What food should I offer to my hedgehog visitors?
The best things to offer are Hedgehog food, meaty cat or dog food or complete cat biscuits. The only drink that should be offered is water (especially in dry weather and when offering dry food).
There’s a hedgehog in my garden sunbathing, is that ok?
No, it isn’t. Hedgehogs’ shouldn’t sunbathe and if you see one doing this it is in urgent need of help. Please use gardening gloves or a folded towel to pick it up, pop it into a high sided box with a towel or fleece in the bottom, keep it warm on a covered warm hot water bottle (even in hot weather), offer suitable food and water (see above) and then call Us for further advice as soon as possible.
I’ve seen a hedgehog that looks ‘drunk’, is that ok?
Again, no, it isn’t ok. Hedgehogs in this state are actually hypothermic and in urgent need of help. Please offer the first aid described above and call us as soon as possible.
Do all hedgehogs have fleas and do they need them?
Not all hedgehogs have fleas; many of those rescued have none. However, hedgehogs do not NEED their fleas to survive, that’s an old wives tale. Hedgehog fleas are host specific so while they may jump onto a cat or dog, they won’t infest them.
Help! I’ve harmed a hedgehog whilst strimming.
Undoubtedly one of the most worrying calls we receive. PLEASE check areas thoroughly before strimming or mowing. These injuries are usually horrific and the hedgehog often has to be put to sleep, of course many are killed instantly with this kind of accident. Do check for hoglets as the nest you have strimmed could be a nursery nest.
Are Hedgehogs meant to be out in the daylight?
Not usually no. Hedgehogs are nocturnal, which means they shouldn’t really be seen out in daylight hours. Some of the exceptions to this are pregnant females gathering nesting materials just before she gives birth, or a new ‘Mum’ taking a break from the nest to get food and water while her young sleep. Sometimes, when the nights are short, a hungry hedgehog may forage around dusk and dawn. However, these hedgehogs would move quickly with purpose. If a hedgehog is lethargic, lay out, has flies around it, is wobbly, or gives you any other cause for concern, please call us for advice
My dog doesn’t like hedgehogs in the garden, can you move it?
The answer is that unless you are prepared to hedgehog proof the entire garden, there is no point in moving the resident hedgehogs as others from the local population will very likely move into the vacated area. If you are prepared to do this work, the best thing is to contact a local carer to see if they can safely relocate the hedgehog (avoiding baby season). Otherwise, training the dog to leave hedgehogs alone is the ideal solution, taking the dog out for its ‘after dark’ run in the garden on a lead, using a muzzle and making lots of noise before the dog goes out to warn the hedgehog something is happening can help. Hedgehogs often have a routine so if you see a hedgehog about at a certain time it is likely to be around near that time the next night – avoid letting the dog out at those times.
I want a hedgehog for my garden; can I just take one from the wild?
No! Please don’t do this. It’s great that you want to encourage hedgehogs into your garden, but taking one from an area where it knows food and water sources to an unknown area isn’t fair. More worryingly, it could have dependent young in a nest, without its return, the nest will fail and the young won’t survive. Finally, if hedgehogs aren’t already in your garden, there might be a good reason for this. We have a leaflet available on this subject , or contact us for paper copy.
Can I ‘mark’ my hedgehogs?
We’re pretty sure a hedgehog would rather not be marked, but if you are going to do it, please do ensure that you use a non-toxic water-based marker and mark just a few spines of the hedgehog. Keep the mark away from the hedgehog’s face and mark it in the garden on the ground rather than picking it up/bringing it indoors. Please don’t use red as people may mistake it for blood and ‘rescue’ it. Do not make hedgehog conspicuous to predators. We have seen some very sad images of poor hedgehogs practically covered in paint! If you are watching the hedgehogs on a wildlife camera you will often be able to tell them apart over time without the need for marking.
Q: Are these the same animal as “sugar bears”?
A: Yes, they are. The term “sugar glider” is the commonly accepted name for the animal around the world, while “sugar bear” is more of a marketing term used by particular businesses and organizations. When searching for supplies and support for these animals, we highly recommend searching under “sugar glider,” as this provides a wider, and often more accurate, source of information.
Q: Do sugar gliders make good pets? Are they like a dog or cat?
A: They do make excellent pets and loving members of the family, but they are “exotic” pets, they are a unique pet, and very different from a dog or cat. Like a smaller pet, they should be kept in a cage at night for their own safety. Because of their size, they should always be supervised if they are around other pets. They require more time and understanding than a “traditional” pet. Through your care & attention sugar gliders will love and bond to you. They will joyfully nap in your pocket or on your shoulder, and love to take treats from your hand!
Q: Sugar gliders are nocturnal? Does that mean I can’t spend time with them during the day?
