Today we had to make the really hard decision to put one of our beloved sugar gliders down, she was just too sick and struggiling to let her suffer any further. We are comforted by the fact that we did everything we could to save Annabel.

Annabel had a sister and we don't know what to do now. We are giving her lots of love and hugs and snuggles, but question ourselves constantly what is best for her now? Does anyone have a single glider that used to be part of a pair? How do gliders do as singles, is there anything we can do to help her through this? We are thinking that rehoming her may be the best option so she won't be alone and we won't be getting anymore gliders. Any help is greatly apprecitated.

I have not been in your situation but we have 2 loners who use to be a pair. Thor kicked Loki out. Thor loves to be aloner and does not like other gliders. He seems very happy being by himself.

Loki on the other hand is depressed. He does not like being alone.

It depends on the glider and his/her personality.

I would suggest keeping her close to you for a while to help heal some of the stress. Then when you feel she is getting a little better then try to rehome. But stress from loosing a loved one then loosing you would be a lot of stress for the little one.

Just take it a little slow and take time to think about it.

Also I am very sorry for your lose!

glide free little one

I'm in your situation. I lost a glider in September leaving Gus to be a solo glider. I was very worried but he seems to be doing fine alone. I change his toys frequently so there is generally something new to explore. He is eating well, playing and really seems to have adjusted to being by himself. I didn't change the pouch he and Meeko had been sleeping in until he moved out on his own. I also put a small stuff toy in at first for him to snuggle with but he really wasn't interested. I also don't want to get another glider and thought of rehoming Gus but I was afraid a change in homes right after losing his buddy would be hard too. At least he is with the people and animals he knows and really he seems to be getting along fine.

Hope your girl does well too.

I have been with Zoey almost constantly throughout the day but i feel so sorry for her at night when I am sleeping. Her sister has only been gone 1 day, but she has actually been without her for 4 days since her sister needed 24hr. oxygenination. it's so sad to see her all alone in a giant cage. My husband and I are so confused about what is best for her, what are somethings that i should watch out for?

I am sorry for your loss. You need to watch for signs of depression, not eating, not eating enough, always sleeping in the pouch, and not exercising on the wheel.

Spend extra time with Zoey, do you do tent time? If not you should look into doing tent time with Zoey. Even just carrying her around in a zippered bonding pouch helps, they like to listen to the sound of your heart, it makes them feels safe.

If you do get another glider, you have to do quarantine. I would get Zoey vetted to make sure she is healthy, have them run a fecal for parasites. Do the same with the new glider if you get one to be a buddy for Zoey.

Again, I am sorry for your loss, may you find comfort in your memories of Annabelle.

Glide Free litte Annabelle

I was wondering how long do gliders grieve? Also how old is too old to introduce a new compainion? We don't want to start a cycle of getting a new glider everytime we lose one, but we want to do what is best for Zoey. If we do rehome would it be less stressful if she had a new friend? I know all of these options will take time, We are just so confused...

The length of time a glider grieves can't be measured on a clock or calendar. I'd guess that a minimum would be 3-4 days...

Too old in my mind would be around 10 to 12 years of age. Might you consider finding her a companion "her own age"? There are NEVER any guarantees that they'd spend the rest of their days together...things happen. We hope for good things, but bad things also manage to sneak in.

Frankly, I think you'd only be ADDING to Zoey's stress by rehoming her...she's already stressed with the loss of Annabelle, but losing you and the "world" she knows would only make matters worse. It's a difficult decision, I know, but I hope you find the right answer amidst all the array of emotions.

I agree. She just went through one terrible loss, don't take away the other comfort in her life. Keep her close and love her to pieces. Maybe in the future she'll be ready for a new glider friend.