How to Introduce Pet Sugar Gliders
Sugar gliders make energetic, smart and fairly clean pets for those that might not have the space for a cat or dog. These small marsupials have a very social nature, forming a strong bond with their human owners early on in their lives. As they grow, sugar gliders develop individual personalities, which affect their social interactions. Adult sugar gliders may react to new companions with curiosity or aggression, so take things slow for initial introductions.
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Instructions
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Instructions
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Introduce the gliders by putting them each on your body. Place one on your shoulder and one on your arm. This gives them comfortable space on nonthreatening, neutral territory.
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Allow the gliders to approach and mingle.
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Observe the gliders for any sign of aggression.
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Place the gliders on the ground in neutral territory if they do not exhibit aggression.
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Gently throw a towel over the gliders and remove them to their cages one at a time if a fight breaks out.
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Put the gliders in separate cages after their encounter. If you've owned the gliders for a long period of time, keep them each in the cages they are most comfortable with.
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Place the two cages about a foot away from each other. This allows the gliders to see and smell each other, helping them get used to each other.
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Leave the cages situated this way for up to one week, caring for the gliders as you usually would. Leave them in this set-up longer if the gliders are aggressive.
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Switch toys among the sugar gliders, letting them get used to each others' scents.
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Repeat the process throughout this period of time, allowing the gliders to become more and more friendly and comfortable with each other over time.
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Tips & Warnings
If possible, introduce sugar gliders when they are both at a young age.
If you plan on housing the gliders together, keep the separate cages close together for a few weeks and allow the gliders to socialize regularly before housing them together.
Neutering often helps territorial male gliders get along better.
Never house an adult sugar glider with an unfamiliar joey; wait until your glider is about 6 or 7 months old before housing it with another glider.
Never introduce an adult male to an adolescent female sugar glider.
