Higdon Sugar Glider Behavior Scale
If you breed or rescue sugar gliders we encourage you to assess your sugar gliders using the Higdon Sugar Glider Behavior Scale developed in 2003 by Angie Hosksin-Higdon when she saw the need during her rescue work.
Level 1- Sugar gliders is people friendly, may crab when startled, does not bite, but may lick, or nibble when grooming its human.
Level 2-Sugar glider is frightened will bite when handled. Needs an owner who is willing to learn and be patient.
Level 3- Sugar glider is terrified will bite and/or lunge when handled. Sugar glider needs an experienced and patient owner with lots of time to spend earning the gliders trust.
Level 4- Sugar glider has health issues that will require ongoing vet care. Sugar glider may be a recovered self mutilator who may repeat behaviors. Needs an owner who is experienced, willing to learn, has lots of time to spend caring for the glider along with money for vet care.
Discourage impulse buying. Pass the word, don't buy an animal at a flea market or pet store . Do your homework and get referrals to a great breeder--one who checks out buyers and gives healthy and true information about what it really takes to care for a glider. If they make it sound easy...run.
Speak up. Report animal abuse to your local police department, ASPC, and the USDA—the agency who licenses breeders. Put your complaint in writing in addition to calling so the record will be included in the offender's file for reference. If you don't see action, don't give up! If someone is not able to help you, ask to speak to their supervisor.
Refer people to this site. We believe education is the difference between owners whose gliders end up in rescue after a few months and those who become successful glider parents. This site is a resource for glider owners and potential glider owners. There are other great sites in our resources section.
Let's face it. These little guys are cute and far too many are purchased without planning. Not only that, but some sellers trying to make a quick sale greatly underplay how difficult they are to care for.
Though having a sugar glider as a pet can be very rewarding, it isn't as simple as caring for a hampster. They live for 15 years, bond with their owners, are highly intelligent and require a special diet.
Without the right socialization, habitat and feeding, behavior and health problems are common.
Because of this, sugar gliders have become "disposable pets."
We want to make sure every glider owner is successful and that the gliders in their care are healthy and happy.
Spread the Word. Education can make the difference between successful glider ownership and gliders who will never have a forever home.
Adopt. Please consider adoption whenever you can. There are many gliders and colonies of gliders needing a loving forever home. Know that adopted gliders need special attention. Evaluate based on the scale to the right so that you know what will be required.
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
|
||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|