Sugar Glider Care

Sugar gliders are small, nocturnal marsupials that are native to Australia, New Guinea and Indonesia. These fascinating creatures have become popular pets in recent years, but they do require special care and attention.

If you’re thinking of adding a sugar glider to your family, here are a few things you need to know about sugar glider care:

Sugar gliders are social animals and do best when kept in pairs or small groups. If you’re only planning on keeping one sugar glider (not recommended at all, they are likely to become depressed when alone), be prepared to spend a lot of time giving them attention and providing interaction.

Sugar gliders are nocturnal creatures, so expect them to be most active at night. This can be a bit of an adjustment for new owners, but it’s just something you’ll need to get used to.

Cage

It is important to choose the right cage for your sugar glider(s). The size of the cage matters because they are very physically active. Please review our cage guide to get additional tips on how to choose the best one for your sugar glider(s) and also how to best set it up.

Sugar gliders are known for being escape artists, so their enclosure needs to be secure. They also love to chew, so it’s important to provide them with safe chewing toys and enrichment activities to keep them mentally and physically stimulated.

It is crucial to keep the cage clean and prevent odor and health issues that easily can be avoided. Please refer to our guide on how to clean your cage.

Cage Set Up and Assecories

You need to select the right toys and accessories that are safe, without sharp ends that might injure your sugar glider. Also; do not purchase an ordinary running wheel as it is important that

the wheel doesn’t have a bar in the middle connecting from side to side. It needs to be an open space wheel runner.

The sleeping bag, pouch or hammock, and any other fleece products, need to be without any loose strings to prevent choking or other injuries.

Diet

A sugar glider’s diet should consist of a variety of fruits, vegetables, and proteins. Fruits and vegetables should make up the majority of their diet, with proteins making up a smaller portion. A good rule of thumb is to offer them 80% fruits and vegetables, and 20% protein.

Sugar gliders are omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and meat. In the wild, their diet consists of fruits, vegetables, insects, and small rodents. Sugar gliders kept as pets should have a diet that includes all of these food groups as well. A variety of fruits, vegetables and protein sources should be offered to ensure a well-rounded diet.

Sugar gliders need fresh water daily placed at two different locations in your cage.

If your sugar glider is not on the right diet or somehow is unbalanced it can cause a health issue and odor. Today we have a good selection of ready food and a few developed diets like SGS 2 and BML for an affordable price. You can read more about this in our guides.

Routines

Sugar gliders do well when they are on a regular schedule and can easily get used to recurring routines like having their claws trimmed weekly with baby nail clippers. Make sure you have something to stop the blood if you accidentally trim too short, which happens often to new owners and also professionals, at times.

Monitor your sugar glider’s weight weekly to ensure it isn’t losing weight and not eating well. It can help you spot an illness or injury early on and make sure to follow-up with your vet whenever needed.

Also follow-up with your vet if you spot one or more of the following:

• ​Hair loss typically resulting from poor nutrition and vitamin intake
• Pneumonia, which can be indicated by discharge from the eyes/nose
• Diarrhea resulting from dietary changes
• Stress-related diseases including self-mutilation, cannibalism of young, and eating disorders

Sugar gliders are very sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity. Their enclosure must be kept at a consistent temperature and humidity level to ensure their health and well-being.

If you’re prepared to meet the challenges of sugar glider care, then these amazing little animals can make wonderful pets. Just be sure to do your research and be prepared for some late nights!!