The Suggie Life
Sugar glider information, stories, photos and more!
Monday, April 24, 2017
It's Been Awhile...
I understand getting a new pet especially an exotic and not knowing exactly what to do with it or how to care for it, trust me I was at that very stage when I got Henry. Let's be honest here though.... anyone with two brain cells to rub together would have the common sense to know that maybe they should do some research on how to properly care for their animal.
It irritates me that people will get a glider and go only by what the previous owner tells them. Just because the previous owner tells you a glider can survive on fresh veggies doesn't mean it is true!!! And yes, maybe they can survive on just fresh veggies alone BUT FOR HOW LONG? I would think, and have done the research to know, a glider eating veggies alone will not live the average 12-15 captive years they should!!
PLEASE do your research! If you get a glider and you are not sure how to properly care for it, have questions on diet or well.... anything for that matter ASK!!!! No question is stupid except the ones you do not ask.
Saturday, March 25, 2017
Progress
I'm thinking maybe he was just overly tired and didn't even care.
~ Happy Gliding
Wednesday, March 22, 2017
Random Love Bites
Now I know the main reasons gliders bite is for grooming and that is usually a nibble, nibble, bite. But they also need to test us (or taste us). They can also bite because of the like or dislike of the shampoo, lotion, body spray, deodorant, etc we use.
About 6 months after I got Henry, it was starting to get a bit chilly outside so I was wearing a jacket, I got Henry out of his pouch to let him crawl around on me for a bit. Well, Henry decided he didn't like the open space or whatever so he climbed inside my jacket which was fine until he decided to crawl into my sleeve. You see, that particular day I had worn coconut body spray... a body spray that is very coconut scented by the way. So he is in my sleeve crawling around and all of a sudden HE BIT! And this was not a nibble, nibble bite, let me tell ya! He bit really hard, then again and just kept doing it!! All I could do was cry and beg him to stop as I was trying to move him up and out of my sleeve. It was horrible. However, once I got him out, he just looked up at me with the sweetest little eyes and seemed to be saying... what's your problem 😂😂
So, all in all , the moral of this blog is that while I have no idea why he bites me... Henry is still and always be THE BEST SUGAR BABY EVER!!
Hope you enjoyed my little story.
Until next time,
~ Happy Gliding Everyone!!
Saturday, March 18, 2017
Single or More
Wednesday, March 15, 2017
PLAY TIME!!
If you haven't already taken a look at my eBay store, please do so by following the link below.
http://www.ebay.com/usr/glidergoodies?_trksid=p2047675.l2559
I offer a range of toys, cage sets and bonding pouches. When you are ready to make a purchase, let me know!!
So... on to the important stuff.... SUGAR GLIDERS!!
You have your gliders, you have toys but now what?? We have already discussed the different ways for playtime (ie tent time, bathroom time, bonding pouches, etc.) If you are at all like me then you have discovered that maybe the bathroom isn't the safest place. While many, many people choose the bathroom as a great place to bond with their babies and allow playtime, I am one that doesn't believe it is safe. Even after closing the toilet seat lid, blocking all drains, and placing a towel under the door it still doesn't seem safe to me and I'm terribly afraid to let my little ones loose to free roam. You can only "glider proof" so much and what if you forget something? What if, while you are watching or playing with one baby, another baby opens a cabinet and gets into cleaners or shampoo or maybe even a medicine that you forgot to put the lid on? For me, there are way too many things they could get into and I am just not willing to take the chance. I have allowed my babies to play in the bathtub but it doesn't seem like too much fun for them. They wonder around the tub, slip and slide everywhere and stare at me like I am the craziest person on the planet.
I prefer tent time above all else. Yes, I know the "good" tents are expensive but you don't have to be left out. You can buy a two person tent at pretty much any department store for around $20 and for that money... your gliders will love you like there's no tomorrow! I don't always have time to get in the tent with my babies but they are happy being out of their cage and exploring all the bigger toys which won't fit in their cages.
I started with a 2 person tent from Meijer. The tent worked out pretty well but was a total pain to set up and take down every single time I got the babies out to play. I don't have enough space in my home to leave the tent up so it got to be more of a hassle than a joy. Being the incredible man he is, my husband purchased a Sansbug tent as a gift and it has been amazing! Although, I have two gliders who seem to enjoy biting the bottom canvas part of the tent so I would suggest laying a blanket in the bottom.
I am providing a few links for affordable tents for all of you in hopes of everyone finding a tent within their price range!
