The Importance of Toys for Sugar Gliders
Toys are very important for sugar gliders
Sugar Gliders are active, playful creatures that love to be entertained with toys.
They’ll also entertain you with all their wild, fun activity!
They get the most from certain types of toys that encourage their natural activities found in the wild,
like jumping, swinging and climbing. Sugar Gliders have a naturally high metabolism,
providing them with a lot of energy that needs to be burned off in the cage.
I get them out of their cages, why is this so important?
Life happens. Sometimes you go on vacation. Sometimes you have late days at work.
Sugar Gliders need the stimulation for when you can’t be there.
In fact, if they don’t get the stimulation they need, you are setting them up for disaster.
When they’re bored, have pent-up energy, and are spending time in their cages
they are prone to over-grooming and other health issues.
They will expend that energy somehow, and you want it to be productively.
You may feel like the cost of Sugar Glider toys is prohibitive.
Certainly, when you’re just getting started the start-up costs can be significant.
Buy a few toys when you get your animals to get you started, and work on your bonding
(see previous blog post for information about how to bond with your new Sugar Glider).
Then commit to buying one a month for a few months and rotate them in the cage.
The cost of toys is a lot less than the vet bills that come with problems boredom can bring.
You want a healthy, happy pet and friend with a long lifespan!
Researchers have said that their favorite toy and the best in-cage exercise you can provide is a running wheel.
Toys like ropes, ladders and swings are also recommended to mimic their activity in the wild.
Things to climb in and out of allow them the feeling of safety and playful peek-a-boo behavior.
Bird feathers bring out a pouncy, stalking type of play in Sugar Gliders.
Foraging toys will provide them with a stimulating challenge when it comes time to feed or give treats.
The Importance of Toys for Sugar Gliders