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Illustrated Articles

Small Mammals + Diet & Nutrition

  • Like rabbits and guinea pigs, prairie dogs require a diet high in fiber. As they are hind-gut fermenters, they need alfalfa up to one year of age and Timothy hay after one year of age plus a high quality prairie dog pellet. Treats should be kept to a bare minimum as prairie dogs are prone to obesity.

  • Sugar gliders are small marsupial mammals that are omnivorous eaters, meaning they eat a wide variety of foodstuffs. Items from insects to eucalyptus to gum from the acacia tree may all be consumed to a varying degree. Improper nutrition is one of the most prominent causes of illnesses in sugar gliders. This handout provides the information needed to feed your sugar glider a healthy diet.

  • Sugar gliders have become popular pets over the last decade. There are several well-known diseases or conditions that owners of sugar gliders should be aware of. Tooth decay from tartar build-up can lead to tooth root abscesses. Improper diets can lead to low blood calcium, obesity, and tooth decay. Intestinal problems may be caused by an improper diet, a bacterial infection, or a flagellated protozoal infection. It is essential to consult a veterinarian familiar with sugar gliders to select a proper diet and keep your sugar glider healthy.