Sugar Glider Breeding Facts

Breeding sugar gliders is a straightforward process, but it should never be entered into lightly. The owner needs to be ready for the care that the mother and babies, called joeys, will need. Owners will also need to be able to ensure homes for the babies when they mature. If you are considering breeding sugar gliders, it is essential to be informed.

  1. Time Frame

    • A female sugar glider is capable of producing young from around 5 months of age to about 8 years of age, though there have been females who have given birth at the age of 11. For the health of the mother, it is better to delay breeding until the age of 10 to 12 months. In the wild, sugar gliders produce litters once a year, but in captivity, females can produce joeys four times a year. After impregnation, the joeys will appear within 16 days.

    Diet

    • While the female sugar glider is pregnant, it is important to make sure that she has the nutrition that she needs. Her diet needs to be about 50 percent protein from lean meats, and mealworms, crickets and chicken are all good choices. Avoid beef as it tends to be high in fat.

    Considerations

    • Sugar gliders that are being bred will have different behaviors from ones that are kept as pets. They will be more defensive, less friendly and even aggressive when it comes to the protection of their joeys. To avoid stressing them out, which can have detrimental effects on their health, leave them alone as much as possible.

    Nesting Box

    • Female sugar gliders need a box where they can nest and give birth. According to Sun Coast Sugar Gliders, 5x7 inch Rubbermaid index card boxes can be used for nesting boxes if there are holes drilled into it to allow the sugar gliders to enter and exit. Place the nesting box low in the cage so that the joeys can get back to it if they fall out. Soft cotton balls and fleece are both good choices for nesting material.

    Male Role

    • Sugar glider males should be left in the cage when the female is pregnant. They are diligent parents and will care for the joeys when they emerge. They are instrumental in keeping the joeys warm as the joeys are not able to monitor their own temperatures when they are very young.

    Medical Care

    • If you are planning on breeding sugar gliders, it is important to make contact with a veterinarian who has experience with sugar gliders. Sugar gliders should only be bred if they are in the peak of health, and a veterinarian can ensure that.