What is a sugar glider?
The Sugar Glider is a small possum. It is not a rodent - it is actually marsupial, like kangaroos. It has the special ability to glide over 100 feet between trees on an angle of about 45 degrees using special skin flaps between its legs called “patagia”. It also has a semi- prehensile tail that it can use to hold small objects and for balance, (but it can not hang from its tail like a monkey).
They are completely nocturnal and therefore, they are awake and active during the NIGHT. |
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They are arboreal, as well, so they spend the majority of their lives (in the wild) living in trees. Sugar gliders are called that because they like the taste of sweet nectar and tree sap.
The Sugar Glider’s scientific name is Petaurus Breviceps, which means “the short headed rope-dancer”.
The Sugar Glider’s scientific name is Petaurus Breviceps, which means “the short headed rope-dancer”.
Do they make good pets?
Sugar gliders can make good pets. However, they are not the right pets for everyone. They do not get along with other household pets, who may mistake them as prey and injure or kill them. They are not recommended as pets for young children because their long, sharp teeth can pierce flesh pretty easily. They require the care of exotic veterinarians when they are ill or injured, and often need vet care at night which can be expensive. They are completely nocturnal, so they sleep all day long and are most active when most people are sleeping. There is no nutritionally complete, store-bought kibble for sugar gliders, either - they need a diet that has to be prepared, stored and specially purchased - including fruits and vegetables nightly. For help deciding if sugar gliders are the right pet for you, please view or print out this PDF:
What do they eat?
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Glider diets are frequently the subject of intense debate. There are many on the market and not all are considered safe or completely nutritious for gliders. Some of those that are considered safe are:
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We also feed our gliders a wide variety of fruits and vegetables nightly. You can the button below for a list of glider-safe fruits and vegetables.
If you need help deciding on the best diet to feed your own sugar glider(s), I recommend printing this PDF and taking it and your sugar glider with you to visit a licensed exotic veterinarian, familiar with the care and nutritional needs of sugar gliders.
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Is there anything they CAN'T eat?
Yes! Gliders should NEVER eat the following items:
- Chocolate
- Rhubarb
- Garlic
- Seasoned meat (plain, unseasoned, cooked meat will not harm them)
- Catnip
What kind of enclosure do they need?
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Sugar gliders need a wire cage with 1/2" bar spacing (or less) & at least 8.75 cubic feet in volume. This is a minimum size... however, bigger is better - so as big of a cage as you can handle should be your goal!
Remember, when housing gliders, they are colony animals so you want a cage that can fit at least two gliders happily. The cage has to be able to fit a wheel, cage set, toys, and also allow room for them to move about and play freely. I like cages around 36" x 22" x 21" as I feel that one this size or larger provides tons of room for toys cage sets and them to play. Height is an important factor - but remember they like to glide... so a side-to-side measurement is key!
You can also build your own cage from many materials like using a PVC frame and attaching mesh with zip ties! Or perhaps you could zip tie pieces of PVC coated shelving units together! Many people choose to go this route and build a cage to suit them, fit their decor, or to house their gliders in a way that is more uniquely "them." This also enables you to design an enclosure specifically to fit the space you want it to occupy.
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Please check with me if you are uncertain about the types of cage building materials that are safe for sugar gliders - NOT all cage materials are safe! Galvanized metal, wood, aquariums, and painted surfaces, for example are NOT considered suitable for meeting gliders' housing needs, despite the fact that these materials are occasionally used.
A Glide-arium™ is a PVC pipe frame with mesh like cover. This cage is cost efficient and can work great. Some downsides are it's light weight and if your gliders chew, they could chew through the mesh. Get to know your gliders habits before making an instant switch. They are great habitats but should be used with caution and checked for frays, holes or threads daily. I would recommend using a minimum of a 65 gal size or larger. Most people that use these tend to go with the 100 gal or the 260 gallon sizes.
PLEASE NOTE: there is a difference between glider safe Glide-ariums™ and Reptariums sold by companies like Agogee. Apogee's reptariums are NOT glider safe and are made with TOXIC mesh. Please avoid reptrariums and if you decide on this type of habitat for your glider, go with a Glide-arium™ instead. |
What about exercise? Are running wheels safe?
The most important thing you will provide your glider with, in my opinion, is a wheel. Gliders run on their wheels for exercise, fun, and most importantly for stress relief. If a glider does not have a wheel and is not getting proper attention and exercise, you could risk serious health issues like Depression which can lead to Self Mutilation.
Never use a hamster wheel or a wheel with a center crossbar for your sugar gliders. These have resulted in the injury and death of many gliders. Sugar gliders play differently on their wheel than rodents do. They run and jump and flip instead of just running. You can get links to safe wheels I like on the GLIDER LINKS PAGE. There are other options out there, too - so if you are wondering if a wheel is safe, feel free to just ask. I would be more than happy to point you in the right direction if you CONTACT ME.
Never use a hamster wheel or a wheel with a center crossbar for your sugar gliders. These have resulted in the injury and death of many gliders. Sugar gliders play differently on their wheel than rodents do. They run and jump and flip instead of just running. You can get links to safe wheels I like on the GLIDER LINKS PAGE. There are other options out there, too - so if you are wondering if a wheel is safe, feel free to just ask. I would be more than happy to point you in the right direction if you CONTACT ME.
Do they need vet care? What about grooming?
Yes - gliders should have at least an annual or bi-annual examination by a licensed veterinarian. Preferably one with exotic pet and/or sugar glider experience. Here is a list of veterinarians in my area. You can find veterinarians who see sugar glides in your area
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Valley
Vet
Dr. Winning 3210 Main Ave Fargo, ND 58103 Phone: (701) 232-3391 Fax: (701) 293-6477 |
Red River
Animal Emergency Clinic 1401 Oak Manor Ave S., Suite 2 Fargo, North Dakota 58103 Phone: (701)478-9299 Fax: (701)478-9298 |
Petcetera Animal Clinic
Carol Hagen, DVM, 1150 40th Ave. S Grand Forks, ND 58201 (701) 775-0549 Fax: (701) 746-6897 |
You can find veterinarians who see sugar gliders in other areas by visiting this link: Sugar Glider Help Vet Database
When it comes to grooming, gliders pretty much take care of themselves. A nail trim about every 6-8 weeks is suggested. You can do that yourself, or you can have it done by your veterinarian.
Bathing sugar gliders is almost never a necessity. There is a natural odor associated with sugar gliders - it is a bit musky, but it not as strong as the odor associated with a descent-ed ferret. Neutering males and a proper diet can help decreased odor exponentially. If your glider seems particularly dirty, or has gotten into something that is all over their fur, wiping them off with a damp cloth or unscented baby wipe can help - but please be sure your glider is warm and completely dry before allowing them to return to their habitat unsupervised.
When it comes to grooming, gliders pretty much take care of themselves. A nail trim about every 6-8 weeks is suggested. You can do that yourself, or you can have it done by your veterinarian.
Bathing sugar gliders is almost never a necessity. There is a natural odor associated with sugar gliders - it is a bit musky, but it not as strong as the odor associated with a descent-ed ferret. Neutering males and a proper diet can help decreased odor exponentially. If your glider seems particularly dirty, or has gotten into something that is all over their fur, wiping them off with a damp cloth or unscented baby wipe can help - but please be sure your glider is warm and completely dry before allowing them to return to their habitat unsupervised.
Where can I get more information about sugar gliders?
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There are many places to get additional information about sugar gliders. I recommend you check out my FAVORITE LINKS PAGE for links to get glider info :-) |
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