How to Hand Tame a Sugar Glider

Sugar gliders are nocturnal marsupials that can live up to 15 years. Small and furry, these critters are the embodiment of a pocket pet, but they can also glide up to 50 yards. Sugar gliders are social and can bond with their human friends. By taking time out of every day, you can hand tame your sugar glider to sit on your shoulder, ride in your pocket and play with you.

Things You'll Need

  • Treats
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Instructions

    • 1

      Give your sugar glider time to become accustomed to you. Don̵7;t start trying to pick him up the first day you bring him home. Give him a few days to familiarize himself with his new home.

    • 2

      Speak to your glider often so he will learn your voice.

    • 3

      Begin giving him a treat through the bars. When he accepts treats from your hand, start putting your hand in the cage and offering him a treat. When he finally starts coming to your hand when you put it in the cage, begin trying to pick him up.

    • 4

      Pick up your sugar glider slowly, don̵7;t reach in the cage and grab him quickly.

    • 5

      Teach him to glide to you by placing him somewhere high. Hold a treat close to him so he steps onto your hand for the treat. Continue doing this while moving your hand away from him a little at a time. Eventually, he will begin to make small leaps to you. Continue distancing yourself from him and encouraging him to glide to you.

    • 6

      Stay consistent. Sugar gliders learn at different rates and the key is persistence.