The suitability of Sugar Gliders (Petaurus breviceps) as domestic companions: an analysis of survey data

 Chris Webb. Photo used with permission.

Adrian Di Qual B.Sc./B.Ed., UNSW

A thesis submitted for the degree of Master of Philosophy (Biological Sciences Research) of the University of New South Wales

April, 2013

Page i PLEASE TYPE THE UNIVERSITY OF NEW SOUTH WALES Thesis/Dissertation Sheet

Surname or Family name: Di Qual

First name: Adrian Other name/s: Joseph Corrado

Abbreviation for degree as given in the University calendar: M. Phil

School: Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences Faculty: Science

Title: The suitability of Sugar Gliders (Petaurus breviceps) as domestic companions: an analysis of survey data

Abstract:

Globally there are many threats to wild populations of animals. While there are many "traditional" conservation initiatives being implemented in Australia, species of native mammals continue to decline in number. As such, additional cost-effective means of conserving and protecting endangered species are appropriate and possibly required for maximising the likelihood of effective, long-term conservation. One strategy with the potential to assist with long-term conservation is to establish a well regulated companion animal industry for Australian fauna. This could become a financially self-sufficient endeavour, with the potential to increase public commitment to native animals and their habitats being secured into the future.

However, little is known about the suitability of Australian marsupials as companion animals. This project looks at one such species, Petaurus breviceps (Sugar Gliders), to determine if they are suitable to be kept as a companion animal. A total of 216 individuals who kept 1463 Sugar Gliders between them volunteered to participate in this study.

Based on a questionnaire sent to these participants, it was found that Sugar Gliders are a suitable species to be kept as a companion animal in terms of twelve criteria. These included, but are not limited to: how people interact and bond with Sugar Gliders as pets; the demands they place on an owner’s time and resources; animal welfare issues; potentially unfavourable behaviours or other attributes; and financial matters. Pet Sugar Gliders were found to have relatively low incidences of health problems, particularly when compared with domestic cats. This suggests that keepers were providing appropriate husbandry to their Sugar Gliders, significantly reducing concerns about poor animal welfare.

These results provide support for trials that could be undertaken in Australia to further assess the potential benefits and/or problems associated with the keeping of Sugar Gliders as companion animals. Further research could include discovering the most appropriate regulatory frameworks for organisations and individuals that: own; breed; and sell Sugar Gliders. More research could be done to determine how best to provide a support network for veterinary care, advice and effective owner education. If successful, these trials and research could lead to establishing a controlled industry focusing on native animals as domestic companions, and the potential conservation benefits this could entail.

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The Suitability of Sugar Gliders as Pets Adrian Di Qual

Originality Statement

I hereby declare that this submission is my own work and to the best of my knowledge it contains no materials previously published or written by another person, or substantial proportions of material which have been accepted for the award of any other degree or diploma at UNSW or any other educational institution, except where due acknowledgement is made in the thesis. Any contribution made to the research by others, with whom I have worked at UNSW or elsewhere, is explicitly acknowledged in the thesis. I also declare that the intellectual content of this thesis is the product of my own work, except to the extent that assistance from others in the project's design and conception or in style, presentation and linguistic expression is acknowledged.

______Signed Date

Copyright Statement

I hereby grant the University of New South Wales or its agents the right to archive and to make available my thesis or dissertation in whole or part in the University libraries in all forms of media, now or here after known, subject to the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968. I retain all proprietary rights, such as patent rights. I also retain the right to use in future works (such as articles or books) all or part of this thesis or dissertation. I also authorise University Microfilms to use the 350 word abstract of my thesis in Dissertation Abstract International (this is applicable to doctoral theses only). I have either used no substantial portions of copyright material in my thesis or I have obtained permission to use copyright material; where permission has not been granted I have applied/will apply for a partial restriction of the digital copy of my thesis or dissertation.

______Signed Date

Page ii The Suitability of Sugar Gliders as Pets Adrian Di Qual

Abstract

Globally there are many threats to wild populations of animals. While there are many "traditional" conservation initiatives being implemented in Australia, species of native mammals continue to decline in number. As such, additional cost-effective means of conserving and protecting endangered species are appropriate and possibly required for maximising the likelihood of effective, long-term conservation. One strategy with the potential to assist with long-term conservation is to establish a well regulated companion animal industry for Australian fauna. This could become a financially self-sufficient endeavour, with the potential to increase public commitment to native animals and their habitats being secured into the future. However, little is known about the suitability of Australian marsupials as companion animals. This project looks at one such species, Petaurus breviceps (Sugar Gliders), to determine if they are suitable to be kept as a companion animal. A total of 216 individuals who kept 1463 Sugar Gliders between them volunteered to participate in this study. Based on a questionnaire sent to these participants, it was found that Sugar Gliders are a suitable species to be kept as a companion animal in terms of twelve criteria. These included, but are not limited to: how people interact and bond with Sugar Gliders as pets; the demands they place on an owner’s time and resources; animal welfare issues; potentially unfavourable behaviours or other attributes; and financial matters. Pet Sugar Gliders were found to have relatively low incidences of health problems, particularly when compared with domestic cats. This suggests that keepers were providing appropriate husbandry to their Sugar Gliders, significantly reducing concerns about poor animal welfare. These results provide support for trials that could be undertaken in Australia to further assess the potential benefits and/or problems associated with the keeping of Sugar Gliders as companion animals. Further research could include discovering the most appropriate regulatory frameworks for organisations and individuals that: own; breed; and sell Sugar Gliders. More research could be done to determine how best to provide a support network for veterinary care, advice and effective owner education. If successful, these trials and research could lead to establishing a controlled industry focusing on native animals as domestic companions, and the potential conservation benefits this could entail.

Page iii The Suitability of Sugar Gliders as Pets Adrian Di Qual

Contents

Originality Statement...... ii Acknowledgements ...... vi List of Figures ...... vii List of Tables...... ix 1. Introduction ...... 1 1.1. Controversies about Keeping Australian Mammals as Pets...... 3 1.2. Study Species - Sugar Gliders (Petaurus breviceps) ...... 8 1.3. Defining Suitability...... 9 1.4. Aims of this Study ...... 11 2. Methodology...... 13 3. Results ...... 16 3.1. General Information ...... 16 3.2. Interacting with P. breviceps ...... 20 3.3. Bonding with People ...... 23 3.4. Unfavourable Attributes ...... 25 3.5. Escape and Abandonment...... 30 3.6. Other Pets and P. breviceps ...... 33 3.7. Reproduction in Captivity ...... 34 3.8. Health Issues Relating to P. breviceps ...... 35 3.9. Zoonotic Issues ...... 47 3.10. Captive Environments...... 48 3.11. Commitment...... 51 3.12. Perceptions about P. breviceps as Pets ...... 54 4. Discussion ...... 57 4.1. General Information ...... 57 4.2. Interacting with P. breviceps ...... 58 4.3. Bonding with People ...... 59 4.4. Unfavourable attributes...... 61 4.5. Escape and Abandonment...... 63 4.6. Other Pets and P. breviceps ...... 64 4.7. Reproduction in Captivity ...... 64 4.8. Health Issues Relating to P. breviceps ...... 65 4.9. Zoonotic Issues ...... 66 4.10. Captive Environments...... 66 4.11. Commitment...... 66 4.12. Perceptions about P. breviceps as Pets ...... 67 5. Conclusions...... 68 6. References...... 72 7. Appendices...... 77 7.1. Certificate presented at the CSIRO Malcolm McIntosh Lecture ...... 77 7.2. Letter of Appreciation from the Sugar Glider Advanced Research Group...... 78 7.3. Poster Presented at the UNSW Science Postgraduate Research Competition..... 79 7.4. The questionnaire in the online format...... 80 7.5. A list of organisations contacted with a request for assistance ...... 89 7.6. Full text responses to the question “What do you do with your Sugar Gliders when you handle them?”...... 90 7.7. Full text responses to the question “Do you think your Sugar Gliders recognise you, and if so, why do you think this?”...... 101 7.8. Full text responses to the question “Have you ever had problems with your Sugar Glider biting or scratching people; and if yes please give details of what happened.” ...... 108

Page iv The Suitability of Sugar Gliders as Pets Adrian Di Qual

7.9. Full text responses to the question “Has your Sugar Glider ever damaged property through scratching, toileting, biting, or in any other way, and if so, please give details?” ...... 114 7.10. Full text responses to the question “What would you do with your Sugar Gliders if you couldn’t care for them anymore?”...... 116

Page v The Suitability of Sugar Gliders as Pets Adrian Di Qual

Acknowledgements

I would like to acknowledge all the participants who volunteered their time to complete the questionnaire at the heart of this study, my Supervisors Professor Michael Archer and Associate Professor Suzanne Hand (University of New South Wales) who gave me much guidance and kept me on track as well as pushed me to excel in my scientific writing, and my Co-Supervisor Dr. Paul Hopwood (University of Sydney) who also gave me guidance about strategies and design of the questionnaire. Sadly, Dr. Hopwood passed away before this project was completed and my condolences go out to his family and friends.

Page vi The Suitability of Sugar Gliders as Pets Adrian Di Qual

List of Figures

Figure 1 – Frequency histogram of the age of primary carers of pet P. breviceps split by gender...... 18

Figure 2 – Frequency histogram of the years of experience that the respondents had with Sugar Gliders...... 19

Figure 3 – Frequency histogram of the number of Sugar Gliders kept by each respondent...... 19

Figure 4 – Responses to question “How often do you handle your Sugar Glider(s)?”...... 20

Figure 5 – Responses to question “What age were your Sugar Gliders when first got them?”...... 21

Figure 6 – Responses to question "what do you do with your Sugar Gliders when you handle them?" ...... 22

Figure 7 – Responses to questions (a) “Do you think that your Sugar Gliders recognise you?” (b) "Why do you think this?" ...... 24

Figure 8 – Responses to question “Do your Sugar Gliders rub up against you?”..... 24

Figure 9 – Responses to question (a) “Have you ever had problems with your Sugar Gliders biting or scratching people?” (b) “If yes, please give details of what happened.” ...... 26

Figure 10 – Responses to questions (a) “Has your Sugar Glider ever damaged property through scratching, toileting, biting, or in any other way?” and (b) “If yes, please give details.”...... 27

Figure 11 – Responses to question “Does your Sugar Glider smell (body odour, scent marking odour, enclosure odour)?”...... 28

Figure 12 – Responses to question “Do your Sugar Gliders make noises that disrupt your household?”...... 29

Figure 13 – Responses to question “Do your Sugar Glider’s nocturnal behaviours bother you?” ...... 29

Figure 14 – Responses to question “When do you most frequently handle your Sugar Gliders?”...... 30

Figure 15 – Responses to question (a) “Have any of your Sugar Gliders escaped?” (b) “If so, were they retrieved?”...... 31

Figure 16 – Responses to question “What would you do if you couldn’t care for your Sugar Gliders anymore?” ...... 32

Figure 17 – Responses to question (a) “Do you have other pets? (b) What other pets do you have?” ...... 33

Figure 18 – Frequency histogram showing the number of joeys born per female per year...... 35

Figure 19 – Format of questions on health issues...... 36

Page vii The Suitability of Sugar Gliders as Pets Adrian Di Qual

Figure 20 – Responses to questions (a) “Did you or any other carer suffer from adverse health affects known to be caused by your Sugar Gliders?” and (b) “What were these?”...... 48

Figure 21 – Responses to question “Where in your home do you keep your Sugar Gliders?”...... 49

Figure 22 – Responses to question “What type of enclosure do you keep your Sugar Gliders in? ...... 50

Figure 23 – Frequency histogram showing the size of cages that Sugar Gliders are kept in, using the length of one side of an idealised cube shaped enclosure as a measure...... 51

Figure 24 – Responses to question “How often do you clean up after your Sugar Gliders?” ...... 52

Figure 25 – Frequency histogram showing the time per day that owners committed to maintenance of their Sugar Gliders...... 53

Figure 26 – Responses to question “Approximately how much does food cost per week for your Sugar Glider colony?” All amounts are in US dollars...... 54

Figure 27 – Format of question asking respondents to rate various characteristics of P. breviceps as pets...... 55

Figure 28 – Box and whisker plot of responses for question “How would you rate each of the following characteristics?”...... 56

Page viii The Suitability of Sugar Gliders as Pets Adrian Di Qual

List of Tables

Table 1 – A summary of arguments in favour of keeping native animals as pets...... 5

Table 2 – A summary of arguments against of keeping native animals as pets ...... 5

Table 3 – A selection of newspaper articles related to the keeping of Australian native animals as pets, with headings and whether the article is for, against, or balanced in its editorial approach to the topic...... 7

Table 4 – Checklist of questions to assess the suitability of species as companion animals (copied from Schuppli & Fraser, 2000)...... 10

Table 5 – The number of questionnaires returned, organised by country of origin... 17

Table 6 – The type of dwelling in which respondents lived ...... 17

Table 7 – The number of P. breviceps kept by each respondent...... 19

Table 8 – Survivorship of Sugar Glider joeys...... 34

Table 9 – List of health issues reported, with definitions for each, the number of P. breviceps affected, and the percentage this number makes of the total 1463 animals owned by respondents...... 37

Table 10 – List of fatal health issues reported...... 46

Table 11 – Summary of unfavourable characteristics with discussion points based on Schuppli & Fraser’s (2000) pet suitability framework...... 62

Table 12 – Summary of findings for the 12 aims of this study...... 70

Page ix The Suitability of Sugar Gliders as Pets Adrian Di Qual

1. Introduction

 Jennifer Williams. Photo used with permission.

Keeping Australian mammals as pets has recently been proposed as a method to increase public awareness about the Australian biota and provide an ‘insurance policy’ against species extinction in the wild while providing resources for other in situ conservation programs (Archer, 2002; Archer &

Beale, 2004, pp. 504-520; Hopwood, 2002; Oakwood & Hopwood, 1999).

However, this proposal has been opposed by some based on concerns about animal welfare and potential detrimental effects on wild populations

(Lindenmayer & Burgman, 2005; Viggers & Lindenmayer, 2002). The main welfare concerns posited relate to owners not providing adequate husbandry for species that have not previously been domesticated (Viggers &

Lindenmayer, 2002). While this debate has been ongoing, few studies

Page 1 The Suitability of Sugar Gliders as Pets Adrian Di Qual (Cooney, Chapple, Doornbos, & Jackson, 2010; Oakwood & Hopwood, 1999) have addressed the potential issues regarding the suitability of Australian mammals as pets using data gathered from those who have already kept them in this context.

Sugar Gliders (Petaurus breviceps; Family Petauridae; Order

Diprotodontia; Superorder Marsupialia) are small gliding mammals native to

Australia, Papua New Guinea and parts of Indonesia. They have become available as pets in many parts of the world, including: the United States;

Canada; the United Kingdom; and some areas of Australasia.

Since P. breviceps have become common as pets in some places, they provide an opportunity to test the hypothesised pros and cons of keeping an

Australian mammal species as a domestic companion. Based on this prospect, the aim of this thesis is to assess and quantify the experiences of those who have kept P. breviceps as pets.

The significances and quality of this project have been recognised by the award of the “MECU Student Excellence Award for Conservation Biology”, as part of the CSIRO Malcolm McIntosh Lecture series (Appendix 7.1). Key findings from this project have been presented to “The Sugar Glider Advanced

Research Group” during 2010 in Texas, USA (a letter of appreciation can be seen in Appendix 7.2) and selected results from this study have been presented at the “Society of Conservation Biology” Oceania Research

Conference in September 2012. A poster summarising this research project was also presented at the “UNSW Science Postgraduate Research

Competition” (Appendix 7.3).

Page 2 The Suitability of Sugar Gliders as Pets Adrian Di Qual 1.1. Controversies about Keeping Australian Mammals as Pets

Within the scientific literature, arguments have been made for and against legislating to allow Australians to keep native mammal species as companion animals. The main points made in the literature are summarised in

Table 1 and Table 2. Most of the arguments against keeping Australian mammals as pets are based either on conjecture and/or analogies involving experiences with other groups of animals (e.g., Viggers & Lindenmayer,

2002). In contrast, many of the substantive arguments in favour of keeping

Australian marsupials as pets are based on first hand case studies (e.g.,

Archer, 2002) in addition to beliefs about probable benefits.

For example, Viggers et al. (1993) and Viggers & Lindenmayer (2002) suggest that marsupials kept as pets might act as vectors for diseases through escape or abandonment. It has been reported that some primate and parrot populations have been negatively affected as the result of a pet trade

(Engebretson, 2006; Soulsbury, Iossa, Kennell, & Harris, 2009). On the other hand, it has been demonstrated (Van Den Born, Lenders, De Groot, &

Huijsman, 2001p65) that “...intense childhood experiences with … nature…” creates adults that value nature more than those who have not had these experiences and that individuals who value nature will be more inclined to make an effort to secure its well being (Beed & Stimson, 1985; Drews, 2002;

Homer & Kahle, 1988).

The controversy seen in the scientific community about keeping native animals as pets has also been aired in the popular media, which suggests that there is public interest in the topic. A selection of newspaper articles are mentioned in Table 3 and categorised according to the editorial tone of the

Page 3 The Suitability of Sugar Gliders as Pets Adrian Di Qual articles. This public debate has not been limited to newspapers, with articles also published in magazines such as an interview with Prof. Michael Archer in

New Scientist (Pain, 2000) and even a Dolly magazine article on the virtues of keeping reptiles as pets (2009). In 2007 Cheng published a book “Locally

Wild: Keeping native animals as pets” aimed at informing children about how to keep permitted Australian animals at home and how enjoyable it can be

(Cheng, 2007). Other books have been published with sections arguing for and against the topic (e.g. Archer & Beale, 2004; Lindenmayer, 2002;

Lindenmayer & Burgman, 2005). There have also been television and radio interviews aired, such as one on ABC Radio entitled “The great native pet debate” (Walker, 2010). Clearly this topic is of interest to the general public as well as conservation biologists, making this research project very timely.

The current project was conceived and carried out to address some of the key questions that have been raised in previous discussions about the suitability of Australian marsupials as human companions and/or pets. This project focuses on the phalangeridan petauroid marsupial, the Sugar Glider

(Petaurus breviceps) because there is already a wealth of international as well national personal experience relating to the keeping of this native species. In surveying keepers who have had personal experiences with this species, it should be possible to test many of the hypotheses that have been put forward about anticipated negative as well as positive outcomes that might derive from keeping Australian marsupials as human companions animals.

Page 4 The Suitability of Sugar Gliders as Pets Adrian Di Qual

Table 1 – A summary of arguments in favour of keeping native animals as pets.

Argument Explanation and References

Protection against By having species kept as pets and closely associated with extinction humans, we can significantly reduce the risk of extinction as long as humans survive. For instance, it will be unlikely that cats or dogs will ever go extinct as people continue to breed them (Archer, 2002; Archer & Beale, 2004; Hopwood, 2002; Oakwood & Hopwood, 1999). Hence, there would always be a reservoir of individuals that could be reintroduced into the wild if the wild populations become endangered (Archer, 2002; Cooney, et al., 2010).

Raising Public It has been shown that values affect behaviours (Homer & Kahle, Awareness 1988) and that “intense experiences with … nature” lead to people becoming more likely to value it (Van Den Born, et al., 2001). Similarly, Tomazic (2011) found that direct experience with animals “foster(s) positive change in their feelings and attitudes towards them.” As such, by keeping native animals as pets, people would be more likely to value nature and behave or act to conserve it (Archer, 2002; Archer & Beale, 2004; Cooney, et al., 2010).

Economic Industry With a $4.74 billion dollar pet industry in Australia (ACAC, 2009), a “commercial need to ensure their survival” could be created for native species (Brook, 1999b). Further, funds could be generated by a native animal trade to bolster in situ conservation projects (Archer, 2002; Cooney, et al., 2010).

Displacing “feral” pets Some existing pet species, such as cats (Felis catus) and dogs (Canis lupus familiaris), are very effective predators and most are carriers of diseases, such as Toxoplasmosis, that Australian wildlife is very susceptible to (Archer, 2002; Dickman, 1996; Dowling, Seebeck, & Lowe, 1994). Research has found that cats and dogs have been a key part of the decline and extinction of many Australian animal species (Dickman, Pressey, Lim, & Parnaby, 1993). It is proposed that native pets could be a choice for potential pet owners, that could reduce the extent of threats posed by cats and dogs to wildlife (Archer, 2002; Archer & Beale, 2004; Cooney, et al., 2010).

Scientific Innovation In the past, much has been learned about native species as a result of them having been kept as pets. By allowing more native species to be kept by the public, more will be learned about their biology and husbandry, which could be beneficial to scientific research and conservation programs (Archer, 2002; Cooney, et al., 2010).

Table 2 – A summary of arguments against of keeping native animals as pets

Page 5 The Suitability of Sugar Gliders as Pets Adrian Di Qual

Argument Explanation and References

Human-pet interaction Some native animals are said to be prone to bouts of aggression, nervousness and stress, which affects the ability to tame and domesticate them (2002). This means that some native animals may be unsuitable as pets, leading to dissatisfaction in owners and potential welfare issues.

Genetic Pollution and In the event that native pets escape captivity, or are released, it is Disease transmission possible the individuals will interbreed with wild populations. This could lead to a loss of genetic diversity and outbreeding effects that could be detrimental, particularly in small isolated populations of conspecifics (Cooney, et al., 2010; Edmands, 2007; Goldberg, et al., 2005; Lindenmayer & Burgman, 2005; Moutou & Pastoret, 2010; Viggers & Lindenmayer, 2002). Similarly, escaped native pets could transmit disease to wild populations of both conspecifics and unrelated species (Viggers & Lindenmayer, 2002), causing problems for wild populations as summarised in Viggers, Lindenmayer, & Spratt (1993).

Zoonoses Zoonoses are the source of most emerging infectious diseases in the world (Greger, 2007). It is believed that by keeping novel native species as pets that there will be an increased risk of zoonotic diseases crossing the species boundary (Viggers & Lindenmayer, 2002).

