Bigger and Better

     On Friday of last week I bought a new cage from amazon.com. He had outgrown his old one and it was falling apart. My cage arrived today, Wednesday. I had expected it to take longer since my shipment weighed so much. The cage has a tiny stand which is big enough to hold of his things, it came with 3 perches and 4 food cups. Since this cage is meant for smaller birds the food cups are not really ideal for Sugar Gliders but you could use them if you wanted to. 

       This cage is 41 inches tall (not including stand), 20 inches deep, and 31 inches wide. Assembly was definitely required but for $109 it was so worth it! It took at least 30 minutes, with the help of a few people, to be completely assembled. There are 3 feeding doors on both sides of the cage that required zip ties to hold them shut and 2 doors on the front with their own locks. To help keep things clean I cut a mat that goes under a treadmill to go up against the trim and hang out from under the cage a little. This means I don't have to drag the vacuum out every day because I am able to wipe up the debris from the mat.  

       Since the cage was a little larger than I had expected I had not made any room for it...I'll be rearranging furniture this weekend. 

Once put together

Zip ties 

Mat 

His new house

His happy face :3

Preserving Those Fruits and Veggies

      Buying a bundle of fresh fruits and vegetables just for your Suggie can become very expensive, especially if a good bit of that food is going bad and being thrown out. I have found an easy, quick, and effective way to save your Suggies food and your money. 

     While there are a few fruits and veggies that you should not freeze, such as; lettuce and kiwi, there are many that you can. It is always important to stay away from preservatives and unnatural sugars and dyes when freezing your Suggies food. 



1) Wash all fruits and veggies thoroughly.
2) Dab them dry 
3) Get a baking sheet and put a dish towel on top of it.
4) Space the fruits/veggies on the towel(try to keep them from touching too much)
5) Place the baking sheet on a flat surface in the Freezer. 
6) Let sit for about 5 hours and transfer to a freezer bag. 

     For most fruits and veggies it is best for them to naturally thaw, NOT by defrosting them in the microwave. Otherwise, they can become goopey. 


Fruits and veggies that can easily be frozen:
-Butternut Squash
-Strawberries
-Blue Berries
-Black Berries
-Peaches
-Sweet Potatoes 
-Zucchini 
-Raspberries 
-Pears 

What to Do When Your Suggies Foot is Stuck

       No matter how much you try to avoid it, no matter what material you use, at some point, your Suggies foot is going to get stuck. It is extremely important to make sure that you get their foot free, otherwise they will pull so hard that the sting wraps around their foot, cutting off circulation, and causing serious damage. Some Suggies are really weird about their feet and most of them do not like you messing with them. So, if your Suggie is like this, grab a tooth pick, place it under the foot (or through the string) and carefully lift up (or work carefully work your way around it).  
     Talk to your Suggie in a sweet, soft voice. Keep their attention away from their foot and everything should be OK.

I Can Sense It.

As I was sleeping...

I smelt something that woke me up...

a sweet potato!! 

Bubbles Loves Bananas!

       You know those bananas, with the nasty brown peel? Well, those are the ones Sugar Gliders love best! He was so excited about his bananas he didn't even give me a chance to open the cage door before he was reaching for them!

His face, lol!

I love they're little hands!

       

How to Keep Your Suggie Warm Through These Chilly Months

       Even if you have a hammock for your Sugar Glider to sleep in, they like to cuddle into things and be super warm, always keep in mind that they live in a tropical environment in the wild. You can use many things that are tucked away in your dresser drawer. For instance, an old tee shirt that you've cut up, an old sock, or even underwear. Make sure that whatever you use is CLEAN! You can wash your Suggies blanket if you don't feel like giving up a new sock every week, but after a while, you'll have to replace your Suggies blanket. 

Doesn't yellow complement his cuteness?(: 

Good Morning!

              Bubbles would like to wish everyone a "GOOD MORNING!" 

