How to Take Care of a Sugar Glider

The sugar glider is a small marsupial native to Australia and its neighboring islands. Recently, however, these small tree-dwelling creatures have begun to gain popularity as domestic pets. While sugar gliders can make fun, unique pets, there are a few things that every prospective pet owner must know before bringing home one of these adorable critters. It is important to keep in mind that sugar gliders are nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night. It is also important to note that sugar gliders can live up to 15 years in captivity, which makes the decision to adopt a sugar glider is a long-term commitment.

Things You'll Need

  • Large cage or enclosure
  • Bedding
  • Food
  • Toys
  • Contact info for an exotic pets veterinarian with experience caring for sugar gliders
  • Sugar glider care book
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Instructions

  1. Before You Adopt a Sugar Glider

    • 1

      Check with local and state authorities to ensure that sugar gliders are legal to keep as pets in your area. Obtain a permit, if necessary.

    • 2

      Do plenty of research on the care and keeping of sugar gliders before you bring one home. Be sure that you are ready to commit to the lifetime care of the animal.

    • 3

      Prepare the cage or enclosure prior to bringing your new pet home.

    Nutrition

    • 4

      Feed your sugar glider daily. The diet should consist of approximately half protein-rich foods, such as cooked meat, eggs, or live insects (i.e. mealworms), while the other half should consist of fruits and vegetables, cut into small chunks to allow your sugar gilders to easily grasp them. Baby food can also be given as an alternative. Also, keep in mind that sugar gliders must be fed fresh, moisture-rich foods and cannot survive on any commercially-available dry diet.

    • 5

      Fresh water should be made readily available at all times. This is best provided in a commercially-available pet water bottle, similar to those used for other small animals such as hamsters and gerbils.

    • 6

      If your sugar glider is reluctant to eat or seems lethargic or sluggish, contact your veterinarian immediately.

    Housing

    • 7

      Provide a cage or enclosure that is at least 3’ x 2’ x 2’ to allow your sugar glider plenty of room to move and play. The cage should be well-ventilated.

    • 8

      Line the bottom of the cage with bedding—no scented bedding, corn cob bedding, or pine/cedar bedding, as these can be dangerous. Instead, it is preferable to use aspen bedding or other beddings that are considered safe for use with small animals.

    • 9

      Sugar gliders are tree-dwellers, and love to climb, so it is best to provide plenty of branches and objects for them to climb on. Items such as ferret hammocks, tubes, and exercise wheels can all be used. Other options are empty tissue boxes, paper towel rolls, and similar items.

    Social and Play Needs

    • 10

      Sugar gliders are very social animals. For best results, it is usually advisable to keep two or more sugar gliders, as they don’t thrive as well in isolation.

    • 11

      Sugar gliders love to play and interact with their owners. The best way to bond with your pet is to spend adequate play time with the animal. Items such as balls, bells, and feathers (under appropriate supervision) can all be fun items at play time. Sugar gliders should also be provided with ample opportunities for climbing.

    • 12

      Sugar gliders like to be kept busy and like to be challenged. Rather than leaving food in a constant area, it is usually a good idea to hide the food or relocate the feeding dish, as this keeps your sugar glider's mind engaged as they must perform the instinctive task of searching for their food.