes on a mid-level platform
• Branches and ropes for vertical movement
• Soft cloth on the floor in case of falls

Placement notes

• Nocturnal, so avoid bedrooms; keep quiet by day
• Away from direct sun and air-conditioner drafts

Exercise, free-roam & walks

• Free-roam 1–2 hours at night in a closed room
• Windows, mirrors, houseplants and water areas cause accidents
• Exercise through contact: let it ride on your shoulder or inside your clothes

Temperature & humidity

Temperature24–28°C; below 20°C or above 30°C is dangerous

Humidity50–60%

Summer & winter

• Summer: run the air conditioner continuously; avoid direct sun
• Winter: keep warm with a heat lamp or panel heater plus the nest pouch

Nail trimming

Trim only the tips every 2–3 weeks with small-animal clippers. Work in pairs; claws are clear and the quick is visible, so stop before it

Brushing, skin & coat care

No brushing needed; it grooms itself. A dull coat suggests poor nutrition or stress

Other care

No bathing; wipe dirt with a damp cloth. Scent-gland odor is normal; do not use deodorizing sprays

Protection from predators

• Keep cats, dogs and ferrets in another room, also during free-roam
• Close windows and curtains during night free-roam
• Use screens in summer to keep mosquitoes out

Foreign-body ingestion

Chews thread, rubber, cotton, houseplants and electrical cords. Clear small items from the free-roam room; if stool decreases, see a vet that day

Being stepped on

Walks on the floor at night. Light your feet with a flashlight in a dark room. If stepped on, do not handle; place it in a dark pouch and see a vet

Getting pinched

Gets caught in doors, sliding doors and curtain rails. Tell the family before free-roam and check its location before opening or closing

Falls

Crashes into windows and mirrors after a failed glide. Close curtains and reduce obstacles. If it falls and does not move, do not handle; see a vet

Escape

Escapes through tiny gaps and is hard to find at night. Block screens, vents and drains. If it escapes, set out its nest pouch and favorite food at night to lure it back

Safe release procedure

1. Stay still, relax, and wait calmly
2. Put your hand into the nest pouch or cage to give it an escape
3. Offer a favorite treat (such as yogurt) at its mouth
4. Once it lets go, withdraw gently and leave it alone for a while

After the release

Wash the wound under running water and disinfect. See a doctor for swelling, heat or pus. Check why it bit (pain, fear)

What to tell the vet & what to bring

Diet and whether calcium is given, number of cagemates, any self-chewing, photos of stool or the affected area; bring it in its nest pouch

Checking consciousness, breathing & heartbeat

• Does it respond to your voice or a touch on the nose?
• Watch the chest. Normal breathing is about 20–40 per minute
• Place a finger on the chest. Normal heart rate is about 200–300 per minute

Stopping bleeding

• Gently press the wound with clean gauze for several minutes
• Put it in the nest pouch so it cannot chew the self-inflicted wound again
• After bleeding stops, keep warm in a towel and see a vet

Transport

• Place it in a small carrier inside its nest pouch and keep it dark
• Wrap hand warmers in a towel; never let them touch the body directly