About Laurie Gallagher Expertise Since 2002, I have owned, bred and now rescue and re-home sugar gliders. was a USDA Licensed breeder until June of 2007 and, as of December 2006, have converted to a sugar glider rescue and re-homing only operation. I can help with questions about diet, habitat, enrichment, behavior, bonding, rescues, joeys, health.
IF YOU SUSPECT YOUR SUGAR GLIDER IS SICK, CONTACT A QUALIFIED SUGAR GLIDER VETERINARIAN IMMEDIATELY. (I am not a veterinarian and cannot replace a visit to the vet).
Experience I was a USDA licensed breeder. I was a sugar glider breeder and rescuer for 6 years. I was also an administrator on Worldwide Sugar Glider Network (WSGN) Screen name: Lauriegall
Education/Credentials No formal education on sugar gliders but years of research and experience.
Real Estate Agent at http://www.lauriegallagher.com/ and Paralegal
Question I have 3 Sugar Gliders, 1 male (Buscuit), 1female(Sweetpea), and their baby girl(Peanut). When I got up this morning Sweetpea had her nose pushed into her cage and acted as if she was dead. I picked her up and she just hung on to me and wouldn't move. She normally runs around me. She has had fresh food and water and I have noticed that they are all eating more here lately. I decided to check the little one and she was acting the same way. Peanut got back in their pouch and would not come back out. My male, Buscuit was fine, I layed Sweatpea back down in the cage and put her on a bundle of her blacket. What could be the cause of this? The only thing that is worrying me is that I am getting sick, can humans give illnesses to Sugar Gliders? Please help me I love my little babies and I don't want them to die!
Thank you!
Answer Dear BJ:
I would err on the side of caution. You wrote "little one" I am assuming this is offspring of the male and female and that the male is not neutered. You haven't told me if you were able to get her to eat or if she could move. I would push fluids right away and get the two sick ones to the vet ASAP. Sugar gliders will not lay at the bottom of the cage the way you describe unless there is something seriously wrong. And without looking at them, I have no way to tell, but it sounds like there is a problem - and if there is, time is of the essence. These guys can crash so quickly. And they don't usually play 'possum.
I have not heard of sugar gliders actually catching human sicknesses, but they do get sick from respiratory illnesses and infections so I always take care not to be too close when I am sick.
If you want to be completely on the safe side, take them to a qualified veterinarian that treats sugar gliders and have them examined and get a fecal float to check for parasites. The vet will check weight and feel for possible digestive problems or obstructions.
