Editing Sugar glider (section)

===In captivity===

In captivity, the sugar glider can suffer from [[calcium]] deficiencies if not fed an adequate diet. A lack of calcium in the diet causes the body to leach calcium from the bones, with the hind legs first to show noticeable dysfunction.<ref>{{cite web|title=Hind Leg Paralysis|url=http://www.sugarglider.com/gliderpedia/index.asp?HindLegParalysis|publisher=SugarGlider.com|access-date=1 November 2012}}</ref> Calcium to [[phosphorus]] ratios should be 2:1 to prevent [[hypocalcemia]], sometimes known as hind leg paralysis (HLP).<ref>{{cite journal |doi=10.1016/j.cvex.2007.01.001 |title=Emergency and Critical Care Procedures in Sugar Gliders (''Petaurus breviceps''), African Hedgehogs (''Atelerix albiventris''), and Prairie Dogs (''Cynomys'' spp.) |journal=Veterinary Clinics of North America: Exotic Animal Practice |volume=10 |pmid=17577562 |issue=2 |pages=533–55 |year=2007 |last1=Lennox |first1=A. M.}}</ref> Their diet should be 50% insects ([[Gut loading|gut-loaded]]) or other sources of protein, 25% fruit and 25% vegetables.<ref>Conservation and natural resources, 1995 Mammals of Victoria, ed. by Menkhorst. P., Oxford University Press, South Melbourne {{ISBN|0-19-553733-5}}</ref> Some of the more recognised diets are Bourbon's Modified Leadbeaters (BML),<ref>{{cite web|title=Original BML Diet – Bourbon's Modified Leadbeater's Recipe for Sugar Gliders|url=http://www.sweet-sugar-gliders.com/original-bml-diet-bourbons-modified-leadbeaters-recipe.html|publisher=Sweet-Sugar-Gliders.com|access-date=1 October 2012}}</ref> High Protein Wombaroo (HPW)<ref>{{cite web|title=Sugar Glider HPW Diet – High Protein Wombaroo Recipe|url=http://www.sweet-sugar-gliders.com/sugar-glider-hpw-diet-high-protein-wombaroo-recipe.html|publisher=Sweet-Sugar-Gliders.com|access-date=1 October 2012}}</ref> and various calcium rich diets with Leadbeaters Mixture (LBM).<ref>{{cite web|title=Original Leadbeaters Diet Recipe – Taronga Zoo Diet for Sugar Gliders|url=http://www.sweet-sugar-gliders.com/original-leadbeaters-diet-recipe.html#leadbeaters-feeding-instructions|publisher=Sweet-Sugar-Gliders.com|access-date=2012-11-02}}</ref> Iron storage disease ([[Iron overload|hemochromatosis]]) is another dietary problem that has been reported in captive gliders and can lead to fatal complications if not diagnosed and treated early.<ref name="Merck">{{cite web|last1=Hess|first1=Laurie|title=Overview of Sugar Gliders - Exotic and Laboratory Animals|url=https://www.merckvetmanual.com/exotic-and-laboratory-animals/sugar-gliders/overview-of-sugar-gliders|website=Merck Veterinary Manual|publisher=Merck Sharp & Dohme|access-date=9 May 2018}}</ref>

A large amount of attention and [[Behavioral enrichment|environmental enrichment]] may be required for the highly social species, especially for those kept as individuals. Inadequate social interaction can lead to depression and [[List of abnormal behaviours in animals|behavioural disorders]] such as loss of appetite, irritability and self-mutilation.<ref name="Jepson(p234)">{{cite book|last1=Jepson|first1=Lance|title=Exotic Animal Medicine: A Quick Reference Guide|publisher=Elsevier Health Sciences|isbn=9780323394307|page=234|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fm3dCgAAQBAJ&q=tibiocarpalis&pg=PA234|language=en|chapter=7: Sugar gliders|date=2015-11-02}}</ref>
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