Attacking

Question
I have four sugar gliders, a male and female and their two daughters. Recently, my male glider has started attacking the others randomly, particularly around food. At other times he seems completely fine. What should I do? I don't want my females to be hurt, but I don't want to have to separate or sell my male glider either. Is this normal?

Answer
Aly,

Thanks for the question.  Sugar Gliders have an interesting social structure.  As the Alpha male in the colony, your male is the "boss." He is most likely reinforcing his role as leader.

When you say "attack," what exactly do you mean? Is he just fussing and warning them to keep away, or does he mean to harm them?  Is it just with his daughters, or is it all three?  I suggest you feed him first, so the others don't try to take the choice pieces, which your male thinks are for him.

Your best option for the future is to have the male neutered.  He should not be living with his daughters beyond their age of maturity.  The girls should not be allowed to mate with their father.  Neutering should also take care of his male dominance issues.  

I hope this is helpful.  Please keep in touch.

Betty