|
 |
 |
| Name: |
Shy and Courage
|
Age: |
Two years old
|
| Gender: |
Female, Male
|
Kind: |
Sugar Gliders
|
| Home: |
Oregon, USA
|
Courage
and Shy came to me when a client of mine was moving out of state and
could not take them with her. Sugar gliders do not tolerate travel well, so it
was in their best interest not to make the week long trip across the states.
When they first came to me they were very unhealthy and extremely nervous.
Their previous owner housed them in a tiny trailer along with 10+ other
gliders, all packed into tiny cages. After being rescued by my client and with
her for a week, they came to stay with me. Having been fed a diet of only
cereal and pellets it took a few weeks for them to adjust to a healthy diet.
Suggies have very specific dietary needs. They require both insects (waxworms,
mealworms) as well as fresh fruits and vegetables. This is also supplemented
with Insectivore fare, the BLM diet, Possum milk replacer, baby cereal,
yogies, honey, and nectar. We also throw in a few treats. ;)
Courage was named because he is lion-colored, meaning he has a hint of brown
to his coat. Since Courage the Cowardly Lion lacked courage, as does this
little boy, we thought the name fit him just perfectly. Shy is named for well,
being just that! She has come a long way since I've had her, but is still very
cautious. She will now take yogies out of my hand, and does not run into her
pouch when I approach the cage. She must know I'm usually carrying something
yummy with me. Courage however, will toss aside all nervousness as long as you
have a treat nearby. He is perfectly content to sit on my lap and slurp out of
a bowl filled with baby food, baby cereal, and Cheerios. He is a sucker for
food, which may be why he's now a little on the chubby side.
Courage and Shy are a bonded pair, and for this reason will never be
separated. They are night owls, so are not the perfect pet for everyone. They
are also a bit stinky, and have a smell all their own. The males are often
easy to tell apart from females in that they have a scent gland located on the
center of their head. It usually looks like a bald spot.
Shy loves to bark for me at night, and sounds a bit like a yapping chihuahua.
My neighbors once asked if I owned a dog, to which I said, "Nope! That's just
the suggies." They are a constant joy to have around, and I can sit and watch
them for hours. They have come so far from the scrawny, unhealthy, unsocial
gliders they once were, and I am happy to share my life with them.
View more images of Shy and Courage!
|
Talk about today's pet in Pet Talk!
|
|
|
|