Animal welfare issues While people are motivated to keep native species as pets because of their novelty and beauty, there is a poor understanding about the husbandry of “wild” animals in the general public, which could result in welfare issues arising, including mortalities (Cooney, et al., 2010; Drews, 2002; Engebretson, 2006; Soulsbury, et al., 2009). It is believed this could occur with Australian native species if they are allowed to be kept as pets (Viggers & Lindenmayer, 2002). However, it should be noted that extensive resources exist covering the husbandry and care of Australian animal species which can be accessed by the general public (Barnes, 2002; Booth, 1999; Brewer, 2007; Cheng, 2007; Fleay, 1945; Jackson, 2003; MacPherson, 1997). Further, as the commercial incentive to “produce” more animals for a pet trade is fostered, there could be an extension of existing problems, with animals being euthanised in animal shelters and pounds, as described in McGreevy & Bennett (2010).

Species exploitation Initiating a native pet industry will require the establishment of captive populations of animals to sell. It is possible that wild populations of animals will be damaged through legal and illegal harvesting for this industry (Cooney, et al., 2010; Viggers & Lindenmayer, 2002). Such an illegal trade already exists, as described in Hoser (1993).

Conservation In situ conservation programs require considerable resources to be Resources successfully implemented. These resources might be diverted to establish a native pet industry if it were legalised, with potentially detrimental results to the in situ programs (Viggers & Lindenmayer, 2002).

Page 6 The Suitability of Sugar Gliders as Pets Adrian Di Qual Table 3 – A selection of newspaper articles related to the keeping of Australian native animals as pets, with headings and whether the article is for, against, or balanced in its editorial approach to the topic.

Newspaper article heading For, against Reference or balanced Poms play possum Against (Magee & Horan, 2008) (Mooney, Pope, & Wilson, Pet project condemns our wildlife Against 1999) Vet’s pet theory on health risk in taming the wild Against (Woodford, 2001b) Native pets: An unnatural disaster Against (Mooney, 2001) A wolf in dog’s clothing – Paws for thought on native pet Against (Benson, 2002) Creatures not pets Against (Conway, 2009) Rescuers rubbish native pet push Against (ABC Premium News, 2010c) Little Aussie beauties Against (Brown, 2010) Quoll-ity time Against (Sunday Herald Sun, 2010) Sick Trade: Junk food diet makes animals ill. Native gliders sold as Against (The Advertiser, 2010) pets in US Brits sweet on Sugar Glider pets Balanced (Sunday Tasmanian, 2008) Gliders take flight as Family pets in Britain Balanced (Price, 2008) Britain; New pet craze a sweet choice Balanced (The Advertiser, 2008) (Northern Territory News, Native pets need permit Balanced 2000) Disease warning on native pets Balanced (Woodford, 2001a) Going native, pet Balanced (Cooney, 2006) Breeding Quolls as pets could stop extinction Balanced (ABC Premium News, 2010a) Experts call for return of the natives For (Edwards, 2007) Gentle way to get back to native For (Brook, 1999a) How much is that glider in the window? : How pet shops can save For (Brook, 1999b) natives Quoll found way to owner’s heart For (Brook, 1999c) We need more native pets For (Marris, 2001) Push for native pets to save species from cane toads For (ABC Premium News, 2005) Americans fall in love with protected Sugar Glider For (Dasey, 2000) To keep pets, go native For (Galvin, 2007) Time to go native with pets For (Centralian Advocate, 2008) Fancy a python for a pet? For (Stirling Times, 2009) Forget the puppy, get a possum For (Herald Sun, 2011) Should we keep native mammals as pets? For (Williams, 2012)

Pet market tipped to save endangered wildlife For (ABC Premium News, 2010b) Can keeping native mammals as pets help conserve wild For (Isaacs, 2011) populations?

Page 7 The Suitability of Sugar Gliders as Pets Adrian Di Qual 1.2. Study Species - Sugar Gliders (Petaurus breviceps)

The Sugar Glider (Petaurus breviceps) is a gliding marsupial found in the forests of Australia, Papua New Guinea and Irian Jaya. These animals, which are perceived as being “attractive” with “engaging personalities”

(MacPherson, 1997) are kept as companion animals in parts of North

America, Europe, Asia and Australia. One breeder of P. breviceps in the

United States "places in homes" approximately 20,000 per annum (pers. comm. Virgil Klunder, Executive Director - Pocket Pets, 2010) suggests that there are many people who keep P. breviceps as pets. With such extensive captive populations of P. breviceps, a large scale experiment examining the issues of keeping Australian native marsupials as pets has unintentionally been conducted.

Petaurus breviceps is a small, grey or light brown gliding possum, usually with a black stripe starting on the crown of the head and extending down their back. It has a gliding membrane that extends between the wrists and ankles and a long fluffy tail. Adults vary in weight from 90 to 160 grams and have a body length of 16 to 21 centimetres, excluding their tails

(Lindenmayer, 2002). In the wild, P. breviceps mostly eat insects, Acacia gums, nectar, pollen, some blossoms and sap from Eucalyptus species

(Henry & Suckling, 1984). These possums communicate with each other using chemical signals derived from a variety of scent glands (Schultze-

Westrum, 1965, 1969) and through vocalisation (Biggins, 1984). They live in a wide range of woodlands and forests, usually nesting in tree hollows with up to ten other conspecifics (Lindenmayer, 2002). Living in such social aggregations, P. breviceps bond very closely to one another (Lindenmayer,

2002).

Page 8 The Suitability of Sugar Gliders as Pets Adrian Di Qual 1.3. Defining Suitability

The meaning of “suitability” when used to assess a species for companion animal status can be highly subjective and as such needs to be defined for the purpose of this thesis. The Oxford Dictionary of English (2005) defines the term “suitable” to mean, “right or appropriate for a particular person, purpose, or situation”. Schuppli & Fraser (2000) created a framework to assess the suitability of species as companion from an animal welfare perspective. Their framework approached the problem from three perspectives: the welfare of the animal; the welfare of others; and the associated risks of keeping the species as a companion animal to the environment. Table 4 is reproduced from Schuppli & Fraser (2000) and summarises their framework through a series of questions. This thesis builds upon aspects of this framework and arguments made by various stakeholders to determine the suitability of P. breviceps as a companion animal.

Page 9 The Suitability of Sugar Gliders as Pets Adrian Di Qual Table 4 – Checklist of questions to assess the suitability of species as companion animals (copied from Schuppli & Fraser, 2000).

Welfare of the animal 1 Is there adequate knowledge of the species with respect to: 1.1 nutritional requirements? 1.2 health care? 1.3 environmental requirements for physical and thermal comfort? 1.4 recognizing and preventing negative states such as fear, pain and distress? 1.5 requirements for exercise, social interaction, and natural behaviour? If there is adequate knowledge of the species' requirements, might the owner still have practical difficulty in providing: 1.6 suitable food? 1. 7 veterinary services? 1.8 an environment that meets the animal's needs regarding comfort, psychological welfare, exercise, social interaction, and natural behaviour? 2 Is the animal's size: 2.1 so large when mature that the owners may be unable to accommodate it? 2.2 so small that the animal might easily be injured? 3 Is the animal's life expectancy so great that the owner may lose the commitment or ability to provide care throughout its life? 4 Is there any appreciable risk of suffering, injury, illness, or death arising from: 4.1 procurement? 4.2 transportation? Welfare of others 5 Is the animal poisonous or venomous? 6 Is there any appreciable risk of the animal attacking or injuring: 6.1 humans? 6.2 other animals? If a risk of injury exists, can it be made acceptably low by selecting safe individuals or by proper management? 7 Is there any appreciable risk of the animal transmitting disease to: 7.1 humans? 7.2 wild or domestic animals? If a risk of disease transmission exists, can it be made acceptably low by finding individuals free from the disease(s) or by proper management? 8 Does the animal have objectionable characteristics (eg noise, odour, uncleanliness, Unruliness, destructive behaviour) that may prove unacceptable to: 8.1 the owner? 8.2 the community? 9 Does the animal have other characteristics (eg solitary, sedentary or nocturnal nature) that may cause the owner to lose interest and commitment? Risks to the environment 10 Is there any appreciable risk of the animal causing ecological damage if it escapes or IS released? 11 For species that exist in the wild, are trade and transportation subject to adequate regulation and enforcement? 12 If there is ongoing wild capture, is there any appreciable risk that capture might have undesirable effects on native populations and ecosystems? If a risk exists, can it be avoided by use of captive-breeding t h a t does not depend on continued wild capture?

Page 10 The Suitability of Sugar Gliders as Pets Adrian Di Qual 1.4. Aims of this Study

The captive population of P. breviceps kept as companion animals around the world can be viewed as a large scale, in situ experiment that explores many of the issues raised about the keeping of Australian marsupials as pets. This study aimed to collect data from this “in situ experiment” to assess the suitability of P. breviceps as a companion animal and to contribute to the overall debate on Australian native marsupials as pets. Data was collected, based around the issues raised in the literature, to answer the following questions:

1. Who completed the questionnaire? How many P. breviceps did they keep

and for how long?

2. Are people able to interact with pet P. breviceps as a companion animal?

3. Do pet P. breviceps show bonding behaviours towards their human

carers?

4. Are pet P. breviceps likely to injure people, damage property, disrupt

households, or have other behaviours that would cause problems for

owners?

5. How often have pet P. breviceps escaped captivity?

6. Does the presence of other pet species have adverse effects on the

welfare of pet P. breviceps?

7. Do pet P. breviceps breed successfully in captivity?

8. What health issues have been observed in pet P. breviceps?

9. Have carers had any adverse health issues caused by pet P. breviceps?

10. What type of environments are pet P. breviceps being kept in?

11. How much of a commitment, in terms of time and money, are pet

P. breviceps?

Page 11 The Suitability of Sugar Gliders as Pets Adrian Di Qual 12. How do owners perceive and categorise their experiences with pet

P. breviceps?

The answers to these questions were then used to assess the suitability of P. breviceps as a pet species and make a contribution to the bigger debate about the propriety of keeping Australian animals as pets.

Page 12 The Suitability of Sugar Gliders as Pets Adrian Di Qual 2. Methodology

 Darleen Miller. Photo used with permission.

This project targeted individuals who have kept or still keep Sugar

Gliders, Petaurus breviceps, as pets with a questionnaire designed to retrieve an overview of representative experiences and viewpoints. More than 100 responses were sought from an estimated potential target audience of 20,000 people who have kept them as pets. An online questionnaire was developed, following discussions with individual keepers, breeders and academics, as the most efficient method for obtaining responses from a large number of people in a wide span of countries. The alternative of conducting individual interviews would have been far more time- and resource-consuming, and less efficient in terms of ensuring a standard approach unaffected by interpersonal dynamics between the interviewer and interviewee. The use of an online standardised questionnaire also facilitated the consistent interpretation of survey responses.

Page 13 The Suitability of Sugar Gliders as Pets Adrian Di Qual The questionnaire, which was designed to assess a wide range of issues with respect to questions about the suitability of keeping P. breviceps as pets, was based on information available in the scientific literature (e.g.

Archer, 2002; Archer & Beale, 2004; Hopwood, 2002; Mooney, 2001; Schuppli

& Fraser, 2000; Viggers & Lindenmayer, 2002). Discussions about ways to optimise the value of the questionnaire were held with individual scientists,

New South Wales National Parks officials, keepers, breeders and other relevant stakeholders. The survey was piloted using volunteers from the

Marsupial Society of Victoria and subsequently refined to remove ambiguities, redundancies and potentially leading questions. A copy of the online questionnaire is presented in Appendix 7.4. The final questionnaire was put online as an interactive document using “Keysurvey” version 7.1, developed by “WorldAPP Software” (Braintree, Massachusetts, USA).

This study was conducted with broadly similar aims to the survey conducted by Oakwood & Hopwood (1999), which was a questionnaire-based method for surveying opinions about the suitability of keeping native animals as pets. Some questions used in my survey were modified from those used in their study -- 17, 18, 20, 22, 25, 33, 34 and 37 (Appendix 7.4). Two were identical to those in Oakwood & Hopwood (1999) -- questions 28 and 35.

Permission to utilise these questions was given by Dr Paul Hopwood.

Respondents were sought by contacting fifteen different organisations whose members kept or had kept Sugar Gliders. Their permission was sought to make the questionnaire available to their members. Some of these organisations advertised this study and directed individuals to the project website at www.science.gliders.unsw.edu.au. Owners who agreed to participate submitted their emails addresses online in order to receive a link to

Page 14 The Suitability of Sugar Gliders as Pets Adrian Di Qual the online survey. Each respondent received a unique URL that was automatically generated in “Keysurvey” linking them to the questionnaire and allowing them to complete the questionnaire once only. Respondents who failed to complete the online survey were reminded up to three times to please do so as soon as they could. A total of 260 people submitted their email addresses and of these 214 completed the questionnaire.

After completing the questionnaire, results were collected and automatically saved in a spreadsheet managed by Keysurvey. These results were then tabulated and displayed either graphically or in table form. For questions that were open-ended, written responses were analysed and commonalities noted and counted. These are described in the Results section.

Human ethics approval was obtained for this study from the UNSW

Human Research Ethics Advisory Panel ‘H’ on 17 December, 2008 (permit reference number 08/2008/44).

Page 15 The Suitability of Sugar Gliders as Pets Adrian Di Qual

3. Results

 Taylor Hartman. Photo used with permission. 3.1. General Information

(Who completed the questionnaire? How many P. breviceps did they keep and for how long?)

Of the 260 surveys sent out via email, 214 people responded, with 84% coming from the United States of America (USA) and the remaining 16% from 9 other countries (Table 5). Most respondents lived in houses (82%) in contrast to other forms of accommodation such as apartments (15%; Table 6).

A wide range of age groups were reported to be primary carers for pet

P. breviceps (Figure 1). A total of 36 children between the ages of 0-5 were reported to be the primary carer for pet P. breviceps. It is assumed that for these 36 children, a parent or guardian assists them as primary carer, however NO adjustments have been made to Figure 1 to reflect this assumption, and no follow up questions were asked in relation to it. A total of

Page 16 The Suitability of Sugar Gliders as Pets Adrian Di Qual 356 people were reported as being primary carers, with a majority of 222 being female.

The number of responses to each question varies because not all respondents answered all questions.

Table 5 – The number of questionnaires returned, organised by country of origin Country: Number of responses: United States of America 176 United Kingdom 15 Australia 6 Canada 4 South Africa 3 Malaysia 2 Hungary 1 Italy 1 Northern Ireland 1 Sweden 1 Total (N): 210

Table 6 – The type of dwelling in which respondents lived Type of Number of dwelling: responses: Apartment 31 House 172 Other 7 Total (N): 210

Page 17 The Suitability of Sugar Gliders as Pets Adrian Di Qual

Figure 1 – Frequency histogram of the age of primary carers of pet P. breviceps split by gender.

Respondents had, on average, 3.2 years of experience keeping

P. breviceps in captivity, although 18% of respondents had more than 6 years experience (Figure 2). A total of 1463 P. breviceps were kept by 212 respondents, with an average of 6.89 animals kept per respondent (Figure 3).

Males and females were kept in similar numbers by respondents (Table 7). A total of 14 respondents kept solitary P. breviceps. A majority of male

P. breviceps were desexed (52% of N=682 individuals) and no females were desexed (0% of N=756 individuals).

Page 18 The Suitability of Sugar Gliders as Pets Adrian Di Qual

Figure 2 – Frequency histogram of the years of experience that the respondents had with Sugar Gliders.

Figure 3 – Frequency histogram of the number of Sugar Gliders kept by each respondent.

Table 7 – The number of P. breviceps kept by each respondent. Mean StDev Sum Males 3.21 4.872 682 Females 3.56 4.982 756 Unknown 0.75 1.251 25 Total 6.89 9.48 1463

Page 19 The Suitability of Sugar Gliders as Pets Adrian Di Qual 3.2. Interacting with P. breviceps

(Are people able to interact with pet P. breviceps as a companion animal?)

Most respondents (71% of N=214 responses) reported that they handle their pet P. breviceps at least once every day when asked a categorical multiple choice question (Figure 4). Within the 'Other' response category,

11.2% of people (of N=214 responses) wrote that they handled their pet

P. breviceps multiple times per day.

Figure 4 – Responses to question “How often do you handle your Sugar Glider(s)?”

A majority of respondents obtained their pet P. breviceps as a juvenile or close to the age they weaned (77% of N=211 responses; Figure 5). A small number of written responses in this and other sections of the questionnaire suggested that animals obtained at a young age and handled regularly were less aggressive and less prone to be fearful of people. However, these comments were not made by everyone, nor explicitly sought in the questionnaire.

Page 20 The Suitability of Sugar Gliders as Pets Adrian Di Qual

Figure 5 – Responses to question “What age were your Sugar Gliders when first got them?”*

A wide range of written responses were obtained when people were asked what they did with their pet P. breviceps. These answers were analysed for common responses each of which was then treated as a category and the number for each recorded (Figure 6). Most owners let their pet P. breviceps climb on them, fed them treats and talked to them. Interestingly, 17.4% (out of

N=207 responses) of respondents reported that they carried their pet

P. breviceps around with them during the day, either in a pocket, pouch, bra or in the hood of a jumper. Many owners reported that they interacted with their pet P. breviceps in a controlled environment such as a dome shaped camping tent or a bathroom. As a result of personal communications with many of the respondents following the questionnaire, it was found that these

“controlled environments” were used for interacting with pet P. breviceps because of regular urinatation and defecation while out of their cages, and

* As respondents were able to select more than one response to this question, cumulative responses exceed 100%. This is because most participants had more than on pet P. breviceps.

Page 21 The Suitability of Sugar Gliders as Pets Adrian Di Qual because most enclosed living spaces, such as bedrooms, lounge rooms and kitchens, have many places where free roaming pet P. breviceps could inadvertently injure themselves or get trapped. Some (4.8%, of N=207 responses) of respondents reported that when interacting with their pet

P. breviceps they would climb into their bra and curl up to sleep or hide. A number of respondents (33.8%, of N=207 responses) spent time with their pet

P. breviceps while they were in "bonding pouches," which are usually cotton bags that imitate a marsupial pouch, strapped around people’s shoulders, so that they sit and open on their chest. This activity usually involved the person holding the pouch, or petting the Sugar Glider inside the pouch while they were sitting watching television, or working at a computer. The complete list of text responses can be found in Appendix 7.6.

Figure 6 – Responses to question "what do you do with your Sugar Gliders when you handle them?" *

* As respondents were able to select more than one response to this question, cumulative responses exceed 100%.

Page 22 The Suitability of Sugar Gliders as Pets Adrian Di Qual 3.3. Bonding with People

(Do P. breviceps show bonding behaviours towards their human carers?)

When asked if people thought their pet P. breviceps recognised them, a vast majority (98.6% of N=211 responses) answered in the affirmative.

Respondents were then asked to explain why they thought this. These text- based responses were analysed for commonalities and consequently categorised and the number for each recorded (Figure 7), with full responses given in Appendix 7.7. Many respondents reported behaviours that their pet

P. breviceps would only display when they were present, such as getting out of their nest when the primary carer entered the room (31.6% of N=152 responses), coming to carers when pet P. breviceps were talked to (30.3% of

N=152 responses) or simply being cautious and reclusive when strangers were present (19.7% of N=152 responses). One respondent also reported that each individual pet P. breviceps would respond to their names.

A summary of the responses to the question, “Do your Sugar Gliders regularly rub their head or body against you” is given in Figure 8. A majority of respondents answered ‘yes’ (55.5% of N=211 responses) while the remaining

45.5% of respondents answered “no” or “unsure”.

Page 23 The Suitability of Sugar Gliders as Pets Adrian Di Qual

(a)

(b)

Figure 7 – Responses to questions (a) “Do you think that your Sugar Gliders recognise you?” (b) "Why do you think this?" *

Figure 8 – Responses to question “Do your Sugar Gliders rub up against you?”

* As respondents were able to select more than one response to part (b) of this question, cumulative responses exceed 100%. This is because many participants observed more than one behaviour that they interpreted as their pet P. breviceps recognising them.

Page 24 The Suitability of Sugar Gliders as Pets Adrian Di Qual 3.4. Unfavourable Attributes

(Are P. breviceps likely to injure people, damage property, disrupt households, or have other behaviours that would cause problems for owners?)

When respondents were asked, “have you ever had problems with your

Sugar Gliders biting or scratching people?”, a majority of respondents (56.9% of N=211 responses) answered “yes” (Figure 9 (a)). Respondents were asked to describe the problems they had had. The text-based responses were analysed for commonalities and were subsequently counted. The results are shown in Figure 9 (b) with full comments in Appendix 7.8. When asked to describe what problems were encountered, 26.5% (of N=117 responses) of respondents who made comments reported that pet P. breviceps gave warning bites when scared or disturbed; 12.0% of comments mentioned light curious bites or nibbles and 9.4% of bites were related to hand feeding treats.

Only 7.7% of people who made comments (of N=117 responses) mentioned that they had had a bite severe enough to result in bleeding. Nearly all respondents mentioned that they had scratches from their pet P. breviceps climbing on them and that this is a normal part of keeping these animals in captivity. Comments were also made indicating that scratches from pet

P. breviceps could be reduced by clipping the nails on a regular basis. One respondent commented (which seemed to be a general view) that “I wouldn't call it a 'problem'... Being scratched is part of handling gliders”.

Page 25 The Suitability of Sugar Gliders as Pets Adrian Di Qual

(a)

(b)

Figure 9 – Responses to question (a) “Have you ever had problems with your Sugar Gliders biting or scratching people?” (b) “If yes, please give details of what happened.” *

A minority of respondents (19.8%, of N=212 responses) reported that their pet P. breviceps had ever damaged property (Figure 10 (a)). Those respondents who had had property damaged were asked what type of damage had been done. The text-based responses to this question were analysed for commonalities with results shown in Figure 10 (b) and full comments in Appendix 7.9. Of the 45 comments made by the 19.8% of respondents who said some damage had occurred, 64.4% (of N=45 responses) mentioned that pet P. breviceps had damaged things through chewing or biting; 33.3% mentioned that some damage was caused through toileting; 11.1% of comments mentioned that food scraps were flung about damaging carpets and walls; and 8.9% of comments made mention of damage resulting from jumping or climbing on things. Nearly all of the damage

*In part (b) the percentages were calculated differently to part (a) because not all participants answered part (b)

Page 26 The Suitability of Sugar Gliders as Pets Adrian Di Qual to property occurred when pet P. breviceps were out of their enclosure, with exceptions being damage caused by food scraps, urine or faeces being flung or seeping out of their aviary.

