Sugar Glider Care Guide
Petaurus breviceps
Sugar Gliders (Petaurus breviceps), are the most popular pet marsupials. Belonging to the same family as kangaroos and koalas, they have the best of both worlds excellent jumping (Kangaroo) and climbing (Koala) abilities and a pouch to keep their babies in! Sugar Gliders are social, energetic, and affectionate making them popular choices as exotic pets. As for their size, adult sugar gliders measure around 12 inches from nose to tip of the tail (Tail is longer than their bodies) and weigh between 4-5 ounces. They are native to Australia and are typically found in rainforests and eucalyptus forests. Caring for a sugar glider is enjoyable, and they are generally low-maintenance pets. However, they thrive on love and attention, so it is recommended to keep them in pairs to prevent loneliness and depression.
In this article, I will provide a comprehensive guide to sugar glider care. If you have any corrections, comments, or questions, please leave them in the comments section. I'd love to hear from you! Additionally, I have included several care videos from my YouTube channel throughout this guide, which can be accessed via the provided links. Sugar gliders for sale are also available on the bottom of this page.
Enclosure
Creating the proper setup for a sugar glider enclosure is crucial to keeping them happy and active. With excellent care, sugar gliders can live up to ten years or more. As for the enclosure itself, it is preferable to have a tall cage that provides enough space for them to jump from end to end. I recommend a minimum enclosure size of 3ft(H) x1ft(W) x2ft(L). The bar spacing should not exceed 1/2 inch to prevent them from slipping through and escaping. The enclosure should offer enough room for exercise, as well as space for a food bowl, water bowl, and a nest box or shelter for daytime sleep. Since sugar gliders are nocturnal animals, direct sunlight is both annoying and damaging to their eyes. Therefore, it's important to keep them away from direct sunlight. They can tolerate temperatures ranging from 60°F to 90°F, but their preferred temperature range is 80°F to 88°F. It is advisable to keep them in a warm room away from heating and air conditioning vents. Once you have secured the enclosure, it's time to add elements that can benefit the gliders, such as branches, ropes, or ladders, to provide them with easy access and adventure within their enclosure. Readjusting their branches and items helps keep your gliders happy and entertained. They are curious and playful creatures so it is important to not have an empty cage and offer plenty of elements to enrich them.
Diet and Hydration
A sugar glider's diet should consist of 75% fruits and vegetables and 25% protein ( Eggs, insects). They should consume about 4-6 teaspoons a day of a variety of foods, which is approximately 15-20% of their body weight, to ensure a healthy life. Sugar gliders are omnivorous, feeding on both plant and animal matter. About 60% of their foraging activity occurs at night. In the wild, they consume nectar, pollen, and various fruits. They particularly enjoy apples, pears, melons, peaches, plums, bananas, berries, grapes, and many other fruits. As treats they like superworms, walnuts, hazelnuts, sunflower seeds, and avocados, but these high-fat foods should be given in small quantities. Certain fruits, such as strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, pears, figs, and beets, have high oxalate content. Although not toxic, it's best to avoid or provide them in smaller amounts due to the potential binding of oxalate with calcium, which can cause illness. I also like to offer my gliders ready-made organic baby food jars with low or no sugar. Additionally, I recommend using a calcium and vitamin supplement or a specialized sugar glider diet at least two to three times a week to ensure proper nutrition. Sugar gliders obtain most of their hydration from food intake, however I always provide a bottle with a nozzle attachment for small mammals. A bowl works as well but will need to be checked everyday as they put food and sometimes poop in the water. I have noticed when feeding my gliders dry pellets they drink a lot of water compared to when eating fruits and other foods high in hydration so make sure to have it available just in case.
Handling
Spending time with your sugar glider is crucial for building a bond and showing them tender loving care (TLC). Without adequate attention, your sugar glider may not bond with you and may exhibit aggression.
I recommend at least 30 minutes each day if the glider is kept alone. If in pairs or groups I would recommend at least 15 minutes a few times a week to maintain friendly and tame gliders. Bonding pouches can be used to carry gliders close to your body during the day, allowing them to become familiar with your scent and recognize you, I also like putting a used but clean piece of clothing in their enclosure for the same effect. Feeding them by hand gradually and consistently will make them feel safe and eventually accept you as part of their family.
Sugar Gliders for Sale
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