Do you want to change your sugar glider’s sleeping schedule? Do you want them to get used to sleeping in a new nest? How do you train a sugar glider to sleep?
It’s pretty hard to change a sugar glider’s habit as lovely as they are; not because these pets are challenging to teach but because the change might bring unnecessary stress to them. If you’re concerned about that, this article would be a big help.
Sleeping Habits Of Sugar Gliders
A sugar glider is a nocturnal animal, which means they are active at night and rest during the day. See below the possible reasons why sugar gliders are nocturnal:
- They are unable to withstand extreme temperatures. They are more comfortable with room temperature, which occurs during the night.
- They are more likely to become prey to larger animals; hence, it is in their nature to avoid the times when most predators are out.
Sugar gliders can typically sleep for 12 hours, but they aren’t all the same; some can sleep longer or shorter. They prefer sleeping in enclosed small spaces, such as a specially designed pouch.
Can You Change Their Sleeping Habits?
How do you train a sugar glider to sleep? If a sugar glider was having difficulty sleeping, it might be because they are still not used to their environment or feel ill. Consulting the vet will be a significant next step if you want to solve those problems.
But, if you want to change your pet’s sleeping schedule, it’ll require your dedication, patience, and consistency. They won’t be able to change overnight; they’ll need time to adapt. Also, if you aim to change their habits, having a solid bond with them would greatly help.
The safest method to change their sleeping schedule is to adjust the amount of their light exposure each day gradually. They wake up and rest based on their perception of the light and dark. Keep an eye on them to know whether they’re adjusting well.
As for letting them get used to a new nest, here are some of what you can do:
- It’ll be best not to remove their previous nest immediately. You can place a new one side by side with the old nest, leave that for a couple of days and let them get used to it on their own.
- Or you can help if you have a good bond with them by holding the new pouch or nest in your hand and placing them on it for a while, then bringing them back to their cage. Do it a few times until they are accustomed to the new nest.
If their sleeping habits aren’t bothering you much, it might be better to let them stick to their sleeping habits, as they might get stressed too much during the changes.
Conclusion
How do you train a sugar glider to sleep? Depending on the reason, whether you are changing their sleeping schedule or nest, you can find some safe ways that’ll be helpful.
Those given methods earlier are just some of the approaches you can try. Remember, though, that for changes to happen, it’ll be best if you have a great bond with them; that’ll make it easier for them to adjust in most situations with your help.