Sugar gliders are adorable little pets with the fascinating ability to glide through the air. Once a sugar glider is bonded to its owner, it will consider its owner its best friend, ride in a pocket and glide back to its owner from across the room.
Sugar gliders are nocturnal and so are most active at night. They are very active animals that need a lot of exercise and at least an hour out of their cage each night.
Because sugar gliders bond so closely to their owner, they are best for older teens and adults who want to spend a lot of time interacting with their pet.
One sugar glider, or more?
Because sugar gliders are very social animals, they appreciate living in pairs or groups, but a single glider will do well with plenty of attention from its owner.
Feeding
There are plenty of adequate commercial diets, calcium, boosters & nectar sold for sugar gliders. The diet for sugar gliders should consist of a wide variety of chopped fruits and veggies, cooked meat and eggs, insects, tofu, and yogurt. They also require supplements of vitamins and minerals. Nuts and sunflower seeds can be offered occasionally as a treat.
Housing
A sugar glider cage should be at least 20″ X 20″ X 36″ high, and even bigger is better to give them room to jump and climb. Bars should be less than 1/2″ apart to prevent escapes and coated wire is best for cleaning. A wire bottom with a tray far enough underneath so the gliders can’t reach it tends to work best. Inside the tray you can use aspen shavings or pet litter made of recycled paper or organic pellets. Do not use cedar shavings.
Accessories
Sugar gliders need a water bottle, food dish, plastic nest box, sleeping pouch, resting platform, and grapevine climbing branches. They like fleece bedding in their nest box, and also enjoy an exercise wheel, tubes, hammocks, small balls containing a bell, and bird toys. Rotating toys will keep sugar gliders from getting bored and a pedicure perch will help keep their toenails short.
Sanitation
Clean the cage, bedding and accessories daily to prevent odors.
Health Care
With proper care and diet, sugar gliders tend to be healthy. It’s recommended that male gliders be neutered. Veterinary Pet Insurance (www.petinsurance.com) now offers health insurance policies for sugar gliders.
Special Needs
New sugar gliders need some time and special attention to bond to their owner. Unneutered males have a tendency to urinate through the bars of the cage. Neutering will reduce this behavior. Gliders can make sounds that some people find annoying.
Life Cycle
Sugar gliders can live 10-15 years in captivity. The gestation period is 16 days and then the babies spend 10 weeks in their mother’s pouch. The average litter size is 1-2 and baby sugar gliders can be weaned 6 weeks out of the pouch.
Expert Help
If you have questions about your sugar glider, do not hesitate to contact us. We will be happy to help you choose a sugar glider care book for more complete information. You, your veterinarian, and the staff here at the store will form the team, which will be responsible for your sugar glider’s well being.
Supplies Checklist:
- Large cage
- Litter
- Water bottle
- Food dish
- A variety of fresh foods
- Nest box
- Fleece bedding
- Sleeping pouch
- Climbing branches
- Resting platform
- Exercise wheel
- Bird toys and other toys