(a)

(b)

Figure 10 – Responses to questions (a) “Has your Sugar Glider ever damaged property through scratching, toileting, biting, or in any other way?” and (b) “If yes, please give details.”*

A majority of respondents (73.4% of N=211 responses) reported that their pet P. breviceps had either no odour or no objectionable odours (Figure

11). Some respondents (24.6% of N=211 responses) said that their pet

P. breviceps had an occasionally objectionable odour and only 1.9% stated that they had objectionable odours.

* As respondents were able to select more than one response to this question, cumulative responses exceed 100%. In part (b) the percentages were calculated differently to part (a) because not all participants answered part (b).

Page 27 The Suitability of Sugar Gliders as Pets Adrian Di Qual

Figure 11 – Responses to question “Does your Sugar Glider smell (body odour, scent marking odour, enclosure odour)?”

A majority of respondents (69.3% of N= 212 responses) reported that their pet P. breviceps rarely or never disrupted their household, 25.0% reported occasional disruptions and 5.7% reported frequent disruptions

(Figure 12). Many comments were made about how noises from pet

P. breviceps could be disruptive, with 96 respondents reporting some form of barking behaviours being made in the early hours of the morning either occasionally or frequently. A further 10 respondents reported noises from animals playing in their enclosures, such as from running in a wheel or playing with bells. Interestingly though, when asked if respondents’ pet P. breviceps nocturnal behaviours bothered them, only 3.8% (of N=210 responses) answered yes (Figure 13).

Page 28 The Suitability of Sugar Gliders as Pets Adrian Di Qual

Figure 12 – Responses to question “Do your Sugar Gliders make noises that disrupt your household?”.

Figure 13 – Responses to question “Do your Sugar Glider’s nocturnal behaviours bother you?”

Page 29 The Suitability of Sugar Gliders as Pets Adrian Di Qual Respondents handled their pet P. breviceps at all hours of the day

(Figure 14). Most commonly, animals were handled in the evening after 6pm, although a few people commented that when they woke in the morning their pet P. breviceps were still awake and that they would handle them while getting ready for work.

Figure 14 – Responses to question “When do you most frequently handle your Sugar Gliders?”*

3.5. Escape and Abandonment

(How often have P. breviceps escaped captivity?)

Respondents were asked how many of their animals had escaped and if so whether they were retrieved. Out of the 211 responses to this question,

42.7% of people reported having their pet P. breviceps escape their enclosures. In nearly all cases animals were promptly retrieved. A total of 4

P. breviceps had their fate unknown, making up 0.27% of the total number of

* As respondents were able to select more than one response to this question, cumulative responses exceed 100%.

Page 30 The Suitability of Sugar Gliders as Pets Adrian Di Qual animals being kept at the time of the survey (number of animals kept by respondents: N=1463). These 4 animals are the only ones that were unaccounted for and may have escaped into the wild. Additionally, 2 escapees were found to have died.

(a)

(b)

Figure 15 – Responses to question (a) “Have any of your Sugar Gliders escaped?” (b) “If so, were they retrieved?” *

Respondents were asked what they would do with their pet

P. breviceps if they could not care for them anymore. This was a descriptive question, providing respondents with the opportunity to give a written answer.

These answers were analysed for commonalities which were then categorised. The results of this analysis are shown in Figure 16, with full text responses found in Appendix 7.10. A majority of respondents (97.6% of

N=211 responses) said that they would try to find a new home, whether it be with family, friends, breeders, rescue homes or otherwise. Many respondents said that if they were faced with this situation, they had associates they felt

* The percentages shown in part (b) are a break down of what happened to pet P. breviceps that escaped from part (a). Note that these percentages are the number of respondents who indicated that there were escapes and not the percentage of the total animals kept.

Page 31 The Suitability of Sugar Gliders as Pets Adrian Di Qual would be willing to assume care for their Sugar Glider. Associates noted who would take on this role were either friends (15.6% of N=211 responses) or family (12.3% of N=211 responses). Some respondents indicated that they would make use of “rescue homes” (9.0% of N=211 responses) if they were unable to care for their pet P. breviceps. “Rescue home” is a term used by owners of P. breviceps in the United States of America to refer to people that voluntarily care for individual P. breviceps when previous owners were not able to do so for various reasons. Six respondents indicated in an earlier survey question that they received their pet P. breviceps from “rescue homes”.

None of the respondents said they would release animals into the wild, including the 6 respondents from Australia.

Figure 16 – Responses to question “What would you do if you couldn’t care for your Sugar Gliders anymore?”*

* As respondents were able to select more than one response to this question, cumulative responses exceed 100%. Respondents were allowed multiple options in the event they had more than one plan to implement if they could not care for their pet P. breviceps anymore.

Page 32 The Suitability of Sugar Gliders as Pets Adrian Di Qual 3.6. Other Pets and P. breviceps

(Does the presence of other pet species have adverse effects on the welfare of captive P. breviceps?)

Respondents were asked if they had any other pets, what these were and whether they had ever injured their pet P. breviceps. A majority of respondents (85.4% of N=213 responses) reported having other pets, with

42.3% having cats and 62.9% having dogs (Figure 17). There were 5 cases reported of pet P. breviceps being injured by other pets with the responsible animals having been: a cat; a ferret; a rat; and two cases of dogs. Most respondents wrote that they had no problems with other pets harming or interacting with P. breviceps because they were always kept apart. Only

0.34% (of N=1463 animals) of pet P. breviceps were injured by other pets.

(a)

(b)

Figure 17 – Responses to question (a) “Do you have other pets? (b) What other pets do you have?”*

* As some respondents had multiple other pets, cumulative responses to part (b) exceed 100%.

Page 33 The Suitability of Sugar Gliders as Pets Adrian Di Qual 3.7. Reproduction in Captivity

(Do P. breviceps breed successfully in captivity?)

Approximately half of the respondents surveyed had had their pet

P. breviceps reproduce in captivity (50.9% of N=212 responses). A total of

172 female P. breviceps were reported to have reproduced, with many having young over multiple years, leading to a total of 264 instances of females having joeys. In this study, the respondents kept a total of 756 females, 22.8% of which had reproduced. For females that reproduced, on average 2.52 joeys were birthed per year (of N=264 birth events), with the maximum number of young for one female having been 8 in a calendar year (Figure 18). Of the 700 joeys born, 612 survived to at least 1 year of age (87.4%, of N=700 responses; Table 8). Of the 40 joeys whose fate was uncertain (5.7% of

N=700 responses), most had been sold to other people or had not yet reached the age of 1 at the time of the survey, so their survivorship could not be determined.

Table 8 – Survivorship of Sugar Glider joeys Survived Died Unsure Total Number of Sugar Gliders 612 48 40 700 Percentage 87.4% 6.9% 5.7%

Page 34 The Suitability of Sugar Gliders as Pets Adrian Di Qual

Figure 18 – Frequency histogram showing the number of joeys born per female per year.

3.8. Health Issues Relating to P. breviceps

(What health issues have been observed in captive P. breviceps?)

Respondents were asked to answer the questions shown in Figure 19 relating to health issues in their pet P. breviceps. A total of 211 respondents answered question 30, and 182 respondents answered question 31. The responses are summarised in Table 9 with the frequency and percentage incidence of ailments shown. A total of 38 pet P. breviceps were reported to have had fatal conditions (Table 10). However, as respondents were not asked explicitly about fatal conditions, this information is incomplete.

Page 35 The Suitability of Sugar Gliders as Pets Adrian Di Qual

Figure 19 – Format of questions on health issues.

Page 36 The Suitability of Sugar Gliders as Pets Adrian Di Qual Table 9 – List of health issues reported, with definitions for each, the number of P. breviceps affected, and the percentage this number makes of the total 1463 animals owned by respondents. Number of Reported issues Definition and comments Animals Percent affected Abnormal Body 81 5.5% weight Overweight Respondents were asked whether their pet 65 4.4% P. breviceps had a large amount of body fat and if so, how many animals were affected. The following text was also provided to assist respondents in answering this question: “this can be determined by examining their gliding membranes, which tend to be thick and inflexible if they have a large amount of body fat.” It is important to note that the usage of the term “overweight” in this case is not used in relation to Body Mass Indices. Underweight Respondents were asked if their pet P. breviceps 16 1.1% displayed the following symptom: “had the bones of their shoulders, ribs, or spine very prominent through their fur?” People answering yes are recorded to the right. The term “underweight” is not used in relation to Body Mass Indices in this case. Musclo-skeletal system 53 3.6% Amputated tail Respondents indicated that their P. breviceps had 19 1.3% had either all or part of their tail amputated, which according to Stedman (2000) is “the cutting off of a limb or part of a limb … or other projecting part.” Hind limb Respondents indicated that their P. breviceps had 13 0.9% paralysis/paresis either: reduced movement in their hind limbs; no movement; slower movement; or they drag their rear legs along the ground. This has been defined as being either paralysis (“loss of power of voluntary movement in a muscle through injury or disease of it or its nerve supply”) or paresis (“partial or incomplete paralysis”) (Stedman, 2000). Broken/fractured Respondents indicated that 6 individual 6 0.4% leg bone(s) P. breviceps had single or multiple fractures to leg bones. Broken/fractured Respondents indicated that the tail of their 3 0.2% tail bone(s) P. breviceps had single or multiple fractures to tail bones.

Page 37 The Suitability of Sugar Gliders as Pets Adrian Di Qual Number of Reported issues Definition and comments Animals Percent affected Amputated Respondents indicated that their P. breviceps had 3 0.2% leg(s) had part or all of a leg or legs amputated Metabolic bone One respondent indicated that their P. breviceps 1 0.1% disease had a “metabolic bone disease.” No further information was provided on the nature of the metabolic disease. Spine One respondent indicated that their P. breviceps 1 0.1% separation had a separated spine, which could either be a vertebral fracture or dislocation. Osteoporosis A respondent indicated that their P. breviceps 1 0.1% had this condition, which is defined by Stedman (2000) as “reduction in the quantity of bone or atrophy of skeletal tissue; an age-related disorder characterised by decreased bone mass and increased susceptibility to fractures.” Osteomyelitis A respondent indicated that their P. breviceps 1 0.1% had this condition, which is defined by Stedman (2000) as “inflammation of the bone marrow and adjacent bone.” Behavioural 40 2.7%

Abnormalities Self-mutilation Respondents were asked if their P. breviceps had 37 2.5% “bit or scratched themselves until they bleed?” Respondents who indicated yes to this question and quoted the number of animals affected are recorded to the right. Anti-social Respondents indicated that individual male 2 0.1% behaviours animals were displaying anti-social behaviours by being: “aggressive;” by trying to “mate” with another male; and by injuring another animal as the result of a “fight.” Pulled pouch out One respondent indicated that one animal “pulled 1 0.1% her pouch out once and wouldn’t put it back in.” The pouch referred to in this case is most likely the abdominal pouch of P. breviceps. Genital-Urinary Tract 36 2.5% Urinary Tract Many respondents indicated that their pet 32 2.2% Problems P. breviceps had had Urinary Tract Infections, commonly abbreviated to “UTI’s.” As we cannot be sure that the animal’s had infections opposed to other urinary problems, such as kidney stones or bladder ulcers, we have categorised these all as Urinary Tract Problems.

Page 38 The Suitability of Sugar Gliders as Pets Adrian Di Qual Number of Reported issues Definition and comments Animals Percent affected Non-retractable The penis is defined by Stedman (2000) as “the 2 0.1% Penis organ of copulation and urination in the male.” In marsupials, including P. breviceps, the penis “is withdrawn into the body” when “in the non- erect state” (Woolley & Webb, 1977). As such a non-retractable penis is one that cannot be withdrawn into the body. Two respondents indicated that their male P. breviceps displayed this abnormality, which in one case was diagnosed as being related to a Urinary Tract Problem. No further detail was provided in the second case.

Kidney Failure One respondent indicated that they had a pet 1 0.1% P. breviceps “die from kidney failure.” However, the cause of this failure remains unknown. Un-descended One respondent indicated that they had a male 1 0.1% Testicle P. breviceps that “had only one testicle descended.” In marsupials, it is normal for the testes to descend except in the genus Notoryctes (marsupial moles) and wombats, where the testicles only descend during the mating season.(Barbour, 1977). This is a common in domestic animals known as Cryptorchidism. Digestive System 19 1.3% Liver Problems Three respondents indicated that their pet 5 0.3% P. breviceps had liver problems or issues, but no further information was provided. In one case, an animal had liver failure indicated to be a result of a kidney problem. One respondent indicated that their pet P. breviceps had a tumour on its liver which caused the liver to fail. Constipation Two respondents indicated that they had 5 5 0.3% animals in total (2 from one owner and 3 from another) that had intermittently been constipated. Constipation is defined by Stedman (2000) to be “a condition in which bowel movements are infrequent or incomplete.” Cloacal issues Three respondents indicated that their animals 3 0.2% had issues around the area if the cloaca, all involving paracloacal glands as described by Smith (1984). These included “glands are not emptying on their own;” “impacted anal glands;” and “tumour on anal gland.”

Page 39 The Suitability of Sugar Gliders as Pets Adrian Di Qual Number of Reported issues Definition and comments Animals Percent affected Damaged teeth Two respondents indicated that their pet 3 0.2% P. breviceps had damaged their teeth; however the cause of the damage is unknown. Intestinal One respondent indicated that a male 1 0.1% infection P. breviceps had a bacterial intestinal infection. Periodontal One respondent indicated that one of their 1 0.1% disease animals had a periodontal disease. According to Schade (2006) “periodontal diseases inflame and destroy the structures surrounding and supporting the teeth, primarily the gums, the jawbones, and the outer layer of the tooth root.” Prolapse In one case a respondent indicated that their 1 0.1% animal had “prolapsed” which is assumed to mean that rectal prolapse, where the intestines slip outside of the body through the cloaca. Diarrhoea One respondent indicated their animal had 1 0.1% diarrhoea, which is defined by Stedman (2000) as “an abnormally frequent discharge of semisolid or fluid fecal matter from the bowel.” Tumours 15 1.0% Abscess Respondents indicated that their P. breviceps had 10 0.7% either single or multiple abscesses at varying locations. An abscess is defined by Stedman (2000) as being “a cavity formed by liquefactive necrosis within solid tissue.” Lymphoma One respondent indicated that their pet 1 0.1% P. breviceps had a lymphoma, which is defined by Stedman (2000) as being “any neoplasm of lymphoid tissue; in general use, synonymous with malignant lymphoma.” Other tumours Respondents indicated that pet P. breviceps had 4 0.3% some form of tumour. While “tumour” is defined by Stedman (2000) as being “any swelling or tumefaction” it is more likely that respondents are referring to a neoplasm, which “usually form a distinct mass of tissue that may be either benign (benign tumor) or malignant (cancer)” (Stedman, 2000). Hair Loss 12 0.8% Over-grooming Respondents indicated that their pet P. breviceps 7 0.5% had bald patches as a result of excessive self grooming.

Page 40 The Suitability of Sugar Gliders as Pets Adrian Di Qual Number of Reported issues Definition and comments Animals Percent affected Unknown Cause Respondents indicated that their pet P. breviceps 5 0.3% had bald patches however were unclear about the cause. Neck Caught in A respondent indicated that their pet P. breviceps 1 0.1% Cage Door had got caught in a cage door and lost fur from around their neck. Parasites 10 0.7% Giardia Respondents indicated that their pet P. breviceps 5 0.3% had problems with “Giardia”, which is “a genus of parasitic flagellates that parasitize the small intestine of many mammals, including most domestic animals and humans,” according to Stedman (2000). Roundworm Respondents indicated that their pet P. breviceps 3 0.2% had problems with “roundworm”, which is “a nematode member of the phylum Nematoda, commonly confined to the parasitic forms,” according to Stedman (2000). It is important to note that not all roundworms are parasitic; with many having mutualistic symbiosis with host organisms. Cysticercus A respondents indicated that their pet 1 0.1% P. breviceps had problems with “cysticercus”, which is defined by Stedman (2000) as “the encysted larvae of various taenioid tapeworms.” Tapeworm Respondents indicated that their pet P. breviceps 1 0.1% had problems with “tapeworm”, which is defined as “An intestinal parasitic worm, adults of which are found in the intestine of vertebrates; the term is commonly restricted to members of the class Cestoidea,” according to Stedman (2000). Respiratory Systems 9 0.6% Pneumonia Respondents indicated that their pet P. breviceps 4 0.3% had problems with “pneumonia”, which is defined by Stedman (2000) as the “inflammation of the lung parenchyma characterised by consolidation of the affected part, the alveolar air spaces being filled with exudate, inflammatory cells, and fibrin.”

Page 41 The Suitability of Sugar Gliders as Pets Adrian Di Qual Number of Reported issues Definition and comments Animals Percent affected Respiratory Respondents indicated that their pet P. breviceps 4 0.3% infection had problems with “respiratory infections”, which covers a wide range of infections of the respiratory system, including lungs, bronchi and upper airway.

Punctured lung A respondent indicated that their P. breviceps 1 0.1% had a “punctured lung.” This was most likely was a physical trauma involving some form of hole that was created in the lung. Eye Problems 8 0.5% Impaired vision Respondents indicated that their P. breviceps had 3 0.2% either reduced vision or “blindness” in one or both of their eyes, with the cause not mentioned. Cataracts Respondents indicated that their P. breviceps had 3 0.2% cataracts. Stedman (2000) defines cataracts as being the “complete or partial opacity of the ocular lens.” Eye infections Two respondents mentioned that their 2 0.1% P. breviceps had infections, one of which was localised in the retina, and the other being severe enough to have the eye surgically removed. Nervous system 6 0.4% problems Seizures 3 0.2% Epilepsy Two respondents stated that their P. breviceps 2 0.1% had epileptic fits or seizures. Epilepsy is defined by Stedman (2000) as “a chronic disorder characterised by paroxysmal brain dysfunction due to excessive neuronal discharge, and usually associated with some alteration of consciousness. The clinical manifestations of the attack may vary from complex abnormalities of behaviour including generalised or focal convulsions to momentary spells of impaired consciousness.” Cause A respondent reported that one of their animals 1 0.1% Unknown had “seizures.” While Stedman (2000) defines seizure as “an attack; the sudden onset of a disease or of certain symptoms,” it is thought that the respondent was referring to a condition more akin to that defined above under epilepsy.

Page 42 The Suitability of Sugar Gliders as Pets Adrian Di Qual Number of Reported issues Definition and comments Animals Percent affected Infectious diseases 5 0.3% Toxoplasmosis One respondent reported that they had two 2 0.1% animals affected by toxoplasmosis. Stedman (2000) defines Toxoplasmosis as a “disease caused by the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii, which can produce abortion in sheep, encephalitis in mink, and a variety of syndromes in humans.” Morganella One respondent reported that they had a 1 0.1% morganii P. breviceps affected with “morganella virus.” This was interpreted as being an infection of the bacteria Morganella morganii, which “can cause opportunistic infections of the blood, respiratory tract, wounds, and urinary tract” (Stedman, 2000). Osteomyelitis A respondent indicated that their P. breviceps 1 0.1% had this condition, which is defined by Stedman (2000) as “inflammation of the bone marrow and adjacent bone,” and is the result of an infection. Periodontal One respondent indicated that one of their 1 0.1% disease animals had a periodontal disease. According to Schade (2006) “periodontal diseases inflame and destroy the structures surrounding and supporting the teeth, primarily the gums, the jawbones, and the outer layer of the tooth root.” Dietary Problems 6 0.4% Calcium Respondents indicated that three P. breviceps 3 0.2% Deficiency had calcium deficiencies. This would most likely be the result of dietary problems. The method used to attain this diagnosis was unclear. Mycotoxins- Respondents indicated that three of their 3 0.2% aflatoxins P. breviceps were afflicted “mycotoxins- aflatoxins.” According to Stedman (2000) these are “toxic metabolites of some Aspergillus strains including the fungi Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus parasiticus, and Aspergillus oryzae … and produce disease in animals eating peanut meal and other feed contaminated by these fungi.”

Page 43 The Suitability of Sugar Gliders as Pets Adrian Di Qual Number of Reported issues Definition and comments Animals Percent affected Skin Conditions 3 0.2% Ringworm One respondent indicated that an animal was 1 0.1% afflicted with “ringworm,” which is defined by Stedman (2000) as “a fungus infection (dermatophytosis) of the keratin component of hair, skin, or nails.” Necrotic ear A respondent indicated that the “outer ear dried 1 0.1% out and dropped off” on one of their P. breviceps. They indicated that their vet thought it could be thrombosis of a blood vessel, although the cause was unknown. Chest gland One respondent indicated that the chest gland of 1 0.1% infection their P. breviceps had an infection. The type and extent of the infection was not indicated. Endocrine System 2 0.1% Hypothyroidism One respondent indicated that their P. breviceps 1 0.1% was afflicted with hypothyroidism. This is defined by Stedman (2000) as “diminished production of thyroid hormone, leading to clinical manifestations of thyroid insufficiency, including low metabolic rate, tendency to weight gain, somnolence and sometimes myxedema. Pouch issues One respondent indicated that they had an animal 1 0.1% “with a chronic pouch issue which was determined to be caused by a hormone imbalance. When the pouch was kept clean there were no secondary infections.” Unknown Conditions 12 0.8% Haemolytic One respondent indicated that eight of their 8 0.5% anaemia P. breviceps were afflicted with “haemolytic anaemia.” Anaemia is defined by Stedman (2000) as “any condition in which the number of red blood cells per mm3, the amount of hemoglobin in 100 ml of blood, and/or the volume of packed red blood cells per 100 ml of blood are less than normal.” The cause of this symptom is unknown, but in other cases can be related to the presences of toxins. Multiple organ One respondent indicated that two of their 2 0.1% failure P. breviceps died of multiple organ failure, although the cause of this was not stated.

Page 44 The Suitability of Sugar Gliders as Pets Adrian Di Qual Number of Reported issues Definition and comments Animals Percent affected Tricamonias One respondent indicated two of their animals 2 0.1% were afflicted with “tricamonias.” This condition is unknown, however it could possibly be referring to “trichinella” which is a parasitic nematode (Stedman, 2000). The respondent was contacted to further clarify, however they did not respond.

