If you’re one the lucky owners of a sugar glider, you’ve likely heard that loud, strange sound your sweet little pets makes when they vocalize. It can kind of sound like a squeaky toy or like a combination of a growl and a squeaky toy, right? That sound is called crabbing and it can be very confusing – even scary for some when they hear it for the first time.
You may be thinking, “Why is my sugar glider crabbing at me? Did I do something wrong?” Well, don’t fret – you are not alone and it doesn’t mean your sugar glider hates you. In fact, crabbing is just their way of saying “I’m scared,” “I don’t want this,” or sometimes, “Back-off!”
In this post, I’ll breakdown what crabbing actually means, go over the most common reasons why sugar glider vocalize this way, and offer you some suggestions on what you can do to make your sugar glider feel more safe and comfortable when they are around you.
Here are 5 pros and cons of stopping sugar glider crabbing.
5 Benefits of Stopping Sugar Glider Crabbing Better Bonding.
a.Your sugar glider stopping crabbing means they are starting to trust you enough to behave normally. This is key for creating a bond.
b.Less Stress (for both of you!)
No crabbing = less fear. Your sugar glider is feeling safe, and you don’t have to feel worried or guilty when they feel scared or upset.
c.Easier to Handle
Without all the crabbing, it’s easier to hold your sugar glider, feed them, and play with them without them going crazy.
d.Quieter Environment
Crabbing can be obnoxious and LOUD. Especially at night. When it stops, your home will be quieter and more pleasant.
e.Happier Glider = Healthier Glider
When your sugar glider feels calm and safe, it is less likely to be sick or stressed in the long term, and this will keep it healthier.
5 Cons (Challenges) of Stopping Sugar Glider Crabbing.
a.Takes Time and Patience, You will not be able to stop crabbing overnight. Although some sugar gliders can adjust very quickly, it may take weeks (occasionally months) before your sugar glider learns it can trust you.
b.You Might Have to Change Your Routine, To make sure your glider feels safe you may have to change the way you pick them up, clean the cage, or even talk around them.
c.Not All Crabbing Can be Stopped, Some sugar gliders will crab just because they are moody, tired, or don’t want to be disturbed. That is simply who they are.
d.Requires Daily Effort, Stopping crabbing requires spending time with your glider every day, even if that means just sitting near the cage and softly talking to them.
e.You Might Get Bitten During Training, While you are trying to calm them, you might get bit or have them lunge at you out of fear. That is part of the bonding process, but still difficult to work through.
Why Is My Sugar Glider Biting Me?
If your sugar glider is biting you, don’t be alarmed—it doesn’t always mean they’re being aggressive. Sugar gliders bite for a few reasons. One reason is **fear**. If they’re new to you or their environment, they may bite to defend themselves, since they’re uncertain and scared.
They may bite due to **curiosity**. Sugar gliders explore with their mouths and may nibble you in order to check if your hand is food, or just to inspect you.
Biting can also occur if you **smell like food** or another animal. It’s always a good idea to wash your hands before interacting with them.
Lastly, some gliders will bite if they feel **annoyed or tired**. If they do not want to be held or disturbed, a bite can be their way of telling you that they want it to stop.
If you happen to get bitten, try to remain calm, move slow and talk in a soft voice to gain their trust. Generally, the biting will subside with gentle time and care.
Why Does My Sugar Glider Bark so Much?
If your sugar glider is barking so much, this is a manner of **communication** similar to talking or calling. Barking can be normal and can mean several different things.
One reason for barking is **loneliness**. Sugar gliders are social animals and if a they do not have a cage mate or enough attention, they may bark to get your attention.
They may also bark to indicate they are **bored** or want to play. You may need to give them more new toys, time to play, and interaction with you.
Barking can also mean they may want to **alert** you or other gliders to something they saw or heard. It may be a sound or light, or something that startled them.
If your glider is new to your home, barking may be sign of **stress or confusion** as they adjust.
For the most part, barking is not something to be concerned about. Simply spend some time with them, talk softly, and they will become less vocal.
How to stop sugar glider barking.
If your sugar glider won’t stop barking, it usually is their way to say “Hey, I need something!”. To help stop the barking, firstlook and see if they are **lonely**. Sugar gliders are social animals, and if they aren’t socializing enough with a buddy or getting enough attention they will bark to get you to acknowledge them. In this scenario, more time with them or even considering to add a second glider (if you are able) can help.
Another reason that they may bark is that they are **bored**. Give them more toys, treats to hide, or things to climb. You can also change up the cage set up which will keep it interesting for them.
Be sure that they are not barking due to **fear or stress**. Loud noises, bright lights, or a new environment they may not like can trigger barking. Keeping things in their room quiet and cozy (dark) during bedtime may help.
Sometimes they bark just to **talk**. If you are consistently providing a healthy, safe, and happy environment the barking will usually subside over time with love and patience.
How Do You Know If a Sugar Glider Likes You?
If a sugar glider is becoming attached to you, you’ll experience some minor, but adorable signs. To begin with, they will stop crabbing when you approach. This means they are beginning to be comfortable and feel secure around you. They may or may not climb onto your hand or shoulder, showing a level of trust.
Another sign you can look for, is if they are sniffing or licking you softly. Sugar gliders do this with other gliders they feel affection for. It could be their way of saying “hello,” or “you are part of my family.” Perhaps they will curl up and sleep in your shirt or bonding pouch. This is another sign that your sugar glider feels relaxed, comfortable, and safe with you.
Additionally, if your sugar glider comes close to you or follows your voice when you are talking to her, they are definitely showing some affection! A sugar glider takes time to bond, but if you are gentle, patient, and kind each day, your sugar glider will begin to show you how much they appreciate you.
FAQ: why is my sugar glider crabbing at me.
1. What does it mean when sugar gliders bark at night?
Sugar gliders bark at night for many reasons, often because they are trying to communicate with you. They may feel lonely, bored or just generally wanting the attention. They may also bark when they hear strange sounds or feel something that feels foreign nearby.
2. What do sugar gliders do at night?
Sugar gliders are nocturnal, which means they are asleep during the day and active at night. They will spend their waking hours running, jumping, climbing, eating, playing with their toys, and exploring. This is also when they bond the most with their owner or their cage mates.
3. Are sugar gliders active at night?
Definitely! Sugar gliders are very active at night. It’s when they feel the most awake and playful. You may hear your sugar glider climbing, gliding, eating, or even making noises like barking or chirping.
4. How do you punish a sugar glider?
Do not punish them. Sugar gliders do not understand punishment like humans do, and it may make them afraid or defensive. Instead, use positive bonding or trust-building techniques. If they bite or act out, gently pull away and give them space. Be patient, stay calm, and be consistent. Trust takes time.
5. How do you calm a sugar glider?
You can calm a sugar glider down by talking softly or moving slowly. Move with no sudden movements. You also can use a piece of their favorite treat. You can hold them in a bonding pouch close to your body to give them a feeling of safety. Try to keep the environment quiet, warm and dim. If you handle a sugar glider with gentleness every day for over a period of time, they will get used to you.
