Saturday, January 28, 2012

Bonding With Your New Pet

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=James_Corman]James Corman
Sugar gliders as pets are very endearing. They are extremely sociable animals that love playing with each other and their owners. It is most crucial to establish a strong bond with your glider regardless of its age when you acquired it.
Although, it is much more challenging to bond with an adult glider rather than a baby since it would take more patience. There are similarities in all gliders as pets, but despite this fact, there are still some details which would make each one unique.
First things first, to begin the bonding experience with your joey, there must be a pouch which has to have enough room for the animal, to sleep in comfortably and small enough for you to carry close to you body. Some of these gliders would even use their pouches for longer than a year. Gliders love sleeping in these pouches seen it makes them feel safe.
Sugar gliders as pets, can be a lot of fun, especially when you carry them outside together with their pouch, and just have a terrific time. It is easy to gain the animals trust by feeding them treats which makes them feel that you are a friend. Eventually, they would get accustomed to these treatments and look forward to normal routines that you would do together.
They are as cuddly as they look since at any age of their life; these exotic animals require constant contact and attention especially from their owners. This is more important for owners that only have one glider since paired ones can give each other some of the attention that each one requires.
Also, sugar gliders as pets require a few hours in the evening for playing. For playtime, there is a need to let your pet out of its cage, so it can roam about the room, but make sure that before you let it out of its cage that the room is entirely sealed. This lets the animal explore its surrounding more and give in to its curiosity.
Gliders are quite playful; they would run around the room and go up shelves or frames for a time, but eventually, as being the loyal creatures that they are, they would return to you afterwards.
Even with all these wonderful and exciting facts about sugar gliders as pets, it is unfortunate that these animals cannot be trained to dispose of their waste in a single area. In simple terms, the glider cannot be potty-trained. They will defecate or urinate at their disposal. So as the owner, it is your responsibility, to keep their surroundings clean, urine and feces free. Also, remember to keep all things that you do not want your glider to urinate or defecate on tucked away in a safe area. They might even go when you are carrying them but do not let this disappoint you and have some patience. It is all part of taking care of your new pet.
Visit http://www.sugargliderpetcenter.com/ for more information on sugar gliders.
The Sugar Glider Pet Center also has information about [http://www.sugargliderpetcenter.com/sugar-glider-breeding]sugar glider breeding
as well as information on the care and cage requirements, photos of gliders, joeys, and gliders in flight.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Bonding-With-Your-New-Pet&id=6532053] Bonding With Your New Pet

