What Should You Do If Your Sugar Glider Runs Away?

What Should You Do If Your Sugar Glider Runs Away? – Sugar gliders are adorable, tiny, and incredibly curious creatures. While their playful nature makes them great pets, it also means they can sometimes escape if given the chance.

If your sugar glider has run away, don’t panic. There are steps you can take to bring them back home safely.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about finding a lost sugar glider, from immediate actions to long-term preventive measures.

Immediate Actions: Stay Calm and Act Fast

1. Close All Exits and Secure the Area

Your sugar glider is likely still close by. If you’re indoors, shut all doors and windows to prevent them from going further. If they escaped outside, do a quick scan of the area and try to keep them from getting too far away.

2. Turn Off Any Loud Noises

Sugar gliders are sensitive to sound. If the TV, music, or household appliances are on, turn them off. A quiet environment will make it easier to hear your sugar glider moving and calling out.

3. Check Their Favorite Hiding Spots

Sugar gliders love small, dark spaces. Check behind furniture, under beds, inside drawers, and in any small crevices. Use a flashlight to look in tight spots they may have crawled into.

4. Use Familiar Sounds and Smells

Call their name in a gentle, soothing voice. If you have a pouch or blanket that smells like them, place it in an area where they might find it comforting. You can also rub some of their favorite treats on the pouch to make it even more inviting.

5. Set Up a Food Trap

Leave out their favorite treats, such as:

• Fresh fruits like apples, bananas, or grapes
• Mealworms or dried insects
• A small dish of honey or yogurt

Place these in a shallow dish near their cage or in an area you suspect they may be hiding.

6. Wait Until Nightfall

Sugar gliders are nocturnal, meaning they’re more active at night. If you can’t find them during the day, dim the lights and wait for them to come out of hiding.

Expanding Your Search Outdoors

If your sugar glider has escaped outside, it’s essential to act quickly, as they can be vulnerable to predators and the elements.

1. Look in Nearby Trees and Bushes

Sugar gliders naturally seek high places. If you have trees or shrubs nearby, shine a flashlight up into the branches at night to see if their eyes reflect the light.

2. Notify Your Neighbors

Let your neighbors know that your sugar glider is missing. Show them a picture and ask if they’ve seen any small, squirrel-like creatures in their yard.

3. Use Social Media and Local Groups

Many communities have lost pet groups on Facebook or Nextdoor. Post a clear photo and details about when and where they went missing.

4. Leave Their Cage or Pouch Outside

If they are nearby, they may return to their familiar scent. Place their cage or sleeping pouch outside in a secure, elevated location.

Preventing Future Escapes

Once you’ve successfully found your sugar glider, it’s important to take steps to prevent another escape.

1. Secure Their Cage Properly

Ensure that your sugar glider’s cage is escape-proof. Check for any loose latches, broken bars, or small gaps they could squeeze through.

2. Supervise Out-of-Cage Playtime

If you let your sugar glider roam, always do so in a closed, safe area. Make sure windows and doors are shut, and there are no gaps they can slip through.

3. Train Them to Come When Called

Teaching your sugar glider to respond to their name and return to you for treats can be a lifesaver if they ever get loose.

4. Use a Bonding Pouch for Safe Transport

If you take them outside or to a new location, keep them in a secure bonding pouch close to you to prevent accidental escapes.

Conclusion

If your sugar glider runs away, don’t lose hope. By staying calm, searching methodically, and using familiar scents and sounds, you have a great chance of bringing them home safely.

And with a few preventive measures, you can ensure they stay safe and sound in the future.