       He woke up to the smell of peaches, strawberries, and grapes, fresh in the twilight air. This always sets him in a good mood for the night when his food is ready for him before he's awake. What a man. ;P 

Is It A Girl...or Boyl?!

        The story of how I found  out my Bubbles was a boy is quite... embarrassing! I got Bubbles for Christmas of '11, when he was just 2 months old. My parents got him off of Craigslist from a lady who had no idea how to take care of him. She told us he was a girl and the first thing I noticed were his GIANT eyes. He was so cute and outgoing I admittedly thought of Bubbles from The Powerpuff Girls, especially with those big old eyes! <3 About a month later I was sitting on the floor hand feeding him Cheerios and I noticed he had a long, pink, worm like structure coming from his genital area. Of course I thought it was worms but there was something else, it looked like it had a second head.. 
        Upon further research I learned it was his penis and the "second head" actually acts as a hook when he is mating to help aid the success of passing on his genes. Also, what I had thought was his pouch were actually developing testes. Over the next month or so he started developing a larger "bald spot" between his eyes. This is the tale-tale sign you have a boy sugar glider. 
        As you can imagine my parents still make fun of me for this, so I suggest you give your Suggie close to 6 months before you decide whether it's a boy or girl. 

No bald spot...^

<...Bald spot

How Should I Go About Cleaning My Suggies Cage?

               ** This is not necessarily the right way, nor the wrong way, but this how I clean my Suggies cage.

        Every other, to every day, I vacuum around his cage and under his cage. Once to twice a month I wash his hammock and blanket. 
        Now, here is where it gets a little annoying... Once a week (AT THE LEAST) I change the newspaper in the bottom of his tray as well as wash the bottom tray and holder outside with a water hose and Dawn dish soap. (Because it's animal safe) Once every two weeks (AT THE LEAST) I take the actual cage part outside and clean it with a water hose and Dawn dish soap. 
       Most cages come apart so it's really easy to clean them. It probably takes me about 20 minutes to clean his entire cage and about 30 minutes to let it dry in the sun, for the sake of laundry! 

      When it comes to his toys, I wash his stacking cups and PCP pipe about every four days unless they get really nasty. Always remember that whatever you put at the bottom of the cage will ALWAYS be the dirtiest! This is why you should have hanging food cups! (you can get a set of 2 for about $1.50 at Petsmart) 

**Food Cups Should Be Washed Every Day!!!!!!

Do Sugar Gliders Need Exercise?

         Yes! They will become fat, lazy, ill, and grouchy without exercise. "Well, how in the Universe am I supposed to make sure my Suggie gets exercise, you ask? Let me reply....plenty of ways! A properly sized hamster ball, you'll know if it's too small or too big if they seem to have a hard time moving it around. A wheel, preferably ones closed on all sides with holes they can fit into. A series of perches, perhaps?
       My biggest piece of advice to you is not to over crowd your Suggies cage. They like new things, so maybe add the wheel and rope ladder one week and than switch those out for perches and a swing. Whatever toys you put in your Suggies cage make sure they are secure in the cage and can't fall and hurt your little baby. They may be able to jump and glide but no one said they were graceful! 

Here are some websites to get Suggie safe toys from: 

-www.sugar-glider-store.com
-www.toandfrogliders.com/FileHierarchy/.../Toys/Toys.htm
-www.callejean.com/

       Also, if you put anything that is fabric in your Suggies cage, make sure it isn't knitted, frayed, or coming apart. Loose strings can be ingested and cause digesting problems. They also can get wrapped around his limbs and cut off his circulation. 

Cage Setup

          *Something I would like you to take into consideration! There are not many toys in his cage because I let him run around my room a few hours a week. If this is going to be your strategy too, be sure you Sugar Glider proof your room. If that is a topic you would like me to go further into detail about, feel free to ask. (: ....Also, his cage is not as big as I would like it to be, it's only about 3 feet high and 2 feet wide. I would rather it be 5 feet tall and 3 feet wide. 

