Sugar Gliders (Petaurus breviceps).

General Health

To check your gliders hydration level, pinch the skin on his/her back, the skin should spring back to it’s original position immediately, if it is slow to return, your glider is dehydrated.

Constipation is a common problem with gliders - this is caused by a lack of moisture in the intestinal tract. Leadbeaters is often a cause of constipation because of the binding ingredients - egg and dried baby meal. If your glider is constipated, his poop will be hard and black, the glider will strain and possibly cry when trying to pass a motion. To relieve constipation, feed your glider grapes or pineapple, offer apple juice and prune juice. Make sure water is always available to avoid this problem.

The normal weight range for a glider is between 90 to 150 grams, males weighing heavier than females, the eyes should be bright with no white clouding, the nose and gums should be pink.

Gliders are fairly healthy animals assuming they are receiving an adequate diet. They can suffer from chills and colds and they are sensitive to toxins in nuts and seeds. HLP is probably the most common problem with gliders, but again assuming the diet is correct there shouldn’t be a problem.

Keep an eye on your gliders poop, it should be brown and plump and squidgy!!! If you see parasites take him to the vet for fecal smears.

Gliders can also suffer from diabetes, pneumonia, urinary tract blockages/infections. Observe your gliders and find out what is ‘normal’ as soon as you spot any abnormal behaviour or your glider looks under the weather seek veterinary help immediately. Gliders are very good at hiding illness, be alert.

Gliders do NOT suffer from ‘Lumpy Jaw’, this is a condition found in Macropods caused by bacteria in the earth. Gliders can suffer from jaw abscesses though, any unusual lumps anywhere on the body should be investigated by your vet.

Never smoke around your gliders, it kills them too!!!!