Thursday, January 26, 2012

How To Take Care of a Baby Squirrel

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=William_Sells]William Sells
You found a baby squirrel, and now need information on how to care for it. You're about to experience one of the most rewarding activities on earth!
The ideal situation would be to return the baby to it's mother. If you place it in a small box with a warm rice bag, and tack it to the tree where you found it, it's possible that mom will come and take it back to an alternate nest. If the mother doesn't come within an hour, the baby becomes your charge.
Relax, caring for baby squirrels is easy! If you don't have the time or will to do it, every State has licensed wild animal rehabilitators who can do the job. If you do have the time and can remember the acronym, "WHAM," you can easily and confidently care for a baby squirrel!
The letter W, stands for warm. Baby squirrels need to be kept warm. You never should attempt to feed a baby until it is completely warmed. A baby squirrel should always feel warm the the touch when you pick it up. When the baby is less than 5 weeks old, (before it's eyes open,) it can easily be kept in a cardboard box. I like to use rice bags to keep my baby squirrels warm. I heat the bag in the microwave until it is warm to the touch, place it in the box, punch it down in the center to make a nest, place pieces of blanket or fleece material over the bag, put the baby squirrel in and cover it with more soft cloth. This method keeps the baby warm between feedings.
Some people like to use a heating pad on the low setting under the box. If it's placed under half of the box, the baby squirrel will climb on and off the heated side until it finds a comfortable sleeping temperature. Either way, this accomplishes the task of keeping the baby squirrel warm.
The letter H, stands for hydrate. Many rehabbers advocate starting off with plain Pedalyte, (an electrolyte fluid replacement solution.) I have never advocated this practice because it is just plain silly. A mother squirrel doesn't run off to the store to buy Pedalyte when her baby has been laying out in the elements for a couple of hours. She warms her baby squirrel, then lets it nurse. I've always started with formula, and have never lost a baby squirrel due to a dietary problem. If you go to my website, you can see pictures of squirrels that were within hours of death from malnutrition and dehydration, yet they did just fine on formula only.
The letter A, stands for accommodate. Baby squirrels do three things. They eat, they potty, and they sleep. Accommodation means that you facilitate these three activities until they mature to the point where their eyes are open, and they start exploring their habitat. A baby squirrel must be stimulated to urinate and move it's bowels. This can be accomplished by using a cotton ball dipped in warm water, which is used to stimulate the genitals of the baby squirrel until it passes urine and moves it's bowels. This simulates what a mother squirrel does after her babies nurse. She will lick them to accomplish the same results.
Feeding involves formula. This is where many people get really confused and scared, because there are a whole lot of people in the rehab' community that militantly advocate feeding only a certain type of puppy formula to baby squirrels, with the dire warning that your baby squirrel will die if cows milk ever crosses it's lips. As I said before, I've never lost a squirrel to a dietary problem and have tons of visual proof and testimonial letters to prove that these warnings are not true. I teach people all the time how to make a superior formula from whole milk, heavy whipping cream, Vitamin E and raw Coconut Oil. It is true that milk right out of the bottle will give a baby squirrel diarrhea, which can lead to an electrolyte imbalance, heart arrhythmia and ultimately death from heart failure. But, one simple step in the preparation eliminates this danger, and makes this formula one of the best foods in the world for baby squirrels!
And finally the letter M, stands for Maintain. To maintain simply means to keep doing the things that are right for your baby squirrel to grow and mature. After 5 week, when the baby squirrel opens it's eyes, it will need a new habitat, meaning a cage, and gradual changes in it's diet. At six weeks you will start to feel teeth emerging, and by eight weeks it will be ready to start chewing on things. This is the time to provide Oak or Maple twigs for your baby squirrel to start teething on. It's also the time to start introducing some solid foods. Baby squirrels have to learn to swallow solids. I like to introduce small pieces of raw sweet potato. Baby squirrels will chew an spit out solid foods at first, the orange colored sweet potato makes it easy to see the chewed up pieces in the bottom of the cage. When I no longer see shredded sweet potato, I know that they have learned to swallow, and am able to advance their diet. I let them continue to take formula for as long as they want to nurse, because squirrels need lots of calcium!
The need for calcium, especially in captivity, is one of the most critical aspects of raising a squirrel. In fact, it is the most important factor in success or failure when it comes to raising a baby squirrel! If a baby squirrel does not have an adequate source of calcium after it stops nursing, it will develop a condition called Metabolic Bone Disease, or Rickets. I don't know how many times I've gotten e-mails from panicked people telling me their 5 or 6 month old squirrel was fine one day and the next day lost the use of it's rear legs. It happens that fast, and is completely preventable!
There are many more details about how to take care of a baby squirrel, that are beyond the scope of this article. My desire is to help you take the right first steps in this rewarding endeavor, and to let you know that I am always available to help and answer any and all questions about the care of a baby squirrel! On my website I offer free recipes, advice and e-books at no charge to help you successfully raise a healthy and happy squirrel! http://www.squirrelnutrition.com/
William Sells is a Registered Emergency Room Nurse turned Squirrel Rehabilitator. After nearly killing his first squirrel by following bogus information he obtained on the Internet, he vowed to learn all he could about the proper way to care for squirrels, and to share that information with all who were in need. His website, http://squirrelnutrition.com/ is loaded with free information about how to care for and feed squirrels through various stages of their lives. Every first time visitor is offered our free mini e-book about how to care for a baby squirrel.
SquirrelNutrition.com has free recipes for Calcium rich supplements that are ideal for captive squirrels, plus recipes for supplemental food to keep your outside squirrels in peak health!
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?How-To-Take-Care-of-a-Baby-Squirrel&id=6549135] How To Take Care of a Baby Squirrel

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Bearded Dragon Diet

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Amber_Freeman]Amber Freeman
Bearded dragons are both unusual and friendly, making for a great pet for all ages. Making sure a bearded dragon is healthy and stays that way can be a big responsibility. Because they are omnivores, they need a balance of both vegetation and protein rich meats in order to stay healthy. Maintaining a healthy dragon diet is not difficult with a few simple reminders.
A baby bearded dragon diet should consist of mostly protein, but this is the only time you will want to give this type of diet. A healthy adult diet should consist of between 80%-85% fruits and vegetables with the remaining 15%-20% being protein. A bearded dragon gets nearly all of its protein from insects such as crickets and worms. While there are many varieties of fruits and vegetables that can be given to them, there are some that are favored and others to stay away from.
Protein
A bearded dragon diet should include protein, but only as a supplement to a diet consisting of mostly fruits and vegetables. The best protein sources are crickets, meal worms, silkworms, and roaches. These are available at many specialty pet food stores. Never feed a them insects caught in the wild, as germs and bacteria they are carrying can make a beardie very ill. Purchasing them from a pet food store or breeding them is the way to go.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are the main source of both food and water. Any fruits and vegetables not consumed by the end of the day should always be removed from the habitat to prevent accidental ingestion of rotting material. The best fruit and vegetable options are romaine lettuce, kale, dandelion greens, apricots, mangoes, and berries. Again, it is important to make sure that nothing being fed to your pet has been treated with pesticides. Wash everything thoroughly, and spritz with water to ensure your pet is well hydrated.
What to Avoid
There are some fruits and vegetables that are not a healthy part of a bearded dragons diet. The water content of regular lettuce is very high and it has little nutritional value. This can cause diarrhea and malnutrition in your bearded dragon. Also, avocado is known to be poisonous to birds and other small animals so this is best avoided. Rhubarb is a known poison for them as well. All acidic fruits such as lemons, oranges, and tomatoes should be avoided as well.
With a little knowledge and a little bit of patience, you will soon learn what your pet's favorite foods are and how to properly feed them. You will be well on your way to raising a happy, healthy pet that will live its life to the fullest!
Amber Freeman is a writer who specializes in choosing a pet and pet care. you can check out er latest website at [http://www.babybeardeddragon.org]Baby Bearded Dragon, where she provides care and handling advice including diet, [http://babybeardeddragon.org/bearded-dragons-facts]bearded dragon facts, tips, and much more!
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Bearded-Dragon-Diet&id=6549540] Bearded Dragon Diet

