In general, adult sugar glider males weigh between 100 and 150 grams, and adult females weigh between 80 and 120 grams. However, body weight varies among individual animals and subspecies.

However, being overweight can lead to many health problems and even death. For more information on signs of obesity in sugar gliders, read the article below from Avian & Exotic Animal Hospital, Louisiana.

Signs of obesity in sugar gliders

Here are three signs that your sugar glider is obese:

low activity level

Overweight sugar gliders often become lazy and reluctant to play. They often lack enthusiasm for playing with cage mates or human companions. Overweight gliders often come out of skins just to eat.

health problems

If you notice signs of exercise intolerance, a rounded torso, or misshapen and unusually colored feces, it may be because your pet is overweight and eating a lot of high-calorie food. there is.

Some people also develop fatty deposits in their eyes, especially if the child is young and the mother is on a high-fat diet.

can feel the fat

If you treat your sugar glider regularly, you should be able to feel the changes in its body as it gains weight.

How to improve obesity in sugar gliders

dietary changes

Sugar gliders can become obese if given an inappropriate diet, especially foods high in sugar and carbohydrates, such as raw and canned fruit. If you notice your pet gaining weight, you should switch to a better balanced diet (such as low sugar). However, when changing the diet of the sugar glider, it should be done slowly and carefully so as not to stress it.

A suitable diet for sugar gliders consists of about 15-20% of their body weight, 1/3 nutritionally balanced pellets, 1/3 nectar and sap-based mixtures, and 1/3 a few small amounts. Insects. , a calcium-based multivitamin, and a variety of fresh veggies and fruits (but again, always offer more veggies. Gliders know they have sweet fruit in front of them). always ask for it). You should also always have an extruded kibble that’s specially formulated for them available. Of course, enough water (preferably filtered) also needs to be available to him 24/7.

Foods you should never give your sugar glider include chocolate, dairy, and canned fruit (because they contain excess sodium and preservatives). Fruits and vegetables known to be high in oxalate, such as raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, spinach, carrots, beets, pears, lettuce, figs and collards, can impair calcium absorption. should not be provided. Feed raw corn only occasionally. Yogurt treats are very high in sugar and should only be given once or twice a month.

exercise

Gliders can also become overweight without enough physical activity. They need enough space in their cage to move around and be active.

Obesity causes gliders to have irregular sleep patterns (because overweight animals are lazy and sleep all the time), making their joints more susceptible to developing arthritis.

Having a bigger cage and adding climbers and cage vines will help your sugar glider exercise, lose weight and get healthy.

Our exotic veterinary hospital solves sugar glider obesity

As previously mentioned, spotting the signs of obesity in your sugar glider can help your pet return to a healthy weight faster. If you have any questions regarding your obese sugar glider, please contact Avian & Exotic Animal Hospital, Louisiana. (504) 455-6386.