           Make sure there are places for your Suggie to hide and sleep in. Ever since I introduced the PCP Pipe into his cage he doesn't spend much time in his hammock. He has a teddy bear and a "blanket" (made out of an old shirt) in his hammock, but it's darker in the pipe which simulates a hole in a tree. He also has 2 perches, a swing, and a box of plastic cups.
            Make sure that whatever toys you put into your Suggies cage are Suggie SAFE! (Again, if you need me to go into detail about this, feel free to ask!) 

Are Sugar Gliders Smart?

 

      Yes! These little guys are extremely curious and great problem solvers. They love to explore and see new things. 

As lame as this looks, this is one of his favorite things. I got these plastic cups at Dollar General and almost every morning I find these lined up around his cage. 

                          He loves his attention and new perches!

                  What's this?! A new ladder! (made from an old shirt)

                                             I'll jump!

                                            Peek-A-Boo!

What Is A Sugar Glider?

     A Sugar Glider is a marsupial, they carry their babies in a pouch, like a Kangaroo. They are mammals, giving birth to live babies and feeding them  milk until they are able to digest whole food. Sugar Gliders are omnivores. this means that they eat both meat and fruits/veggies. (for more information on appropriate foods go to my What Do Sugar Gliders Eat? post) 

    Although Sugar Gliders have opposable thumbs, they are not monkeys. They are more closely related to opossums than anything. Yes, that cute little thing that cuddles up to you, that you love so dearly, that you brought into your home, is technically an opossum.  If you look at the eyes, nose, and ears it's not as difficult to believe!

Where Do They Come From?

       Sugar Gliders originate from New Guinea and Australia. In the wild they live in groups of 15-30 so it is recommended that you buy them as a breeding pair if you can't give them your constant attention. (A breeding pair is a female and a male) They love to climb so make sure you have glider safe perches/branches in your Suggies cage.

Do Sugar Gliders Fly?

        No, Sugar Gliders are not capable of flight like how you would think a bird is. However, they do glide, hence Sugar Glider. They have skin flaps that they stretch when jumping from limb to limb in the wild, or from bookshelf to dresser in your room. It's a truly amazing sight!

My Sugar Glider Is Making Strange Noises?!

There are 3 different noises I've heard Bubbles (my sugar glider) make. 

          The first one, and the most common until they get to know you, is called Crabbing. It's a scary sound and you can obviously tell it means they aren't happy or are warning you to back off. This sound does not seem like it could come from such a tiny animal, but as it persists to make this noise it gets louder, and louder. Don't jerk away from him, there's more of a chance of getting bitten if you. Just slowly move your hand away and give him some space. 

          The second one is called Barking. The best way I can describe this to you is that it sounds like a squeak toy. The first night I heard this was at 2 in the morning one night and I had thought my dog walked into my room with his toy. I was almost surprised that this persistent noise was coming from my little baby and after further research I learned that it was how they communicated and called for each other in the wild. He just wanted some attention. (: 

          The third one is a little less common. I don't believe that there is a specific name for this noise because all it is, is a hiss. Some people think it's a noise they make when they are in pain but Bubble's has never used it in this way. He hisses as a way to let me know he's awake, and he is hungry.   

So You Think Your Sugar Glider's Sick?

      Often, people think their Sugar Glider is going to die because it has diarrhea, is making odd noises, or maybe isn't eating as much as usual. Granted, there could be a real problem with your Suggie, it's more likely to be nothing rather than a killer disease. Before calling 911 for your little Suggie, take into consideration of what you've fed jim.

     Perhaps he's ate watermelon a few times this week, well, this causes their poo to be more watery than usual, or maybe he's ate a little more protein than usual making him a little constipated. There's a number of small things that could be wrong with your little baby, and there's a number of inexpensive possible solutions. 

     If he's having digestive problems, replace his water with diluted NO SUGAR ADDED apple juice. If you're not sure if your apple juice has added sugar, run into Walmart, head to the baby food isle, and grab some Gerber Apple Juice. Your diluted apple juice (meaning half water, half juice) is only good for that one night and you shouldn't treat him with this more than once every so often. 