Sunday, January 22, 2012

Caring for Your Sick Tarantula

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Hugo_Moss]Hugo Moss
I have not come across a vet that is willing to work with a sick tarantula and therefore, we as owners must be willing to try for ourselves. The information is based only on experiences with tarantulas.
Traumatized Tarantula:
If your tarantula falls and it is severe enough to cause bleeding from the pedicel or abdomen then the survival chance is poor. However, the most important thing to do for any spider that suffers loss of body fluid is to get it a drink of water. Spiders have a partially hydraulic muscle system and extend their legs using blood pressure, not muscles. Therefore if they lose blood they need to drink to replace the blood fluid volume lost.
Puncture wounds:
If a tarantula suffers a puncture wound it can be plugged with an adhesion patch. You will have to consider how to hold the spider so you can patch the wound. Another solution is to anaesthetize the spider by chilling it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes. For a bandage you can use a small piece of plastic with petroleum jelly on it slapped over the leak. If the spider can reach the bandage, it will pull it off, so you may need to try a blob of petroleum jelly alone. An alternative is to use a fast-drying adhesive like superglue. The wounded area will be completely healed at the next moult, although you may notice a slight discolouration.
Leg Loss:
If a tarantula loses a leg it is in far better shape than you might imagine as most grow another one. Spiders have the ability to shed legs the way some lizards shed tails. Better to lose a leg than your life, especially if you have eight to begin with! All spiders have a joint in their legs near the base which breaks away when the leg is grabbed. The open stump is closed off by muscular contraction at the joint and blood loss is immediately stopped. If a leg is injured in any way the tarantula may decide that it is more trouble than it is worth and pull it off itself. Tarantulas will often eat the leg to make up for the nutrients they invested in growing it in the first place. The leg will not totally be replaced with the next moult, it will take several sheds for the new leg to be the same length as the other legs.
Having a bad Moult:
Shedding is a big event for a tarantula and a lot of things can go wrong, the best thing you can do is offer water. All tarantulas especially young ones can encounter problems to shed when the conditions are too dry. Over water to tarantulas that get stuck in the old skin. It can be as minor as having a patch of old cuticle stick to the abdomen, In this case you can soften the dry skin with water and gently pull the old skin off. Dont jerk, just pull gently. A crises is when the tarantula fail to free old legs. If the legs are most of the way out and stuck then you might be able to soften the old skin with water and gently pull the old skin off. If the legs are stuck most of the way in forced autotomy may be your best choice. If only one or two legs are stuck you can induce autotomy of the stuck legs by pinching them through the old cuticle using a tweezers. If most legs are stuck and the new cuticle has already hardened then your best bet in this case is to euthanize the spider. You can do this by placing the spider in the freezer.
Cuticular Conditions:
Fungal infections:
A grey patch on the abdomen is probably a fungal infection, it most often occur in moist cages. The first thing you need to do is to let the cage dry out. This will slow or stop the growth of the fungus. You can try treating the fungus with a topical treatment but this will only be experimental. When the spider moults the fungus will be she with the old cuticle.
Lumps:
Adult females can develop lumps on the abdomen for no apparent reason. They can moult out of it. http://reptile-parrots.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?86-Tarantulas
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Caring-for-Your-Sick-Tarantula&id=6557752] Caring for Your Sick Tarantula

Friday, January 20, 2012

Baby Rabbit Care Tips - How to Take Care of Your Newborn Rabbit

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Amy_Havelock]Amy Havelock
So, you just bought your first baby rabbit and you want to know how to take care of it. You are in for a real treat with this pet. Bunnies can be so much fun, and they are very trainable! But, they have very sensitive tummies, so, it's important that you are careful how you feed them.
Baby bunnies are so adorable! Who can resist those little fuzzy faces? I know I can't! That is why I have learned quite a bit about raising baby bunnies. For the most part, you should let the mother rabbit take care of the babies for at least 2 months. They can be weaned a little sooner, as soon as 6 weeks. However, for a good solid healthy bunny, 2 months is a good time frame. If you are trying to rescue a baby bunny that has been taken from the mother, that is an entirely different article. If you have found a baby bunny, leave it where you have found it and check on it from time to time. Chances are, the mother will come and get it. She may have been in the process of moving her nest.
So, at two months old, you should feed them what ever rabbit food they were already eating. It's usually some sort of pellets. Baby bunnies have sensitive tummies, so, it is important not to give them any carrots or fresh green stuff until they are around 6 months old. And at that point, feed it cautiously, and slowly. Where ever your rabbit was for sale at, find out what sort of pellets they were feeding your sweet little critter. Make sure that if you can't get that brand, that you get about a gallon bag full from them. What ever brand you buy, you will give them half of the new stuff, and half of the old stuff until you run out of the old stuff. This should allow their tummies to get adjusted.
Another trick to get them used to the new water they are drinking is to add about a half a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to about a half a gallon of water. This will help them to get adjusted to the new water as well. Use sparingly, and enjoy your new baby bunny!!
Feel free to come and join my facebook page at [http://www.facebook.com/RabbitsForSale]Rabbits For Sale. You can post your photos of your favorite pet [http://www.facebook.com/RabbitsForSale]rabbits.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Baby-Rabbit-Care-Tips---How-to-Take-Care-of-Your-Newborn-Rabbit&id=6569572] Baby Rabbit Care Tips - How to Take Care of Your Newborn Rabbit

