Enrichment and Socialization
Environmental enrichment, also referred to as behavioral enrichment, is not an option in animal care. Providing appropriate items to enhance the animal’s captive environment is necessary to meet their emotional or mental needs. It was once thought that animals did not have any psychological needs…meeting all their physical needs was deemed to be adequate care. Over time, scientists and researchers have observed that not all animal behavior can be explained by simple conditioned responses. This new way of thinking is not only accepted, but legally mandated for some captive species. Zoos and wildlife care facilities have evolved their husbandry procedures to meet these emotional needs. It’s up to individuals to do the same for their pets.
Simply putting a few toys into a sugar glider’s cage is not sufficient. You must observe your gliders and offer items that interest them. An unused toy has no value. A glider safe running wheel is a must as it provides fun and exercise. Other enrichment items include:
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Foraging Toys: designed to hide food treats in for the glider to hunt and find
Foraging Toys: designed to hide food treats in for the glider to hunt and find•Reset Toys: designed with parts such as straws, plastic rings or fleece strips that can be disassembled by the gliders
Reset Toys: designed with parts such as straws, plastic rings or fleece strips that can be disassembled by the gliders•Noisy Toys: contain bells or plastic parts that make noise when jumped or pulled
Noisy Toys: contain bells or plastic parts that make noise when jumped or pulled •Climbing Toys: ladders, branches and fleece vines
Climbing Toys: ladders, branches and fleece vinesMany owners enjoy making toys for their gliders. For those who are less creative, there are numerous vendors of glider-safe toys. Whether you create your own or purchase from a vendor, environmental enrichment can be fun for glider and owner.
The following links are examples of vendors who, in our personal experience, offer a variety of glider safe enrichment products:
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Sugar gliders are social animals. In the wild, they live in colonies. Living in captivity does not eliminate their need for socialization. Gliders do best when housed with one or more compatible cagemates. Their owners become a part of their family unit, and the gliders do develop emotional attachments to their humans just as they do to other gliders. Gaining your glider’s trust takes patience, hard work and time.
Each glider develops a different level of trust. Some enjoy spending time climbing and interacting with their human family, while others may appear indifferent. Accepting each glider’s individual personality is an important part of gaining trust. Attempting to force a sugar glider to act in a way contrary to its nature will cause stress for both glider and owner.
Once the emotional bond develops, sugar gliders will grieve if they are separated from either their glider or human companions. In some cases, this mourning process is severe.
