About Pocket Pet Sugar Bears

Native to the South Pacific, sugar bears, also known as sugar gliders, are marsupials that are small enough to fit inside of a pocket. Weighing between 4 and 6 ounces, these tiny creatures make ideal ̶0;pocket pets̶1;. Lacking sharp teeth and claws, sugar bears are non-threatening and adapt well to domesticity. With some love, care and background knowledge, you̵7;ll have everything you'll need to bring one of these exotic animals into your home.

  1. Environment

    • With a high activity level, sugar bears need an ample amount of space to move around in. When choosing a cage, look for one that̵7;s about 18 inches wide by 24 inches tall for a baby sugar bear, and 36 inches wide by 40 inches tall for an adult. This will give your pet enough room for play and exercise. It̵7;s also important that the cage has 1-inch by 1/2-inch rectangles instead of vertical bars, as sugar bears usually jump from bar to bar and won̵7;t be able to keep from sliding down the vertical bars. The cage also needs to have a special epoxy coating to protect your pet from possible zinc poisoning.

    Hydration

    • One of the most important things to know about keeping your new pet healthy is that baby sugar bears get easily dehydrated. You can guard against this by putting a small water bottle filled with a mixture that's half water and half electrolyte beverage in its cage. When you carry your pet with you, you can also give it a piece of apple to chew on until you can stop and give it water.

    Warmth

    • Your sugar bear also needs to stay warm. The best temperature for your pet is between 80 and 85 degrees F. Because baby sugar bears are especially cold-natured, it̵7;s best to carry yours in your shirt pocket when transporting it, so that it can be warmed by your body heat. This will also help you bond with your new pet. Another way to keep your sugar bear warm is to place a heated rock in its cage. You can cover the rock with a piece of clothing that smells like you to make it a comfortable place for your pet to sleep. Take care to place the cord outside of the cage so that it won̵7;t pose a danger to your pet.

    Bonding and Affection

    • Sugar bears need constant attention and affection to feel secure. Bonding with your sugar bear during their first few weeks in your home will help it feel more secure in its new environment. In addition to carrying your pet in your pocket, you can also carry it in a specially made pouch that will make it feel comfortable. The pouch will also help it get used to your scent. When your sugar bear is frightened and begins to make chattering sounds, you can calm it by slowly petting it in a firm grip that will remind it of being inside its mother̵7;s pouch. You should also consider getting a second sugar bear, to keep the first one company when you can̵7;t be around.

    Nutrition

    • Sugar bears should maintain a balanced diet, which includes specially formulated food, along with fruits and vegetables. Your pet will continually need fresh water, so you should replace its water often. You should also give your sugar bear vitamins every couple of days. Dietary needs may vary from pet to pet, so ask your pet's breeder for information about your pet̵7;s nutritional needs before you make your purchase.