The babies had their first visitor yesterday and they were brilliant!
I was worried that Tera would hide behind the couch and Plo would run up the curatins and refuse to come down, but they were great.
Plo was showing off his gliding technique and Tera was running all over him, face hugging and trying to run up his trouser legs. LOL.
They're likely to get a lot more visitors over the festive season now.
Tera has started properly gliding. Her prevoius glides were only about 1-1.5m, but now she'll happily glide from the curtain rail.
Tera in action:
http://youtu.be/wk3T79FmL3o
I'm so proud!
She's also been easier to get back into the cage since she started gliding. Before she'd know we wanted her back in and she'd run all over any part of my body not near the door. LOL. Now she runs right n when I gesture towards it. Maybe she's worn out from all the gliding. LOL.
Saturday, 24 November 2012
Clicker training.
I have started to try to clicker train Tera (as she is more responsive to treats etc), if it works I'll try with Plo.
Clicker training is positive reinforcement using a click sound to alert the animal when they have done something which deserves a reward. The click sound pinpoints the exact time that you were happy with their actions, as opposed to treating them directly (by the time you get to them with the treat they could be doing something else and you're rewarding entirely different behavior). It is solely positive reinforcement with no negative reinforcement (or punishment) involved, so it should be ideal for gliders. It's been used successfully with dogs and lots of other animals, so fingers crossed.
It's going to be a really slow process. Small animals should only be trained for 3-5 mins a day, so it'll be a while before I have any results.
I have started Tera associating the sound with a treat. I 'click' the clicker then immediately offer her a very tiny piece of cheese. I have done this for 2 nights now (4 mins each). Once she hears the click and comes looking for her treat I can start to use it to show her that I am happy with her behavior.
Here goes...
Clicker training is positive reinforcement using a click sound to alert the animal when they have done something which deserves a reward. The click sound pinpoints the exact time that you were happy with their actions, as opposed to treating them directly (by the time you get to them with the treat they could be doing something else and you're rewarding entirely different behavior). It is solely positive reinforcement with no negative reinforcement (or punishment) involved, so it should be ideal for gliders. It's been used successfully with dogs and lots of other animals, so fingers crossed.
It's going to be a really slow process. Small animals should only be trained for 3-5 mins a day, so it'll be a while before I have any results.
I have started Tera associating the sound with a treat. I 'click' the clicker then immediately offer her a very tiny piece of cheese. I have done this for 2 nights now (4 mins each). Once she hears the click and comes looking for her treat I can start to use it to show her that I am happy with her behavior.
Here goes...
Friday, 16 November 2012
Pros and Cons of gliders
Sugar gliders can make amazing pets but like any animal they're not for everyone!
I don't want to put anyone off getting gliders, but would like to give my opinions of the good and bad points.
More information on all these issues can be found on either sugar glider forum
Sugar-glider.co.uk a well established forum with many owners and breeders
or Sugar glider forum a new forum which is building momentum, very open to sharing of new ideas.
I would suggest joining both, you don't have to actively use them both if you don't have time etc but then you could choose which suits you better.
Cons:
Time constraints: I spend at least an hour with my gliders every night, I try to aim for 2. I'm really lucky that my gliders were hand tame (to the breeder, we still had to win their trust) and well socialised when we brought them home. We've never had any problems getting them back into their cage when playtime's over, but some people spend hours trying to entice gliders home at night (until they're bonded). You have to allow for this eventuality.
I also spend about 15 mins a day cleaning the cage and organising their dinner, and an hour once a week making up their dinners to freeze.
Longevity: I would cal this a pro, but you have to remember that gliders can live 12-14 years, they're a big commitment!
Nocturnal: This might be a pro, depending on your bodyclock! LOL. Some people's gliders get up at 6or 7pm, ours don't wake naturally until about 10.30. This can be changed, you can wake them 30 mins earlier each week, but this is not a fast process and they will still prefer to be awake late at night. They should never be awake all day, their eyes aren't built for daylight. If you aren't a night owl maybe gliders aren't the best pet for you.
Cost: A pair of gliders (and you have to have at LEAST 2, we have 2 now, but will probably get another 2 next year when we're a bit more experienced) is likely to cost around £280 depending where you get them. I would always suggest a reputable breeder. Gliders are available to re-home, but if you're not experienced with them already and you get a pair with health or behavior issues you could have a long and potentially expensive road ahead. I think it's great that people re-home pets, but I prefer to leave this to experienced keepers.
Cages are available (on E-bay etc) from about £40. It needs to meet certain minimum size requirements (but bigger, especially taller, is always better).
We also spent £45 on a 'stealth wheel'. There are cheaper wheels available, but you have to be careful that they are suitable.
