How do I safely pick up and tame my sugar glider?
Learn the correct technique to pick up your sugar glider and build trust without causing stress. Follow these 5 steps.
1. The Correct Pickup Technique
Gently cup your hands around the sugar glider's body, supporting its back and rump. The glider's body is long and slender, so it's crucial to have a firm grip to prevent injury.
Place one hand under the glider's belly and the other under its rump. This position mimics the way it would be held by a parent, which helps it feel secure.
Keep your hands close together to support the glider's body length, ensuring it doesn't twist or bend awkwardly.
- Cup hands around the glider's body
- Support back and rump with one hand
- Keep hands close together for body support
2. Building Trust
Start by spending time with your glider in its cage, allowing it to become accustomed to your presence.
Offer treats through the cage bars to create positive associations with you.
Gradually increase the time you spend with your glider outside the cage, but never force it to interact if it's not ready.
- Spend time in the cage
- Offer treats through the bars
- Gradually increase interaction time
3. When Not to Handle
Avoid handling your sugar glider immediately after feeding, as it may be full and less interested in interaction.
Do not handle during shedding, as the glider may be sensitive and stressed.
Respect the glider's need for rest; avoid handling when it's asleep or during its active period, which is typically at night.
Never rush the handling process; take your time to build trust.
- Avoid handling after feeding
- Do not handle during shedding
- Respect the glider's rest period
- Take your time to build trust
4. Stress Signals to Watch For
Look for signs of stress such as flattened ears, a tucked tail, or a hunched body.
If your glider is hissing, squealing, or biting, it's a clear signal that it's stressed and needs to be left alone.
Observe changes in behavior, such as a decrease in vocalization or a lack of interest in food, which can indicate stress.
- Flat ears, tucked tail, hunched body
- Hissing, squealing, biting
- Decreased vocalization, lack of interest in food
Keep reading about Sugar Glider: Sugar Glider care sheet
Related questions
How often should I handle my sugar glider?
Start with handling sessions of 5-10 minutes once a day, gradually increasing the time as your glider becomes more comfortable.
What's the best way to introduce a new sugar glider to an existing pair?
Introduce them in a neutral environment, such as a room with no familiar scents, and allow them to interact for about 30 minutes under supervision.
How can I tell if my sugar glider is stressed?
Look for signs like flattened ears, a tucked tail, or changes in behavior, such as decreased vocalization or a lack of interest in food.
Not veterinary advice. This guide covers husbandry — housing, feeding, cleaning and handling. If your sugar glider is injured, off food unusually long, or behaving abnormally, contact a veterinarian.