Now this is a very confusing subject and all you glider owners out there know exactly what I am talking about. Gliders are just like people in that they eat a variety of foods but unfortunately they are also like people in that their tastes constantly change. First a glider owner has to go through the process of trying to learn what his or her particular sugar glider likes. This is hard because all sugar gliders like different things, like people. After a glider owner discovers what that sugar glider likes about a week or so will pass and then suddenly what used to be a fav food won't be touched. Once this occurs both glider and owner must begin the process a new. After a time a glider will adjust to the food that it is given but variety is always a key factor in a glider diet. ALL gliders should be given a consistant diet of 75% FRESH FRUITS AND VEGGIES and 25% proteins. Almost all kinds of fruits and veggies are acceptable for giving a glider but owners should avoid those that are acidic. Remember that when it comes to food it is always best to experiment with different kinds. Don't forget, the sweeter the better. As for the protein potion anything that is high in protein, yet LOW IN FAT will work. Examples are crickets and occasionally fuzzie mice. Gliders should also have an outside source of calcium. A calcium suppliment MADE FOR GLIDERS NOT REPTILES will work great. NOTE: FOR A DETAILED LIST OF ACCEPTABLE FOODS SEE THE "MY GLIDER EXPERIENCES:SYDNEY" PAGE.

This subject is much easier on the owner. Gliders are not very picky on where they sleep and play so housing them is simple. These creatures are very small but do to their amount of activity in the evening need a very large cage to live in. A single glider can make do with a 2'by2'by2' enclosure. The more gliders recieved the larger the cage should be. The cage should be wired like the average bird cage with small 1/3 inch squares for climbing on. As far as toys for a glider USE YOUR IMAGINATION, they will play on anything you give them. Suggestions are hanging mirrors and apple branches, but any pet store toy that has not been treated or has wet ink will work fine. Food can be placed high in a shallow dish or on the cage floor(any uneaten food should be taken out after the glider has finished eating). FRESH water can be given in a hanging water bottle or in a small dish, whatever you and your glider prefers.

Ahh...the wonderful world of glider communication. For a creature that is only 6 inches long a sugar glider can make a VERY LOUD NOISE. Some of the noises are soft and sweet where as others are loud and harsh. When a glider is mad at you she will let you know it. The basic "go away" sound is known as "crabbing" and is a very loud continuous growl that is best described as sounding like an electric pencil sharpener. A glider will make this noise often when first placed in a new environment but it will gradually die away as the glider grows to know it's new home. The next sound is the glider "bark", this sound is what the name describes, a high pitched barking. The glider will make this noise when it is lonely and wants to play and can be ceased by leaving a low light on in or near the glider's cage. Finally there is the glider's happy noise. This noise is a light and soft chirping sound and will be heard often when the glider is pleased.

The most important thing I have to say here is FIND A VET AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. Gliders in general are very hearty animals but some problems can occur so you should always be prepared. One common problem is low blood sugar, this can be scary but it is easily cured. If the glider becomes very lethargic and inactive give it something sweet, such as fruit nectar, IMMEDIATELY. The glider should begin to recover well within a few hours and by the next day should be fine. Another more serious illness that can occur is hind leg paralysis. This illness has symptoms of a draging of the hind legs and is caused by lack of calcium. If this dragging is present it is probably to late to do anything about it, but a vet should be notified. Other less serious problems such as depression and a cold can occur and should be delt with by a vet.