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Panda's Habitat: About the Panda's Habitat in the Wild and Captivity

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Connor_McBroom]Connor McBroom
Here in this article you are going to learn all about the panda's habitat. Since the panda is an endangered species there are reserves set up to help preserve and increase the population of the species. Here in this article we are going to look at both wild and captive environments.
Panda's habitat in the wild
The panda's habitat in the wild mainly consists of forest and bamboo. The wild consists of a few mountain ranges on the east of the Tibetan plateau. They used to live in the lowland grassy areas but they were cut down though deforestation and farming which has recently been banned. The panda's habitat in the wild is filled with forest, trees and bamboo which they thrive on. It is also often misty and cool in their habitat. Often during the summer, mist swirls around the conifer clad peaks and through the valleys of the qionglai mountains. This with the rain and snow helps to maintain the moist atmosphere which is essential for bamboos to flourish because without it the pandas will die.
The panda's habitat in the mountain also contains streams or lakes where they will drink after a session of eating bamboo. The pandas will make temporary dens in the bamboo forests where they will sit and eat bamboo for hours on end. Waterfalls and lakes are abundant in their habitat. Pandas often rest beside rivers and streams in their habitat to keep energy expenditure low, it also means they are closer to it to drink. Since their diet is so low in nutrition they try to keep their energy expenditure to a minimum. Pandas can also be seen climbing up trees to play, especially the younger pandas as they don't require as much feeding as an adult panda.
Panda's habitat in captivity
A panda's habitat in captivity is not the same as it is in the wild. However the reserve centers try their hardest to replicate the environment that the wild pandas live in. Reserve centers will include an abundant amount of bamboo for them to feed on. They will also include rocks and trees for the pandas to play on. Other features of a panda's habitat in captivity may include lakes, ponds, streams and other objects for the pandas to play on such as giant tyres. These centers are in enclosed areas to help keep the pandas more protected from outside threats such as poachers.
If you would like to learn more about the panda please visit my website [http://aboutpandas.bravehost.com/pandas%20habitat.html]http://aboutpandas.bravehost.com/pandas%20habitat.html
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Pandas-Habitat:-About-the-Pandas-Habitat-in-the-Wild-and-Captivity&id=6495687] Panda's Habitat: About the Panda's Habitat in the Wild and Captivity

Monday, January 16, 2012

Nesting Spots for Gliders

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Gavin_Mathews]Gavin Mathews
Sugar gliders (SG) need a place to place their young if ever your pets decide to mate and reproduce. Nesting spots are also used by sugar gliders as sleeping areas. (You don't want your SG to sleep on the floor of the cage.) You can add a nesting spot to any cage by installing any of the following:
Medium-sized clay pots (the pots should have no chemical glaze)
Wooden boxes
Plastic boxes
Nesting pouches made of thick cloth
Many sugar bear owners are in agreement that semi-porous boxes or pots are ideal for nesting spots. Semi-porous materials such as clay are capable of absorbing moisture and also 'breathe', which helps regulate the temperature and humidity inside the box.
The big downside to semi-porous materials is that these materials absorb moisture both inside and on the outside.
When a suggie defecate or urinate on or around a semi-absorbent box, it will absorb some of the waste.
If you decide to use a semi-absorbent box, make sure that you periodically replace the box to prevent any infections inside the cage. Old resting boxes will also smell quite awful so it's best to replace these.
For the sake of ease and practicality, many veterinarians recommend the use of plastic boxes. Plastic boxes come in a wide array of shapes, sizes, and thicknesses and are also easier to clean.
Unless your plastic resting box breaks in half, you won't have to replace it.
If a sugar glider has an 'accident' on top of the nesting box, you can just wash and dry it. If you are going to use a plastic box, make sure that you add absorbent bedding inside. You do not need to add absorbent bedding in cloth pouches.
Where should you place the cloth pouches? To prevent your glider bears from urinating and defecating on the resting boxes, install the boxes either on the side of the cage or near the top of the cage.
This way the sugar gliders will only approach the nesting box when they really need to. If you place it on the floor of the cage, your honey bear will most likely use it as a toilet.
The dimensions of the cage are as follows:
24 inches (depth)
24 inches (width)
36 inches (height)
Note that a cage with this size will only be sufficient for one or two adult gliders. If you plan to get more, you have to get additional cages or you can create a custom cage that will accommodate the additional members of the glider group.
After purchasing or making the new glider cage, choose a nice, warm spot inside your house. The spot should be away from cold breezes that may come in from nearby doors or windows.
The glider bear cage should be placed on top of a sturdy table. If the glider cage is very tall (more than forty inches in height), you don't have to place it on a table. Just make sure you can prevent larger pets from disturbing the suggies, especially during the first few weeks in their new home.
My name is Gavin Mathews, I am a pet lover and exotic pet enthuses me to go the extra mile. As a sugar glider enthusiast I would like to share some of the knowledge I have gained in the due course.
For more information click [http://www.sugargliderinfoshop.com/a-cage-for-your-sugar-glider/]setting up cage for sugar gliders
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Nesting-Spots-for-Gliders&id=6563470] Nesting Spots for Gliders

