How to Glider Proof Your House

A sugar glider is a very inquisitive creature, which means if there is trouble to be found they will locate it. They are also highly prone to seek out their "mommy" or "daddy" which means they will likely be roaming over a large part of the house looking for you. They are quite small and able to squeeze into very dangerous places, which means they require special care to protect them. While many would compare them to a hamster or a gerbil, they are very much different.

Once tame, your sugar glider should be allowed to exercise and play in a glider proofed room. Once this occurs you will need some help to glider proof your house. Here are some step-by-step directions on what to look for, and what you should do. This is a list of dangers to look for when glider proofing your room/house.

1. Be sure the window screens are in good repair and secure.

2. Be very careful with recliners, rocker recliners, & sofa beds. Do not sit down on anything unless you know the glider is not in it. The gliders can be suffocated or killed by mechanisms.

3. Make sure toilet lids are down. Leave the door to the bathroom closed. The gliders may still be able to get into the toilet with the lid closed. If there is an opening at the back of the lid, which is bigger than your finger, the glider could still get in. Some lids are light enough; the glider might be able to open it enough to squeeze through. No matter how safe you think the bathroom is, it is a good idea to not leave an unsupervised glider in the bathroom.

4. Be careful of standing water in sinks, vases, etc. All drains should be closed. Drain plugs should be secured so the gliders cannot lift them to explore the holes. I know I would hate to find mine in my garbage disposal.

5. Put covers on all outlets. Make sure plugs cannot come partially out of sockets (they sell hardware that will hold the plugs in the outlets). Obviously, the less you have plugged in, the better. In addition, heavier cords are better. Check for wear on the cords. Also, check frequently to make sure they are not being bitten. Bundle and secure your cords whenever possible. Make sure the electrical cords behind appliances are not exposed.