loss of hair

Question
QUESTION: my year old sugar gliders head is completely bald.i know its typical for him to have a bald spot,but its his whole head,what could it be?

ANSWER: Mariesa,

Do you have a photo?  Please describe this bald spot.  Are there any other places where the hair is thin or bald?  How is the skin on the bald spot?  Does your glider live alone?  What does he eat?  I really need more information before I can offer any advice.  Thanks!

Betty

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QUESTION: he lives alone.his bald spot is bald but his head shows no skin just extremely short.he eats very well.apples,watermelon,cantalope.etc.tomatoes,carrots,cucumbers,etc.it is just his head.

ANSWER: Mariesa,

Thanks for the answers.  

Hair loss can happen for several reasons.  

* Since he lives alone, your glider could be stressed, causing him to overgroom.  Gliders are social animals, and do not do well alone.  I suggest you get him a female companion.

* From what you wrote, his diet seems to be lacking.  In addition to fruits and veggies, Sugar Gliders need protein, calcium, vitamins, and many other essential nutrients.  Please look into serving your glider BML.  I have a recipe on my website:  nc.sugar.gliders.googlepages.com.  

* Dry skin can lead to hair loss.  How is the humidity in the room where he lives? If it is quite dry, consider getting a humidifier.

* He could also have parasites.  Only a veterinarian can determine if that is the case.

If these suggestions do not help, please take him to a vet to check for skin conditions or other health concerns.  Hair loss in itself is not life-threatening, but but you do need to be concerned about the underlying issues.

Good luck to you. Please keep me updated on your baby' condition.

Betty

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QUESTION: My sugar glider Ripley does receive vitamins and calcium sprinkled on his food a couple times a week.He also eats a pellet diet that contains protein.I have a white-faced blonde female Lyric,but she is in another room.It is adorable to hear them bark.Should i put the cages together?

Answer
Mariesa,

Why don't your two gliders live together?  Gliders are not happy living alone. You will have much happier, healthier gliders if you let them live together.  As for putting the cages together, that would be fine.  At least they could interact through the bars.  They will probably fuss at each other for a while, but they will get used to one another with time.

Good luck, let me know how it goes.

Betty