Saturday, January 14, 2012

Adapt to Sugar Glider Sounds

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Gavin_Mathews]Gavin Mathews
Sugar gliders (SG's) are fairly straightforward creatures, like dogs and cats. These marsupials can bond well with humans and are capable of showing happiness, excitement, fear, boredom, and yes, even depression.
Sugar gliders are colony animals that prefer the company of other animals, sugar gliders, and of course, their human family. They can recognize their primary caregiver and are also able to recognize other members of the family that have been kind to it.
SG rarely makes sounds, but when it does emit a sound, you can bet that it is trying to communicate something to you. The most common sound that first-time sugar bear owners hear is a sort of high-pitched chirping.
This chirping sound (also called "crabbing") is a sign of fear. When a SG's chirps or crabs, it simply means that the glider does not feel safe in your presence or in the presence of other people. Don't worry! Expect to hear this a lot when you're just getting to know your sugar glider. The sound will eventually cease when the honey bear feels comfortable being around you.
Glider-bear also like to act like the boss when around other suggies and humans they do not recognize. A glider will usually emit a continuous chirping sound while standing up on its tiny hind legs.
A sugar glider may look adorable when it looks bossy, but when a suggie exhibits this behavior it means that the animal feels threatened and feels the need to protect itself and scare away a potential predator. A threatened SG can also bite at the air and charge at something if it is provoked to attack.
These tiny marsupials can also express themselves when they are happy. Sugar gliders purr when they are content and when they feel safe in the company of a human.
The sound is actually quite low and many people can't hear the purring - but they do purr. You can feel a sugar bear purring when you hold it gently in your hands. It's a sign that you are doing well as a pet owner and your pet has bonded well with you.
What if you hear your sugar glider hissing?
Not all hissing sounds are equivalent to anger or fear. Glider bear hiss and sneeze because they regularly clean themselves. Like cats, these little marsupials are capable of giving themselves a bath whenever they want to.
Sneezing is a way to add moisture to their paws so they can clean their fur. A honey glider can scratch any area in its body.
The only time that you have to worry about your suggie is when you see it hissing while it is trying to scratch or lick its private parts. That may be a sign of disease, so make sure you contact your veterinarian right away.
My name is Gavin Mathews and I've been a Sugar Glider Enthusiast due to which, I've gained a good amount of knowledge about Sugar Gliders. As a Glider enthusiast, it is my goal to see that all pet Gliders are properly cared for, so I'd like to share my knowledge with you.
Here on my website you will find number of resources that will help you learn on buying, feeding and housing and much more about glider as a pet being.
For more information click [http://www.sugargliderinfoshop.com/how-are-sugar-gliders-as-pets/]Sugar Glider For A Pet
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Adapt-to-Sugar-Glider-Sounds&id=6566243] Adapt to Sugar Glider Sounds

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Thinking of Buying a Sugar Glider?

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Gavin_Mathews]Gavin Mathews
Some people think that because of the small size of sugar gliders (SG), these creatures would be easier to take care of than cats or dogs. I'm here to remind you that although gliders are small even after entering adulthood, these creatures still need special care and attention.
Sugar gliders are extremely social creatures and once a sugar bear has marked you as the primary caregiver, it will want to interact with you frequently, on a daily basis. Like a small child, the honey bear will be dependent on you for its every need, including its need to bond with the one person who is responsible for feeding it and providing for its basic needs.
If you naturally adore animals, regardless of the type of animal that is in your care, then a sugar glider is a good choice. There is a reason why sugar gliders or "sugar bears" are called pocket pets.
You can literally place them in your shirt pocket and they will stay there, keeping you company throughout the day. If a SG is left in its cage for a long time without interaction with its primary caregiver, it will exhibit symptoms of depression.
Now, before you buy a sugar glider, consider the following facts:
1. A sugar glider is capable of biting if it feels that it is in danger or is being threatened either by another human or by another animal. In a nutshell, a SG is quite similar to other pets in this respect. If you treat your glider bear with care and respect, it will have no reason to bite or scratch.
But if someone in your family steps on its tail or accidentally hurts it, there is a chance that it may bite back. Bites are very rare if your suggie is trained properly.
One of the best things about a sugar glider is that its teeth are not designed to tear off skin or flesh. Instead, a sugar glider's teeth are designed to act as miniature clamps. When a suggie bites, you will feel more of a pinching force than a real bite.
2. Unlike dogs and cats, a glider-bear cannot be completely trained to go to just one spot to urinate or defecate. On the flipside, sugar gliders practice routines when it comes to these things, so a little observation and improvisation will help you guide the little critter to do its 'business' in a designated area in its cage.
3. Sugar bear should be given a mix of fresh food and commercial sugar glider pellets. You can also give your new pet a multivitamin powder. Just sprinkle the vitamin powder on top of its food and you are all set for the day.
4. SG's can develop a strong and discernible scent - but only if the animal is fed mostly live or fresh protein-rich foods.
5. Neutering is recommended if you do not wish to breed your sugar bears. A neutered SG is less aggressive and will also mark its territory less frequently. Neutered specimens also have a milder scent. A neutered glider-bear that has been given a properly balanced mix of fresh and commercial food will not develop a strong smell.
6. Being social creatures, it would be best to treat a suggie like you would to a dog. These animals are excellent companions and are loyal to their human owners.
My name is Gavin Mathews, I am a pet lover and exotic pet enthuses me to go the extra mile. As a sugar glider enthusiast I would like to share some of the knowledge I have gained in the due course.
For more information click [http://www.sugargliderinfoshop.com/sugar-glider-care-information/]Sugar Glider For A Pet
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Thinking-of-Buying-a-Sugar-Glider?&id=6571220] Thinking of Buying a Sugar Glider?

