I have a male glider that is about 3 years old. He recently started messing with his tail. Hair loss and licking his skin were it looks raw. Like a dog with a hot spot. It is not infected, no scratches or wounds. I have already taken him to our exotic vet. We have given him an antibiotic and a powder to put on his tail. It isn't getting worst but doesn't seem to be healing.

My vet reached out to another exotic vet to get a second opinion (which I appreciate) and I was told he started picking a his tail maybe because of anxiety or depression? Has anyone else had this happen?

I was told my options were to get another glider. My only concern with that is my glider is already 3, I don't know how he would do with a new glider. Or my vet said we can put him on a medication that could help with depression?? I am not big of medication for humans, don't think I want my glider taking anything like that. Last option would be to cut his tail but whats to say he wouldn't pick at it again.

Any feed back would be very greatly appreciated!

did the vet xray the tail? Those can be signs the tail is broken. What all is in the cage with him? wheels toys etc??

Yes. No damage is done to his tail. He has good blood flow and has lost no feeling in his tail. He isn’t acting any differently either.

He has a wheel in his cage and a branch. It is a save wheel for him. Has nothing he can get caught or tangled in.

The more I read on it. It does sounds like depression. The professional breed I got him from said self -mutilation is common if the are depressed. He is my only sugar glider. But I am very active with him. I let him out in my house almost every evening.

I’m thinking my best option would go get another glider.

gliders will not self mutilate because of depression.

How big is the cage?

what kind of wheel?

can you post pics?

free roams the house ?

I’ve had 3 specialist tell me that..

24x18x36 size of cage

I attached a picture of the wheel. I think.??

And never roams freely in the house only with me. Most of the time he hangs out on my shoulder and jumps on the bed.