Sugar glider shivering can look alarming, but it isn't always a sign of trouble. Gliders often shiver as they wake up and warm their bodies. However, shivering can also mean your glider is too cold, stressed or unwell. Knowing the difference helps you respond calmly and quickly.
At SunCoast Sugar Gliders we've cared for gliders since 1999. Here's how to tell normal waking shivers apart from shivering that needs attention.
Normal Shivering: Waking Up
Sugar gliders can lower their body temperature while they sleep to save energy. When they wake, they shiver to warm up. This is normal, especially:
- Right after you take a glider out of its pouch
- During the day, when gliders are usually asleep
- In a cooler room
Waking shivers usually stop within a few minutes as your glider becomes alert and active. See how much do sugar gliders sleep for more about glider sleep.
Shivering From Cold
If your glider shivers for a long time or seems sluggish, it may be too cold. Signs include:
- Shivering that doesn't stop after several minutes
- Feeling cool to the touch
- Moving slowly or seeming confused
- Huddling together more than usual
Keep the room in the mid-60s to mid-80s °F and away from drafts. Our guide to keeping sugar gliders warm covers safe ways to add warmth.
Shivering From Stress or Fear
Some gliders tremble when they're frightened, such as during a vet visit, a move or meeting new people. This usually stops once they feel safe. Give your glider a quiet, dark pouch to settle in.
Shivering That May Signal Illness
Shivering can also be a sign of health problems. Watch for shivering along with:
- Weakness, wobbling or trouble climbing
- Twitching, tremors or seizures
- Not eating or drinking
- Weight loss
- Diarrhea or changes in droppings
- Dragging back legs
Problems such as low calcium, low blood sugar, infections or injuries can cause trembling. These need an exotics vet. Our article on sugar glider hind leg paralysis explains one serious diet-related condition.
What to Do If Your Glider Is Shivering
- Check the time and situation. Did your glider just wake up?
- Warm gently. Hold your glider in a pouch close to your body.
- Watch for a few minutes. Waking shivers should fade as it becomes active.
- Check the room. Is it too cold or drafty?
- Look for other symptoms. Note weakness, appetite and droppings.
- Call your vet if shivering continues or comes with other signs.
How to Prevent Problem Shivering
- Keep the room steady. Avoid big swings between day and night temperatures.
- Keep companions together. Gliders huddle to share warmth.
- Offer plenty of pouches. Fleece pouches hold body heat well.
- Place the cage away from cold spots like windows, doors and air vents.
- Feed a balanced diet. Good nutrition supports energy and muscle health.
- Weigh your glider weekly. Weight loss can leave a glider less able to stay warm.
Common Mistakes
- Panicking over normal waking shivers. Give your glider a few minutes.
- Using heating pads or heat rocks inside the cage. These can cause burns.
- Overheating a cold glider. Warm slowly and gently.
- Ignoring tremors that keep coming back. Repeated trembling, especially with weakness, needs a vet.
- Offering sugary foods without vet advice. Let your vet guide treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my sugar glider shake when I wake it up?
Gliders often lower their body temperature while sleeping. Shaking helps them warm up, and it should stop within a few minutes.
Should I be worried if my glider shivers at night?
Gliders are usually warm and active at night, so shivering during active hours is less typical. Check the room temperature and watch for other symptoms. Call your vet if it continues.
Can shivering be a sign of a calcium problem?
It can be. Low calcium can cause trembling, weakness and trouble climbing. Gliders need more calcium than phosphorus in their diet. An exotics vet can check for this.
My glider shivers while eating. Is that normal?
Brief shivering just after waking, even while eating, can be normal. If your glider trembles while eating at other times, drops food or seems weak, call your vet.
Keep Your Glider Warm and Healthy
Brief shivering after waking is usually normal. Long-lasting shivering, or shivering with other symptoms, needs attention. A balanced diet supports overall health, so choose premium nutrition such as Blueberry Fortifier alongside a quality staple from SunCoast sugar glider food. SunCoast Sugar Gliders, Since 1999. Orders of $30 or more ship free.