How to Make a 5 Foot High Sugar Glider Cage

Sugar gliders are lively, social marsupials who have a sweet tooth and a need to climb. They bond easily with humans and, although they are very active, make great apartment dwellers. Once considered an exotic pet, these Australian natives have endeared themselves to pet owners from North America and Europe to Japan. One sugar glider requires no more than a 24x24x36 cage to live happily. However, the animal will be thrilled with a larger cage if you have the space and time.

Things You'll Need

  • Hammer Tape measure Pliers J-clips and J-clip pliers Tin snips 1x2 framing lumber Heavy-duty stapler Welded wire Piano hinge and screws Screwdriver Paneling trim &hot glue Metal or plastic tray slightly larger than the bottom of the cage Sandpaper Plastic coated or galvanized welded wire and PVC paint Branches, toys, sleeping boxes or pouches Nontoxic varnish or paint
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Instructions

    • 1

      Find a good location for your sugar glider's cage. These large-eyed creatures can't stand bright light, so stay away from east- or west-facing patio doors or any place where the sun beats down during the day. At the same time, don't hole her up in a dark corner---she wants to be part of the action with you. Since your cage will probably sit on the floor or on a low platform, find an area that is easy to move around so you can clean the cage easily.

    • 2

      Cut four panels for sides out of welded wire, trimming sharp ends as you go. Wire should be at least 14-gauge and have 1x1 weave. Resist the urge to use screening or "chicken wire"; sugar gliders' little claws get stuck in them. Cut a top and several shelves out of the wire to place inside the cage. A shelf should be five to eight inches deep and reach the entire width of the cage. Attach three of the four sides together with J-clips (used for chicken and rabbit cages).

    • 3

      Install the shelves so that they range around the cage at different levels while you still have one side open. Placing shelves on different sides around the cage will provide internal support for the wire structure. Use the J-clips to attach the back of the shelf. Attach the front to a slightly higher level wire before attaching along the side. Crimp wire along the front of the shelf with your pliers to make an edge and turn it up a bit so toys and dishes can't accidentally slide off. Close the front of the cage and secure the last side with J-clips.

    • 4

      Build your exterior frame with 1x2 framing lumber by building three squares to fit outside the wire cage. Attach upright corners outside for vertical support. Staple the cage to the horizontal framing and tape down any staples tightly. Cover the top of a fourth wood frame with welded wire and attach the wood to the top cage frame with a piano hinge. If you'd like a door near the bottom of the cage, cut out an opening and use paneling trim (attached with hot glue) to cover the edges on the door and around the edges. This will stiffen the door and make it more difficult for your little escape artist to bend it. Hinge the door with J-clips and use at least 10-gauge wire to make catches for the door on the opposite corners and sides.

    • 5

      Check your cage to make sure all staples and J-clips have been flattened and no sharp edges remain. Fill the bottom pan with newsprint or wood shavings and set the cage on top. Set a few branches in the cage so your sugar gliders will have "trees" to climb. Add a birdhouse or two or pouches for sleeping, food, water and toys, and your cage is ready for its new inhabitants.