Sugar Glider Weight Survey

I have seen several posts lately asking what a glider should weigh. A few have asked if there is a chart to go by. The only one that I am aware of is for joeys.

So, I decided to conduct a survey to try to obtain this information. The information requested is the name of the glider (to try to avoid duplicate entries), gender, weight, and age. I will create a table that will be published on my website, and I will share it with other organizations/forums.

Please take a moment to fill out the survey!

http://www.glidersurvey.webs.com

I know I mentioned this already on the other forums...but I'm pretty sure the SUGAR Group has collected this data for some time now, as well.

Yes we have. Our weight data base currently includes over 2000 weights. And, we have the following information to go by:

2009 - Average weight of an adult glider = 107 grams

2010 - Average weight of an adult MALE glider = 114.6 grams
Range of "normal" = 85 - 139 grams

Average weight of an adult FEMALE glider = 99.6 grams
Range of "normal" = 63 - 133 grams

Average weight of a juvenile MALE glider (juvenile = 8 weeks - 9 months ) = 82.4 grams

Average weight of a juvenile FEMALE glider = 69.9 grams


We are inputting and analyzing 2011 data now in preparation for our yearly report (which will be released at the RRRoundup in March)

I don't think there can be a "chart" for appropriate weights. Much depends on the body type/bone structure. I think it's OK to give average weight ranges, but I have worked with owners who are worried about their glider's weight because they had been told it wasn't "normal". When I've seen the glider, it's weight was fine for its body size. 140 grams on a petite framed glider may be obese but it may be great for a glider with a larger body type.

While I'm no longer staff for the SUGAR Group, Aimee is right. Weight is part of the data that's collected. No offense to you, Shelly, but when too many separate individuals start asking owners to send data to them, it can detract from the amount of data being sent to an organization that's been established specifically for the purpose of data collection. Our (glider owners) best chance at gaining more accurate info is to have a central "collection" location. By pointing everyone to the same location, the amount of data collected increases. All data is also processed/analyzed by the same protocols. Those factors combined increases the reliability of the results. Both The SUGAR Group and The Mill Breeder Project were established for a particular reason and collect data towards their goals. I believe it's in the best interest of our animals to channel information to those organizations. Now, when it comes to distribution of educational material and proper husbandry information, I am fully in favor of as having as many sites of service available as possible. That increases the chances of the people searching for information actually finding reliable and correct information instead of the mill breeder run sites.

Just my thoughts.

I hadn't even thought about the fact that several surveys would take away from that "central location" of data collection. Very good point!

With the weight survey has anybody collected the length of the glider with the weight.
That may give persons a better gauge of a "normal weight" or estimate if it is within a good size or if under weight or over weight.

I use to have to fight with vets and other owners about fat gliders all the time. Even though a glider that measured 7 1/2 in long of body not including the tail.
Art

You're one person I always think of when I hear about "fat" gliders, Art. You have large bodied gliders. If they were 110g, they would look emaciated. Your gliders are healthy with proper proportions. Weight alone can be misleading.

Thank you Kate.

Back to my point is there any length chart or bone size that new owners or vets can go by, in figuring a normal weight.

There is a chart for humans with weight to height of a person. Also within normal ranges.
Art