I also spent about £50 on cage toys, water bottles etc. Some of this is essential (2 water bottles and at least 2 food bowls), but gliders are happy to play with apple branches etc, which you may be able to get for free. Just make sure they're properly cleaned, and a safe type of wood first.
Gliders also need a few nest boxes or fleece pouches to sleep in, which you can buy or make yourself.
We also got a snugglesafe heat pad. The gliders love it and it keeps them warm and reduces the risk of torpor.
I spend about £10 on fresh fruit and veg each week for both gliders (but I don't really shop around, and I use quite expensive, exotic fruits. I could feed them more cheaply, probably for £5 if I tried)
We have pet insurance at £20 pcm. Many people don't bother, but if you don't have this it's a really good idea to have money aside (several hundreds) in case of emergency vet care.
We spent around £25 on treats and suppliements which will last about 6 months.
Noise: I think this depends on the personalities of your gliders. Ours have only kept us up 6 nights with barking, and these were early on, but some will bark at the moon etc. They can also be quite noisy on their wheel (even a stealth wheel) and jumping around the cage. I wouldn't suggest having them in your bedroom unless you're a really heavy sleeper!
Ours also crab at each other a lot when they're getting into their pouch together. They used to squabble a lot generally, but they seem to be growing out of that a bit now.
Mess: The poo (it's only small, but gets in all kinds of places) and pee over you, your clothes and soft furnishings and often throw unwanted food- not for the houseproud.
Pros are pretty obvious:
They're nocturnal, so they don't need attention during the day when 9-5ers are working.
They are intelligent and enjoy the presence of people (once bonded- Tera rarely leaves me when she's out of the cage).
They can sleep in a bonding pouch around your neck, which is just adorable (listening to their happy popping while I stroke them melts my heart!). Some people go about all their daily tasks with them there, even out of the house. I don't. I don't take them into the kitchen or bathroom, even secured in the pouch (I'm paranoid).
They live a lot longer than other small animals (often 12 years in captivity, only 6 in the wild).
They are absolutely adorable!!!
I'm sure I'll add to both these lists as time goes on.
I don't want to put anyone off getting gliders, but would like to give my opinions of the good and bad points.
More information on all these issues can be found on either sugar glider forum
Sugar-glider.co.uk a well established forum with many owners and breeders
or Sugar glider forum a new forum which is building momentum, very open to sharing of new ideas.
I would suggest joining both, you don't have to actively use them both if you don't have time etc but then you could choose which suits you better.
Cons:
Time constraints: I spend at least an hour with my gliders every night, I try to aim for 2. I'm really lucky that my gliders were hand tame (to the breeder, we still had to win their trust) and well socialised when we brought them home. We've never had any problems getting them back into their cage when playtime's over, but some people spend hours trying to entice gliders home at night (until they're bonded). You have to allow for this eventuality.
I also spend about 15 mins a day cleaning the cage and organising their dinner, and an hour once a week making up their dinners to freeze.
Longevity: I would cal this a pro, but you have to remember that gliders can live 12-14 years, they're a big commitment!
Nocturnal: This might be a pro, depending on your bodyclock! LOL. Some people's gliders get up at 6or 7pm, ours don't wake naturally until about 10.30. This can be changed, you can wake them 30 mins earlier each week, but this is not a fast process and they will still prefer to be awake late at night. They should never be awake all day, their eyes aren't built for daylight. If you aren't a night owl maybe gliders aren't the best pet for you.
Cost: A pair of gliders (and you have to have at LEAST 2, we have 2 now, but will probably get another 2 next year when we're a bit more experienced) is likely to cost around £280 depending where you get them. I would always suggest a reputable breeder. Gliders are available to re-home, but if you're not experienced with them already and you get a pair with health or behavior issues you could have a long and potentially expensive road ahead. I think it's great that people re-home pets, but I prefer to leave this to experienced keepers.
Cages are available (on E-bay etc) from about £40. It needs to meet certain minimum size requirements (but bigger, especially taller, is always better).
We also spent £45 on a 'stealth wheel'. There are cheaper wheels available, but you have to be careful that they are suitable.
I also spent about £50 on cage toys, water bottles etc. Some of this is essential (2 water bottles and at least 2 food bowls), but gliders are happy to play with apple branches etc, which you may be able to get for free. Just make sure they're properly cleaned, and a safe type of wood first.
Gliders also need a few nest boxes or fleece pouches to sleep in, which you can buy or make yourself.
We also got a snugglesafe heat pad. The gliders love it and it keeps them warm and reduces the risk of torpor.