     If he hasn't been eating as much usual, think about how much he's ate in the last week or so. If he seems to have eaten a lot, he's probably just not hungry. 

     If ANY problem persists over a week you should make sure that you find a CERTIFIED vet that is an expert on Sugar Gliders. 

 

What Can My Suggie Eat?

    What Can My Suggie Eat? 

        Suggies like sweet tasting food hence Sugar Glider. However they eat insects for protein. NEVER FEED YOUR SUGGIE INSECTS FROM OUTSIDE

         Your sugar gliders diet should consist of 

               -50% protein (insects such as crickets or meal worms.) 

               -30% fruits 

               -20% vegetables

           Your fruits and veggies should ALWAYS be fresh and whatever isn't eaten by morning should be thrown away. 

            Treats such as honey dew,honey, nectar, bananas, and honey nut cheerios can be given in moderation. NO CITRUS FOODS!  Caution with corn, it can become an addiction!

             So, what fruits and veggies are safe for my Suggie? 

Fruits:

         -strawberries

         -apples

         -blueberries 

         -canalope 

         -watermelon 

         -grapes (not the skins)

         -plumbs 

         -nectarines

         -pears

         -tomatoes (moderation)

         -kiwi 

         -raspberries 

         -blackberries

                *basically nothing with a lot of acid and nothing citrus-y  

Veggies:

         -zucchini

         -squash 

         -cucumbers 

         -spinach  

         -avocado 

         -green beans

         -sweet potato

         -yams

         -peas

         -green peppers 

         -lettuce 

           ~romaine 

           ~butterhead 

           ~iceberg

           ~loose leaf 

               *no onions or garlic!

I Can't Make It to Petsmart Once A Week To Get Meal Worms, Is There An Alternitive? 

Y

                                Yes, there is!
       For about $15 at Petsmart you can get these vita pellets. You give your suggie about 2 table spoons a night, along with the fruit(s) and veggie(s) you selected for the night.

Baby food will be your best friends when you have a baby suggie. Letting it eat it off of  your fingers will help with bonding too. Make sure your meal worms are big enough for your Suggie to take bites out of, otherwise they won't die and they can eat your Suggies stomach!

Meet Bubbles...My Suggie! <3

        This is my Suggie, Bubbles. He is about 10 months old and SUPER spoiled!

                       YES that is pee on my laptop. They are not capable of controlling their bladder.

They are nocturnal but you can "train" them to diurnal. (awake during the day)

They are very curious and you should always keep a watchful eye on them when they are out and about. 

Is A Sugar Glider The Pet For Me?

     This blog is to inform anyone who has chosen to be the parents of a Sugar Glider. Sugar Gliders are, in my opinion, the most rewarding pet you can own, however, they are VERY high maintenance. They need all of your attention and trust. If you're going on vacation you need to be able to bring your suggie with you, if you're going out for a night, you need to be sure you refreshed their water and gave them fresh food. If you have a hard time committing to an animal than this pet is NOT for you, suggies also don't do well with small children and unless both your suggie and other animal grew up together, I don't recommend having other specie "play dates". 
       I recommend that you get your suggie as a baby. If you adopt an older or grown suggie it will take longer for it to trust and bond with you. When you adopt or buy your suggie make sure that they were captive bred and not taken from the wild. ALWAYS do your research first. My blog is jammed full of information but you can never read enough! 
        

What's My Commitment?

       If you're afraid of commitment, than you probably shouldn't get a Sugar Glider, they live 12-15 years in captivity. If you look into your future 10 years from now and your Suggie isn't a part of it, than these playful pets probably aren't for you. 

        So, with all of that said, if you still think a Sugar Glider is the perfect addition to your family, continue reading and checking in as I regularly update my Blog. Also, if you ever have any questions I haven't already answered, my email is commetdancer@gmail.com.