How to Make a Sugar Glider Leash

Sugar gliders are a small, quiet species of marsupial originally hailing from Australia and New Zealand. A normally docile creature, the small sugar glider has found a niche in the pet market, growing in popularity to become one of the most common small household pets around the globe. Many sugar glider owners like to take their pets out and show them around, making the need for a simple, secure containment method necessary. Making your own sugar glider is simple and gives you the chance to be as unique as your pet is.

Things You'll Need

• 4-foot section of soft round cord, 1 mm in diameter Alligator clip Small beads, no larger than 1 mm Scissors Candle or lighter Glue Measuring tape

Instructions

1. Measure 16 inches up from one end of your cord and form into a loop, trying with two large knots. This loop will serve as the harness section for your glider, holding her secure in the leash.

2. Hold your clip in one hand and pass the end of loop through the hole in the clip. Pull a small amount of the cord through the clip to form another small loop, and thread the free end of the cord through the loop, pulling the cord tight to secure the clip. Be sure you center the clip in the middle of the loop for proper fit once on your glider.

3. Thread one bead onto the free end of your cord, and slide up to the knots at the end of your loop. Tie two knots after the bead, and thread a second bead on the thread. Tie two more knots after the bead to keep it from coming loose. The beads act as decoration and counterweights for your glider while she roams outside her cage.

4. Melt the loose ends of your cord to seal them and prevent unraveling. Use caution when melting the ends, taking care not to touch any of the melted plastic until it has cooled to prevent burns.

5. Fit the leash onto your glider when you are ready to take him out. Fold the loop in half, forming an "X" with the loop. Place your glider's left leg in the left side hole and his right leg through the right side. Secure the clip over his back to the other end behind his shoulders to prevent the harness from coming loose.

6. Adjust the harness as necessary to keep your glider from wriggling out of her harness. Keep her close to you and offer her a favorite treat or two to keep her calm and let her know that the harness will not hurt her and to get her used to wearing it while outside her cage.

Tips & Warnings

• Be careful not to let your glider try and fly while wearing his harness. The harness fits over the glider's membranes, and these can easily be injured or torn if he tries to take off while still in the harness.

• Never leave the harness of your sugar glider while he is alone. He can easily become entangled and hurt himself if not properly observed.

Resources

• Sugar Gliders as Pets