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Fear About Not Enough Exercise

PostPosted: Sun Feb 24, 2013 11:23 pm
by PBs_mom
Hi All,
Although I have read items on the forum many times this is my first time writing. My sugar glider is 2 years old and her name is Peanut Butter, we call her "PB" for short. Between my husband, our teenager and myself our little lady is never short on attention...and maybe that's why I'm a little worried about her recent behavior.

Over the last few weeks www have noticed that her desire to play has been a little lack luster. She isn't really using her wheel at all anymore (which use to be a great source of fun for her. We would say "who's so fast?!" and she'd start running, then stop and look at us to say it again). And when we bring her out she just wants too climb in or pockets and sleeves almost to hide. She doesn't seem to want to do anything but eat and hide. Her diet has been fine eating chops but haven't noticed any over eating. I try to manage her diet carefully.

I am worried that she isn't getting enough exercise now and don't know why or how to get her to do more without forcing her outside of her comfort zone. I worry about her developing hind leg paralysis due to her immobility.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated! We love PB so much and have worked hard to give her a loving, carrying environment that fulfills her little glider needs. Thanks so much in advance!

Re: Fear About Not Enough Exercise

PostPosted: Sun Feb 24, 2013 11:44 pm
by James
My guess is that she is lonely. 2 years old is the perfect time for that to finally set in. Sugar gliders are a colony animal and human attention is just not enough.

Re: Fear About Not Enough Exercise

PostPosted: Mon Feb 25, 2013 12:10 am
by PBs_mom
How old is too old to introduce a friend? Is she to old now?

Also, we got another cat about a year ago and of close he has interest in the cage and what she is doing but we've introduced them and that cat seems barely interested in her now. Could he worry her?

We had 2 other cats when we got her and they did the same thing but she was fine.

Re: Fear About Not Enough Exercise

PostPosted: Mon Feb 25, 2013 11:18 am
by James
I don't see that there is a "too old" for introductions. Many of the rescues I have received have been 5 or so years old and they pair up so very easy. And you notice behavioral differences immediately.

When a colony lives together, they do a lot of their interacting inside of the pouch where you just cant see. They will groom each other, cuddle, just feel safe with each other near by. Your little one will be much happier with a friend. Any age, doesn't matter so much. Easiest would be another female, second would be a neutered male.

I suggest that you look on Craigslist or in the sanctuaries for a second-hand sugar glider.

Re: Fear About Not Enough Exercise

PostPosted: Mon Feb 25, 2013 9:16 pm
by CandyOtte
She is not too old to be introduced to another glider or two. You will be amazed at the interactions between gliders when they are playing together.

You said you were concerned about the possibility of hind leg paralysis. This is really uncommon in gliders that are fed a diet with adequate calcium unless the glider has some other health issue such as parasites going on.

If you have not recently had her checked by a glider experienced vet, that could be done to make sure your girl is healthy and does not have parasites or other health issues.

What staple are you feeding your glider? What types of fruits and vegetables do you feed with it?