Posted By: Srlb
On no, my gliders gaining weight!! - 10/24/14 11:53 AM
I have seen several people showing concern about their sugar gliders suddenly gaining weight and they want to know why.
There could be several reasons for this to happen.
With the colder months approaching, it is perfectly normal for sugar gliders to pack on some extra grams. This will help to keep them warm and also in the wild they are not guaranteed to find food every night.
Yes, we have captive bred sugar gliders, however, they are not domesticated animals yet. Even if they were, I am sure this is something that will always remain a part of them, much like dogs that shed their summer coat and get in winter coats even though they live indoors.
Another reason for weight gain in a sugar glider is genetics. There are several lines out there that just seem to be on the 'plump' side. It seems to show more often in white face lines and platinum lines. This is not saying every white faced glider or ever platinum glider is overweight.
Another reason could be excessive treats or amounts of food offered. We think our sugar gliders should have lots of treats, we say it makes them happy.... I'm sure it does, but in all honesty, it is US that feel they have to have it. I will not say not to offer treats, as I do on a daily basis, but I will say to limit them. One or two SMALL treats a day is adequate.
Also, may folks over feed the diet they are offering as the look at the amount and think, that is just not enough for them. A sugar gliders stomach is only the size of your thumbnail. It really doesnt take a whole lot to fill it up. If you are feeding a nutritious diet that contains all the nutrients your glider requires, you really do not have to offer a lot.
There could be several reasons for this to happen.
With the colder months approaching, it is perfectly normal for sugar gliders to pack on some extra grams. This will help to keep them warm and also in the wild they are not guaranteed to find food every night.
Yes, we have captive bred sugar gliders, however, they are not domesticated animals yet. Even if they were, I am sure this is something that will always remain a part of them, much like dogs that shed their summer coat and get in winter coats even though they live indoors.
Another reason for weight gain in a sugar glider is genetics. There are several lines out there that just seem to be on the 'plump' side. It seems to show more often in white face lines and platinum lines. This is not saying every white faced glider or ever platinum glider is overweight.
Another reason could be excessive treats or amounts of food offered. We think our sugar gliders should have lots of treats, we say it makes them happy.... I'm sure it does, but in all honesty, it is US that feel they have to have it. I will not say not to offer treats, as I do on a daily basis, but I will say to limit them. One or two SMALL treats a day is adequate.
Also, may folks over feed the diet they are offering as the look at the amount and think, that is just not enough for them. A sugar gliders stomach is only the size of your thumbnail. It really doesnt take a whole lot to fill it up. If you are feeding a nutritious diet that contains all the nutrients your glider requires, you really do not have to offer a lot.