How to Bond With Your Pet Sugar Glider

How to Bond With Your Pet Sugar Glider

The relationship between owner and pet is such an extraordinary experience and very beneficial for both the pet and the owner. Not all animals are the same and some are not always easy to bond with, especially exotic pets. It takes time and patience, but when you create that bond and relationship it’s unbreakable. 95% of American pet owners consider their pets as family, including exotic pets.
Sugar gliders for example, are amazing pets and great companions, bonding with them can be difficult if you don’t know what to do. No worries, we’ve created the perfect guide to help sugar glider owners bond with their pets.

Bringing your glider home

Remember that bringing a pet to a new environment can be scary, it’s best to give them a few days to adjust to their new home. Young sugar gliders are often easier to bond with straight off the bat, however, an adult glider can also form a bong with their owners. Starting from a young age, you want your glider to get used to your scent and voice. Placing an article of clothing is a great way to help your new babies adjust to their surroundings.

Handling your sugar gliders

Being able to handle your gliders is a great start to building trusting relationship. However, yanking them out of their cage can cause a lot of stress and a bad start to the bonding process. The best way to get your glider accustom to being held is by gently placing your hand in the cage and allowing them to smell you first. If they are sleeping, you can lightly pick them up for a couple of seconds and place them back in the cage, and of course give them a treat. Rewarding them is one of the most effective way of training and getting them used to knowing that you are not a threat.
 
If you have a bonding pouch, you can guide them gently inside with treat and carry them around during the mornings and afternoons. Female Sugar gliders belong to the marsupial family, meaning they have pouches in which they raise their babies in. Therefore, owning a small pouch is a reminder that they are safe.

Tent Time

Because gliders are nocturnal animals, they are most active in the evening and nighttime. “tent time” refers to an activity where sugar gliders are let out in a thin mesh tent instead of an entire room. It’s a great way to let your babies explore their surroundings and get used to you being with them. Make sure to have lots of toys and treats to interact with them, gliders are very social animals and need that time out of the cage. This offers them a chance to play, exercise and bond with their owners.

Teaching them tricks

Once your glider gets comfortable with you and being handled and you start to teach them tricks. These adorable animals are very intelligent and quick learners, they can learn to ride on your shoulders and glide from place to place and onto your arm. These tricks take time and patience to work, and make sure to always reward them after completing a trick.

Finals words

Sugar gliders are not like cats and dogs, they are exotic animals that must be handled in a gentle way. Teaching them not to bite right off the bat is very important, you should never grab them from the top or if them seem stressed. Give them time to adjust and give lots of treats for good behavior. Yes, sugar gliders can live perfectly happy lives on their own, but, getting them in pairs or more will be a huge help with the bonding process. These sociable creatures thrive in groups, they keep each other company and feel secure.
 
If you are looking to adopt a sugar glider, make sure to visit our website!
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