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

How to Successfully Care for Pet Sugar Gliders

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Pauline_M_Swanson]Pauline M Swanson
Lately, sugar gliders have become very desirable as pets for people from all walks of life. Before purchasing one of these delightful creatures it is advisable to research how to properly care for it and to check whether the new owner and pet are compatible.
All aspects of a sugar glider's care need to be considered. This includes where it will be housed, what it will be fed, how much attention it will need and how it will adapt to its new environment.
Firstly, let us consider the environment most suited to a pet sugar glider. It will need to have a suitable cage with sufficient space for it to move about comfortably. It is essential for it to have climbing structures as well as play things to keep it entertained and exercised.
We need to keep in mind that this creature is native to the Australian "bush" and in its natural habitat is known to "glide" between trees and other vegetation. Admittedly, the new pet will have been bred in captivity but we must try to replicate its natural environment for it where possible.
Many new owners have not taken into consideration the fact that sugar gliders are nocturnal creatures. This is not usually a problem as long as this is kept in mind when positioning the cage and the type of toys provided.
The diet is of utmost importance. We are talking about a very small creature here and it wouldn't take long for health issues to arise if the correct amounts of food are not provided. On the positive side, it will be quite inexpensive to feed compared with a large pet such as a St Bernard dog.
It is wonderful to see these beautiful creatures settling into their new homes when they are properly provided for. It is surprising how quickly they adapt to their new surroundings and to the other pets if they have been bred by considerate, professional breeders. The initial few weeks of the joeys' lives are crucial to easy transitioning for them.
Always be prepared to make informed searches for ethical breeders. This will make owning a pet sugar glider a pleasant experience for all. Be aware that all breeders in USA must be registered with the US Government. Always check that the person from whom you are buying your glider is duly registered. There are always people who will try to bypass the system so make sure you ask for the relevant certification.
Pauline Swanson is a lover of all creatures, great and small. She has created her website to provide information for sugar glider enthusiasts and owners. For more great information on   sugar glider care, visit http://www.petsugarglidercare.com/
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Successfully-Care-for-Pet-Sugar-Gliders&id=6570721] How to Successfully Care for Pet Sugar Gliders

Sunday, January 8, 2012

Sugar Glider As A Pet

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Rich_Allyn]Rich Allyn
If you are considering a sugar glider as a pet, here are some basic facts about sugar gliders.
Above all and before you buy your glider do your research. These little live up to 15 years which is a very long commitment on your part. Once these creatures bond to you and your family they probably will not bond to others.
In captivity gliders live 10 to 15 years compared to living in the wild where they only live 5 to 7 years.
They get their name because they have a membrane that stretches from their front feet to their rear feet. When they jump from branch to branch in the wild they spread their feet and this membrane acts as a kite would. By doing this they glide rather than just jump. They also love sweet things...there go the name... Sugar Glider!
These little guys can glide up to 150 feet in the wild. They use their tails like a rudder to guide them to their landing point.
They are about 6 inches long with an added 6 inches for their tail and they weigh from 4 to 5 1/2 oz.
Sugar gliders are native to Australia and New Guinea and can also be found in Indonesia. Indonesia is where most of these creatures are caught and then sold in the US as pets.
Gliders are nocturnal (meaning night creatures) marsupials (meaning the female has a pouch for birthing.) Gestation is about 16 days when the joey (baby marsupial) then crawls through mom's fur to her pouch and remains there for approximately 10 weeks.
They become sexually mature between 8 and 14 months of age.
Gliders will mate up to 3 times per year and usually have 1 or 2 babies.
Gliders have opposable thumbs on their rear feet which make it easier for them to grab things such as tree branches or other objects.
When in the wild gliders eat the sap from the Eucalyptus Tree and insects. You will be feeding your glider various foods. 50% of their daily diet should consist of protein foods such as meal worms, chicken and turkey baby food, crickets, and boiled eggs. The other 50% of their diet should consist of fruits, vegetables, and dry food. A combination of food in this manner will allow for plenty of variety for your glider. Any fresh foods your glider doesn't eat should be removed from his cage daily to prevent spoilage. Be sure to keep dry foods in their food bowls at all times this gives them something to snack on.
As a side note, your glider will need a calcium supplement. NEVER! Never give your little pet coffee, corn, chocolate, raw sugar or anything that contains garlic or onions. Only give them filtered or bottled water that is free of chlorine.
Things to look for when purchasing your sugar glider/s, it should be active (take into consideration they are nocturnal) and his/her big black eyes should be clear and never foggy or cloudy.
I hope this little bit of information has helped you in your research for sugar glider information. Don't stop here, there are many places to find out about sugar gliders so please before you purchase your new family member learn all you can about them. They are cute, very friendly and entertaining little pets that will give you love and become a real member of your family.
Rich Allyn
I am Rich Allyn, I am a writer who specializes in researching subject matter for public  knowledge on many subjects. For more information on the above subject go to [http://www.sugarglidersforsale.org]Sugar Gliders For Sale where I provide unbiased advice and information on this  subject including: [http://www.sugarglidersforsale.org/sugar_glider_care_information.html]Sugar Glider Care Information and more.
Rich Allyn
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Sugar-Glider-As-A-Pet&id=6548785] Sugar Glider As A Pet

