How to Handle a Pet Sugar Glider

Sugar gliders are adorable little marsupials that are becoming very popular as pets. These little critters are native to Australia, Indonesia and New Guinea where they eat nectar and drink the sap of the eucalyptus trees in the forest. If one is lucky enough to live in a state that permits owning a sugar glider, the following article will help to teach how to handle the sugar glider.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Carry around a small piece of cloth for a few days. It would be best to have the cloth against skin as much as possible for the cloth to pick up the human owner's scent. Put the cloth in the cage with the sugar glider to help acquaint him with his owner's scent.

2. Move slowly and pick up a sugar glider by the body. If the sugar glider holds on to the nearest object, place a finger behind its claws and carefully push the claws off the object.

3. Hold the sugar glider in cupped hands or hold it securely against one's chest. Wait until the glider stops struggling and is breathing easily. Now it is safe to place the sugar glider in a pocket. Gently pet him to make him feel comfortable. Allow the glider to climb out of the pocket and climb up a shoulder to get acquainted.

4. Play with the sugar glider every night. They love to be close to their owners, so once they are acquainted, they will enjoy sitting on shoulders or staying in pockets.

5. Respect the sugar glider and always be gentle when handling it. They do not understand or respond to discipline, so it is best to understand that gliders are devoted pets and are not trying to frustrate their owners.

6. Allow children to handle sugar gliders only with adult supervision. Let the child hold the glider in her lap while sitting on the floor.