I spend about £10 on fresh fruit and veg each week for both gliders (but I don't really shop around, and I use quite expensive, exotic fruits. I could feed them more cheaply, probably for £5 if I tried)
We have pet insurance at £20 pcm. Many people don't bother, but if you don't have this it's a really good idea to have money aside (several hundreds) in case of emergency vet care.
We spent around £25 on treats and suppliements which will last about 6 months.
Noise: I think this depends on the personalities of your gliders. Ours have only kept us up 6 nights with barking, and these were early on, but some will bark at the moon etc. They can also be quite noisy on their wheel (even a stealth wheel) and jumping around the cage. I wouldn't suggest having them in your bedroom unless you're a really heavy sleeper!
Ours also crab at each other a lot when they're getting into their pouch together. They used to squabble a lot generally, but they seem to be growing out of that a bit now.
Mess: The poo (it's only small, but gets in all kinds of places) and pee over you, your clothes and soft furnishings and often throw unwanted food- not for the houseproud.
Pros are pretty obvious:
They're nocturnal, so they don't need attention during the day when 9-5ers are working.
They are intelligent and enjoy the presence of people (once bonded- Tera rarely leaves me when she's out of the cage).
They can sleep in a bonding pouch around your neck, which is just adorable (listening to their happy popping while I stroke them melts my heart!). Some people go about all their daily tasks with them there, even out of the house. I don't. I don't take them into the kitchen or bathroom, even secured in the pouch (I'm paranoid).
They live a lot longer than other small animals (often 12 years in captivity, only 6 in the wild).
I'm sure I'll add to both these lists as time goes on.
Sunday, 7 October 2012
Happy times!
We've had a really good week with the babies.
Tera is still really clingy with me, but she's becoming more adventurous and will run around the lounge on her own more. She's also become more bonded with Mr Foo.
Last night she sat for 20 mins on my knee getting tickles behind her ears and across the front of her chest, popping happily. She's such a sweetheart!
Plo's still his adventurous self. He's not really interested in us except as treat dispenser and access to high areas. He'll tolerate petting and tickles, but won't sit still for long. He still has a go at a long glide every couple of days with varying success. Some days he seems to freeze up there on the curtain rail and we have to go and get him. LOL.
I put them in their proper bonding pouch for the first time yesterday (one that zips closed). I usually get their pouch out about an hour before they waken and stroke and pet it/them, but this is the first time I've transfered them to a bonding pouch. I'd read that you shouldn't unless they're happy with you picking them up. Neither of mine like being picked up. If Tera thinks I'm going to pick her up she'll jump past my hand and sit on my shoulder, and Plo will let you catch him but wriggle and squiggle till you put him back down. I put the bonding pouch on my knee beside the pouch they were sleeping in, encouraged them out of one and into the other. No problems at all. It was lovely to be able to sit and stroke them and hear them popping with out worrying about them waking up and running off to hide somewhere dark. LOL. I wish I'd started ages ago, they were really happy in their new pouch.
Babies in their bonding pouch.
Aww!
Mr Foo thought that he could tip them out. No such luck. LOL.
Tera is still really clingy with me, but she's becoming more adventurous and will run around the lounge on her own more. She's also become more bonded with Mr Foo.
Last night she sat for 20 mins on my knee getting tickles behind her ears and across the front of her chest, popping happily. She's such a sweetheart!
Plo's still his adventurous self. He's not really interested in us except as treat dispenser and access to high areas. He'll tolerate petting and tickles, but won't sit still for long. He still has a go at a long glide every couple of days with varying success. Some days he seems to freeze up there on the curtain rail and we have to go and get him. LOL.
I put them in their proper bonding pouch for the first time yesterday (one that zips closed). I usually get their pouch out about an hour before they waken and stroke and pet it/them, but this is the first time I've transfered them to a bonding pouch. I'd read that you shouldn't unless they're happy with you picking them up. Neither of mine like being picked up. If Tera thinks I'm going to pick her up she'll jump past my hand and sit on my shoulder, and Plo will let you catch him but wriggle and squiggle till you put him back down. I put the bonding pouch on my knee beside the pouch they were sleeping in, encouraged them out of one and into the other. No problems at all. It was lovely to be able to sit and stroke them and hear them popping with out worrying about them waking up and running off to hide somewhere dark. LOL. I wish I'd started ages ago, they were really happy in their new pouch.
Monday, 1 October 2012
Bonding progress weeks 4-6
The babies are getting on great!
We've not really had any more setbacks. They don't get up naturally till about 10.30, so we've been encouraging them to get up a bit earlier. Plo doesn't like being woken up though. We have to leave him about half an hour to sulk behind the cage before he'll come and play. Tera's great, she wakes up and runs all over me. She barely leaves me for more than a few seconds to explore. She likes running under, and down the back of the couch, but she comes back without any problems when I offer her my arm to jump on.