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Table 10 – List of fatal health issues reported. Number of Reported issues Definition and comments Animals affected Total Number of Fatalities: 38 Cause Unknown Some respondents reported that they had had P. breviceps die, however they did not indicate the cause of death. 10 Tumour Respondents indicated that their P. breviceps passed away as a result of tumours. 5 Toxic inhalation One respondent indicated they had three animals die as the result of toxic inhalation. 3 Urinary Tract Infection Two respondents had P. breviceps die as the result of urinary tract infections. 2 Hemolytic anaemia Two animals from two respondents were reported to have died displaying symptoms of haemolytic anaemia. The root cause of this symptom is unknown, but in other cases can be related to the presences of toxins. 3 Multiple organ failure Two animals were reported to have died as the result of multiple organ failure. The cause of this is unknown. 2 Toxoplasmosis Two P. breviceps were reported to have died as a result of Toxoplasmosis. This is a “disease caused by the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii” (Stedman, 2000). 2 Lymphoma One P. breviceps was reported to have died as a result of lymphoma. This is defined by Stedman (2000) as being “any neoplasm of lymphoid tissue; in general use, synonymous with malignant lymphoma.” 1 Liver problems One P. breviceps was reported to have died as the result of liver problems, however the cause and extent of these was not stated. 1 Pneumonia One P. breviceps was reported to have died as the result of pneumonia. 1 Self mutilation One animal was said to have self mutilated itself until the injuries resulted in death. 1 Eye infection One P. breviceps was said to have had an eye infection, which “was serious enough to have to remove the eye. Swelling in jaw under the eye-very serious. It eventually led to her death.” 1 Kidney failure One animal was reported as dying from kidney failure, although the cause of this was not stated. 1 Allergic reaction to One P. breviceps was reported to have died from an allergic medication reaction to medications administered by a vet. 1

Page 46 The Suitability of Sugar Gliders as Pets Adrian Di Qual Two interesting comments were made about pet P. breviceps being kept singularly:

“When I first got my female she was by herself. She overgroomed until she was pulling her own skin off. My vet determined that it was out of loneliness and she needed a cagemate. After she was introduced to her cagemate the overgrooming stopped.” AND “One of my sugar gliders suffered from depression. She was my first sugar glider, and the only one for about two to three months. During the second month that I had her I was injured and wasn't able to spend time with her and she became noticeably depressed. She stopped eating and stopped grooming herself. She had food stuck in her hair constantly. Her ribs stuck through her fur. Her eyes seemed lifeless almost. Also it was like she couldn't sleep; when I would check on her in the pouch she would always be awake. I brought her to the vet and he said she didn't have parasites or any treatable illness. I got her a friend and she got better pretty quickly.”

These two comments from respondents suggested that pet

P. breviceps kept alone were likely to show more health issues. Examining the number of P. breviceps kept by respondents, it was found that 14 animals were being kept solitarily. Of these animals, only two health issues were mentioned. These were one case of “giardia” and one animal that had “loose stools” when it was first brought home. No self mutilation or over-grooming was mentioned by respondents who currently keep only one pet P. breviceps.

This subset of respondents had kept P. breviceps for an range of 0-2 years with the average time held being approximately 9 months.

3.9. Zoonotic Issues

(Have carers had any adverse health issues caused by P. breviceps?)

A minority of respondents (12.3% of N=211 responses) had any health or zoonotic problems related to their pet P. Breviceps (Figure 20 (a)). Of these, 10.0% were related to allergies, 5.7% were directly related to nail

Page 47 The Suitability of Sugar Gliders as Pets Adrian Di Qual marks, one related to biting and one related to a fungal skin infection (Figure

20 (b)).

(a)

(b)

Figure 20 – Responses to questions (a) “Did you or any other carer suffer from adverse health affects known to be caused by your Sugar Gliders?” and (b) “What were these?”*

3.10. Captive Environments

(What type of captive environment are pet P. breviceps being kept in?)

The vast majority of respondents (69.2% of N=211 responses) kept their pet P. breviceps indoors, either in a bedroom or a common living area

(Figure 21). Many respondents reported that pet P. breviceps were kept in

“Other” places (27% of N=211 responses), with most of the text responses associated with this saying that their pet P. breviceps had their own dedicated room.

* Responses in part (b) are the break down of issues reported from part (a). However, as some respondents had more than one issue, they add up to more than 12.3%.

Page 48 The Suitability of Sugar Gliders as Pets Adrian Di Qual

Figure 21 – Responses to question “Where in your home do you keep your Sugar Gliders?”

Most pet P. breviceps were kept in cages (74.9% of N=211 responses) and 8.5% were kept in aviaries (Figure 22). “Other” enclosure types were mentioned in 15.6% of cases (N=211) and included: reptariums; screen mesh cages; and dedicated rooms where pet P. breviceps could freely roam. All respondents (N=211) reported that they had many things in enclosures for behavioural enrichment, with the most common being: nestboxes; pouches; climbing vines; running wheels; and mirrors.

Page 49 The Suitability of Sugar Gliders as Pets Adrian Di Qual

Figure 22 – Responses to question “What type of enclosure do you keep your Sugar Gliders in?

The volume of enclosures that pet P. breviceps were kept in has been transformed into a cubed root, such that the numbers shown would make up the length of a idealised cube shaped enclosure (Figure 23). Respondents were asked to give height, width and length dimensions, which were then standardised into metres and used to calculate the total volume. The average enclosure size of respondents was 0.993m cubed*, with the smallest being

0.3915m cubed* and the largest 7.3986m cubed*.

* Note that this is NOT m3 but just the length of one side of the cube shaped enclosure.

Page 50 The Suitability of Sugar Gliders as Pets Adrian Di Qual

Figure 23 – Frequency histogram showing the size of cages that Sugar Gliders are kept in, using the length of one side of an idealised cube shaped enclosure as a measure.

3.11. Commitment

(How much of a commitment, in terms of time and money, are pet P. breviceps?)

Respondents were asked how often they had to clean up after their pet

P. breviceps, with categorical responses options provided, as shown in Figure

24. Many respondents (31.3% of N=211 responses) cleaned up at least once everyday after their Sugar Gliders, while a further 18.5% did so at least once every two days. Of the 8.5% of respondents who chose “Other,” most made comments indicating that they did a light clean of enclosures on a daily basis and a major clean every month (Figure 24).

Page 51 The Suitability of Sugar Gliders as Pets Adrian Di Qual

Figure 24 – Responses to question “How often do you clean up after your Sugar Gliders?”

Respondents were asked how much time per day they committed to the maintenance of their pet P. breviceps and given the examples of feeding, watering, and enclosure cleaning to help clarify the question. Some respondents gave a range of times, in which case the average of this range was used. On average, most respondents spent 56.54 minutes per day on their pet P. breviceps maintenance (Figure 25). Some respondents made further comments that they would do light cleans of enclosures everyday, but then once a month would spend a few hours giving the enclosures a more thorough clean.

Page 52 The Suitability of Sugar Gliders as Pets Adrian Di Qual

Figure 25 – Frequency histogram showing the time per day that owners committed to maintenance of their Sugar Gliders.

Respondents were given a multiple choice question asking,

“Approximately, how much does the food for your Sugar Glider colony cost per week?” Categorical answers were as shown in Figure 26, with an “Other” category giving respondents an opportunity to comment. A total of 212 people answered this question, however, as these were from multiple countries with varying currencies, only the results from the United States of America are shown. Of respondents from the USA, 84.1% (of N=176 responses) spent less than US$15 per week on food for their pet P. breviceps. Of respondents who answered “other” (9.1%, of N=176 responses), 2.8% spent less than

US$20 per week, 5.1% spent on average $US58 and 2.8% commented that they were unsure of the amount spent. Of the 5.1% who spent on average

US$58, two commented that they ran rescue homes and had large colonies of

P. breviceps.

Page 53 The Suitability of Sugar Gliders as Pets Adrian Di Qual

Figure 26 – Responses to question “Approximately how much does food cost per week for your Sugar Glider colony?” All amounts are in US dollars.

3.12. Perceptions about P. breviceps as Pets

(How do owners perceive and categorise their experiences with pet P. breviceps?)

Respondents were given a matrix, as shown in Figure 27, that asked,

“when considering how suitable Sugar Gliders are as pets, how would you rate each of the following characteristics?” On average, all characteristics were rated between indifferent and very favourable (Figure 28, page 56). The most favourable attributes were “aesthetic appeal,” “playfulness” and

“companionship.” On average the two lowest scores (placing the value closest to indifferent on the scale) were related to “odour” and “overall cost.” The highest number of respondents indicated that they found “ease of feeding,”

“ease of handling” and “overall cost” to be unfavourable, however averages for these characteristics were still skewed towards being favourable.

Page 54 The Suitability of Sugar Gliders as Pets Adrian Di Qual

Figure 27 – Format of question asking respondents to rate various characteristics of P. breviceps as pets.

Page 55

Figure 28 – Box and whisker plot of responses for question “How would you rate each of the following characteristics?”

Boxes represent the spread of the middle 50% of data, with the attached lines showing the spread of the remaining quartiles of data. The median value is shown in the centre of the boxes by a horizontal line, except where the median overlaps with an interquartile range boundary. Single outliers are labelled separately ( ), and the average value of each data set is also labelled ( ). Page 56 The Suitability of Sugar Gliders as Pets Adrian Di Qual

4. Discussion

 Linda Sardou. Photo used with permission.

4.1. General Information

(Who completed the questionnaire? How many P. breviceps did they keep and for how long?)

In this study, 214 people completed our questionnaire from 10 countries and all were recruited for this study through groups that had special interests in P. breviceps. As such, our sample is made up of people who actively participate in organisations that are focused or related to the keeping of P. breviceps. This sample could be considered atypical to the general population of people who keep P. breviceps. However, as no other comparable data is available this study provides the first insights into the care and ownership of P. breviceps as a companion animal in a domestic environment.

Page 57 The Suitability of Sugar Gliders as Pets Adrian Di Qual

Respondents to this study appeared to have sufficient experience to be able to bring credible insight to the questions asked. On average respondents had kept Sugar Gliders for 3.2 years and had 6.9 animals each. This is a reasonable period of time considering that this thesis relies on a respondent’s individual knowledge, understanding and experience of the ongoing requirements of keeping captive P. breviceps.

It is difficult to determine what percentage of people who keep pet

P. breviceps responded to our questionnaire. However, the largest company

(by a few order magnitudes) that sells Sugar Gliders in the United States of

America (USA) has sold approximately 100,000 over the last 5 years (pers. comm. Virgil Klunder, Executive Director - Pocket Pets, 2010). Using this number of animals alone, and the average number of Sugar Gliders kept per respondent in this survey (6.892, seen in Figure 3) we can approximate that there are at least 17,412 people who keep Sugar Gliders in the USA. Seeing as 176 people responded to our questionnaire from the USA, we could approximate using the numbers above that we had 1.01% of owners represented in our study from the USA. This low response rate (according to other sources such as Dey, 1997) is still a considerable achievement given the issues involved, namely: a highly spread out sample population (across many countries); difficulties in contacting a non-centralised group of private citizens; and limited resources to work with.

4.2. Interacting with P. breviceps

(Are people able to interact with pet P. breviceps as a companion animal?)

It was found that P. breviceps are handled by 71% of respondents on a daily basis. Pet P. breviceps showed many tame behaviours, including the

Page 58 The Suitability of Sugar Gliders as Pets Adrian Di Qual willingness to: climb on people; be stroked; be petted; and to curl up in bras and in bonding pouches. This is similar to what was predicted to happen in

Archer (2002), however conflicts vastly with two other sources: namely

NSWNPWS (2012b) and Viggers & Lindemayer (2002).

The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Services (2012b) states that

“most native mammal species do not domesticate well” as a reason why

Sugar Gliders (P. breviceps) and Quolls (Dasyurus geoffroii, D. viverrinus, D. maculatus, D. hallucatus) cannot be kept as pets. Similarly Viggers &

Lindenmayer (2002) assert that due to “limited interactive behaviour … and lack of domestication,” that few species of Australian mammals would be viable to keep as companion animals.

These two statements are incorrect in the case of P. breviceps based on the data that was collected in this study. It was found that people handle pet P. breviceps on a daily basis, interacting with them in many different ways.

Taking into account the definition of domesticate, to “tame (an animal) and keep it as a pet or on a farm,” (Soanes & Stevenson, 2005) these animals are most definitely domesticated.

4.3. Bonding with People

(Do P. breviceps show bonding behaviours towards their human carers?)

Respondents were asked two questions about bonding behaviours in relation to pet P. breviceps. These related to whether animals rubbed their head or body against the respondent and whether the respondent thought that the animal recognised them. In 55% of responses, people indicated that their pet P. breviceps did rub up against them. This is an interesting behaviour for

Page 59 The Suitability of Sugar Gliders as Pets Adrian Di Qual two reasons. Firstly, it strongly suggests that pet P. breviceps do not fear people. To climb on to someone and rub against them shows a level of comfort, which is contrasted to other behaviours such as aggression or fear.

Secondly, it is similar to the way that P. breviceps communicate through olfactory senses – by marking conspecifics to denote species and social group membership, as discussed at length in Schultze-Westrum (1965) and summarised in Schultze-Westrum (1969). If this is the behaviour that

P. breviceps are displaying, this could mean that they treat their owners similar to other conspecifics in their social groupings.

Franklin (2007) found that in the case of cats and dogs, that 79% and

82% percent of owners, respectively, kept them as company/companions for themselves. It is expected that potential owners of P. breviceps would look for similar characteristics. However, it was proposed that:

“owners of companion animals usually desire social and emotional interactions with their pets, which most Australian native mammals are unlikely to provide.” (Viggers & Lindenmayer, 2002)

As discussed in section 3.3 (page 23), 98% of our respondents thought that their pet P. breviceps did recognise them, Figure 7and (page 18) summarised many of the different behaviours observed to support this opinion. In the case of P. breviceps, the statement made by Viggers &

Lindenmayer (2002), shown above, is not supported by the data that was collected in this study. P. breviceps definitely appear to be able to bond closely with people and provide the desired companionship that most potential pet owners look for, as suggested in Franklin (2007).

Page 60 The Suitability of Sugar Gliders as Pets Adrian Di Qual

4.4. Unfavourable attributes

(Are P. breviceps likely to injure people, damage property, disrupt households, or have other behaviours that would cause problems for owners?)

Schuppli & Fraser (2000) ask in their check list of questions to assess suitability (Table 4, page 5), “does the animal have objectionable characteristics (e.g. noise, odour, uncleanliness, unruliness, destructive behaviour) that may prove unacceptable?” A second question is put forth in the same table, “does the animal have other characteristics (e.g. solitary, sedentary, or nocturnal nature) that may cause the owner to lose interest over time?” These and other questions from Schuppli & Fraser’s (2000) framework were all explored in our survey and are discussed in Table 11.

NSWNPWS (2012b) indicated that as most Australian mammals are nocturnal, this will prove to be a problem when keeping them as pets. For

P. breviceps, this was not found to be correct. This new information should be taken into account by organisations, such as NSWNPWS (New South Wales

National Parks and Wildlife Service), when making future decisions on regulations and licensing of Australian mammals as pets.

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Table 11 – Summary of unfavourable characteristics with discussion points based on Schuppli & Fraser’s (2000) pet suitability framework.

Potentially unfavourable characteristic Summary of result Suitable/unsuitable as pet

Biting/scratching 57% of people indicated that they Being scratched by claws when had been scratched or bitten. gliders climb on you appears to be a However, when asked to describe normal part of owning them. the temperament of P. breviceps, Similarly, warning nibbles can occur. owners described it as favourable. So long as potential owners are Comments made suggested that aware of this, P. breviceps are nibbles and scratches are a normal suitable as pets according to part of keeping P. breviceps. Schuppli & Fraser (2000) framework.

Damaged property 20% of owners had pet P. breviceps Animals such as dogs and cats can damage property, mostly from either similarly damage things, and the chewing things or toileting. type of damage done is usually minimal. Again, so long as potential owners are aware of this, it should not detract from the animal’s suitability as a pet.

Smell/odour 27% of respondents indicated pet From these results it appears that P. breviceps had an occasionally P. breviceps can have a strong objectionable odour. On average odour, but that it doesn’t appear to respondents later indicated that they bother owners, meaning that were indifferent about this trait. P. breviceps are suitable as pets.

Disruptive noises 25 % of owners indicated that pet Pet P. breviceps can make noises P. breviceps make occasionally that are disruptive to households, disruptive noises, and 5.7% said that however most owners are not they occurred frequently. On concerned about it. This could affect average in another question, owners suitability for some potential owners, indicated they were indifferent about so potential owners should be made the noise made. aware of this trait.

Nocturnal 92% of owners were not bothered by While this was proposed as a the nocturnal behaviours of problem (NSWNPWS, 2012b), very P. breviceps. few owners were bothered by it. Overall, this lends itself to the animals still being suitable as pets. However, potential owners should be made aware of what this means.

When do you handle Owners handled their gliders at all This suggests that even though your pet hours of the day, although mostly in P. breviceps are nocturnal, owners P. breviceps? the evening and at night. can interact with them easily at a variety of times without problems, making them suitable as pets.

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4.5. Escape and Abandonment

(How often have P. breviceps escaped captivity?)

Lindenmayer (2002, p129) proposes that with a pet trade in possums and gliders that disease could be spread “to presently disease-free wild populations of the same species.” Similarly, NSWNPWS (2012b) expresses concerns that if native species that were kept as pets “escaped or were intentionally released, they could cause potential conservation problems.”

Over the entirety of the experience of the owners participating in this study, who at the time of the study kept 1463 pet P. breviceps, only 4 animals escaped their enclosure and were not retrieved. This suggests that there is a very low risk of animals spreading disease to wild populations. In terms of abandonment and intentional releases, 97% of owners had plans made if they were no longer able to care for their pet P. breviceps. These results indicate that the risk to wild populations is extremely small if P. breviceps are allowed to be kept as pets.

Currently in Australia, many volunteer organisations exist and are licensed to keep, rehabilitate and release injured wildlife, such as the “New

South Wales Wildlife Information Rescue Organisation Inc.” and “Wildlife

Victoria.” As the NSWNPWS regulates these volunteer-based reintroductions of sick and injured animals into the wild, once rehabilitated, (NSWNPWS,

2012a), it is likely that the “potential conservation problems” (NSWNPWS,

2012b) that they are concerned about have already occurred as a result of these controlled animal releases.

Page 63 The Suitability of Sugar Gliders as Pets Adrian Di Qual

4.6. Other Pets and P. breviceps

(Does the presence of other pet species have adverse effects on the welfare of captive P. breviceps?)

In this study, 89% of P. breviceps owners kept other species of animals. In 5 cases (0.34% of N=1463 animals), individual P. breviceps were injured by these other animals. This is a very low incidence and does not appear to be significant. The method of ensuring that P. breviceps are not injured is to keep them separate from other companion animal species. As such, there is an extremely small chance of adverse effects on captive

P. breviceps from other species of companion animals.

4.7. Reproduction in Captivity

(Do P. breviceps breed successfully in captivity?)

Based on the responses in this study, P. breviceps reproduce successfully in captivity. In the United States of America nearly 20,000 p.a.

P. breviceps are bred for the pet trade (pers. comm. Virgil Klunder, Executive

Director - Pocket Pets, 2010). This suggests that if a pet trade were established elsewhere in the world, once an initial breeding population was sourced, captive breeding programs could supply an ongoing pet trade, reducing extinction and poaching risks to wild populations.

In this study, only 22.8% of females gave birth. This is lower than expected, and the reason for this discrepancy is unknown. It should be noted that about half of all males kept were desexed and many owners kept their animals in separate enclosures, so not all females may have had an opportunity to reproduce. Females may not have been of an appropriate age to reproduce either, which is likely considering that the average time people

Page 64 The Suitability of Sugar Gliders as Pets Adrian Di Qual had kept P. breviceps was 3.2 years for an animal that lives 12 years

(Lindenmayer, 2002).

4.8. Health Issues Relating to P. breviceps

(What health issues have been observed in captive P. breviceps?)

The highest prevalence of health issues reported in this study affected

5.5% of animals and were related to abnormal body weights (animals showing symptoms of being over or underweight). When compared to cats these figures are very low, with Colliard et al. (2009) finding that 19.0% of cats kept as pets were overweight. This suggests that populations of pet P. breviceps have a significantly lower prevalence of obesity than pet cats. It is a good indication of a healthy population, that abnormal body weight is most common health issue recorded in pet P. breviceps.

The second most prevalent health issues recorded were related to the musclo-skeletal systems of pet P. breviceps. These included broken and amputated limbs, tails, and reduction in movement of the rear legs. It is possible that the 0.9% of animals (of N=1463 pet P. breviceps) with reduced movement in their rear legs suffered from a calcium deficiency; however, no data was found to support this hypothesis.

Many other health issues were mentioned, but all in lower prevalences than abnormal body weights and musclo-skeletal problems. There was anecdotal evidence suggesting that P. breviceps should not be kept singularly, however the data collected was inconclusive on this matter.

Page 65 The Suitability of Sugar Gliders as Pets Adrian Di Qual

4.9. Zoonotic Issues

(Have carers had any adverse health issues caused by P. breviceps?)

Overall carers had very few problems with zoonotic issues. The most common issues related to allergic responses and nail marks from P. breviceps climbing on owners. There was one reported case of a fungal skin infection which was attributed to an interaction with P. breviceps. From the data collected, this species has not posed a zoonotic risk to its owners.

4.10. Captive Environments

(What type of captive environment are pet P. breviceps being kept in?)

Nearly all respondents in this study indicated that they kept their

P. breviceps indoors in large bird cages. This conflicts with what has been said by some sources (e.g. NSWNPWS, 2012b; Viggers & Lindenmayer,

2002) where it is suggested that Australian mammals require large outdoors enclosures. While this may be true for some species, this study finds that

P. breviceps can be kept as pet,s in indoor bird cages of approximately one cubic metre volume with no ill effects on animal health.

4.11. Commitment

(How much of a commitment, in terms of time and money, are pet P. breviceps?)

