Hi, I'm new to sugar gliders (but not new to small pets; I have had guinea pigs in the past and now have a rescue hedgehog). I am planning to bring home two joeys in about a month, and am doing a lot of research to ensure that I have a good set-up and care plan for them.

I will have one female, about 11 weeks oop, and one male, about 9 weeks oop.

I have read many care sheets about diet, bonding, etc. I have wondered, though: are there any modifications or special tips for care of weaned joeys? Ie, any special additions to a diet (I was planning to go with this one (http://sugarglider.info/staple-diets/tpg ), different bonding methods, etc? I'm assuming they sleep more than adults, like most young mammals?

Like I said, I'm doing my research ahead of time and want to be prepared, so any advice is appreciated!

I would say that if your breeder is feeding TPG then stay with it.

Otherwise I would go with what the breeder has been feeding as that is what they are used to.

I personally don't care for TPG, I don't like the sprinkle on top method for the vitamins.

This here is something for you to read. Sugar Glider Foundation, Diet Study

Hi and

So glad you are here!

I have a question for you. Will your male be neutered before he comes home with you?

Once your joys come home, they will be weaned and will be eating whatever Momma was eating.

I would have some 4" square blanket on hand with your scent to put right in their sleeping pouch. You can either rub them on your arms, neck, sleep with them under your pillow, or in with you dirty clothea. This will get them used to your scent while they sleep.

When you get them home, you may want to let them get accustomed to their new home and new smells for a few days before trying to handle them. You can talk softly, sing to them, let them know you are approaching the cage. It helps with their stress. They will probably crab at you, but that is normal. You can also try feeding them treats through the cage. Sudden noises while they are awake will startle them for the first few days too.

Because they are in a new environment, they may not sleep well at first. But they can sleep up to 22 hours with a lot of snacking through the night on their food.

Each glider has a unique personality so it's hard to say how quickly they will bond with you. In the meantime you can click on any word in blue and it will take you to that topic so you can read more. Otherwise please ask any questions you may have.

Please keep us posted on your progress.

Thanks so much for the link! I will read that carefully, looks like a good source. I'm not sure what the breeder is feeding, just saw TPG recommended elsewhere, so I am definitely open to suggestions and advice. Thanks! Any idea how much I should expect a joey to eat relative to an adult?

Thanks for the welcome! It's nice to have such a great source of information.

My little male (I'll have new pics of them soon!) will not be neutered when I bring him home. He was oop 5/12/17, and I'll be picking him up in mid-July. I have a hedgehog and a spayed rabbit, though, so I already have a trusted exotics vet lined up to do the procedure. I have read that you can do it as soon as 8-12 weeks oop, correct?

Thanks for all the helpful tips! =)

This is my girl, I'm going to name her Sydney:

And my boy, I'm going to name him Sheldon, is the one on the left, with the two spots on his head:

Sheldon's spots are definitely unique. Both babies are too cute! Look forward to new pics when they come home.

Joeys will eat a little less, but I would rather they had food left over in the morning than have a clean plate and I would worry they didn't get enough to eat.