If you are looking for a Sansbug tent, stop looking on eBay, you will over pay. I found this one on Amazon for $59.95 which is about $20 less than eBay.
https://www.amazon.com/SansBug-Free-Standing-Pop-Up-Mosquito-Net-Floor/dp/B003BWF9WI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1489587140&sr=8-1&keywords=sansbug+tent
Here is another good one, although it only has 3 mesh sides but again, seems to be cheaper on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/Genji-Sports-Instant-Beach-Shelter/dp/B003UDW7EQ/ref=sr_1_5?s=outdoor-recreation&ie=UTF8&qid=1489587316&sr=1-5&keywords=genji+tent
This one is about $30 and only has 2 mesh sides with a smaller mesh window but would work if you need something a bit cheaper.
https://www.amazon.com/Genji-Sports-Instant-Beach-Shelter/dp/B003UDW7EQ/ref=sr_1_5?s=outdoor-recreation&ie=UTF8&qid=1489587316&sr=1-5&keywords=genji+tent
This dome tent has 2 mesh sides and is very reasonably priced at $19.10 with free shipping.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2Person-78-L-Double-Layer-Outdoor-Waterproof-Shelter-Canpoy-Dome-Tent-Carry-Bag/112328021994?_trksid=p2045573.c100508.m3226&_trkparms=aid%3D555017%26algo%3DPL.CASSINI%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D41376%26meid%3D960eb0e15e644826ae1a1ed77ba5f697%26pid%3D100508%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D1%26
Hope these links help anyone looking for a tent. Remember, the more mesh, the better but if you can only afford a tent with one or two mesh sides, IT'S OKAY! I started with one mesh side then went to two mesh sides before I got the sansbug so start where you can can and upgrade as your budget allows.
Enjoy and as always Happy Gliding!!
Friday, March 3, 2017
Cages
Wednesday, March 1, 2017
Chocolate and Gliders
The truth is; chocolate CAN BE fatal to not just dogs, cats and other animals but to humans as well. I have spent the better part of my morning doing some research on why chocolate is toxic. I am, by no means an expert, a veterinarian or a scientist but this is what I have found;
Chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine. We are all pretty aware of what caffeine is and the effects it has but to make it more clear, I will explain in detail.
Caffeine is a crystalline compound plant product and is defined as a drug because it stimulates the central nervous system.
Theobromine is a bitter, crystalline alkaloid extracted from the leaves and seeds of the cacao plant and is closely related to caffeine. In medicine, theobromine is used as a diuretic and nerve stimulant.
Chocolate poisoning is actually the overdose reaction to the theobromine contained in the chocolate. The amount of theobromine in highly refined chocolate is lower than the amounts in dark chocolate or unsweetened bakers chocolate. As a rule, the darker the chocolate, the higher the content of theobromine.
Animals of all kinds process theobromine at a slower rate than humans which puts a greater strain on the nervous system and kidneys.
If large amounts of chocolate, or theobromine, are consumed the danger is the high fat and sugar content. High fat and sugar content can sometimes cause life threatening pancreatitis and gastrointestinal illness.
So, again, chocolate CAN BE toxic but let's clarify. The threat is not just the fact your glider, or other animal, has consumed chocolate but also how much they consumed and the type of chocolate, whether it was milk chocolate, dark chocolate, etc. These factors all play an extremely important role in the effect it will have on the animal. If your glider has gotten into your secret stash and ate one or two bites chances are he/she will be fine but if they ate a larger amount the chances of overdose are much greater. Should your glider have chocolate? Of course not but if accidental ingestion occurs, we should try to find out how much they consumed.
Here are some things to watch for and most commonly occur within 12 hours of ingestion;
* excitement, nervousness, trembling
* vomiting/diarrhea
* excessive thirst and/or excessive urination
*muscle spasms
* seizures
*coma (this is rare)
* death (this is also rare)
Obviously, if your glider has eaten chocolate, the first and most important step to take would be contacting your veterinarian immediately. Be prepared to advise the vet of approximately how much the glider ate and what type of chocolate it was.
Once again, thank you for reading my blog.
Happy Gliding to All!!
Tuesday, February 28, 2017
What goes in the bottom of the cage??
Depending on your cage, most have a wire grate with a drop pan. However, some cages do not have the grate. In the case your cage is one without a grate, you can use newspaper which is not highly recomended because the ink from the paper can cause a urinary tract infection. My suggestion would be to use a piece of fleece cut to the size of the cage. You may want to cut several pieces as it should be changed at minimum every two days to help prevent smells and again, urinary tract infections... we want these little guys healthy and clean. You can use newspaper under the fleece as well if you wish to do so.
As for cages with the bottom grate and drop pan, below is a list of things you are able to use.
1. Newspaper
2. Equestrian Bedding Pellets - make sure they are pine, not cedar
3. Fleece- either in the drop pan or to cover the grate in the bottom of the cage
4. Puppy Pads
5. Freezer Paper
6. Cozy N Frsh
Personally, I have cut fleece to fit over the grate in my cages. Please feel free to share your ideas and what works for you!
Happy Gliding!!
Wednesday, February 22, 2017
Stains?
