How to Pick Up a Sugar Glider
Sugar gliders are marsupials that have become common as exotic pets. Young sugar gliders as well as adults that have not been handled before need to be handled for taming and bonding to their owner. It is important to catch the sugar glider as quickly as possible to minimize stress. Use a bonding pouch to minimize the chances of getting bitten.
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Instructions
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Using the Bonding Pouch
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1
Turn the bonding pouch inside out. Make sure the carrying strap is out of the way when you catch the sugar glider.
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2
Place your hand inside the inverted bonding pouch. You are now wearing the bonding pouch like a mitten. You will catch the sugar glider while your hand is inside the pouch.
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3
Open the cage and catch the sugar glider with the bonding pouch. Pin the sugar glider to the floor or wall with gentle but firm pressure. It is necessary to keep your hand slightly ahead of the sugar glider because they are very fast.
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4
After a few moments, the sugar glider should calm down. Wrap your fingers around the body of the sugar glider and start to lift it away from the cage.
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5
Wait until the sugar glider lets go of the cage. After slightly raising the sugar glider, pause until it lets go of the cage. This should happen within a few moments. If it does not let go, lift slightly harder until it lets go.
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6
If you have a firm grasp of the sugar glider inside the bonding pouch, remove the animal from the cage and turn the bonding pouch right-side out around the sugar glider. Carefully close the bonding pouch, avoiding pinching the sugar glider.
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Tips & Warnings
You can pick up a sugar glider with your bare hands. Catch the sugar glider the same way as explained in Steps 3 and 4. Place your thumb under the chin of the sugar glider so it can't bite you.
As your sugar glider becomes used to being handled and starts to bond with you, it may not require catching at all, but will jump into your hand of its own will.
