health

Question
i have a new sugr glider that is about 11 weeks old. i havnt even had him or a week but am worried about him because he is maing tis sneezing noise that last for about ten second. it usually happens when he is just waking up and his teeth sound like they are chattering somtetines i am really worried he is either allergic to somethong or has a cold . can u tell me if this is normal

Answer
Dear Amanda:

Congratulations on your new baby.  Make sure to keep him warm this time of year.  Do not let his environment fall below 70 degrees.  

It is always best to get a vet checkup when you get a new glider and I recommend it in this situation.  This will establish a baseline and provide you with assurance that you have a healthy animal to start with.

A soft sneezing noise is not normally something to worry about.  They make normal noises that sounds like and is often mistaken for sneezing.  They will also make a sneezing gesture into their hands and wash a bit.  If, however, you observe sneezing with runny nose and watery eyes, then I would get to the vet asap.  

The loud clicking that sounds like teeth chattering is also normal.  This is a warning noise.  It means the glider is not happy about something.  

Other normal noises are a sh-sh-sh noise, and crabbing which  is a very loud chatter when they are upset.  Once your glider has become used to you and will sleep in your hand or is comfortable in your shirt or pouch, you may hear a very, very soft clicking noise.  This is a contented noise, much the way a cat purrs.

I hope this answers your question.  

Happy New Year!

Laurie