Plo made his first proper glide last Friday!!
He'd been climbing the curtains for a few days but he'd either run back down headfirst, or wait for one of us to give him an arm to jump on but on Friday he made a proper glide. Our ceilings are really high so his glide must have been about 9' down and he lept to the opposite end of the couch, so about 3' across!
He ran up to the roof of his cage, then glided to the floor! So proud!
He's not glided since though.
Tera likes to chase pom poms and cat toys while she's out, but Plo's not interested. It still amazes me what different personalities they have!
We've not really had any more setbacks. They don't get up naturally till about 10.30, so we've been encouraging them to get up a bit earlier. Plo doesn't like being woken up though. We have to leave him about half an hour to sulk behind the cage before he'll come and play. Tera's great, she wakes up and runs all over me. She barely leaves me for more than a few seconds to explore. She likes running under, and down the back of the couch, but she comes back without any problems when I offer her my arm to jump on.
Plo made his first proper glide last Friday!!
He'd been climbing the curtains for a few days but he'd either run back down headfirst, or wait for one of us to give him an arm to jump on but on Friday he made a proper glide. Our ceilings are really high so his glide must have been about 9' down and he lept to the opposite end of the couch, so about 3' across!
He ran up to the roof of his cage, then glided to the floor! So proud!
He's not glided since though.
Tera likes to chase pom poms and cat toys while she's out, but Plo's not interested. It still amazes me what different personalities they have!
Sunday, 9 September 2012
Bonding progress week 3
We've had a few set backs this week.
I'm not sure if it's the TV now being in the lounge.
Monday- Took the pouch out and stroked them through it for ages while we were watching DVDs. Lots of happy popping sounds. Not very interested in being out or playing though.
Tuesday- LOTS of crabbing. I took the pouch out and rested it on my chest. They crabbed, and crabbed for about 8 minutes. They seemed really unsettled. When they woke up they didn't want to be out of the cage or play. Tera wasn't interested in her cat toys.
Wednesday- Today was much better. I sat with their pouch on my chest for over an hour stroking the outside and they 'popped' happily. They crabbed a bit when they were waking up, but I think that was 'get your foot out my face' crabbing at each other.
When they came out to play Plo ran about on me a bit and jumped from me to the cage etc, but not as enthusiastically as last week. Tera came and climbed on me too (after Plo went back into the cage). I'm really pleased!
She wasn't too interested in her cat toys today though.
Thursday - Really cute! Didn't get the pouch out before they woke up today, I brought them out as they were stirring. They didn't stay out long, they played a few minutes then made a dash for the cage, lots of playing in the cage though. Tera was going mad for her cat toys and we got lots of lovely pics.
She also seems keen on destroying pom poms. I got some pom poms to make a treat ball pool, but they've not been too interested in it so far.
Friday- Came out and played for a wee while. Lots of games inside the cage again.
Saturday- Much the same. Plo came out and jumped from me to the cage a few times, ran about all over the outside, then went back home.
Tera sat on my hand for a while. She really enjoyed chasing her cat toys. Both jumped in and out the ball pool. Tera took the pom poms out to shred, and Plo foraged for treats.
I'm not sure if it's the TV now being in the lounge.
Monday- Took the pouch out and stroked them through it for ages while we were watching DVDs. Lots of happy popping sounds. Not very interested in being out or playing though.
Tuesday- LOTS of crabbing. I took the pouch out and rested it on my chest. They crabbed, and crabbed for about 8 minutes. They seemed really unsettled. When they woke up they didn't want to be out of the cage or play. Tera wasn't interested in her cat toys.
Wednesday- Today was much better. I sat with their pouch on my chest for over an hour stroking the outside and they 'popped' happily. They crabbed a bit when they were waking up, but I think that was 'get your foot out my face' crabbing at each other.
When they came out to play Plo ran about on me a bit and jumped from me to the cage etc, but not as enthusiastically as last week. Tera came and climbed on me too (after Plo went back into the cage). I'm really pleased!
She wasn't too interested in her cat toys today though.
Thursday - Really cute! Didn't get the pouch out before they woke up today, I brought them out as they were stirring. They didn't stay out long, they played a few minutes then made a dash for the cage, lots of playing in the cage though. Tera was going mad for her cat toys and we got lots of lovely pics.
She also seems keen on destroying pom poms. I got some pom poms to make a treat ball pool, but they've not been too interested in it so far.
Friday- Came out and played for a wee while. Lots of games inside the cage again.
