Just the Basics ~Sugar Glider Care

What are sugar gliders?
Sugar gliders are small marsupial animals native to Australia.   They are approximately 12 to 13 inches in length and the tail is just as long as the body.  They have a membrane or pataguim which connects from the last finger to the first toe which allows them to glide (much like our native flying squirrels). They are nocturnal animals and will sleep during the day and be up at night.  The common color for sugar gliders is gray but they do come in many color variations. They can live up to 12 years in captivity.

What type of housing and cage accessories are needed?
Sugar gliders do best in large parrot cages where they have plenty of room to leap, jump and play. The cage bar spacing should be 1/2" as they can squeeze out of anything larger. Ideal size for two gliders is 30" wide by 18" deep by 36" tall but bigger is always better.  Please do not buy any cages that have galvanized metal. After purchasing cage make sure to secure all doors shut with zip ties as they will escape.

Sugar gliders need a few essential cage accessories for a happy enriched life. First you will have to get some fleece bedding for them to snuggle up in during the day. Please make sure you do your research and find a reputable vendor who sells suggie safe product. You will want to focus your attention on finding a vendor who crafts bedding items that are seamless. My sugar gliders love cage pouches, corners and bridges. Next, you will need to invest in an open concept wheel for your suggies  (wire rodent wheels are not safe for your glider).  Lastly, you will need to make or buy toys that will offer your gliders plenty of enrichment opportunities. My suggies like foragers, reset toys, toys they can chew on, hidey hut type toys and toys that jingle.

Can sugar glider live alone?
Sugar gliders are social animals and live in colonies in the wild so they should not be kept as singles and do better in pairs. It is not fair to keep sugar gliders alone as they need to a buddy to snuggle with, groom and chat with when we are sleeping. 

What do you feed sugar gliders?
Sugar gliders require a fairly complex diet unlike your common domestic dogs and cats where you can buy dry food in the grocery store. They need a balanced diet that will meet of their nutritional needs which they can not get from a pellet diet.  I feed my sugar gliders the HPW Original diet with add green juice. One night I feed HPW with veggies and the other with HPW with fruits, yogurt and nectar.  Here is my favorite website that gives breif descriptions of the balance nutritional diets  http://www.sweet-sugar-gliders.com/sugar-glider-diet-recipes.html      .

Are sugar gliders for you? Can you answer yes to all of the following?
* I have the proper space for a large cage and have the means to
* I am okay with being peed and pooped on (sugar gliders can not be trained)
* I can afford a balanced diet which includes: a staple and variety of fresh fruits and veggies
* I have time every night to take my glider out and play in a safe area
* I am okay with the barking noise they make (similar to a small dog)
* I have the financial means to pay for exotic vet care (which can be more expensive)
* I am an adult and understand that making a decision to own a sugar gliders means making a commitment for 9-12 yrs to proving love and care. (Suggies are not good pets for young children)

Links

General Sugar Glider Info
Glidercentral is an online forum where you can read and ask questions in a friendly "G" rated environment.  You don't have to join to read. www.glidercentral.net

All images and content © 2015 to Sarah Hammond.