How to Keep a Pet Sugar Glider From Self-Mutilating

Behavioral disorders, such as self-mutilation, in sugar gliders should never be ignored. Allowing a sugar glider to continue self-mutilating could result in permanent injury or even death. Follow these tips to keep your pet sugar glider from self-mutilating.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Entertain your pet sugar glider. Boredom can lead to self-mutilation. Provide your sugar glider with sources of stimulation like toys or another sugar glider as a cage mate. Rearrange and switch out toys regularly.

2. Make sure your sugar glider remains unstressed. Convince your sugar glider that it is in a safe, secure environment and that you will always properly care for it. Sugar gliders form special bonds with their owners. Keep your sugar glider in a cage with adequate space. Try to limit the number of strangers to whom they are exposed.

3. Keep your sugar glider happy. Depression is a leading cause of self-mutilation for sugar gliders. Play with your sugar glider for at least 2 hours a day and give it lots of love and attention.

4. Take your sugar glider to a veterinarian who is familiar with exotic pets. Blood work can determine if the cause of your sugar glider's self-mutilation is biological.

5. Be gentle with your sugar glider. Sugar gliders interpret rough handling as abuse, which in turn can lead to stress and depression.

6. Know your sugar glider's limits. Each sugar glider has its own personality and responds differently to change. If you notice that your sugar glider does not appreciate slight changes in its environment, don't attempt to make major ones to its environment.