Sugar Glider Potty Training

Sugar gliders cannot specifically be trained to use a litter box. However, their bathroom habits are quite predictable and can be managed accordingly. While every sugar glider has slightly different bathroom habits, these habits will become easier to distinguish the more you spend time and bond with them. Remember to be patient and prepared while training sugar gliders.

  1. Preparation

    • It is essential to have baby wipes or tissues with you when potty training. Equipping yourself with wipes or tissues before taking your sugar glider out of its cage can help prevent messy accidents. Sugar gliders are extremely clean animals. Like cats, they groom themselves and do not require bathing. Sugar gliders will not go to the bathroom where they sleep unless they are in an enclosed area and unable to get out.

    Timing

    • Sugar gliders will have to relieve themselves when they first wake up from a long sleep and each time they awaken from a nap. Remember, when you take sugar gliders out of their cages after sleeping, you are squeezing their bodies and stimulating the process. After a sugar glider has gone to the bathroom, it will not have to go again for another three to four hours.

    Process

    • Each time a sugar glider goes to the bathroom, it will excrete two to three pellets and a few drops of urine. If you are inside, hold a wipe or tissue underneath your sugar glider while it relieves itself. If you are outside, hold the animal over the grass. To speed the process along, use a wipe on its bottom and massage its belly. Transfer the sugar glider back and forth between your hands and wipe again.

    Precautions

    • If you are carrying a sugar glider around in your pocket, be aware of any sudden movements. Sugar gliders like to nap for three to four hours at a time. When they awaken and begin to shift and move it is likely that they need to go to the bathroom. Take them out promptly to avoid any accidents. If sugar gliders are in an enclosed pouch or pocket and unable to get out, accidents can occur.

    Scheduling

    • Sugar gliders are nocturnal animals. However, over time they can adjust themselves to your schedule. Get sugar gliders used to waking during the day by preparing their food next to their cage. The sounds and smells will rouse them; they are always ready for food. Once your sugar glider is accustomed to your schedule, you might find potty training an easier task.