LYCOS RETRIEVER
Sugar Gliders
built 254 days ago
No, Sugar Gliders are in the marsupial family - not rodents. They carry their babies in a pouch and are more closely related to Kangaroos, Possums, and Koala Bears. Although they have a nickname of Australian Flying Squirrels, the only thing they have in common with a flying squirrel is that they are close to the same size, and they do glide from tree to tree like a flying squirrel. They are more social than a flying squirrel, live about twice as long, and are more outgoing.
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Guide Note Petaurus breviceps (Sugar Gliders) are exotic nocturnal animals, who are closely related to the possum family. They have a thick membrane that extends from wrist to ankle enables them to "glide" from tree to tree. They have become increasingly popular as a household pet. They may be small but require a lot of special care and love.
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Like most exotic pets, Sugar Gliders do have specific dietary requirements. They are very prone to problems with getting an improper balance of calcium to phosphorous, which will contribute to a bone disease. There for it is highly recommended you find a proper food made for Sugar Gliders. Or supplement their diet with vitamins and minerals. In an emergency you can give them good quality cat food, fresh fruit, as well as calcium enriched crickets or chicken eggs.
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Diet: Unlike other possums, Sugar Gliders do not eat leaves. They feed at night on gum & sap exuded by acacias & eucalypts... insects, nectar, pollen, young buds and soft fruits of native plants. Its protein requirement is provided by a wide range of beetles, moths and spiders. In winter when these are hard to find, Sugar Gliders lose condition. Because of this marsupials liking for sugar, jam & honey, early settlers named them Sugar Gliders.
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Yes, Sugar Gliders are uniquely suited to captivity. They are very social, and will totally bond to the person who gives them good care and treats them well. Despite this loving nature, Sugar Gliders are not for small children who cannot control themselves and want to squeeze them too tight, or treat them too rough. However, they are wonderful pets for older children, adults, the disabled, and the elderly. In fact, anyone committed to the daily care of a glider after knowing the time investment and costs can make an excellent owner for these wonderful pocket pets.
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Sugar gliders need lots of attention, for they are social creatures. This can include running around in a glider-proofed room, finger wrestling, riding around on your shoulder or in your hair, etc.
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