Saturday, February 18, 2017
TOYS! TOYS! and MORE TOYS!!
TOYS!.... oh boy!! Aside from all the handmade toys you can find on Ebay, Amazon and Etsy, there is also Little Tikes, Playskool, etc. I personally have 3 houses, 2 buses, 2 shape sorters, 3 cars, an airplane, an elephant ball popper, a dinosaur ball popper, a barn, a treehouse and 2 other treehouse type things.... that's the things I can think of off the top of my head. you can seriously spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on this little guys! So where do you find all these things without spending a fortune at retail stores like Wal-Mart, Meijer, Target?? Let me tell you... Goodwill will be your best friend if you own a sugar glider.
I went to our local Goodwill last week and finally found the airplane I wanted. It was $4.00 but had all the little people with it that I didn't want, didn't need. So I asked to speak with the manager and got $2 off because I didn't want the people. Same with the big treehouse, I didn't want or need the people so they took $2 off the price.
Another good place to find toys?? Yardsales and flea markets. During the spring, summer and fall most people are cleaning out their homes and getting rid of stuff they don't need, things their kids have outgrown and just plain clutter. I bought my elephant ball popper for $5, they retail at $35. How? Yardsale.
My point to all of this... don't pay retail for toys! Get out to those yardsale's, go to Goodwill. They are everywhere once you start looking.
Happy Toy Hunting 😉
Wednesday, February 15, 2017
MOM!... I want a sugar glider!
Let's cover some basics; sugar gliders pee and poop wherever and whenever they feel the need, or even want for that matter. Little tiny nails have a tendency to scratch our skin and trust me, when they jump on your head it doesn't feel too pretty... and then there is the biting issue... yes they bite (I'm talking about the gliders but beware of the kids, they can bite too). Biting is not an all the time, everytime you hold them thing but it does happen and more often than not, it really hurts. They can nibble to say I love you or they can chomp down and draw blood.
Gliders are nocturnal animals, it is 12:39 a.m. where I am currently sitting and my 6 gliders are just waking up so time is an issue for children going to school and needing their 8 hours of sleep. For obvious reasons, children cannot stay up late at night to play with the little fuzzy creatures.
Diets are also sometimes an issue because gliders need a good healthy staple diet, which does not include buying a bag of food at the local grocery store, throwing it in a dish and being done. These diets are specific and while there are several different variations and types, they all involve prep work and measurements, etc... things younger children cannot be responsible for.
When I was a child, I loved giving my cat a bath. I bet I had the cleanest cat in the entire world considering his bath was usually twice a week and so we are clear... cats hate water! Sugar gliders can not get wet, not because they will turn into ugly little gremlins but because they can catch pneumonia very quickly and it can be fatal.
Cleaning, which most kids absolutely hate, is a must. I'm not talking about dumping some wood shavings and replacing them. The whole cage has to be cleaned, wiped down with vinegar and water or even taken outside and washed down. Everything in the cage must be cleaned on a regular basis; this means all the toys, all the fleece, all bedding.... anything and everything in the cage.
On top of everything else, gliders seem to be messy little things and some even like to throw their food... all over the cage, on the floor, on the wall.... it's crazy how such tiny little animals can be so messy!
Now, with everything I have said, please understand I am not saying gliders are the worst animal for kids. In the beginning I told you not all sugar gliders are the same and not all children are the same and that is true. If this is something you are considering, I will not advise against it however, I will strongly suggest you do a lot of research. Keep in mind, every child should be supervised with animals especially animals of this size. Educate your child about the animal and how to care for it and be there to guide them when they need help.
So that's it! I hope you have enjoyed this blog post!!
~ Happy Gliding
Monday, February 6, 2017
The Life of Henry
Valentine's Day was the next day and I told my husband I wanted a squirrel. I started a search on Craiglist and actually found a breeder. I was told I would have to wait until May because of the breeding season so I went back to Craigslist and ran across an ad for a sugar glider rescue.
Now, before I get into that story, I owned a sugar glider several years before. At the time, I had absolutely no knowledge of gliders whatsoever. The little guy I had was SO mean, he wouldn't come out of his pouch except to eat, wouldn't come out of his cage and every time I tried to get him out he would bite. The few times I was able to get him out, he would crab the whole time and bite almost continuously until I finally gave up and sent him back to the lady I got him from.
