An underweight sugar glider joey can be worrying to see. Newly out-of-pouch joeys often look thin, fuzzy and a bit scrawny, and that can be completely normal. But some joeys don't gain weight as they should, and those joeys need help early.
At SunCoast Sugar Gliders we've cared for gliders since 1999, including many years as a breeder. Here's what's normal for new joeys, how to support healthy growth and when a thin joey is a vet issue.
What's Normal for Out-of-Pouch Joeys
When joeys first leave the pouch, they:
- Have thin, soft fur that may look patchy
- Look small and lean compared with adults
- Spend most of their time in the nest with their parents
- Nurse often and gradually start sampling solid food
A joey that's gaining weight steadily, staying warm and nursing well is usually on track, even if it looks small.
How to Monitor Growth
The most reliable way to know whether a joey is thriving is to weigh it.
- Use a kitchen scale that measures in grams.
- Weigh at the same time of day, such as before the evening meal.
- Write down every weight.
- Look for steady gain over days and weeks.
Weigh quickly and gently, and return the joey to its family right away.
Signs a Joey May Be Underweight
- Little or no weight gain over several days
- Weight loss
- Visible hip bones or spine
- Weakness or trouble holding on
- Feeling cool to the touch
- Constant crying
- Being much smaller than its siblings
Possible Causes
Not getting enough milk
Mom may not be producing enough, or siblings may be outcompeting a smaller joey.
Mom's diet or health
A nursing mom needs a balanced diet with appropriate protein and more calcium than phosphorus. If mom isn't eating well or is unwell, joeys may suffer too.
Illness
Infections, parasites or other health problems can affect growth.
Stress
A noisy or unstable environment can disrupt nursing and care.
How to Support Healthy Growth
- Support mom. Make sure she has a balanced diet, fresh water and a quiet space.
- Keep the family warm. Keep the room in the mid-60s to mid-80s °F and offer enough pouches.
- Minimize disturbances. Limit handling and keep noise down.
- Offer soft foods as joeys begin to explore solids.
- Keep weighing. Weights tell you whether changes are working.
Never try to feed a joey milk or formula without guidance from an exotics vet. Feeding young joeys incorrectly can be dangerous.
Keep a Simple Growth Log
A written log makes it easier to spot problems and share details with your vet. For each joey, record:
- Date and weight in grams
- Whether it's nursing or eating solids
- Energy level and behavior
- Any changes in droppings
- How mom is eating and acting
Bring the log to every vet visit.
Common Mistakes
- Waiting to see if a thin joey catches up
- Not weighing joeys, so weight loss goes unnoticed
- Separating a joey from its family without a vet's advice
- Hand feeding without vet guidance
- Ignoring mom's health and diet
When to See an Exotics Vet
Call a vet right away if a joey:
- Is losing weight or not gaining
- Feels cold or seems weak
- Is being pushed away or ignored by mom
- Has diarrhea or no droppings
- Seems dehydrated
Your vet can check the joey and mom and advise on supplemental feeding if needed. If a joey has been rejected or orphaned, see hand rearing sugar glider joeys and contact your vet immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my new joey look so skinny?
Many newly out-of-pouch joeys look thin and fuzzy. Weigh it regularly. If it's gaining steadily, it's likely fine. If not, call your vet.
Should I feed an underweight joey myself?
Not without your vet's guidance. Your vet can tell you whether supplemental feeding is needed and how to do it safely.
How long do joeys stay with their mother?
Joeys typically stay with their family until they're fully weaned, around 8 to 10 weeks out of pouch. See weaning sugar glider joeys for more.
Help Joeys Grow Strong
Most out-of-pouch joeys look small, but steady weight gain is what matters. Weigh often, support mom and call your vet early if something seems off. Keep the family on premium nutrition such as Wholesome Balance chicken & brown rice from SunCoast sugar glider food. SunCoast Sugar Gliders, Since 1999. Orders of $30 or more ship free.