Ways to Ensure Good Health in Breeding Gliders

Written by: TMarie - GA Owner/Admin

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There are many ways to ensure good health when breeding sugar gliders. All of these efforts combine to make healthy, happy gliders that anyone would love to adopt and that are very hard to give to new homes.

The first of these ways is knowledge. The worst breeder is one who does not know anything about the animals he/she are breeding but do it anyway. These are the ones that you see feeding their animals the wrong type of food. This is most common with breeders of exotic animals since there is less common knowledge on these animals than say a dog or a cat. Knowledge helps to know what kinds of foods and habitats gliders thrive in and keep them healthy and happy. Knowledge also helps to know warning signs of when a glider may be sick so that a vet visit can help prevent this.

Love is another way, even though some may find this hard to believe. If you do not show love and affection to your glider, it may become ill. This is because any living being needs love and attention. This is especially true for gliders, who are social creatures. Giving your glider the right amount of bonding and play time can help immensely.

Regular vet visits are another way. Your glider(s) should be taken to see an exotic vet who specialized in gliders at least once a year. My vet recommends bi-annual fecals so I take mine in twice a year. These visits help catch any illness or injury before it happens or in the very early stages.

Checking cages and their environment for any hazardous objects/places is another important aspect of good health. There are many things that may cause injury to a glider. Some of these include loose threads on toys and pouches, sharp edges on toys or the cage, easy escape routes out of the cage, and other hazardous toys left in the cage when there is no supervision.

Cleanliness is last. Always make sure you clean your cages thoroughly as well as spot clean between those big washings. Clean all toys as well. Food bowls and water bowls should be changed and cleaned daily.

All of these aspects put together can help make a healthy, happy glider, or if not addressed can cause a fatal injury or illness.

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