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 1.) Please explain why it is necessary to have both parents present when raising a joey, I understand the mother's role but not the father's.
2.) Once the mother gets pregnant when is the next possible time she can get pregnant again?
Answer Dear Jeanette:
The father plays an important role. He grooms babysits the joeys so the mother can leave to eat and play, he will also carry them on his back just like the mother. He will keep them clean and warm. If he's a good father he will do everything except feed them.
It's possible for her to get pregnant the very next time she comes into estrus or into season. This can be while there are joeys in pouch. It is possible to have one litter come out of pouch while another litter is in pouch, but this is rare. Normally if conditions are right, they will have 3-4 litters a year.
For conditions to be right they have to be healthy, proper diet (with lots of extra protein for the female while pregnant, joeys in pouch as well as when then come out of pouch and she is nursing. Their area should be proper temperature (72-80 degrees) and with no stress. Proper sized cage (at the very least 2' x 2' x 3' larger if possible) positioned away from air conditioning vents. Keep children and pets away and a nice, quiet, dimly-lit area.