Saturday- Much the same. Plo came out and jumped from me to the cage a few times, ran about all over the outside, then went back home.
Tera sat on my hand for a while. She really enjoyed chasing her cat toys. Both jumped in and out the ball pool. Tera took the pom poms out to shred, and Plo foraged for treats.
Glider enrichment
I think it's really important to keep pets active using different techniques and the more intelligent an animal is the more stimulation they need. Gliders are very intelligent animals. I have read (don't remember where, I will try to find this) that they have the problem solving skill of a five year old child.
I am a new glider owner, but have been reading about them extensively for several months, and have found out a lot about their behaviors and needs.
This thread will contain my different enrichment ideas and how my gliders respond to them.
COMPANY!
THE most important enrichment for a glider is the company of another glider. I firmly believe that it is cruel to keep a single glider as no amount of human company can make up for the interaction with one of it's own kind. My gliders squabble A LOT but also really enjoy chasing each other and cuddling up to sleep. They live in colonies in the wild and thrive on the company of others.
Housing:
It is important that the gliders have stimulation in their daily environment.
My gliders have a stealth wheel, a piece of cork bark and several areas to jump on. There are also fleece plaits hanging for them to climb on. They love natural branches and both enjoy ripping off the leaves.
Exercise:
Gliders need out of cage time to exercise daily. This should be at least an hour. Ideally 2 or more.
Diet:
Food can also play an important part in enrichment for your gliders. Giving different types of food is enrichment in itself. I am using a different 'recipe' every week to give them variety.
You can also present food differently. Wrapping food in leaves (such as spinach, that can be part of the recipe) or presenting it as a kebab can make mealtimes more interesting for your gliders. Hiding food around the cage can also help, but be careful to check that they have actually been finding it!
I have recently tried them with a 'ball pool'. They were very wary at first, but I left a few pom poms in the cage for them to get used to, and last night they were foraging in it happily.
Gliders are all individuals with different personalities, so what entertains one might not be interesting to another. We've only had ours 3 weeks (today:) !) and already we have found that they like very different things.
There is nothing Plo likes better than running and jumping. He spends hours in his stealth wheel and rarely sits still. He is always jumping around the cage. He has little interest in toys so far, but loved jumping in the ball pool.
Tera often sits in or on her cork bark tube and can be fairly inactive for long periods. She loves chewing and shredding the cork. She also enjoyed ripping apart the pom poms. Tera also loves chasing cat toys and pulling out the feathers.
I think they will have very different responses to any enrichment, but I'll keep track of them here.
More enrichment ideas can be found on the forum
.
I am a new glider owner, but have been reading about them extensively for several months, and have found out a lot about their behaviors and needs.
This thread will contain my different enrichment ideas and how my gliders respond to them.
COMPANY!
THE most important enrichment for a glider is the company of another glider. I firmly believe that it is cruel to keep a single glider as no amount of human company can make up for the interaction with one of it's own kind. My gliders squabble A LOT but also really enjoy chasing each other and cuddling up to sleep. They live in colonies in the wild and thrive on the company of others.
Housing:
It is important that the gliders have stimulation in their daily environment.
My gliders have a stealth wheel, a piece of cork bark and several areas to jump on. There are also fleece plaits hanging for them to climb on. They love natural branches and both enjoy ripping off the leaves.
Exercise:
Gliders need out of cage time to exercise daily. This should be at least an hour. Ideally 2 or more.
Diet:
Food can also play an important part in enrichment for your gliders. Giving different types of food is enrichment in itself. I am using a different 'recipe' every week to give them variety.
You can also present food differently. Wrapping food in leaves (such as spinach, that can be part of the recipe) or presenting it as a kebab can make mealtimes more interesting for your gliders. Hiding food around the cage can also help, but be careful to check that they have actually been finding it!
I have recently tried them with a 'ball pool'. They were very wary at first, but I left a few pom poms in the cage for them to get used to, and last night they were foraging in it happily.
Gliders are all individuals with different personalities, so what entertains one might not be interesting to another. We've only had ours 3 weeks (today:) !) and already we have found that they like very different things.
There is nothing Plo likes better than running and jumping. He spends hours in his stealth wheel and rarely sits still. He is always jumping around the cage. He has little interest in toys so far, but loved jumping in the ball pool.
Tera often sits in or on her cork bark tube and can be fairly inactive for long periods. She loves chewing and shredding the cork. She also enjoyed ripping apart the pom poms. Tera also loves chasing cat toys and pulling out the feathers.
I think they will have very different responses to any enrichment, but I'll keep track of them here.
More enrichment ideas can be found on the forum
.
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