Preventing Traumatic Injuries in Gliders

Written by: TMarie - GA Owner/Admin

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There are times when preventing injuries is going to be hard or not easily foreseen. Sugar Gliders can get into almost anything and can jump and glide very fast. However, there are many simple things that can be done to help prevent the possibility of this happening.

First off is checking the cage frequently. Injuries and illnesses can be very easily caused by the cage they live in. Cages should not be made of galvanized wire. This will greatly increase the chances of a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI). Galvanized wire rusts very easily and the chemical reaction of that and their urine and so forth can cause UTI’s very easily. Also, check for sharp edges on the cage as well. Sharp edges can pierce and injure a glider badly without your even knowing. Another part of the cage to check is how easily escape can happen. Make sure all doors are secured with some type of lock or clip or zip tie. Check for any small opening elsewhere they could make their way out of.

Pouches and sleeping quarters are another important thing to be checked. Make sure there are no loose threads or sharp objects in either of these. Avoid using socks or any other cotton as the chance for loose threads to snag their nails on increases dramatically. A glider caught in a snag may injure them even more trying to get free. Chinchilla houses are made of plastic so checking for sharp spots on those are also important.

Playtime is also important. Playtime should be done in a glider proofed area. Gliders can get into all sorts of trouble when things are not checked out and made sure to be safe. TV and other electrical cords can be chewed on and nails put in sockets. Heating and cooling vents can easily trap them and doors can be crawled under. If you are skeptical about the area you are playing with your glider in, try a small pop up dome tent.

Lastly are toys. Many toys are fun for gliders, but some should be avoided or only used under supervision. Dyed wooden toys should be thoroughly washed first to get all excess dye off (if used at all). Avoid toys with sharp objects and cotton ones which may have loose threads. Also try to stay away from toys containing catnip. I use some small balls that are cat toys with my gliders that have holes in them. These are only used during my playtime with them so that they do not become caught in them. This is the same with the ferret ball I use for them also.

These are just a few of the safety precautions that should be made when you own a sugar glider. Just like any other animal or even human, they can get into danger if you are not careful. If you think of everything in the terms of “for the good of the glider” you should be fine and your glider safe and happy.

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