Sugar Gliders: General Information and Pet Care

What is Sugar Glider?

Sugar gliders (or sugar bears) are cute and cuddly creatures that have become popular as pets in the last 10–15 years. Gliders are nocturnal marsupials commonly found in Australia, average 9–12 inches in length, and weigh only a few ounces.

Their fur is soft to the touch, and they have a flap of skin that connects their front and back legs on either side, allowing them to “fly” or fly long distances. These skins act as a parachute to slow their descent as they jump. These pets form close social bonds and are very active when they are kept in a proper habitat.

What We Will Discuss

1. What is Sugar Glider?
2. Suitable Accommodations
3. Appropriate Diet
4. Socializing and Bonding
5. Keep Them as Pets

Suitable Accommodations

Gliders are native to Australia, Indonesia, Tasmania, and New Guinea. They live in the high tops of trees and only come down to the ground when they need to. They are nocturnal, meaning they sleep during the day and are active when the sun goes down. They live in environments that are between 65–90 degrees Fahrenheit.

Cage Size and Materials

Gliders are naturally social and active animals that need plenty of space to jump and play. The absolute minimum cage size for housing this species is 2′ (width) x 2′ (diameter) x 3′ (height) with a maximum spacing of 1/2″ between cage bars .

Gliders are very intelligent animals, and their cages should not be made of raw metal or mesh, or their claws can get caught. Otherwise, they will pull their limbs free and possibly dislocate/remove their appendages in the process. Stay away from cage material with loose fibers sticking out.

Habitat Enrichment

Gliders are active and need open space and obstacles for jumping and gliding. Without toys and space to slide around, these pets will become bored and lethargic and fail to thrive.

Gliders have a lot of energy to burn and may require a hamster wheel to run if kept in captivity. Be sure to choose a suitable tire. The small tail of the glider may get caught in the center of the wheel, depending on its construction. Pet owners can place nail file pads on the wheel to help file nails.

Hammocks and Hideouts

Gliders like to sleep on hollow logs and hammock pouches. They can be very picky about where they sleep, so you should give them a variety of options until they choose a permanent space. Bonded gliders enjoy sleeping close to their owner’s scent. Wear the shirt to bed for 5–7 nights, then hang it like a hammock or place it on the ground so your glider can climb on it.

You can also wear a hammock around your body for your sugar glider to sleep. This serves to replicate the glider’s infancy (they stay in their mother’s pouch for 2–3 months).

Appropriate Diet

Offer Natural Fruits and Insects

In the wild, gliders will eat the surrounding vegetation. In captivity, however, it is very important to keep a close eye on their diet. There are many ingredients to consider when creating a diet, and many foods that can make them sick. Gliders love berries, fresh fruit, and bugs, but their tastes will change over time, so be sure to offer them a varied diet.

Natural Foods vs. Dangerous Foods

Balance the Calcium and Phosphorus Ratio

To ensure that the glider’s diet is adequate, there must be the right vitamins added to their food. There are many multivitamins on the market made for gliders that you can sprinkle on food. It’s a good idea to give them a calcium powder supplement every other day (or more often) to make sure they’re getting enough nutrients. Don’t bump up their calcium just to make up for their phosphorus intake. It is better to develop a balanced diet from the beginning.

The correct phosphorus to calcium ratio is important. Calcium is used in the body to balance internal phosphorus levels. When there is too much phosphorus and not enough calcium in their diet, the body will take calcium from the bones to make up for the deficiency. The first symptom of this disorder is trembling legs. Gliders can become paralyzed or die from phosphorus poisoning or complications of calcium deficiency.

Sugar Glider Socialization and Bonding

Socialization is Key

Sugar gliders are incredibly social creatures. In the wild, they can be found in families or “colonies” of seven or more. In captivity, it is important to keep them socially active (preferably with another glider). They will be depressed without someone to play with and cuddle with. Males will compete for dominance, which can lead to malnutrition and minor injuries, so it is best to keep only one male in a colony.

Bonding

When bonding, gliders will rub their scent glands against each other. It is recommended that you place your glider in a pouch (hanging to your body) while they sleep. You can also hide them inside your shirt. Gliders really enjoy armpits as scent pockets.

You can give them a worn shirt with a smell, but start slowly. Give your shirt to your new glider when they’re just sleeping, and over time, you can put one in their cage permanently.

Quick Tips for Socializing Your Glider

• Place your glider with at least one other companion.
• If you have a colony, you can sit back and watch your gliders play together.
• Hide and seek is my favorite game among many. Gliders will climb out of sight and wait for you to go around and find them.
• Let your glider move around you while you walk and do other things.
• Many gliders prefer to hang around your back, even making it difficult to remove them when playtime is over.

Deciphering the Vocalizations of the Sugar Glider

Keeping Sugar Gliders as Pets

There has been a lot of controversy over keeping gliders as pets over the past few years. Part of the issue is due to super breeders not caring for the species and not properly collecting it. Another issue results from pet owners not knowing. In both cases, one needs to do their research before purchasing a pet, especially an exotic species.

I adopted a glider from an owner who bought him from a super breeder; he was more shy and afraid. After he bonded with us, we noticed he was having small seizures. Unfortunately, by the time we noticed, it was too late, and we lost him.

Owners may want to think carefully about who they buy from. Many of these super breeders go into native habitats and take gliders illegally, and many things can go wrong in the process.

Why They Make Great Pets

Sugar gliders are great companions. In a well-maintained home that offers space to run and jump around, they will feel comfortable. Bonding with a new glider will take time, but patience and love will make them a great addition to any family!

This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. It is not intended to replace diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, or formal and individualized advice from a veterinary medical professional. Animals showing signs and symptoms of distress should be seen by a veterinarian immediately.

Comments

pugicorns rule on May 14, 2020:

is this a good website because i am getting a sugar glider

Ghddudurur on June 05, 2019:

I have. One is that they are very cute

Beyon on May 20, 2019:

It’s cute

Eumelia Chin from Malaysia on August 21, 2018:

A great youTUBE channel to learn more about sugar gliders is ‘Snap Out Of It’ (Originally known as Lilly Bell Looks).

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