a sugar gliders odor

Question
My daughter has 2 of them. There is a horrible odor in room where she has them. Do they need special bedding in the bottom of the cage? Please help me, I can not stand the odor. Also do you know where we can get rid of them if this odor continues

Answer
Pat,

Sugar Gliders have scent glands that they use to mark family members and their home territory.  Most glider owners do not find the odor offensive.  Males have more scent glands than females, and that odor will diminish if they are neutered.  I use puppy pads or incontinence pads in the bottom of the cage.  This is changed weekly.  Cages should be taken outside to be hosed down and sanitized about once a month.  The bedding, pouches, and toys are also need to be cleaned regularly.

If you need to adopt out your gliders, try Craigslist or classifieds on the Internet.  I use Hoobly.com.  Be sure the prospective owners have done their research and are prepared to care for the gliders no matter what.

Good Luck,

Betty