Keeping a pet P. breviceps is a commitment for its lifetime, which is about 12 years. Each day owners should expect to spend up to an hour providing for the needs of P. breviceps in terms of feeding, cleaning and interacting with them to provide behavioural enrichment. Owners can expect to pay a reasonable amount upfront for P. breviceps, including costs for animals, enclosures and items for behavioural enrichment. The ongoing cost

Page 66 The Suitability of Sugar Gliders as Pets Adrian Di Qual of food is relatively inexpensive, with most owners spending less than US$15 per week. As not all veterinarians specialise in the care of P. breviceps, those that do can charge more for their services than for general veterinary practice.

The difference in cost is unknown and would require further research, but it does not appear to be significantly more than for cats and dogs (pers. comm.

Brad Walsh, Veterinary Practitioner who specialises in the care of

P. breviceps, 2010). As long as potential owners are fully informed of all of this information and are prepared to commit the time and cost required, a pet trade in P. breviceps is feasible in terms of owner commitment.

4.12. Perceptions about P. breviceps as Pets

(How do owners perceive and categorise their experiences with pet P. breviceps?)

On average, every aspect of keeping P. breviceps as companion animals was perceived by respondents as being favourable or at worst, indifferent. In other species, such an analysis would highlight problem areas.

For instance, in primates, aggressive behaviour was perceived as a problem resulting in common injuries (Soulsbury, et al., 2009). Similarly, in wild cat species kept as companion animals, there has been a high mortality rate as owners are unable to commit to the “tremendous responsibility” of providing adequate animal husbandry (Petersen, 1972). As issues such as these were not evident in the perception of current owners it is a good indication that

P. breviceps are suitable as companion animals.

Page 67 The Suitability of Sugar Gliders as Pets Adrian Di Qual

5. Conclusions

 Darleen Miller. Photo used with permission.

The most recent great debate on this topic was held in 2001 as part of a symposium hosted by the Royal Zoological Society of New South Wales.

Many views were put forward (e.g. Archer, 2002; Hopwood, 2002; Viggers &

Lindenmayer, 2002) and it resulted in more questions than answers. In contrast, the present study has explored assertions made by stakeholders in and beyond that debate, and assessed their credibility in a plethora of real-life situations. Since 2001, regulatory bodies, such as the New South Wales

National Parks and Wildlife Service, have been basing their decisions on presumptions that this study demonstrates to be inaccurate in the case of

Petaurus breviceps. While this is the only native Australian mammal species involved in the pet trade that has to date been studied in this way, it suggests that concerns previously expressed (NSWNPWS, 2012b; Viggers &

Page 68 The Suitability of Sugar Gliders as Pets Adrian Di Qual

Lindenmayer, 2002) about potential risks to animal welfare may prove to be more imagined than reality.

Based on the data collected in this thesis, P. breviceps is a suitable animal to keep as a pet. As summarised in Table 12, there were no appreciable risks to the welfare of the animals kept by respondents. There were no risks to the welfare of others and few risks to the environment because it was very rare for an individual animal to escape the home where they were kept. Further, 97% of respondents had previously prepared ethical plans for what they would do if, for whatever reason, they could no longer care for their pet P. breviceps.

Certain areas remain beyond the purview of this thesis. These include: what conservation benefit keeping Australian mammals as companion animals may have; what regulatory structures would be required for an associated pet trade; and how and where a captive breeding population(s) could/should be established and managed as the source for legal purchase by the public. In this thesis, I focused on testing whether concerns expressed by stakeholders (eg. NSWNPWS, 2012b; Viggers & Lindenmayer, 2002) about potential problems that may arise when keeping Australian mammals in captivity manifested in the experience of people who actually kept

P. breviceps as pets. If they were realised, there would be no further need for debate about the pros and cons of keeping this species as a domestic companion.

Page 69 The Suitability of Sugar Gliders as Pets Adrian Di Qual

Table 12 – Summary of findings for the 12 aims of this study.

Research Question Suitable? Comments

Who completed the This established that there were sufficient questionnaire? How many N/A respondents with the breadth of experience to P. breviceps did they keep and for contribute to this study. how long? Are people able to interact with People are able to interact with P. breviceps in P. breviceps as a companion Suitable such a way that they are satisfied with them as animal? companion animals. Do P. breviceps show bonding P. breviceps show bonding behaviours that behaviours towards their human Suitable most respondents perceive as favourable. carers? Are P. breviceps likely to injure P. breviceps may have characteristics that can Suitable – people, damage property, disrupt cause minor problems; however, this did not conditional on households, or have other deter respondents from keeping them. New owner attributes that would cause owners should be made aware of these before awareness problems for owners? being allowed to purchase them. Although some animals escape, so few were How often have P. breviceps Suitable not retrieved immediately that this poses a tiny escaped captivity? risk to wild populations. Does the presence of other pet Although other companion animal species can species have adverse effects on injure P. breviceps, a majority of owners simply Suitable the welfare of captive keep these separate and in so doing avoided P. breviceps? the risk. Do P. breviceps breed Suitable P. breviceps breed easily in captivity. successfully in captivity? Many health issues were reported but none What health issues have been Suitable that suggested that there was poor husbandry observed in captive P. breviceps? of animals. Have carers had any adverse Out of the 214 respondents there was one case health issues caused by Suitable reported of a fungal skin condition. Otherwise P. breviceps? no major health issues reported. What type of captive environment P. breviceps are kept in indoor cages/aviaries are pet P. breviceps being kept Suitable which can be readily obtained. in? P. breviceps can be a significant commitment Suitable – How much of a commitment, in in time as a pet, with about 1 hour required for conditional on terms of time and money, are pet their care a day. They remain suitable as a pet owner P. breviceps? on the condition that potential owners are awareness aware of this. On average owners perceived all aspects of How do owners perceive and keeping P. breviceps favourably or were categorise their experiences with Suitable indifferent about any potentially negative pet P. breviceps? features.

Page 70 The Suitability of Sugar Gliders as Pets Adrian Di Qual

As a consequence of the data collected in this study I believe that

P. breviceps is a suitable species to be kept as a companion animal in

Australia. I recommend that any pet trade in P. breviceps have an appropriate regulatory structure linked to it which informs potential owners of their animal welfare commitments prior to purchase, provides owners with a basic overview of appropriate animal husbandry, and provides support structures for when owners have problems they do not know how to handle. Given the extent to which P. breviceps are being kept as pets in Australia, and around the world, there appears to be no grounds to discount this species as a companion animal in terms of suitability.

Page 71 The Suitability of Sugar Gliders as Pets Adrian Di Qual

6. References

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ABC Premium News (2010c, 15/10/2010). Rescuers Rubbish Native Pet Push. Sydney, Australia: ABC Premium News.

ACAC (2009). The Power of Pets: The Benefits of Companion Animal Ownership. Sydney, Australia: Australian Companion Animal Council Incorporated.

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Brewer, P. (2007). Sugar Gliders: Living With and Caring for Sugar Gliders. Is This The Right Pet for You? Bloomington, USA: Author House.

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Brook, S. (1999c, 10/07/1999). Quoll Found Way to Owner's Heart. Sydney, Australia: Weekend Australian.

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Cheng, C. (2007). Locally Wild: Keeping Native Animals as Pets. Melbourne, Australia: Pluto Press Australia.

Colliard, L., Paragon, B. M., Lemuet, B., Benet, J. J., & Blanchard, G. (2009). Prevalence and Risk Factors of Obesity in an Urban Population of Healthy Cats. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 11, 135-140.

Conway, S. (2009, 14/4/2009). Creatures not pets. Perth, Australia: Midland Reporter.

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Dasey, D. (2000, 9/4/2000). Americans Fall in Love with Protected Sugar Glider. Sydney, Australia: The Sun-Herald.

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Dowling, B., Seebeck, J. H., & Lowe, K. W. (1994). Cats And Wildlife: Results Of A Survey Of Wildlife Admitted For Care To Shelters And Animal Welfare Agencies In Victoria. Heidelberg, Australia: Victorian Department of Conservation and Natural resources.

Drews, C. (2002). Attitudes, Knowledge And Wild Animals As Pets In Costa Rica. Anthrozoös, 15, 119-138.

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Engebretson, M. (2006). The Welfare And Suitability Of Parrots As Companion Animals: A Review. Animal Welfare, 15, 263-276.

Fleay, D. (1945). Native Cats At Home: Breeding Carnivorous Marsupials. Wildlife, 7, 233- 237.

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Galvin, N. (2007, 7/8/2007). To Keep Pets, Go Native. Sydney, Australia: The Sydney Morning Herald.

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Goldberg, T. L., Grant, E. C., Inendino, K. R., Kassler, T. W., Claussen, J. E., & Philipp, D. P. (2005). Increased Infectious Disease Susceptibility Resulting From Outbreeding Depression. Conservation Biology, 19, 455-462.

Greger, M. (2007). The Human/Animal Interface: Emergence And Resurgence Of Zoonotic Infectious Diseases. Critical Reviews in Microbiology, 33, 243-299.

Henry, S. R., & Suckling, G. C. (1984). A Review Of The Ecology Of The Sugar Glider. In A. P. Smith & I. D. Hume (Eds.), Possums and Gliders (pp. 355-358). Sydney, Australia: Australian Mammal Society.

Herald Sun (2011, 30/05/2011). Forget The Puppy, Get A Possum. Melbourne, Australia: Herald Sun.

Homer, P. M., & Kahle, L. R. (1988). A Structural Equation Test Of The Value-Attitude- Behavior Hierarchy. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 54, 638-646.

Hopwood, P. (2002). Native Australian Mammals As Pets: An Overview. In D. Lunney & C. R. Dickman (Eds.), A Zoological Revolution: Using Native Fauna To Assist In Its Own Survival (pp. 77-83). Sydney, Australia: Royal Zoological Society of New South Wales and the Australian Museum.

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Lindenmayer, D., & Burgman, M. A. (2005). Practical Conservation Biology. Melbourne, Australia: CSIRO Publishing.

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Soulsbury, C. D., Iossa, G., Kennell, S., & Harris, S. (2009). The Welfare And Suitability Of Primates Kept As Pets. Journal Of Applied Animal Welfare Science, 12, 1-20.

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Sunday Herald Sun (2010, 19/09/2010). Quoll-ity Time. Melbourne, Australia: Sunday Herald Sun.

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The Advertiser (2010, 03/04/2010). Sick Trade: Junk Food Diet Makes Animals Ill. Native Gliders Sold As Pets In US. Adelaide, Australia: The Advertiser.

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Viggers, K. L., & Lindenmayer, D. B. (2002). Problems With Keeping Native Australian Mammals As Companion Animals. In D. Lunney & C. R. Dickman (Eds.), A Zoological Revolution: Using Native Fauna To Assist In Its Own Survival (pp. 130-151). Sydney, Australia: Royal Zoological Society Of New South Wales And The Australian Museum.

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7. Appendices

7.1. Certificate presented at the CSIRO Malcolm McIntosh Lecture

Page 77 The Suitability of Sugar Gliders as Pets Adrian Di Qual

7.2. Letter of Appreciation from the Sugar Glider Advanced Research Group

Page 78 The Suitability of Sugar Gliders as Pets Adrian Di Qual

7.3. Poster Presented at the UNSW Science Postgraduate Research Competition

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7.4. The questionnaire in the online format

Sugar Gliders as Pets You are invited to participate in a study of the suitability of Sugar Gliders as pets. We hope to learn about your experiences with Sugar Gliders in terms of their: behaviours; health issues; reproduction; and suitability as pets. You were selected as a possible participant in this study because of your experience of keeping Sugar Gliders as pets.

If you decide to participate, we will ask you a series of questions about your experiences of keeping Sugar Gliders as pets and about your perceptions on a number of related issues. This survey will take an estimated 15 minutes for you to complete.

It is aimed that the results of this study will be made available to you once they have being published via the email address you provide in this questionnaire.

Any information that is obtained in connection with this study and that can be identified with you will remain strictly confidential and will be only disclosed as required by law.

If you give us your permission by agreeing to this, we plan to publish the results in scientific journals; with particular focus on informing: current pet owners on the ideal care of their Sugar Gliders, taking into account current and ongoing scientific research; people considering getting Sugar Gliders as pets about their captive care and management requirements; to be used in an ongoing debate about whether Australian native marsupials should be kept as pets in Australia. In any publication, information will be provided in such a way that you cannot be identified.

Complaints may be directed to the Ethics Secretariat, The University of New South Wales, SYDNEY 2052 AUSTRALIA (phone 9385 4234, fax 9385 6648, email [email protected]). Any complaint you make will be investigated promptly and you will be informed of the outcome.

Your decision whether or not to participate will not prejudice your future relations with the University of New South Wales. If you decide to participate, you are free to withdraw your consent and to discontinue participation at any time without prejudice.

You should also understand that at any time you may WITHDRAW your consent to participate in this research by sending an email with words to this effect to [email protected]. Any such withdrawal WILL NOT jeopardise any treatment or your relationship with The University of New South Wales.

If you have any questions about this research, please direct them to Mr Adrian Di Qual, [email protected], and he will be happy to answer them.

1. You are making a decision whether or not to participate. Your checking the box below saying "I agree" indicates that, having read the information provided above, you have decided to participate.

Please print a copy of this page to retain for your records.

I agree

I do not wish to participate in this survey

Page 80 The Suitability of Sugar Gliders as Pets Adrian Di Qual

General Information

2. Contact Details and Location

Name (Optional):

Email (Optional):

Phone with area code (Optional):

Country:

State:

Postcode:

3. How would you describe your home?

Apartment House Other

4. What age and gender are the primary carers of your Sugar Gliders?

Carer 1 - Age:

Carer 1 - Gender:

Carer 2 - Age:

Carer 2 - Gender:

Carer 3 - Age:

Carer 3 - Gender:

5. What year did you get your first Sugar Glider? (e.g. 2001)

Year

6. How many Sugar Gliders do you currently own?

Males

Females

Unknown

7. How many of your Sugar Gliders are desexed or castrated?

Males

Females

Page 81 The Suitability of Sugar Gliders as Pets Adrian Di Qual

Interacting with your Sugar Glider(s)

8. How often do you handle your Sugar Glider(s)?

Once every...

day

2 days

3-6 days

week or less

Never

Other

9. At what times do you most frequently handle your Sugar Glider?

Please check all that apply

Before 11am

11am to 3pm

3pm to 6pm

6pm to 9pm

After 9pm at night

10. Which of the following best describes your Sugar Gliders level of development when you FIRST got them?

Eyes not yet opened

Eyes opened, but still drinking milk

Juvenile no longer drinking milk (6 to 12 months old)

Adult (Older than 12 months)

Other

11. What do you do with your Sugar Glider(s) when you handle them?

Page 82 The Suitability of Sugar Gliders as Pets Adrian Di Qual

12. Have any of your Sugar Gliders ever escaped? If Yes, how many have escaped and did Yes No you get them back?

13. Do you have any other pets?

Yes No If yes, what other pets do you have?

14. Have your Sugar Gliders ever being injured by other pets?

Yes No If yes, please give details.

Behaviours

15. Do your Sugar Gliders regularly rub their head or body against you? If yes, where do they rub against you and Yes No Unsure with what part of their body?

16. Do you think that your Sugar Glider recognises you?

Yes No Unsure Why do you think this?

17. Have you ever had problems with your Sugar Glider biting, or scratching people? If yes, please give details of what Yes No happened.

18. Has your Sugar Glider ever damaged property through scratching, toileting, biting, or in any other way?

Yes No If yes, please give details.

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19. If your Sugar Gliders are disturbed whilst sleeping, what sound do they make?

Unbroken hissing noise

Interrupted hissing noise

Repetitious grating noise

Loud barking

Other

20. Do your Sugar Gliders make noises that disrupt your household? How are these noises disruptive, if they Never Rarely Occasionally Frequently are?

21. Have your Sugar Gliders ever reproduced (had babies)?

Yes

No

Sugar Glider Reproduction

22. How many babies did your females have per year?

Name of female Year, e.g. 2006 Number of offspring a) b) c) d) e) f) g) h)

23. How many babies born survived to at least one year of age?

Survived

Died

Unsure

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Housing, nesting and toileting

24. How do you house your Sugar Gliders?

In a cage

In an aviary

Free to roam around the house

Other

25. Estimate the dimensions of your Sugar Gliders enclosure/cage if applicable.

Width (include units, e.g. metres, feet, inches)

Depth (include units)

Height (include units)

26. Where in your home do your Sugar Gliders nest or have an enclosure?

Bedroom

Common living area

Yard

On a balcony, porch or veranda

Laundry or garage

Other

27. How often do you have to clean up after your Sugar Gliders?

At least once every ...

day

2 days

3-6 days

week or less

Never

Other

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28. Does your Sugar Glider smell (body odour, scent marking odour, general enclosure odour)?

No odour or rarely detectable odour

Detectable but not objectionable

Detectable and occasionally objectionable

Objectionable odour

29. What do you have in your Sugar Glider’s enclosure for behavioural enrichment?

E.g. nest box, pouch, branches, running wheel etc.

Health Issues

30. Have your Sugar Gliders displayed any of the following symptoms?

How many of your Sugar Gliders have displayed this Yes No Unsure symptom? a) had the bones of their shoulders, ribs, or spine very prominent through their fur?

b) had reduced movement in their rear legs?

(This would be seen by the dragging of their rear legs or by their rear legs moving slower than their front legs.)

c) have a large amount of body fat?

(This can be determined by examining their gliding membranes, which tend to be thick and inflexible if they have a large amount of body fat.)

d) bit or scratched themselves until they bleed?

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31. Have you observed any health problems in your Sugar Gliders?

What were these? How serious were they?

Sugar Gliders as pets

32. Does your Sugar Gliders nocturnal behaviours (active during the night) bother you?

Yes No Undecided Why is this?

33. How much time per day do you commit to your Sugar Gliders maintenance? e.g. feeding, watering, enclosure cleaning etc.

Minutes per day

34. Approximately, how much does the food for your Sugar Glider colony cost per week?

Less than $5 per week

$5-10 per week

$10-15 per week

$15-25 per week

Other

35. Did you or any other handler suffer from adverse health affects known to be caused by Sugar Gliders (i.e. allergy, viral, bacterial or fungal infections)? Human health Human health If human health problems were No detected human problems: medical problems: medical encountered, please state briefly what health problems. treatment not treatment required. these problems were. required.

36. What would you do with your Sugar Gliders if you couldn’t care for them anymore?

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37. When considering how suitable Sugar Gliders are as pets, how would you rate each of the following characteristics?

Very Very Favourable Favourable Indifferent Unfavourable Unfavourable Undecided Aesthetic appeal

Companionship

Playfulness

Ease of handling

Ease of feeding

Ease of housing

Odour

Noise

Temperament

Overall Cost

Time involvement for daily care

38. Are there any other comments you would like to add?

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7.5. A list of organisations contacted with a request for assistance

Sugar Glider Forums Pocket Pets Online Community Sugar-glider.co.uk www.sugargliderinfo.org

Glider central International Sugar Glider Association www.glidercentral.net www.isga.org

Sugarglider.com Glider Haven Sugarglider.com www.sugargliderhaven.com

Marsupial Society of Victoria World wide Sugar Glider Network [email protected] www.worldwidesugarglidernetwork.co m Marsupial Society of Australia [email protected] Southeast Sugar Gliders sesg.suggies.net Queensland Glider Network http://www.wildlife.org.au/projects/gli UK Sugar Gliders ders/ uksugargliders.co.uk

Suncoast Sugar Gliders rescues.all4gliders.com www.sugar-gliders.com animalcrazeforumotion.com

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7.6. Full text responses to the question “What do you do with your Sugar Gliders when you handle them?”

1. Do chores,watch tv,play with them. 2. We have 'tent time' about 1 time a week. Tent time includes getting into a tent with interactive toys and allowing them to check out the things in the tent or crawl around on us. This usually lasts about an hour. We also allow them to roam freely in the room where their cages are kept every other day. This time varies, but is minimum an hour. They enjoy crawing around on us, climbing on the chairs and exploring the environment. This time is when my gliders that enjoy gliding, get a chance to glide long distances. 3. Bonding pouch, treat time, tent time. 4. Mostly during feeding when they come to us and crawl over us looking for titbits (esp mealworms). We stroke them but the main pleasure is in having them willing to come to us, not in holding hem against their will. 5. It depends on which glider(s) it is. If it's Fuzzy, he gets to ride around on me while I do household chores. He hardly ever jumps off. Other than that, they go in a bonding pouch or we go to the tent to play. 6. During the daytime, I carry them in my bra. I will offer them a midday snack and drink. In the evening I play with them in a tent. They also have their own 'room' to play and explore at night. 7. They ride on me during the day. I pet them and talk to them. During the weekend nights we have tent night for a couple of hours. 8. We have bathroom playtime. My youngest gliders like to climb on the shower curtain. My older pair only climb on me. 9. Pet them in the pouch, have playtime in the glider safe bathroom. 10. Play--let them jump,run, take with me in pouch, rub bellys, one i and feed. 11. We go to the bathroom or the tent for play time. Sometimes I pull them out of their cages for bonding time other times is to clean cages. They love to climb my shower curtain and glide to me. 12. She has her little toys..She almost acts like a cat when you play with her with a feather toy. We have tent time and I let her come to me while I read to her. I also take her out and put her on me for a few mins a day 13. I pet them, kiss them. Allow them to glider to me as their tree and climb/explore me as their tree as well as run free (supervised) in their room before returning to their enclosure. 14. Still trying to bond with him. 15. I pet/scratch them, give them lots of kisses on their heads and backs, and of course play with them. 16. They usually just 'hang out' with us. On my person, on the curtains, in a tent. Sometimes they go out in a zippered pouch or hoodie pocket. In the morning they play on me on my robe while I get ready for work or sleep in the pockets. 17. Playtime in the house, playtime in the tent, in my bra daily and in a bonding pouch daily.