So back to this rescue. I contacted them and was told they didn't usually adopt out any of their gliders but they had just gotten one about 6 weeks beforehand and being that they already had 9 gliders, they would sell the one they had just gotten. Mind you, this was Craigslist and we have all heard the horror stories of meeting random people from Craigslist. I was told this was a 16 year old girl who just had a deep love for gliders and rescued them from people who could no longer care for them. She sent me pictures of Henry, pictures of her with Henry and even had me check out her Facebook page. Henry originally came from a woman who just left him in the cage 24 hours a day, never took him to play or anything else for that matter. In other words, Henry had never bonded to anyone. I have no information on Henry at all. I don't know when he was born, how old he is and have no lineage. I was told he might be about 3-4 years old. After talking to my husband and deciding it was safe to meet this girl, I made an hour long trip (one way) to get Henry. I paid $95 for him. I got to the gas station where we had agreed to meet and as soon as I took the pouch, Henry started crabbing and would not stop. I got in the car, with Henry in his pouch around my neck and held my hand over his pouch until he calmed down and fell asleep. The drive back home was terrible. It had started to snow, which I knew there was a snow storm coming and decided to make the trip anyway figuring I would make it back before it started. The car was slipping and sliding all over the road and all I could think was that I was going to have an accident and kill the little guy before I even got him to his new home. It took almost 2 1/2 hours to make it back but we did it... just me and little Henry.
For the next 2 months, I played with Henry constantly, got him out of his cage, played with him, let him crawl all over me. I joined just about every sugar glider group on Facebook I ran across and even bought him a leash so I could have him out more without him getting lost. Of course, I found out not long after I got the leash they are completely unsafe and got rid of it.
Anyway, I had read several posts in the Facebook groups saying you should have more than one glider because of them being highly sociable animals and decided to get Henry a friend. That's when I found Yoda and Lucy and made another hour long drive to pick them up. Low and behold, I found out apparently sugar gliders are also highly sexual animals, lol. Henry would not leave Lucy alone. He was constantly on top of her, wouldn't let her out of the pouch and if she attempted to get out, he would pull her back in. One night while I was feeding them, I noticed Henry's penis was out and looked really red and was black on the tip. Yes, completely black!! I was terrified and contacted a glider friend on Facebook. She told me what to do for the night and to get him to the vet as soon as I possibly could.
The next day was Henry's first vet trip. The vet looked him over and told me there were two options. One, they amputate. Two, they put him to sleep and try to manipulate his penis back in. Obviously, I went with the second choice. So, although I didn't want to, I left Henry in the hands of the vet. I got a call later that afternoon telling me I could pick him up. When I got back to the office I was informed that everything went really well BUT.... as soon as Henry woke up, he grabbed his penis and pulled it back out!! The vet suggested I take him home and use a lubricant to see if it would go back in on it's own. I did this for 2 days over the weekend without any luck. Monday came around and he was back at the vet. Henry's penis was amputated and he was neutered.
Fast forward almost a year later, Henry still isn't completely bonded but seems to be very happy and healthy. If I go close to his cage he will come to me, he knows his name and will come when called, he will jump on my arm and climb up when I open the cage door, and absolutely loves tent time. When he is out of the cage and gets scared, he will run to me and hide. However, if there is any bare skin showing, he will bite and he loves toes, with or without socks, if he can get to them, he will bite them.
He seems to get a little better with each and every passing day and hopefully one day he will let me hold him in my hand. Although, I'm not sure that is very likely considering he doesn't like being still for any length of time but I will keep trying and working with him.
Henry was my first glider. I'm ashamed to admit it but... Henry is also my favorite (shhh, don't tell the others, they don't know).
So, that's it! The life of Henry. Again, I don't know his exact age or his birthday but I am considering Valentine's Day (February 14th) as his birthday and will consider this Valentine's Day as his first birthday.
So... here's to my baby boy Henry and a very long, happy life!!
Sunday, February 5, 2017
A Little Pouch Time
Tuesday, January 31, 2017
Let's Bond
The problem with all these different methods is that no two gliders are the same and no two gliders have the same personality. The other problem is gliders have their own time frame on when they want to do things, you can't make a glider bond with you when you want them to. Trust me on this one, I have had Henry for almost a year now and have done everything I can possibly think of, including begging him, to get him to bond with me. Although he is doing a lot better, we are still not quite there yet. If you want the best advice anyone can give you, LISTEN UP!
SPEND TIME WITH THEM!! I don't care how you do it. I don't care if you walk circles around your house for three hours straight while letting them climb and run all over you. It doesn't matter if you do tent time or bathtub time or whatever your method is. Simply spend time with them. Talk to them so they know your voice, sing to them (they don't care if you are good or not 😄, pet them, give them treats from your hand. Let them crawl on you. Let them investigate you. When they feel completely comfortable with you, then and only then, will they start to bond with you. It really is that simple.
As most of us know, some gliders take longer than others and the amount of time can vary depending on your glider. Don't stick with just one thing, like the bonding pouch, because it may not work. Try different things with them. As long as you are spending time with them, that's really what counts.
Please feel free to drop a comment... or two.
Good Luck and as always, thanks for visiting my blog!
Monday, January 30, 2017
Sugar Glider Recipes
Glider Pancakes |
Frozen fruit treats |
Glider Quiche |