Friday, January 6, 2012

Discover What It Is Like To Own A Sugar Glider As A Pet

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Mike_Brennen]Mike Brennen
For the caring and educated person, sugar gliders are a great match, regardless of the age, lifestyle or experience of the prospective owner. These mammals from the continent of Australia are of the marsupial species, most closely related to their fellow natives the kangaroo and koala bear. Sugar gliders have amazing qualities as providers of comfort, playful behavior and companionship to humans. Give one as a present to a senior citizen for company or to a child 6 years and older (with adult supervision) as the perfect low maintenance pet.
The steps to take as an owner in nurturing the process of bonding as your new sugar glider enters your care is of the utmost importance. Although they are small mammals, gliders have a much greater natural ability in bonding with humans than other common pets such as gerbils or hamsters. The age of your glider is the first thing you should consider before bringing it into your home, there is an important period in their early development which marks a period of their instinctive social need and activity. They begin the process of bonding with other gliders in their native wilderness at about 2 to 3 months of independently emerging out of their parent's pouch. Take advantage of this period to allow bonding to begin between you and your glider as owner and pet, it is the natural period of bonding between other creatures which occurs in a glider's life. When they become fully bonded with their owner, they develop a strong desire to remain closely and will continue to do so through their 12 to 15 year life span. Feel free to safely tuck and travel with your glider carefully placed in your pocket without concern that it will ever try to escape, this is a common form of care and bonding practiced by owners. Their loyalty and instinctive nature can be attributed to their strong mental capabilities, they have the same intelligence as a dog which is surprising for their small size. If you teach them tricks and give your sugar glider a name they will follow your requests, just as a dog does except gliders have the ability to fly and glide rather than just walk.
The low maintenance requirements in caring for a sugar glider is another benefit for owners, their medical and grooming needs are comparatively much lower when compared to more common household pets. Sugar gliders are unable to develop diseases so they do not need regular vaccinations or frequent visits to the veterinarian. They have an astonishing ability to maintain themselves by staying clean and do not require bathing. As long as you maintain a proper diet for your glider, they do not carry a noticeable smell.
Like all living creatures, sugar gliders have a normal routine of waste excretion. With a little experience and observation, it will become easy to anticipate your glider's bathroom cycle and allow you to take the necessary steps when it comes time for your pet to relieve itself. Most rodents have a weak bladder and excrete their waste frequently, but the sugar glider is of a different species and has a cycle of excretion which is more normal and easy for us to anticipate. Keep in mind their cycle occurs on about a 3 to 4 hour basis and they decide upon relieving themselves after a long sleep, similar to our bathroom cycle. Now, once you have this schedule in mind and the time comes, pick up your glider and place it in an area which is comfortable and allow it to relieve itself. This is the best method of avoiding accidents when handling your sugar glider, by keeping their schedule in mind. Another tip to keep in mind is they will never defecate or urinate in the same area which they sleep, this is a good fact to bear in mind in case you happened to carry one closely in your pocket on a frequent basis.
You may be concerned about the teeth and potential chewing habits of sugar gliders as a threat to your home. Do not worry, they don't have the constant need and instinctive behavior to chew like rodents. This is because their teeth do not grow on a continuous basis, unlike rodents who have to constantly chew to wear their teeth down as they grow. Sugar gliders are a safe and reliable addition to your home, when left to roam free they are very playful and carefree animals.
Mike Brennan is a sugar glider expert. For great information on [http://thesugarglidersolution.com/sugar-gliders-as-pets/]sugar glider as pets, visit [http://thesugarglidersolution.com/]http://thesugarglidersolution.com/.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Discover-What-It-Is-Like-To-Own-A-Sugar-Glider-As-A-Pet&id=6556634] Discover What It Is Like To Own A Sugar Glider As A Pet

