The Playful Behavior of the Sugar Glider

Affectionate and social, sugar gliders live as long as 12 years, delighting animal lovers with their entertaining antics and ability to bond with their owners, according to the Gliderpedia.

  1. Identification

    • Covered in silky gray fur, with patches of cream and black, the sugar glider weighs 3 to 5 ounces. The Gliderpedia reports that the sugar glider earned its name in Australia from its love of sweets and the way it extends flaps of skin on its sides to glide from tree to tree.

    Toys &Exercise

    • Sherrie Demirjian, a Florida veterinarian, states that sugar gliders need toys, climbing structures such as ladders and ropes, and an exercise wheel. Leaping from place to place, they also like areas where they can hide and peek out.

    Considerations

    • Sugar gliders sleep during the day and stay active at night. As "clan" animals, keep two or more together, suggests Florida veterinarian Janine M. Cianciolo, as they enjoy playing and interacting with each other.

    Misconceptions

    • Sugar gliders may leap on and dig their claws into their human companions to play and bond. They also like to sniff and lick humans' skin.

    Expert Insight

    • The Lucky Glider Rescue &Sanctuary suggests that if your glider jumps on you, wait for it to leap away. Treat your sugar glider gently, and you will have a loving, devoted pet.