How to Make a Sugar Glider Cage

While not particularly common, Sugar Gliders make wonderful pets. Many people have never even heard of a Sugar Glider. They resemble a rat but, in fact, belong to the possum family. Native to Australia, they glide from tree to tree enjoying themselves and playing. Owners gush about their adorable personalities and treat them as new members of the family. Since Sugar Gliders can cost hundreds of dollars to purchase, it is wise to cut costs on their other needs. They all need cages, and cages can be expensive. Sugar Gliders need large cages which can also run up to hundreds of dollars. Instead of purchasing an overpriced cage, why not make one yourself. While you will need to put in a bit of effort, constructing a Sugar Glider cage is the most economical solution.

Things You'll Need

  • Door latch (purchased at hardware store or pet shop)
  • Cage clips called J clips and J clip pliers
  • 2 foot wide, 1/2-inch to 1-inch spaced vinyl coated wire mesh (18 feet)
  • Pliers and wire cutters
  • 2 pieces of 8-foot plastic trim
  • Hot glue
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Instructions

    • 1

      Snip the wire mesh to form the top, bottom, sides, shelves and door. Cut a piece for the top and bottom measuring 2-foot by 2-foot. The sides will have 4 pieces, each 3-foot by 2-foot. There will be 2 shelves, 6-inch by 2-foot. The door should be cut 12-inch by 2-foot.

    • 2

      Choose one of your 3-foot side sections and cut an opening 10-inches wide and 22-inches tall. This will be the door opening to your Sugar Glider cage.

    • 3

      Attach the door with J clips on the right side of the opening, allowing 1-inch overlap. The door should overlap 1 inch all around the cage opening. The door latch should attach on the left side of the opening once you have fixed the door into place.

    • 4

      Protect your Sugar Glider from the sharp edges of the cut mesh by gluing trim on the inside around the door opening edges. You can then glue trim to the 3 swinging sides of the door.

    • 5

      Line the 4 side sections face-down on the floor. The cage door should be touching the floor.

    • 6

      Attach your shelves to the desired sides. You will use J clips to attach the long side of the shelf to the side sections. On the other long side of the shelves, glue trim to protect your Sugar Glider.

    • 7

      Attach the top of one side to one edge of the top wire section with J clips. Continue attaching sides to the top section until all four are attached. Do this for the bottom section as well. For the bottom, however, leave 1 to 2 inches from the bottom of the side sections. This is so you can place a bedding pan underneath and it does not touch the cage floor.

    • 8

      Use J clips once again and fasten the side sections together. This is also a time to check for any areas that look loose or wobbly. If you find any, add more J clips.