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18. I pet them a little and put them in a bonding pouch for about a hour or more. then once a week i go in a tent with them and play time. 19. Play, give treats, talk to them. 20. We have had to handle them in order to give them medication or take them to the vet. They will sometimes climb on us if we sit still near them, but we try to avoid picking them up unless it's necessary. 21. Feed them treats.. and snuggle the joeys. 22. I have a 8x9 foot tent for most of the year set up with different toys and wheels than what they have in their cages and I sit in with them. During warmer months, I have a 9x14 foot screened in porch that I take large trees out and sit with them outside. 23. Pet him, talk to him, feed him mealworms/treats, play with him in a tent and/or just walk around with him in a pouch or on my shoulder. 24. Play with them in a tent, or let them run around the room. 25. I talk to them, pet them, offer treats, trim nails. I let them climb the doorframes and stairway handrail, they also like to climb all over the outside of the cages. Often other family members will hold them. I encourage them to glide by placing them on a high piece of furniture, or another person then back away so they will glide to me. 26. Play with them. feed them. sometimes show them to other people. 27. I let them explore and come to me when they want to. My girls are not cuddly tame, but they know me as being the bringer of tasty treats, so will come to me and climb all over me. 28. Pet them. Let them jump on and off me.Give them treats. Feather teaser in a tent. 29. Let them run on me and glide off and on while playing in their room. 30. I pet hi, feed him treats. Talk to him. 31. Play, talk, walk around the house. 32. Play and go araund my house with my sugar glider on my shoulders. 33. I play with them and give them occasional treats. 34. Pat & talk to, feed, walk around, gliders in pouches. 35. Let them crawl all over me when I have them out for tent time. Other than that I keep them in their pouch in my lap while they sleep. 36. They play in their play room, I have set up with toys ect. 37. Toss puff ball for them to catch pet and let them ride on me slither a small rope for them to chase just hang out. 38. During the day he sleeps in my pocket. At night he plays jumping around hiding. 39. Rather play in the tent or love on them in a bonding pouch, depends on what time I get them out. One female is very handable, my other 2 females and my male are not. They need their space but will play on us during tent time. For some reason they dont like hands. Maybe they dont like to feel confined. 40. Play with them in a large tent. I become their 'tree'. they jump on me, climb on me, etc. They play hide and seek in a pouch or my shirt!

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41. Mostly my sugar gliders come out in a 'glider-proofed room' that has hanging 'vines' and toys and they run around for an hour or so at night. I read a book and interact with them and encourage them to climb on me. Sometimes I bring in live insects so they can forage for enrichment. Occasionally, I will wear them in a bonding pouch during the day. However, I find this interrupts their sleep so I don't do this regularly. 42. Check pouches. General patting and playing. 43. In the morning, I take them (one at a time) out of the cage and weigh, let them potty, then put them in my bra. If I offer treats (mealies, apple, carrot), I hold them. At night I let them potty and hold them as they eat mealies. 44. Bonding time in pouch. Also tent time with each cage,where I put up a tent in my living room and take a cage at a time in to play with. 45. They are with me during the day in a bonding pouch while they sleep and we spend time playing for a while in the evening. 46. I carry them on me during the day time hours and play with them inside a tent in the evening hours. They have free roam of the tent with toys and will come and visit me when they want. 47. They are allowed out of their cage in a supervised glider safe room. They have their own bedroom. The room has a walk in closet that is their play area. I have a separate play area because I have 3 cages and they have to have separate play times as they do not get along with each other. The play area has toys and gyms for them to play on. They also interact with me and get treats during this time. 48. Allow them to play outside of their habitats, weigh them, feed OZ flora to them & other flower blossoms - have done much research in this area - yrs ago had seeds shipped into USA via USDA. I carry them in their pouches during daylight hours,etc. 49. They sleep in my bra, or we have playtime in a tent at night. 50. They are in a bonding pouch and I take them out with me when I run errands; in a bonding pouch around my neck at home; playing in a tent; riding on my body. 51. Feed them and play with them. 52. I carry them in a pouch or carry them to the play room to play. I also handle just to check on them or pet them. I do a nose count daily, but that is just touching, not handling. 53. Let them out of their cages to run around in a glider safe room. Give them treats and hold them. Let them jump around on and off of me and other things and/or people. 54. We let them glide back and forth between us as well as play in their room and run around for excersize, sometimes they curl up in our shirts or sleves to take a nap. 55. My glider is a bra baby, so during the day she goes everywhere I go in my shirt. At night we have tent time for at least an hour. 56. I take them out nightly to play in a tent with me that is set up in my living room. 57. Pet him love him look him over for anything not right. 58. Play with them, interact with them, feed them from our hands, let them run around on us, let them explore in a safe area, play with them with toys, etc.

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59. Pet them, feed them treats, let them crawl all over me, use me as a 'launching point' or 'landing pad', let them sleep in my shirt, let them hang out on the kitchen counter while I make dinner, let them run around the room and come jumping back to me periodically (which they always do). 60. We have playtime outside of cage where they can run and jump (glider) and have fun. Mine like to sometimes sleep in my bra and stay with me all day at home. They love to run around on me and just hang out with me. 61. Let them climb on me, play 'attack' by draging toys and feathers for them, rub tummys, heads, ears and backs, cuddle and kiss them. 62. I pet and feed them while in their bonding pouch. I also let them run free in my room. 63. Hold them, pet them, and let them run around in a tent or glider room Only while I am with them. 64. Play with them in tent. Carry them in their pouch. 65. They run on us and jump from family member to family member. Feed them treats. Let them play in our play room. 66. I gently rub/pet them under their chin and between their ears. 67. I hold them in the pouch during the day, or sometimes I put them in my bra. At night when they're awake we have 'tent time' in a tent and I let them jump around and climb on me, and I give them treats. 68. Love on them, play with them in the tent. 69. They climb on me. I talk to them. I play with them with toys. I pet them and snuggle with them. 70. Keep them in my shirt, let them play in a controlled area, carry them around places in a secure pouch. 71. Usually just pet them and talk with them while they play on me in the bathroom or in there cage. 72. I either put them into a bonding pouch or play with them in their room or the bathroom and let them climb around. 73. Allow them to crawl on me and glide from person to person. 74. In the evening we usually have closet time. I've got a spare closet that i have set up for play time. In the morning I do the closet time and feed live insects. 75. Play, feed, attempt to train, observe them running around the house. 76. Allow them to come to my hand. 77. I let them roam my room, and play with them while they do. They love to play hide and seek games with me. 78. I let them jump on me and play around the room. I alternate outings between the three cages. I also hold or pet them. Sometimes do tent time. 79. Allow them to roam the living area; hold them; talk to them; play with them; feed them mealworms. 80. Carry in bonding pouch while sleeping during the day. 2-3 hours each evening out of cage play time in either tent or glider proof bathroom.

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81. I play with them in a large 'playhouse' cage that I built. I play with cat toys (no catnip) I allow them to crawl all over me, I pet them and give them treats. 82. I let her climb on my hands, arms & lap. She usually crawls into my pocket on sweatshirt. She is not trained enough yet to walk around on our shoulders thru the house. Likes to jump. I feed her little treats & watch her eat. I rub her tummy & 'wings' when she lays curled up in my hand sleeping. 83. Play, pet, feed treats, check skin, eyes, hair, etc., clip nails, check pouches. 84. They get to run on us. They jump between me and my boyfriend. We keep a close eye on them and let them run on the bed. We also use chinchilla size rolly balls for them to run in. 85. During the day while they are asleep I carry them around on my body, either inside my shirt or inside a pouch. Sometimes I will put my hand in their pouch and they will sleep with it as though I am part of their colony. Other times I will scoop one out and pet them until they fall asleep in my hand. At night when they are awake I take them into a tent and let them run free. I have interactive toys and I will play with them. They climb around and glide inside of the tent. 86. I let them do what they like. They will climb on me and hide in pockets. They also like to jump to other people. 87. I walk around the house getting ready for work in the morning with my male and I get him mealworms. I will also sometimes get them out before they are due to awaken and put hold and pet them. 88. Allow them to climb on me, pet them, scratch behind their ears. 89. Most the time I start by handling them inside there sleeping pouch...petting their head and ensuring they are in safe hands. Afterwards I scoop from behind and let them sit on my shoulders or walk on me as I talk to them. 90. Feed them and pet them. 91. Hold them, let them walk on me, hand-feed them a single mealworm, let them roam freely in their room, talk to them, encourage them to glide onto me. 92. Clip their nails, give them treats, pet them, walk around with them on shoulder. 93. Pet them, feed them treats, let them run around in glider safe room, let them play in tent. 94. Carry them in a bonding pouch, or they go under my shirt. 95. We take them out into our sugar glider tent and let them run and play in there. We have vines and wheels for them to play on and they have a blast every evening. We also carry them around in bonding pouches for a couple hours a day. 96. I feed them treats and let them run around my glider room. I usually just sit there and let them come to me. They like to groome my hair and nails and jump on me from the door frame. I always look to make sure they don't have any injuries when I handle them. Giving treats is another way to make sure they don't have any teeth problems. 97. Give them love and attention. 98. Carry them in my shirt or in a pouch, take them with me on short errands or outings. I also photograph them.

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99. I take them out of their pouch and put them into my bra, and then when they start waking up, I take them into their play room for about an hour. 100. I check them over for injuries, put them in their bonding pouch and wear them while they are sleeping during the day. I play with them in the early evening, they like to chase feather toys. 101. Let them out in a glider safe room to run. 102. I either have them in the pouch or I handle them and let them jump around. 103. Hold, pet, stroke, massage while they are sleeping. walk them through my hands, get them to glide. 104. Cuddle, carry in pouch, hand feed, play in tent, explore household. 105. Let them sleep in my hand/sweatshirt pocket/bonding pouch during the day. At night let them out of the cage in glider proofed room to play. 106. She's bonded well enough to hang out on my shirt while I do light house work. We also have 'tent time' where she can be free to climb and explore. I also take her places such as the park in a bonding pouch. Sometimes she sleeps in my shirt while I watch t.v. or do homework during the afternoon. 107. I feed-pet-play with them. Also I trim their nails. 108. Pet them, clip their nails, kiss their heads, give them treats. 109. Let them climb on me and jump around. Give them toys to play with. 110. Give them freedom out of cage. 111. I let them crawl around. They pretty much have free roaming of my room. 112. Play, let them jump around on me and toys in a large tent or in the bedroom. Play with them with toys like balls and feather teasers. 113. I take them out of the cage, and let them crawl on me, they normally stay on my arms and shoulders. they groom my hair, and crawl inside my shirt and run around. 114. I love on them, we have millie time and play time. I take them out when I go out. 115. It's more like they handle me. They have their own room and they jump to me, hide in my shirt, try to open treat jars, check out the dog .. all sorts of things really. 116. I allow my gliders to play as they will in a safe invironment. They climb, jump, glide, and groom me. 117. Hold a bonding pouch with all 3 in it or take one out at a time and let is crawl around on me. 118. Sometimes just pet them in the bonding pouch, if during the day. If at night, mostly just let them play on ME! They groom and play in my hair. I wiggle a plastic necklace around and let them chase it like kittens. We sit in the play tent and let them jump from the side of the tent to me and back again. 119. Allow them play time in a glider safe room, carry them in a safe on the body bonding pouch. Provide activities and enrichment with me directly with toys and treats. Pet/stroke them, allow them to groom me. 120. Play with them, let them roam around my room, give them treats, feed them.

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121. I take the joeys out and hold them against my chest while I watch TV. I rub their sides and their heads, and allow them to crawl on me. I also let the adults run around in the safe room. I do not pick the adults up directly, I let them come to me. 122. While they sleep or supervised out of cage time. 123. We are a small rescue so it depends on the glider we are dealing with. But we do what we call tent time with enrichment toys and treats to help bond with them and make them not afraid of human hands. Also we carry them around in bonding pouches. 124. Short periods of handling just enough to allow for weighing and inspecting them. 125. My suggies get to run loose in my room every night for exercise and stimulation. I pick them up to move them around the room and they are constantly running up and down my body. They make sure they jump on me at least once every 15 minutes or so. I also take them out as soon as I get home from school and carry them in a pouch with me while they sleep. 126. If I have to handle it is for veterinary purposes. 127. Sometimes in a tent so they can run over us and get close up, sometimes let them out in living room where they may have freedom to explore and climb curtains. 128. Check them to make sure there are no injuries, trim claws if necessary, instigate play with them. 129. Stroke them. Let them climb on me. Hold them. 130. We have cuddle time(bonding time where I hold the pouch with my hand inside with them cuddling/petting) and playtime (where the gliders are playing in an enclosed area with the option of interacting with me or playing by themselves). 131. Talk to them, let them climb on me, let them run around the suggie room or in the tent. 132. Inspect each one every morning for any bumps, injuries, problems of any kind, clip nails if needed, hand out treats/mealies for being such a mean mom and doing all that inspecting. Nights our forever pets come out and play in their room and use me for their tree and an additional toy to the other things in their room. Rescues aren't allowed in the glider room so I spend time in the tent with them being a jungle gym and making them more comfortable with close human contact. 133. Give them Mealworms. Check them over. 134. Cuddle and let them play with my hair and they ride around on my shoulder and down my top. stroke their heads and play with their tails sometimes too. 135. Give them treats, take pictures, play with them in the bathroom. 136. Stroke and tickle. 137. Feed them. 138. We play in the tent or 'glider room' or they are in a bonding pouch. 139. Use a feather toy and play with them, or just put them in my hand an hold them. 140. Give them treats sroke them. 141. CARRY AROUND, THEY RIDE ON MY SHOULDER/ IN POUCH AROUND THE HOUSE, THEY ARE LET OUT TO ROAM AROUND THE LIVING ROOM AND PLAY ON ME.

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142. Let them explore, they crowl up my arms and onto my back, jump off me onto someone else. At other times I handle them inside the cage, putting my hand into the cge and feeding them iams biscuits and petting them. 143. 'Tent' time, letting them freely play with the variety of toys and things in there. Playing with a feather teaser toy. 'wrestling' with my fingers. Vet practice... training them to sit still on a table, weighing them, feeding them yogurt treats from a small syringe. 144. Hold them while sleeping, sit in a small room with them while they jump and play on play structures in that room. 145. Carry them on me and proceed with daily activities. 146. Licky treats on me, they run around room and jump back to me occasionally time in pouch chasing feathers. 147. Let them crawl all over me - in and out of my shirt and carry them around in my shirt during the day when they sleep. 148. Depends. For daytime bonding I use a bonding pouch. At night I take my gliders into a glider safe room or tent to let them play and run all over me. I pat them while they are asleep and let them sleep in my hands in the pouch as well. 149. We play with bells, monkeys in a barrel, they get to jump around and climb or sit on my shoulder and we watch tv. 150. Let them climb all over me. Give them treats. Play games with them with feather toys. (They just love those feathers) If it is day time, hold them while they sleep, pet them, and offer treats. 151. Once daily I handle and do a complete physical exam (eyes on all body parts). I play with them in the tent and in my play room. I hold them in my hands, bra or bonding pouch. I clip their nails. I feed them treats from my hands. I encourage them to play, glide and run. I am a landing pad for the gliders and the 'human tree' for those that don't wish to glide. 152. My first, original pair are not totally tame. They can be picked up/held but not restrained. They are allowed to climb over me and around my room, and like playing with toys. They gave birth to two male joeys who are very friendly and climb all over me and my room but also actually enjoy the human interaction. They like being petted, jumping to me, and playing games like chasing cat toys. They then had another female joey who I hand reared. She spends hours with me everyday and loves being cuddled, petted and playing with toys, but doesn't like to leave me to explore the room. She spends most of the day asleep in a pouch under my t-shirt. 153. Every day talk to and pet gliders through cage (cage is in bedroom with me), every other day or so take out pouch during day time and pet and cuddle gliders in pouch/feed treats, when possibly (at least once every 2 weeks) let gliders out to play in room- used to be more often but college schedule this year is very busy. 154. Hold, stroke, and let them 'run' around on me. 155. Give treats, trim nails, play with feather teasers, play in tent or bathroom, let them out on me, carry 4-5 in bonding bags every day. 156. I let her run all over on me. i give her treats when she returns to me and we play with her wheel and with i rope.

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157. They sleep in my shirt, come out and play when they are ready. I have a home made 'shower tower' as I call it that hangs in the shower on a shower rod covered in vines, pouches, and made of an old torn up flannel sheet, they play in the shower on that. They also have a glider room that consists of their cages, tubes that line the room for them to explore that I can place food in as a treat, and other toys. I sit in there with them while they rip and tear! They use me as a launch pad! 158. Wrap the female in a towel and hold her. the male gets hand held or put in his pouch. they both get fed apple slices. pet the male and try to pet the female. sometimes they get put into a rolling hamster ball. 159. Give them treats, allow tem to crawl over me, pet them. 160. During the day, I pet them and feed them treats. At night, I put them in a pop up tent for play time. Sometimes I let them run around in my guest bedroom. They spend a lot of time in my shirt during the day, sleeping. 161. Play catch games with string/feathers. They use me as a jungle gym. They like being handed things they can smell/play with. i watch TV with them, use the computer with them. 162. I play with them (toys strings feathers, plushes and various babygyms i pinched from my baby) and let them run-glide wherever they like inside my bedroom. 163. Let them climb over me, pet them, put them in my shirt. 164. Allow them free roam in a secured room with numerous toys and activities for them to explore including myself. Clip their nails when needed, check them for over all appearance of health. Spend time interacting with them and allowing them to interact with me. 165. Let them run about, jump and glide. Play with them with toys, feed them treats, talk to them. 166. Play and cuddle. 167. Pet them hold them I also do tent time with them to allow them out of the cage and play with toys. I also carry them in a bonding pouch for part of the day. 168. Let them play on us and in a 'glider safed' spare bathroom. 169. I hole them in a fleece blanket. I pet them, and let them crawl all over me. 170. Let them run and jump in a glider-safe room. Let them come to me as and when they choose. Play with them with toys eg feather on stick. Feed them treats. 171. When i play with him i let him run around on me and he jumps back and forth between my brother and i. We also have various toys that he plays with. We also use a tent to play in. 172. I let them explore and crawl around, try to stimulate interaction with different toys. During daytime hours I carry them in a zippered bonding pouch while they sleep. 173. Tent time, several ride around on my shoulders while making their dinner, interactive in their room with toys etc. 174. Carry bonding pouch around with me during average daily activities. Sitting in a kiddie tent while gliders run around and play inside. Carry them in my bra, where they sleep. Hold and pet them at feeding time.

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175. We play with the female in our glider safe room. Hide and seek is one of her favorite games, also she jumps from us to other places and back. Our male is not very social and accepting of our 'human' condition and so we let him be in the cage. We try to keep our hands in the cage while he is playing and he gets good pouch time, but still isn't very trusting of us. We were told this is possible with an adopted glider and we should allow him his space. 176. I have 2 rooms dedicated to gliders. They are decorated w/ropes, swings, vines, toys and baskets. During out of cage time, the gliders climb and play on these toys. They also climb on me. A few of my gliders do like to spend daylight hours nesteld in my shirt. 177. Let them glide, let them explore, give them mealworm treats, lots of toys to play with. 178. Give them treats, let them climb on me, sometimes play with them in a net tent. I pet them gently and kiss them but I don't think they like to 'cuddle' as much as I like it. I also clip their nails and weigh them on a digital scale (every 3-4 weeks). 179. Several things. I will play with them in their cage (with toys). They love fuzzy finger puppets and teasers. I also take them out of the cage and let them wander about on my person, or in a glider-proof room with constant supervision. Feed them treats: mealies, diced fruit, yogurt drops. Let them interact with other gliders (I have a multi-cage setup). Gliders who fuss at one another do not get to play together. 180. Let them crawl on me, play in my pockets, we also have toys they play with while outside their cage and of course they get treats! 181. Play in the tent, let them climb on me, give licky treats, pet them, hold them, talk to them, feed them, etc. 182. Carry them in a cage or bonding pouch; carry them in my shirt; take them into a specially set up tent to play; let them jump on and off me. 183. Tent time, bonding time in pouch, go to the store in carry pouch, treats. 184. Take them in the tent that is filled with toys and swings and of course theri wheel. Let them play and climb all over me. 185. I have them in a pouch which I carry most of the day. At night, they are with me during 'tent time.' I've only had them for a month so we are still in the bonding process. 186. I hold and pet her as much as she wants, and let her ride around on my clothing while I walk around the room. We play with feathers, plastic army men and anything else that catches her attention. I encourage her to crack open plastic Easter eggs to work for the mealworms I place inside. 187. When it is warm outside they go for a walk with me. if not they take turns run around on their ball. i check each one daily. 188. Pouch cary and tent time. 189. Tent time or licky treats 190. Tent/bathroom time, treats, cuddling and general attention, hold them in bonding pouch while i play a video game/computer game and sing to them. 191. We play in a tent, we go to the market, class, and on other random outtings, play with toys in they're room, they cuddle with me during the day when they are sleeping.

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192. I keep them in a pouch for some time during the day when they sleep. When they wake up in the evening, I let them climb around on me as I walk about. Since I'm still attempting to bond with these two, I also spend quite a lot of time playing with them in a tent that I simply put in the middle of the living room. 193. I am a taxi/tree/treat dispenser to them, also lauch staion. 194. We have 'tent' time, and we play together. I talk to them ALL the time, even if I am just passing by their cage. They will hang in their pouch around my neck during the day. 195. We have play time in my bedroom or a tent. It depends on where we are. 196. Play with them in an enclosed area and carry them everyday in a bonding pouch when they are sleeping. 197. Generously pet him, massage his belly, give lots of kisses. 198. During the day - carry them around in a pocket,shirt, or zippered pouch. 199. I always feed mealies from hand. Usually they are running on me. Sometimes we go into a tent, and the brave one discovers the place and the items in it. 200. They run around in our shirts and pockets while inside our home. They enjoy 2 indoor trees. In the AM hours before work and school... They jump from person to person before they sleep for the day. If outside we use the 'bonding pouches'. If we feel comfortable.... they have their heads poking out the unzipped bag. Outside they are usually poking their heads out of a 'bonding pouch' we carry them in. 201. Let them out of cage have a critter room with ropes on the walls, swings for them. Things for them to climb on, hold them in my hands, let them run all over me. They like to jump on my shoulder and nibble at my ears. 202. We have a tent that they play in with us usually for 2-3 hours a night. We have treats, play with toys. 203. I have 'Tent' time and I let them crawl on me and all over the tent. 204. They are checked head to toe for any issues, nails clipped if required, weighed once weekly. We also play with their toys in the play closet and do enriching/foraging activities for treats. 205. Playtime in the bathroom gliding from you to window coverings shower rails shower curtains. climb over you walk around the house. 206. We let them play by allowing them to crawl on us. They have a lot of toys, wheels, branches, that they have in their cage. They appear to like being cupped in the palm of my/wifes hand next to our chest. They like to explore and playing on us. They'll jump between us. Most of the time they spend exploring their surroundings. They like to sit on our shoulders. The others love playing in my wifes hair. 207. I allow them to come out in a tent, providing them with treats and new different stimulating toys. I do this for a minimum of 1 hour every day and ensure that im inside the tent for the duration of their play time.