A: They are indeed nocturnal, meaning that they sleep during the majority of the day and are active at night. This does not mean, however, that you will not be able to spend a good deal of time with them. They can adjust themselves somewhat to your schedule, and would be sleeping during the majority of a traditional “work day.” Towards the late afternoon and evening, they will become active and playful. This is an excellent time to bond and spend quality time with them.
Q: Since sugar gliders are exotic, does that mean they’re difficult to care for?
A: Not at all! Though they do require more care and dedication than your average, “normal” pet, once the initial investment is made with supplies and the gliders have settled into your home, they will become a regular part of your family. They do have special dietary needs. and we take great care to make sure that our recommended Fresh Diet for Healthy Sugar Gliders is easy to follow. A healthy and well cared for sugar glider can live up to 12 – 15 years.
Q: Since they’re “exotic” pets, can anyone have a sugar glider?
A:For the most part, sugar gliders make wonderful pets for everyone. We do recommend that younger children, below age 12, have parental supervision when handling sugar gliders, given their small size. There are also a few restrictions based on your local state laws. California, Alaska and Hawaii are among a few states that prohibit sugar glider ownership. Please check your local and state laws before considering adopting a sugar glider.
Q: How do I get a sugar glider?
A: Hedgehogsandsugargliders is based in Houston, TX, and has over seventeen years of experience in safely shipping sugar gliders around the world. If you’re able to make the visit to our Houston office, you can pick up your sugar gliders and all the supplies you need from us. We are also able to ship our sugar gliders to a major airport as close to you as possible. We can also ship our supplies, such as cages, food, and more, to your home through both the United States Postal Service and UPS.
Q: What do I need to get started?
A: There are several basic necessities that are needed to welcome a sugar glider in your home, such as a cage, glass water bottle, glider safe exercise wheel, and more. We’ll be going over getting your home glider ready later on in this FAQ, but for now we do offer starter bundles, in Basic, Plus, Deluxe, Luxury and Premium flavors, that offer everything you need to get started and more!
Picking The Perfect Glider
Q: Should I get 2 males, 2 females, or a neutered male and a female?
A: If males are neutered they are pretty much the same as a female. Neutered males do not get the bald spot on top of their head and they do not have the scent that an intact male has, they have very little scent, just like the females. Some people say that neutered males make the most affectionate pets. Here at hedgehogsandsugargliders we like males and females equally. If you would like a male sugar glider we will have him neutered for you by our vet at no additional cost to you. If your male sugar glider is with a female in his cage, unless you want to breed them, we recommend that you have him neutered. Most people are interested in sugar gliders as pets. You can choose the two gliders you would like to have and we will introduce them for you here at TPG so they will be friends before going home with you. Once they are home please give them a few days to adjust to their new environment, then you can begin the wonderful and exciting bonding process. We have some great information to guide you in bonding with your new gliders, just ask us!
Q: What if I would like to breed my sugar gliders? A: If you decide to breed we will be happy to work with you to make sure you know what is involved and help to make sure your experience is a successful on. Just remember that if you breed your sugar gliders they will not stop breeding until you have the male neutered. If you should decide you want to breed, we carry a great product containing a safe enzyme that can be sprayed on their food to neutralize the male scent.
Q: Can I buy just one sugar glider? Are they better in pairs or colonies?
A: While you are able to buy a single sugar glider from us, we do highly recommend that you buy two or more if you don’t already have one at home. Sugar gliders are very social animals, and truly thrive when they have another glider with them. Please know there is no substitute for their glider cage mate! They can groom each other, play at night, and snuggle up to a warm companion while you are away or asleep. A single glider requires a great deal more attention than a group, and they could become very depressed if left alone for extended periods of time. Our policy is: NO SUGAR GLIDER SHOULD BE ALONE, AWAYS KEEP SUGAR GLIDERS IN PAIRS! It is the right thing to do.
Q: How do I get my sugar glider? Do I have to pick them up from you?
A: hedgehogsandsugargliders is based in Houston, Texas. We welcome you to visit, tour our facility and meet our sugar gliders. You are more than welcome to pick out and pick up your sugar gliders and all the supplies you need for them. We can also ship your sugar gliders, through the airlines, to a major airport near you. We are experts in airlines shipping and have been safely doing so for over fifteen years. We use United Airlines Pet Safe Program. You can read all about our process here.
Q: What other supplies do I need to have when buying a sugar glider?
A: As your average pet store isn’t equipped with the latest in sugar glider supplies, It’s important to have everything you need ahead of time so that you’re not waiting for items to come in the mail! Here at hedgehogsandsugargliders, we recommend new glider owners have at least the following items ready for their new arrivals at home: