Welfare evaluation of sugar gliders in captivity

The main goal of the thesis was to evaluate domestic sugar glider (Petaurus breviceps) welfare. The investigation took place from June to November of 2017. The domestic sugar gliders were evaluated based on these daily living conditions: cage size, cage location in the room/house, temperature of the room, sleeping pouch, running wheel, climbing equipment and branches, food bowl and its position, and time spend with the animal. Throughout the study, these sugar glider behavioral characteristics were recorded: sleeping rhythm, time spend active, and interactions with humans. Diet and well-being were estimated by clinically inspecting animals and running lab tests. During the investigation of captive sugar glider living conditions, no serious or harmful permanent violations were found. It was recorded that 83 % of tested animals care was goos. After analyzing the behavior of sugar gliders, it was established that they get up and go to sleep at different times, however their total active time overall is similar, approximately 8 h and 49 min. Sugar glider reactions to humans were different during the day compared to the evening. During the day, animals were irritated and did not want to interact with humans, while in the evenings they were more curious, willing to get on human hands, and if taken out of pouch, they would not run. Evaluation of sugar glider diet revealed that animals do not get enough specialized dry foods and minerals, especially calcium, and get too much carbohydrates. No serious health issues were determined while inspecting animals with exception of exterior imperfections which most likely were acquired during early age while animals still lived with their parents