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7.7. Full text responses to the question “Do you think your Sugar Gliders recognise you, and if so, why do you think this?”

1. I am the lady with the mealies. 2. They are much more wary of contact with any strangers we take into the aviary and will not readily come to them. 3. Their behaviour towards me, compared to towards others. 4. Food related. 5. If myself and one of my sisters is infront of the cage, the gliders will come over to me. They follow me if I move around the outside of the cage. 6. My boy runs to the front of the cage to greet me when he sees me. 7. They get bright eyed and acknoledges I'm in the room by coming out to visit. 8. Because if anyone else puts there hand in the cage they crab. 9. THEY COME TO THE BARS WHEN I CALL THEM/ COME INTO THE ROOM 10. They act differently to me than others. 11. They are friendly with other persons too, but there is a small difference. And if the brave one is scared, then she comes to me. 12. Because they are feel calm around me. 13. They will almost always crab at or bite anyone else who tries to handle them. 14. I can call them buy name and that glider will respond. 15. They have a bond with me, i am their 'parent'. 16. Because people have told me that they respond only to my voice. 17. They get excited and jump to me as soon as they can. 18. Because they are very shy with new people, but with me they are already quite confident. 19. They will run to me during playtime but usually won't go to anyone else in the family (one of them more than the other). 20. I am their main caregiver and they are much calmer around me than anybody else. And will come running to me for their treats. 21. They recognise that we have treats. 22. My gliders react differently to me walking in to their room than when others do. When I enter the room they get up and they 'follow' me around the room, they do not do this to other people. 23. They recognise voice and come out to voice and prick ears, others voices they hesitate and dont come forward. 24. They recognise my smell and voise and i believe they can recognise my appearance as well.

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25. Because they recognise me as someone who cares for them...food playtime....cuddles hehe. 26. It will allow me to handle it without problem , it will not allow anyone else to do this. 27. They come when they hear my voice. 28. When I say their name they come or at least crab if they dont want to be bothered, when someone else has one of my gliders and they see me they come to me. 29. Because they only go to the front of the cage if it's me. They ignore other people. LoL! 30. They come to me, jump on me, if anyone else does that - they may go back in there pouch. 31. They only come out when it is me in the room talking if my boyfriend is in there they can be coaxed out with meal worms. 32. They always come to me, always. 33. They come to me at the sound of my voice, if they see me they come to me where as they do not come to other unknown people. 34. When awake they come to the front of the cage to me, and if sleeping when i take out the pouch they sleep in they dont crab at me they just look at me like 'mom were are we going'. 35. Our female comes out the pouch to see us but they crab when any strangers even look in the bag. 36. The minute I come home from work and say his name, he comes out of his pouch and comes to the cage where I am standing. 37. Because my female will bark for my boyfriend. 38. They come to see me when i call their names. 39. When they get scared the jump on me and stay there. 40. When I talk to him his ears perk up, if he is sleeping I call to him and he wakes up and comes to the door of his cage. 41. They come to the front of the cage when I come in the room. 42. They will crab if someone else opens their pouch while sleeping, but not if I do it. 43. They run and hide if someone they don't know enters the room. They come to the front of the cage if it is me. 44. They seem to recognize the sound of my voice. 45. They will come to us and jump on us, the girl especially likes to hangout on my boyfriend and always runs to him. 46. They know their names, love to come out an play with us, and we have a couple that adore sleves and will sadly look at you till you let them in your sleve. 47. He come to the front of cage in the morning to meet me. 48. As soon as they see me they come to me and no one else. 49. They will wake up and peer out of whatever they are sleeping in. 50. They will stay on me if there are other people around.

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51. They come to me and crab at strangers. 52. Greets me every evening and morning. 53. When calling their names they respond to me, and crab less with me than other people. 54. They come to the front of the cage when we are around. The will bark in the night until we get up and hold them. And our male cayters will come to the cage door when called by name. 55. When they are awake and I come into their room they run to the cage door to greet me, while if someone else comes in they are nervous and stay in the back of the cage. If they are asleep in their cage and I reach in and pet them, they do not mind, while if someone else does it they will crab. 56. They glide to me when called by their names; they also stop their playing and 'appear' when I name them. 57. I believe they associate me with their food and treats. 58. When I come to the door they will run out of their pouch and come see me, and when strangers arrive, they won't. 59. They jump up to the cage door when they see me come in. 60. They crab at other people but not me. They will run from across the room to me, and up my leg to nuzzle me. 61. Come to the front of the cage when I walk by, come to me when called while out. 62. They will be happy to see me and will not crab or run away like they do with other people. They also refuse to go to anybody else and will stick to me. 63. When I call his name he runs to me. 64. They will sit on the side of the cage and bark at me until i wake up and play with them. And when they are out and get scared they come and hide somewhere on me. 65. My gliders will pass by many others to get to me in a room. They are happy to see me, call to me and then respond with the clicking when I approach. 66. Do not crab at me and let me handle them but sometimes crab at strangers and do not like being handled by strangers. 67. Kinda, because we are just bonding. 68. They come to the door when i enter their room. 69. They react differently to me than they do to strangers (visitors) that I have come over. 70. One mated pair will crab at anyone but me and all my gliders will come out of their cages to greet me they will not do this with everyone. 71. My few most bonded to me will come out if I call them, but not if others do. They will also jump to me if given a choice of several people to go to. 72. They will come to me when i put my hand in their cage . If someone esle dose this they will come up to their hand then jump away from it. 73. They panick when I'm not there. They trust me most in the family. 74. Because I have a few that if anyone but me talk to them or try to handle them they will crab and sometimes bite but as soon as they hear or see me they are fine.

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75. They allow my wife and me to handle them. 76. Because if someone else tried to reach into their pouch they would crab at them. 77. She singles me out as a sort of safe space when there are unfamiliar people around or if she gets into an unfamiliar area. 78. When they are startled by a loud sound or motion that scares them, they will glider or run back to me. Even when other people are in the room, they will choose me since I am their main caregiver. 79. If another person is in the room or cage 6ft-6ft-5ft they will come to me first or at the vet the they often will seek me out after treatment. 80. They dont bark or seem threatened and groom me regularly. 81. They get excited when they see me. Also they are very affecianate to me. 82. When they see me they are not startled as they are when my friends come around. 83. They are leary of other people. 84. They crab at those they don't know. 85. With others around, they come to me always. 86. They run to the cage door to greet me and if they are in their pouch & are upset, they calm down when they see it is me. 87. They have to smell who is getting them out; someone they don't know they will go in their bag. 88. They always come to the cage door when i talk to them. 89. They all come over when I walk in and they bark for me at night. 90. You can tell by the way they act when they see me compared to someone else. 91. Because they interact with me but not my husband. 92. Only my smell. 93. They come to the front of the cage when I enter the room, come when I call them, and start barking if I leave. 94. Because they will respond to the sound of my voice and they will jump back to me if put on someone else. 95. They always come back to me if they are afraid, or tired or hungry. 96. They come flying out of their cage when i open it. 97. Ears perk up. They come out of their pouch when I open the door. They glide to me. 98. They will come to me when they hea my voice, but not others. 99. They run to the door everytime we sit at the cage. Also when people come over they havent seen, they hide. 100. If someone else is holding one of my gliders, when I speak or come into view, the head turns to track me. They want to jump on me and into my bra. 101. If they hear my voice they will look for me but don't do this with other people.

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102. One will always jump to me and come check during playtime. He also barks unless I say goodnight. 103. She will come and greet me at the door of the cage when I walk up to it. If I try to get her out of her pouch without talking to her first she will crab. If I talk to her while I am getting her out she will not crab. 104. Because they come out of their sleeping pouch when I speak to them and also come to the side of the cage I am near if I walk by. 105. He will come to me when loose or if I open the cage door but not to strangers or even people he 'knows' that are not me, like regular visitors. 106. Because they come running/leaping to me whenever they see me, even in a room full of strangers who are handling them. 107. When they get their nails cut, after they are done, they look straight at me and jump to me. They will not leave me just to jump on someone else unless it's my b/f, their other parent, even then they are on him they always scope me out and jump to me. 108. Because when I talk to them the come out of there pouches. 109. They come to me. 110. Because when they hear my voice they bark at me and come to the front of the cage. 111. Because they will jump up to the cage when I come in at night (obviously looking for treats) they recognize me as the treat lady I am sure! When someone else comes in they become fearful and 'freeze' on the sides of their cages or they run into their pouch. 112. Because when I talk to him he comes up to me. 113. She gets excited when I open the door to the glider room. runs back and forth in front of her door. 114. As soon as they see me they jump to the door of their cage. if there running around and i put my hand down they jump on me. if i call 1 he comes to me. 115. They respond with more interest and enthusiasm when I enter the room or hear my voice versus if someone else does. 116. Not afraid of me, sleeps in my hand, smells my hand and walks onto it. 117. Will not go to anyone else. 118. I'm the only person she doesn't crab at when I open her cage and speak to her. 119. Because they come right to me when I call them. 120. They will always come to the front of the cage if I am thier, and won't normally if it is a different person, and they will always come out and play. 121. I dont think i have had them long enough to know me. 122. At the sound of my voice they respond by coming out of their pouches, they do not do this to others in the household. 123. They respond to my voice, and they are happy to see me, differently than my husband. 124. They learn ro recognize people by sent and then sight. Part of the bonding process is leaving a shirt you have worn on their cage so they can get used to your scent. Now that we are bonded, my gliders show a clear preference to me if I have other people in the room with me while they are loose.

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125. They bark for me to come into the room. 126. When I speak in their room they run to the front of the cage to see me. If someone else attempts to hold them they glide/jump right back to me. 127. They come out when they see me. Some crab until they hear it is me or see me. 128. They come out of thier pouch when I call thier name. They don't do this with anyone else. 129. They come out of their pouches to the sound of my voice and always prefer to stay on me when I have visitors over. 130. Bonding. 131. They bolt to the front of their cage and come out of their pouches when they hear my voice or see me. 132. Because they only come to me, and are nervous around strangers. 133. They come to me when I call them sometimes. 134. He will usually only come to my brother and I... unless someone else has food. 135. Looks to our voices, but not to others. If visiting with another person and gets scared, runs/jumps/glides back to us. 136. They will seek my out when there are other people in the room. They will click to me when I enter the glider rooms. 137. By scent-won't crab or bite when I put my hand in their sleeping pouch. 138. They approach me easily and do not crab. Familiarity. When others come over, they'll hide or crab. They wait for treats from me. 139. Because they crab at anyone else who approaches their cage! 140. They do not like any of my roommates. 141. They know my voice and smell. i look them in the face when i talk to them so they probably know my face. 142. If they are with other people they will leap back to me, if they are running on the floor they run towards and up my legs. 143. If I start talking, they will peek their head out of their pouch to come say hi. 144. No crabbing, smells/sniffs and stares directly at my face/eyes. 145. They jump out of the cage to us, go to their favorite spot, and relax!!!! 146. Run to the door of the cage when I enter room, do not do this for anyone else. 147. Both of my gliders will come when I call them, but not when my kids do, I give them treats. 148. Interaction. 149. Their response to our entering the room. They'll jump to the front of the cages when we enter the room. They appear to recognize simple verbal and hand commands (come here, and their name) which appears to be the extent of it that we have observed. 150. Some of my gliders will often crab at other people but will not crab at me or will stop immediately when they hear my voice.

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151. Most of my gliders jump out of their cage right to me when I let them out, but when my husband lets them out they try to make a run for it. With 2 of my gliders they go straight for my husband and have nothing to do with me.

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7.8. Full text responses to the question “Have you ever had problems with your Sugar Glider biting or scratching people; and if yes please give details of what happened.”

1. Minor bites and nibbles all the time. We feed using a light glove just to stop both sides of the transaction getting nervous! 2. Only scratching as they climb arms. 3. Male protecting nest when I went in to feed them at night. 4. My girl is curious and has jumped on my friends body and accidentally scratched her trying to hold on. Also, if they get upset they may bite. 5. They bite until they know you. 6. My female loves to bit people. But she's never drawn blood. 7. Scratching, just because their nails were a little long. 8. They like to nibble. 9. It's only accidental. The scratching is because hanging. And the biting is typical only after a lickable food runs out. 10. The parents (my original pair), were very, very untame right from the start and used to always bite quite aggressively. They have calmed down so much now though, but will still give occasional little nips. The others will sometimes bite at people who they are unsure of. 11. They scratch all the time but not on purpose, as their nails are naturally claw like. when they climb on people's bare skin, it scratches naturally. 12. They dont come into contact with other people - but they do bite me! 13. Initially, they would bite and sometimes draw blood when startled. At this time, though, they have stopped doing this. They tend to sneak up and nip at my ears and fingers though, which can hurt, but we are making progredd with teaching them to stop doing this. Primarily by hissing at them, and carefully blowing on them when they misbehave. 14. They scratch just when climbing and gliding to and from people. One of the males will nip fingers when he wants to be left alone or is frightened. 15. I wouldn't call it a 'problem'... Being scratched is part of handling gliders. 16. Female sometimes nips, if she think you have food. 17. I have a couple of rescue gliders that came to me because they were too aggressive. 18. They tend to bite my feet. 19. Initally as they were unhandled yes bite lots and scratched when frightened. now only time was ever bitten was when seperated them when they were argueing! 20. My youngest entire male will often bite, although its not a hard bite, more of a 'are you edible' bite. 21. Was at a vets and he didnt want to go back into his carrycase and he nipped the nurse.

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22. One of my girls is a very mean girl at times ! iam working with her. 23. I have one glider that is a biter and a little aggressive with the other glider in her cage. 24. Our juvile male bites alot not out of deffense but more curiosity. 25. Male bit to the bone and drew lots of blood. females only bit when playing. they all scratch when they climb on my arms. 26. My one boy thinks all fingers are food and has to taste test them. 27. If my gliders dont know you, they will bite you. 28. I have a female who nips. I don't allow anyone to handle her. She does not bite hard, just a gentle pressure, but some people are afraid of any type of bite, so I avoid letting her around people. 29. The boy bites but not really to be mean. Sometimes the other ones nibble. 30. We have a male glider we have not been able to stop biting everyone and everything, but it seems to be just his individual personality. 31. He was a resue and we had to get him used to us was never held much. 32. I have one that bites me sometimes. 33. One of my gliders used to bite me many times every day. When I got her she was not well socialized and she was very skittish and scared. I had her for about six months before she stopped biting. She is now quite tame and sweet. 34. My female used to be a biter, she would go for blood whenever a hand came toward her, including my own. Once she learned to trust people she stopped biting. Now if I do something she is uncomfortable with she will lightly place her teeth on me. It is not at all painful. 35. One girl gets 'eager' when mealies are passed out; she mistakes hand parts for mealies. 36. My first two were rescues who were never played with for almost the entire first year of their lives, and I was bitten several times just on the first night. They've come far, but I still get the occasional nip. 37. One of my females nips when frightened, and once drew blood from my dad when my parents were tending. But he was fine. 38. I don't believe the biting is malicious and seems associated more to having food or other strong smells on hands. 39. Some of mine are not tame and bite at every chance. 40. I have a white-faced glider who bites whenever anything is happening that he does not want. 41. When I first got one of my girls, she was afraid when a the vet tried to clip her nails and bit her a few times. Both girls had some biting problems at first, but with some bonding and playtime they both got out of the habit. 42. Someone was trying to make my male sugar glider go where he didnt want to go, so he bit her. Also, my female slaps people she doesnt know. 43. I have several biters. As a rescue home, I get biters in all the time. I don't have scratching problems because I keep nails trimmed. 44. When i first got her she kept lunging at me.

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45. Anyone unknown trying to pet them. 46. My gliders will bite if something startles them or if they are mad about something. Even my most bonded will bite if I have strange smells such a lotion on my hands. 47. They bite or nip at us once in awhile. It depends on how you handle them. 48. My older female bites me and anyone else. 49. I have one female who is pouch protective and will carabb and bite if she is in a reular pouch. 50. Pickles used to be an avid biter. Emma bites everyone except for me. 51. The gliders I have that bite are rescues and are bad inbred. They will bite and crab at just the site of human skin. 52. They nip but don't break skin. Only bad bite was when one tried to grab a yogurt drop and got my finger instead. 53. One white-faced glider bites whenever something doesn't go his way. 54. I wouldn't call it a problem, but I have had them bite when someone tried to remove them from something they were hanging onto while outside of their cage. At around six months of age, they seem to get 'nippy' and bite a little more often. I do have one that gently bites as if testing for something (hard to explain). 55. Usually at the vet or when I'm wrestling with them in order to give meds. 56. Julie would bite. She only liked to be handle by my husband and myself...no outsiders. 57. Nippy stage - male attacks hair. 58. Yes, a few of mine bite and scratch. 59. Love bites and when giving treats they miss the treat and get the finger instead. 60. I have had gliders scratch others when their nails have been long - a couple of times deep enough to draw blood. One glider bit the vet. Other bites/scratches have been with me when I was first bonding with the gliders or when they were annoyed due to nail trimming. 61. Intact male smelling other gliders and digging in. One of my gliders was not tame when I got him. 62. When we first got them. 63. When I first got her I feed her some apple sauce the night i got her on my finger..My friend then stuck his finger in there but he had no licky treat for her and she bit him. 64. He bites me. 65. Nail clipping! My friend was cutting the males nails and...he got him pretty good but that was the only time he bit someone other than me. 66. Male, we resuced him and he was not very social but is becoming more adaptable. 67. They will bite when we try to handle them to medicate them or take them to the vet. 68. I have a 6 year old rescue who is still fearful. Also my 14 week OOP girls are a bit mouthy. Not biting, but kind of chew on you. My 6 year old is difficult to handle, and has never had her nails clipped, so scratches are inevitable. 69. They nibble on me all the time and i don't consider it a problem.

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70. They will bite if you try to force them out of their pouch or if you chase them and corner them and grab at them. 71. New glider to my home, had not been very well socialized. 72. All but one female will bite. They dont like to be held. They only bite if we try to pick them up. But one female is very open to us. 73. My female is a social, friendly glider. My boys are shy and folks who try to poke their fingers in the pouch get crabbed at and sometimes bitten. 74. They will sometimes bite others but it's more of a pinch with their teeth than a bite. One male did bite a veterinary technician but he was very scared. He did break the skin and she bled. 75. She came from a mill breeder and was not socialized when we got her. The man who did handle her was very rough with her. For about the first month we had her she was scared of fingers and would bite them when they would get near her. 76. My gliders we adults when I first got them and had not been handeled much so at first they were scared of me and bit alot. I have had them 1 1/2 years now and they are much better but still nip from time to time. 77. Our female has bitten us a few times back when we first got her, but does not do that anymore. 78. If I smelled like another glider. 79. My males tend to bite alittle more than my females especially if they don't know the person they are on. 80. Biting during the adolescent phase. 81. Occaisional nips now, one initally would lunge & bite but after first few weeks here. Scratches happen frequently unless claws recently cut. 82. Nobody else handles them. 83. When I first tried to handle my male he bit the knuckle on my thumb so hard that I was bleeding and had a half inch 'cut'. 84. Lack of handling can cause biting. 85. I was very shy when i got him and he used to bite me, but with patience and work we got thru it. 86. Occasionally will jump to someone and scratch them. 87. All of my gliders are rescues and rehome three of them can be nippy and I attibute that to their handling before I got them. They no longer draw blood, but I will get a nip every now and then, specially when clipping toenails on the one glider. 88. 1 male nips (us only- dont allow others to handle). 89. She did bite me pretty good once because I startled her by just reaching into her sleeping pouch in her cage; it was completely my fault. It was in the early afternoon and she had only been with me for about 2 weeks. 90. My male once bit a boy, but not hard enough to break skin, I think he was just nervous. 91. The male will bite if someone puts their hand in the bonding pouch when he is asleep. 92. Sugar can and will bite for many reasons. But trust building and bonding reduces this.

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93. My gliders were traumatized by shipping, and one is very pouch protective, I have to move slow and let him have his space. No bite has drawn blood, but 3 or 4 have broken skin. 94. Neither of my gliders were socialized when I girst got them so they bit fingers out of fear. With a little patience, they both soon got over the problem. 95. One pitbull biter, was neutered, self mutilated, spent 29 days in an ecollar with me hand feeding all of his solid foods and is now one of my most loving, cuddling gliders. Many others nibble bite from fear when first becoming part of the family. Some still bite to get their way-usually when they realize I'm trying to put them back in their cage. Juveniles usually nibble chew for a couple months similar to a puppy. 96. A friend jumped on during tent time. 97. My male was a biter when I got him, but hes calmed down now. My female is still a little biter. 98. Their nails (no matter how often they are trimmed or even with the trim trax in the wheel) are quite sharp and frequently leave tiny scratches on the arms. 99. Biting strangers. 100. My adult female nibbles on my fingers all the time but doesn't intend to hurt. 101. He nibbles quite a bit. its not really painful but it could be to someone who is not familiar with them. 102. Our male bit my finger and drew blood last week. But I think that is cause I had just eaten a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and forgot to wash my hands. 103. Sugi and Oliver do NOT appear to like John (my partner). They will go out of their way TO bite him. Gliders may be across the room, and they will approach him TO bite him. He's a smoker (outside only), maybe they just don't like him. 104. Well biting and scratching me but not to the point he is trying to hurt me. 105. The occasional nip, and scratches from their nails. 106. They both bite when I try to pick them up but they do let me pet them. As for the scratching,, they have long nails but we have 4 cats... scratching doesn't bother me. 107. They were having their nails trimmed. 108. 3 of my males can be aggressive if they are pestered, my female doesnt like anything right in her face. 109. Biting, they seem like they are testing others, and they don't like many other ppeople touching them. 110. One bites EVERY time held and the other when scared. 111. 1 of my males and 1 of my females (opposite pairs) do bite occassionally. The male has a very serious nervous condition and does not like anything unfamiliar. He has had seizures when in stressful situations. The female only does it when I smell different or if someone unfamiliar goes into her pouch. These two are very pouch protective so they need to be appraoched in a different manner until they calm down. 112. No biting, but the nails can get you if they get long.

