From time to time the GliderCENTRAL staff is notified of possibly hazardous materials to use for toys, or a toy as a whole being dangerous when left unsupervised. We, the GC staff, would hate to have not passed this information on to the rest of the glider community and find out that there has been an accident that could have been prevented. Many times we hear of accidents that have happened, yet it was a toy or part that is known to be hazardous. However, some toys that most wouldn't think to be harmful could be and that's where this article comes into play. We have comprised a list of toys or parts to be aware of and will add to it as more items are brought to our attention. If you have a toy or part that you think is harmful and should be added please notify one of the other moderators, administrators, or owners so that we make sure it is added to the list. If this list saves just one glider from an injury or death then it has served its purpose. Use your own best judgment when providing toys for your gliders. We, the GC staff, feel it's necessary to at least spread the word so you may come to your own conclusions for your glider's safety.

Toys or parts that should only be used during supervised playtime if used at all include but are not limited to:

• Toys with openings that are small enough to have a glider become entangled by his/her limbs, neck, or tail.
• Jingle bells. It's best to use liberty bells or cow bells as gliders' nails may get stuck in the small openings of jingle bells.
• Small metal or plastic chain. Larger plastic chain would be best to use, but chain with openings of ¼ or similarly sized risks limbs becoming entangled.
• Hamster running balls should be used with caution and only during supervised playtime.

Toys that are wide enough to get stuck in:

• Cardboard toilet paper or paper towel rolls.
• Wire hamster wheels with an axle that could catch a limb, neck or tail. Also be aware that with these wheels the running surface spaces are large enough for a limb to slip through and become injured.

Toys that gliders could choke on or ingest that should be used with caution during supervised playtime only:

• Cardboard (Never use cardboard with glue).
• Soft plastic (even harder plastic for chewers).
• Bean bag stuffed animals or toys.
• Tennis balls or dog toy with tennis balls attached.

Toys with strings that could get tangled around limbs or throat or get caught in nails:

• Rope or rope perches that have frayed. This may include nylon, sisal, cotton, etc...

Toys that are made from unsafe fabric:

• Terry cloth, socks, long length fake fur. These can cause loops that could loop around toes, feet, legs, neck, body, etc...

Toys that are possibly toxic or may contain toxic material:

• Wind Spinners are known to have a toxic substance that will make gliders ill.
• Cat toys sometimes have catnip on them or in them, which is toxic to gliders.
• “Edible” Huts - made for small rodents, check the ingredients. Some are made with Pine, which is toxic to gliders. Sadly, this recently was the cause of death for a glider here on GC.

Intestinal Obstruction/Choking Hazard:

• Hard plastic cat ball toy that has small beads inside and a feather sticking out of it. View more here.

Plain Pony Beads are safe for gliders. Pony beads to avoid are those with:

• Glow-in-the-dark plastic.
• Aurora borealis coating (looks like an oil slick)

CAGE Parts:

• WARNING: Blue PVC Coated Wire - made by Rivendale obtained through Klubertanz: coating is highly toxic to sugar gliders! Read more here.