Personality Differences Between Male & Female Sugar Gliders

A sugar glider is from the same family as the kangaroo, opossum and wombat. They are "arboreal marsupials" found in the forests of Australia, Tasmania, New Guinea and Indonesia. The animals "glide" by spreading their arms out and gliding through the air on their kitelike skin. Some say the disposition of a sugar glider depends more on its environment than its gender.

  1. Male Sugar Gliders

    • A male will try to prove its dominance against another male if a female is in the group. Males mark their territory by rubbing scent glands on the other gliders in their group and the owners they are bonded to. Male gliders tend to be outgoing and curious with strangers, and that they are less prone to being moody, according to Suncoast Sugar Gliders. Males also seem to bond easier.

    Female Sugar Gliders

    • Female sugar gliders tend to be more cuddly and less prone to explore, according to Suncoast Sugar Gliders. The females are shyer and seek the safety of their owner when confronted with strangers.

    The Difference Between Males and Females

    • Veterinarian Dr. David Brust with the Association of Sugar Glider Veterinarians says that opinions vary wildly on the difference between males and females. Some people swear males are friendlier while others are certain that females are the better pet. Dr. Brust believes that the owners shoulder a lot of responsibility for how the glider behaves. If the owner spends time with the gliders, either gender can have a sweet personality. Love them and they will love you.

    General Sugar Glider Behavior

    • Become a sugar glider owner only if you have the time and commitment that your animal will need. Sugar gliders are very friendly if they have daily human interaction. Babies should be handled soon after they have emerged from the pouch and their eyes are open. They bond easily to their humans and will seek out human attention. Sugar gliders are nocturnal and will snuggle or sleep during the day and be more active at night. Sugar gliders that have been hand-tamed will glide into their owners' hands and won't try to escape. Sugar gliders live in large colonies in the wild. Keep more than one sugar glider to make them happiest. They might get depressed if housed alone. Let the gliders out to play in the evening but supervise them.