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113. Never scratch anyone intentionally, when they run on you may dig claws in. my 6 month old will sometimes nip at you but only when you try to put himin his cage and he wants to stay out. 114. Due to the fact that they were neglected and abused both of my gliders have bitten, but the more we work with them the less they bite. 115. We had one very agressive female until we worked with her. 116. My gliders tend to nip/groom with teeth a lot. We keep their nails at a reasonable length but yes, they scratch if you have short sleeves on! 117. I adopted a trio that weren't taken care of and they would bite when I would put my hand in the cage. It really wasn't as hard as I thought it would be to get them to come around. Luckely they liked meal worms so after weeks of hand feeding them meal worms and spending time with them as well as carring the during the day they did finally come around.

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7.9. Full text responses to the question “Has your Sugar Glider ever damaged property through scratching, toileting, biting, or in any other way, and if so, please give details?”

1. Wouldn't say toileting is damaging, you need to clean as with any pet or child. 2. Enclosed area abuts onto house - some biting of wooden window edges. 3. They distry their nesting pouches by biting holes in them. I therefore now use boxs for their beds. 4. Yes, but only their cage. 5. Cardboard cd cases, paper, fabrics they'll rip em up! 6. They are not house-trained, so I have to calculate with pissing. 7. Jumping they damage stretches them and the objects. 8. They always bite this pet carrier I put them in whenever I travel. 9. I've had rats during many years in my life. They would chew on everything. Sugar Gliders, however, appear to have no interest in doing this. 10. My gliders have always enjoyed flinging their food, which will stick to wherever it lands. Plus they pee on everything. 11. Walls around the cages tend to be splattered with food. One glider likes to peel wallpaper. 12. No - started nibbling phone but after being shouted at each time now dont! occasional wees on floor easily clean up. 13. I have gone through so many pot plants with them, they often bite wood and i have put an olf carpet in their room for toileting, also walls get really messy although this is easy to clean up. 14. Urinate during out of cage playtime. 15. They have made holes in their own pouches. 16. A couple of Australia marsupial publications - chewed on a little when I was not paying attention (lol). 17. I've had three corneal abrasions from the gliders accidentally jumping into my eyes with their claws. 18. Chewed on baseboards on one occassion. 19. Chewed up a part to one of their wheels, broken zippers in bonding pouches, ripped bonding pouch windows. 20. They have bitten through wires to ttheir heating rock ruined towels through urinating and stainded walls by defecating on them. 21. Not anything major just their toys they will chew on and damage. 22. Some carpet stains around the cage.

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23. We have a chair in the room that they are allowed out of their cage in. They all enjoy 'marking' on this chair. The arms of this chair has a hard plastic coating with a rubbery foam inside the plastic. They all enjoyed chewing on the arms of the chair. When they managed to get past the plastic and get to the rubbery inside of the arm, the chair was removed because I was concerned that the plastic/rubber could be toxic. 24. Book corners, remote control buttons. 25. They chew on things but they havent ruined anything. 26. Chewing on wheels and water bottle. 27. Mine like to chew on the spines of my books. 28. Chewed through cage. 29. Chew on plastic monkeys and other plastic toys. 30. They 'go' everywhere, but I don't know that I'd call it damaging. 31. Yes, they ruined my armoire, and you cannot get the pee smell out of other wooden pieces of furniture. 32. The carpet around the cages are stained with poo and food. 33. I put a sugar glider book on top of my first glider's cage. She chewed the back cover. 34. But only items in his own cage like perches... our male likes to chew and nibble things. 35. Chewed their reptarium cage cover. 36. She chewed up her igloo hidey hole toy that was plastic. It was just a cage toy for small animals, some chewing is to be expected. I removed the toy for fear of ingestion. 37. They like to chew on my doors and dresser in my bedroom. 38. My female glider, once urinated on one of my drawings. 39. They urinate and defecate at random at all times with no awareness to their surroundings, have shredded a curtain and have destroyed many toys made/purchased for them. 40. Only their own pouches. I have 2 that are chewers/diggers who ruin their own toys and pouches. 41. Wood floor damage from toileting. 42. Chewed hole in travel cage. 43. Property? Well, no. But they WILL shred a finger puppet. I think they see this as a form of hunting - and they go for the kill. But, that's why I've bought the puppets in the first place. They are never used unsupervised. 44. Paper meets death in my house. 45. My oldest intacted male has chewed on the wall some near their cage. i have since relocated the cage because of this.

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7.10. Full text responses to the question “What would you do with your Sugar Gliders if you couldn’t care for them anymore?”

1. Find good homes for them even though it would be very hard. 2. Give them back to the breeder who i know would look after them. 3. Sell them. 4. Pass them on to other members of the Marsupial Society of Victoria. 5. Pass them onto to an established and experienced glider carer/breeder. 6. Offer them for sale via the Marsupial Society, or give to friends who also keep gliders. 7. Through the marsupial society give them to a good home. 8. Give them to Kyabram Fauna Park. 9. I would get in contact with a professional I know through the internet. I would ask her to help me find someone trustworthy and experianced to take in my Gliders. I would ask for photos if possible to be emailed to me once they were settled in there new home, to ease my mind. I would list everything that I feed them and also write down their personality traits and how to tell them apart. 10. I would find a responsible owner. 11. Try and locate a suitable home for them with a knowledgeable caregiver. 12. The breeder that i got my male from would take them. 13. Give them to someone who can. 14. Would rehome them to someone who new how to look after them. 15. I WOULD GIVE THEM TO A REPUTABLE BREEDER/CARER. 16. A friend would take care of them. 17. I would search a good parent for them. 18. You would give them to a reliable and serious person. 19. Trust me, it won't happen. Unless I'm dead, sugar gliders goes to my sister or mum. :) 20. Source, interview and select a suitable owner/care taker. 21. I have several friends who could definitely be trusted with their care, and I have been told they would love to take them on if I needed to. But hopefully that will never happen. 22. Find a rescue... But I would never not care for them...They are rescues and will live with me until they pass. 23. Find someone with sustainable knowledge of them and pass them on. NOT SELL ON CLASSIFIEDS. 24. I would let my breeder re-adopt them if it ever came to that. 25. We have people who are trained in caring for them so this would not be a problem. 26. I would ensure that they came to a good home where responsible and interested adults took care of them.

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27. Find them a home that could give them all the care they require. 28. First of all, I would do everything in my power to keep them... If it came down to it and I couldn't, I would rehome them with one of my glidery friends that I know would care for them properly. 29. I would find a home with a proven owner from Sugar Glider Forum. 30. I would give them to trusted friends only. 31. Find a responsable owner for them. 32. Make sure they were adopted by local breeders and carers who have owner gliders before NOT give to rspca or novices! 33. I would ask my very good friend who owns 30+ gliders herself if she would consider adopting them. 34. I would surely give it in adoption to a friend who will care for them exactly as i do, or better. 35. Contact local zoo and ask advise to see if they would house them or but me in contact with anyone who they would recommend to take from us. 36. Find a responsable owner , and ask a lot of questions , i would rarther give them to someone who knows about gliders free than to someone on a whim for a lot of money. 37. I would never give them up. i would allow someone else in my household to care for them, but i would never get rid of them. 38. They would be distributed among my glider friends, a few would go to the Glider Tree in Houston. 39. I would rehome them to people I know could take care of them for sure. 40. I have a friend who will take them if something happens to me,,she has gliders. 41. I would rehome them or put them in a rescue home. 42. Find glider knowledgeable homes. 43. My mother would take over care. 44. I hope this never happens but i would screen people that wanted them, and make sure they understand ALL the daily work they need. 45. Try to find a responsible person who is familiar with gliders to take them. 46. Contact a rescue mission Glider Central for help. 47. Try and find a home where i know they would get cared for, most likely through a forum with some one who has had experience with them. 48. I would find them another home that would be just as caring. 49. I would give them away to someone I trust and know would take care of them properly. I would make sure they've done research and ask them important questions. 50. They might end up overgroom a lot. I'm not really sure what they would really do. 51. My husband would care for him, I couldn't live without him. 52. All my pets will live with me all their natural lives.

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53. Do my best to find a home with someone who is experienced and knowledgeable about sugar gliders and would allow me to visit. 54. I would find them all suitable homes with other glider knowledgable people. 55. They would go to a trusted friend. We already have an arrangement if something should happen to me. She has gliders as well. 56. Wouldn't happen as I have a samoyed & a 23 yr young cockatoo who I have had since he was 1 yr old - I would have to be dead to give up my animals - they would be looked after by others who know about each species very well! 57. I would take them back to their breeder. I would be sure that they are with someone who takes good care of them! 58. Find them a good home, someone who has a lot of experience and knowledge about sugar gliders. Someone who has owned or owns them. But I don't plan on getting rid of them.

59. Find someone on GliderCentral to rehome them with. 60. Find them a loving home that some one knows gliders. 61. I have an aunt with a sugar glider that would take them. 62. Adopt them out to someone who I trust and know will take more than adequate care of them. 63. I would try to find a suitable home to adopt them. 64. Rehome them with another glider person. 65. I would find a loving home for them. 66. Rehome them to a good home. I have someone in mind in case that day ever comes. 67. Find someone to adopt them. 68. I would look for another home for them with a person that has glider experience. 69. I would turn them over to someone who knows how to take care of gliders. And I would go through a major adoption process to make sure it was the right home for them. 70. I have a personal friend in Tennessee who runs a rescue home. I would send them to her, and it would be up to her to decide whether or not they could be rehomed (sent to permanently live with another family) or if she would keep them. I trust her judgment fully. 71. I have a 'network' of friends who would adopt them in...they would remain intact as colonies, but each colony would probably have to go to a different friend. This 'what if' plan has been set up for YEARS now. 72. Find them new homes. 73. We would find them a loving home where they could stay together as a group and live out the rest of their lives. But if it came down to moving into a smaller house or getting rid of them, we would move. We love our gliders. 74. I would survey any potential adopters and place them in only the best home possible. 75. I would find someone that has Surger gliders and try to place them with there.

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76. I would interview prospective homes. But if I was to *die*, my family knows what rescue to send them to along with money to give them for their care until they find a worthy home that can take them all together. 77. Live near a woman who helps rehome gliders and know her personally. I would trust her to foster and eventually find good homes for them. 78. I have made arrangements for friends to take them if anything ever happened to me and I was unable to care for them. 79. Give them to a friend w/sugar glider knowledge. 80. I would find them a loving home with somebody who has experience owning gliders, and a good reputation. 81. Sell or give them to a responsible adult with not too young of kids. 82. Find someone who already owns sugar gliders that I know could take good care of them.

83. I have made written arrangements for every glider in my home should this ever occur. 84. Find a responsible friend or experienced glider owner to take them 85. Find the a knowlegeable home. 86. I'd find someone i trusted who was capable and willing to take care of them if noone could be found i'd give them to another sugar glider owner. 87. I have guardians lined up for each and every one of my gliders should I no longer be able to care for them. 88. I would find a responsible person that could take care of their needs and would give them the care that I would. On a side note my pets are family and unless I died would stay with me and be treated as such. 89. I would find them a home that had glider experience. I would not get rid of them until I found a proper home. 90. They would be offered back to their original breeders or have new homes found for them. I do have provisions in my will to care for all the animals in my care if needed. 91. I would find a glider knowledgable home for them to go to. 92. I would do my best to find someone who could. 93. Give them to a friend of mine that I know could. 94. Online we have a tight knit community and I'm sure I could find someone or several people to help me out. That is if my own family didn't take over them for me. 95. Find an adoptive home. 96. I would find the best possible home for them. 97. Seek out an experience sugar glider owner to take her in as part of their colony. 98. Give them to a glider knowledgeable friend. 99. List them on Glider Central and re-home them with one of the people I trust as a good glider caretaker. 100. Give them to another Sugar glider owner who wanted them.

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101. I would have them sent to a person who has gliders and the finances to care for them, food and medical. I would want the groups (5)kept together. Ideally I would want one of my vets or their tech to have them. 102. Find a responsible person to care for them. 103. Give them to the lady i got one of my gliders from whom im close with and i know she would take good care of them. 104. Rehome them or give them to a good home to people educated in glider behavoir and nutrition. 105. Personally I do know of a wonderful breeder who is also part of the rescue glider community and I would feel sercure that she would find the right home for them. 106. Adopt them out to a sugar glider knowledgeable person. 107. I honestly don't think I wouldn't be able to take care of my gliders, but if I did, I would find someone adequate enough to take care of them for me. 108. I would make someone else close to me care for them in my home. 109. I would rehome them with a person I trusted. 110. Find a suitable owner to give them to. 111. I have a big faimly so i couldn't do it then other family member will; if we go out of the house over night then my sugar gliders has a pet sitter that cares for them. 112. Put them up for adoption. 113. Go to family or friends. 114. Rehome to the right home. 115. I would find them another 'loving home'. 116. I would find them a good home with a person who knew about them and had time for them. 117. Would find them a home with glider knowlegable person(s) who could properly take care of them. 118. Return her to her breeder. 119. I already had to give of one of my sugar gliders because i couldn't afford his vet bill(about the facial abscesses)any longer. 120. I signed a contract with the rescuer I got them from so I'd tell her what was going on and if she didn't have the money to care for them while she found them a new home, I'd send her money to take care of them until she was able to find them a new one. But, that'll never happen though! MY critters! :D 121. My mother would take them. 122. Don't know. 123. Would not happen, but if had to would find a person who has some to adopt them, edgar is a special needs guy. 124. I can't imagine that happening, but we would find a good home for them.

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125. If it were temporary, my parents would take care of them. If it were a permanent situation, one of my friends has agreed to take one of the trios and another friend has agreed to take the other trio. 126. I would find them homes with respected members of the glider community where I could be confident they would receive at least the same level of care and attention I have given them, if not better. My gliders will never see the inside of an animal shelter or rescue, and I will never allow anyone to have my gliders who is not knowledgeable in glider care and dedicated to making sure they don't have to move ever again. But its a moot point bc they are NEVER leaving my home. 127. Give them to someone that could care for them. 128. Contact a rescue. 129. I have homes already prepared to take them if something should happen where I am not able to care for them any longer. 130. Adopt them out to someone from the GC network. 131. I would find a loving family to adopt them. 132. I have made arrangements with my sister-in-law to care for them, who is an animal lover and great with my gliders. 133. I am friends with a much younger glider owner in my area. She has agreed to take them if something happens to me and I have named her in my Will to receive my gliders with all their belongings. 134. I would contact my friends online and find suitable homes for them. I would also be very picky about where they went to! 135. Find someone that was knowledgeable about them thet wanted them. Make sure they go to a good home. 136. I have never re-homed a pet. However, if I had no other choice I would do my best to find them a good home nearby where I could still check on them. 137. I have friends who are glider owners, glider breeders, and glider rescue owners... if my family couldn't care for them either, I would contact thse friends... and if that failed I would find help on the internet through Glider Central. 138. Find them a good, loving home with someone who is experienced with and knowledgeable about sugar gliders. Most likely I would contact a reputable sugar glider rescue organization. 139. I would have my b/f take over and if unable to for some reason I would try to find an experienced person (friend) to help me find the right loving forever home. 140. I would give them to someone I knew who would take of them like I do. 141. Re-home them to trusted glider owners I know. 142. I would do my best to care for them but if i found I could not do it anymore I would find the best home possible for them but it would have to be with someone who was knowledgeable about them. Or I might try to find a rescue that was not to overloaded with suggies. But my first option would be with a family member who I thought could help out. 143. I would find them a qualified home.

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144. Give them either to a breeder or put them up for adoption. 145. I would rehome them with another family member, if at all possible. If not, I would rehome them with a trusted veteran glider owner. 146. Find another experienced glider owner willing to keep the colony together - preferably a family member or close friend. 147. I would find a good home or a rescue that will find a good home for me. 148. I would find a person that has other gliders that I know take excellent care of theirs to place her with. I would never just offer her in the paper or online to just anyone!! 149. I would try to rehome them to a home with someone that knows about gliders and how to care for them properly. 150. I would be absolutely devistated but would find someone with experience that I felt would be a good home and re-home them. 151. I would find a suitable home for them via the online sugar glider community network. I have met local owners who might be able to assist me with this, or adopt the gliders themselves. 152. I would find appropiate homes to place them in. 153. Try to find a private home for them. 154. Put them for sale on glidercentral or give to a family member. 155. Find good homes for them. 156. Rehome to an approved family or individual or give back to breeder. 157. I would give them to another sugar glider owner that I know would love them like I do. 158. Give them to my sister who also has a glider. 159. Pray that NEVER happens. 160. If I could no longer care for my Sugar Glider I would probably give the breeder first dibs on her. If her breeder was not interested she would go to my sister. 161. I WOULD NOT GIVE UP MY SUGAR GLIDERS TO ANYONE THAT NEVER OWNED ANY AND I WOULD NOT SEPERATE ANY OF MY THREE COLONIES. SO I WOULD LOOK FOR SOMEONE WHO I KNEW AND I COULD GO AND VISIT THEM. 162. I would take my time and find them a good home. 163. I wouldnt part with my gliders at all. 164. I would find them new homes with loving, caring people. I have plenty of people in the glider community who could help. 165. I would find a suitable person for a forever home. 166. I have a list of friends and family who have aggreed to take them. 167. Find them a new home, but make sure the new owners had done plenty of research on gliders before hand and made sure the new owner took all 3 gliders together. 168. I have a network of people, family and friends, lined up incase of an emergency that would prevent me from caring for my gliders any longer.

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169. I would find a friend or other breeder who was capable and willing to take care of them, and sell them and all of their things together, hoping to get frequent updates. 170. I would take the time to make sure they both went to a home where they would be cared for properly. 171. Find glider knowledgeable homes thru the glider forums I belong to. 172. Call Bourbon. 173. I have discussed placement plans with my son, and other friends who have gliders. 174. Rehome to approved homes. 175. Give them to my sister who helps me care for them now. 176. I would have to reach out to my parents first and if they were unable to care for my gliders, I would have to reach out to the glider online community. 177. I would rehome them with a rescue organization or a close friend. 178. I would find another sugar glider owner that would take them in to join their family. 179. My mother, or a friend who is also a Sugar glider owner would take them. I would never sell them or rehome them with someone I don't know. I never take on an animal that I don't know how I would care for it, or what I would do with it, if times became that tough. And it is already known that if something is to happen to me, my husband would care for them, and if he was unable, my husband and mother know the numbers of the people I would trust to take them on. 180. Try to find a suitable home. 181. Find them a good home with an experienced person. 182. Not sure. 183. Rehome. 184. I would find him a loving home. 185. I have friends who would foster them. 186. First, ask my breeder if she could take them back. Second, ask my friend who has gliders if she could take them. Thirdly, contact a glider rescue. 187. Try to find someone who has gliders (and has had them for many years) that could take care of my dear friends. But this makes me sad to even think about it! 188. I have a network of other rescue homes lined up to step in if I am unable to care for them. I also have someone who can help me feed if I have a short term issue (for example, if I'm ill). 189. They would be returned to the person I got them from. If they didn't want them back, I would re-home them through a reputable rescue home or re-home them myself if I found a 'forever' loving home for them. 190. I would find another very experienced glider lover that I personally know very well (and I know many). I am also active in sugar glider rescue, and I work with two rescue boards here in the U.S. All for Gliders Rescue Project and United Sugar Glider Network. I have modified the 'Rescue Application' and before I have placed in rescues that I have taken in, I have made sure the applicant has filled out the application and that personal and vet references have been checked and 'passed inspection.'

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191. Rehome them to someone who knew all about them! 192. I would find a home for them I guess. Hopefully a family member. The ones I have purchased I would have to give the breeders first refusal rights. 193. Family members would help on a short term basis (month or less); if there was no one at all to care for them, rehome them to hopefully friends, or contact a rescue. 194. Put them up for adoption on Glider Central forum and require the person to answer my questions so I know that they know how to take proper care of them and that they know what it takes to take care of a sugar glider. 195. I would list them on the Glider Central website but I have never given up any animal I've taken in. 196. Find them a good home with someone who knew about glider care. 197. My rescued males would go back to their 'foster' and my coloney would be rehomed after an application process and interview. but they are NOT leaveing me no matter what, we're in this together me and them. 198. I have friends that have gliders and would see if they could take them, or find an rescue or foster home. 199. Talk to the breeder that I purchased them from. 200. Try and find a responsible home for them with someone who already owns gliders. 201. This actually happened to me years ago. We did breed sugar gliders and had 9 pairs and we also took in rescues to find them homes as well. I am disabled and my illness got really bad. I was bedridden for about 2 years. My husband works 2 jobs and my kids weren't old enough to do the things required at the time. We started finding homes 1 pair at a time until a year later when we had no more gliders in the home. It was just way too much on my husband. We knew a lot of people that had gliders and we placed them all with friends or friends of friends. They all stayed in touch initially and eventually I didn't hear from them anymore so I do not know the end result. I do know that from things I have heard it seems they all did very well in their new homes. That is why this time we neutered the males so we wouldn't have joeys to contend with. We started with a colony (thinking only one cage) and eventually puberty set in and they had to be separated. Thus 2 cages. 202. Rehome to an experienced glider owner. 203. Adopt him out to a rescue. 204. Find someone who appreciates these beautiful animals. I'm very confident someone within my family will take over. 205. This would never happen, but if it did find a friend or family member to take them and give solid info on there diet and to play with them daily. 206. I would have to find a really good home for them, with lots of visits to make sure that they would be cared for as well as they are now. 207. I'm not sure. I would try to find a family member to take them. 208. Return them to the breeder.

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209. We would rely on glider community to rehome them into caring homes if that ever became a problem. The glider community has proven well connected and willing to aid in the event a breeder/owner/rescuer falls on hard times. We would also work with wildlife/exotic sanctuarys here in Virginia and South Carolina for their long term care for those we could not rehome. 210. I would find a glider experienced individual or someone who was very willing to learn about gliders and intended on giving them a forever home. I would pose an adoption fee to make sure that only serious people were interested, but I would then give away the gliders and their cage and toys. 211. I have a friend that loves gliders as much as I do and I've already asked if she would take my babies in for me should the need arise.

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