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

The Sugar Glider Buyer's Checklist

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Gavin_Mathews]Gavin Mathews
Before buying from any seller, always ask the following questions:
1. Does your business have a license from the United States Department of Agriculture?
This is a make-or-break question that will tell you if the breeder or seller is the real thing or not. As we mentioned earlier, the breeding of sugar gliders (SG) in the United States is heavily regulated and no one is above the jurisdiction of the United States Department of Agriculture.
An illegal breeder will most likely say, "We are a very small operation; therefore, we don't have to get a license from the USDA." This is an utter lie. Every breeder must have a federal license before they can legitimately carry out their business. If the seller changes the topic or fails to produce an actual copy of the federal license given by the United States Department of Agriculture, don't buy from the seller.
2. What kind of support will I be receiving after I purchase a SG from you?
A bad seller or breeder will tell you that there are dozens of books and websites about sugar bears - and therefore, no support is needed because the material is easily available. If you hear this, walk away from the seller. A legitimate breeder or seller is aware that after-sales educational support is needed for every purchase.
This educational support will come in the form of printed material that will educate the new sugar glider owner of the basics of proper glider care.
DVDs and even pamphlets are also given to new owners. A good breeder or pet store will also readily give you contact information so you can ring or email them any time if you have questions about your new honey glider.
3. Can I hold one of your sugar gliders?
This is another litmus test that will enable you to discover if the seller is really knowledgeable about glider-bear husbandry or not.
A good breeder or seller will allow you to pick the suggies that you want to hold - and you will be allowed to play with the animals, too. If the breeder knows what he is doing, the sugar gliders in his care will be completely familiar with humans and will be quite affectionate to any human who wishes to play with them.
The sugar glider must not show signs of aggression or hostility.
4. How old are the sugar gliders that are up for sale?
Ideally, young adult honey gliders should be sold to new pet owners because younger adult gliders are easier to bond with new owners than aged gliders. The suggie's age must be between seven to twelve weeks.
5. Does your business offer any guarantees to buyers?
In the context of sugar gliders, the best guarantee that a seller can give a buyer is replacement of any honey glider that becomes ill and suddenly dies after a short period of time. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, there are two types of guarantees that a breeder can offer to buyers.
The first one applies to a short period of time after the sale has occurred. For example, if your new sugar bear dies after only three days, the breeder must replace the glider free of charge.
For longer periods, like two or three weeks, a breeder can offer you a "reduced price" guarantee. So if your new sugar bear suddenly dies in seven to fourteen days after the initial purchase, the breeder or seller can offer a discounted replacement. The second guarantee does not entitle you to a free replacement; just a discount.
My name is Gavin Mathews, I am a pet lover and exotic pet enthuses me to go the extra mile. As a sugar glider enthusiast I would like to share some of the knowledge I have gained in the due course.
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Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Sugar-Glider-Buyers-Checklist&id=6581821] The Sugar Glider Buyer's Checklist

Monday, January 2, 2012

What Are Sugar Gliders?

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jessica_Blackstone]Jessica Blackstone
There are some people that like traditional pets such as cats and dogs. But then again, there are some people who like more exotic or unique animals as pets. These pet owners might keep lemmings, pot belly pigs, or they might keep sugar gliders as pets. If you are one of these people, then maybe you might have had your eye on a sugar glider or two. The only thing that might be stopping you is the thought of all of your friends and family members asking you, "What are sugar gliders?"
To answer the question of "What are sugar gliders?" These are the most adorable small animals that originate from Australia and surrounding islands like Tasmania and Papua, New Guinea. They look so cute, they look like toy animals. They almost look like rodents, but they aren't part of the rodent family. They are marsupials.
They are called sugar gliders for a couple of reasons. They have membranes that allow them to glide. While these animals don't actually fly, they can glide when they jump and catch the air. Another reason why these animals are called sugar gliders is because along with other food sources, they love to snack on sweet material. In their native habitat, they largely feed off of the sap of the eucalyptus tree.
Sugar gliders come from the wild, but they do well in captivity and in domesticated situations. They can be kept in cages, but it's great for them to be able to run around the home as well. You'll just have to be sure to keep an eye on them. Your friends and family members might visit you at home, and be puzzled by these unique creatures. When you tell them that you have adopted sugar gliders, they will ask "What are sugar gliders?" You can tell them that they are warm and fuzzy creatures that just want to be loved.
You wouldn't be far from the truth at all. These animals need and thrive from companionship. They are usually born in twos. They cling to the mother right after they are born. They don't do well in isolation, and they frankly aren't bred for isolation. It's important that you make sure that you are spending quality time with your sugar glider. It's actually in their best interest to get more than one. If not, then they will become very depressed, and the depression will manifest in physical disorders. Humans are the same way.
So when someone asks you, "What are sugar gliders?" you can tell them that they are a unique animal that any loving pet owner would be glad to own.
If you're asking yourself, " [http://sugargliderbreeders.net/122/what-are-sugar-gliders/]What are sugar gliders?  and,  How do I get one? , then you should visit my site at http://sugargliderbreeders.net/ to learn the easy way to properly care for these cute, cuddly creatures.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?What-Are-Sugar-Gliders?&id=6572077] What Are Sugar Gliders?