Description
About Sugar Gliders
Sugar Gliders are small arboreal marsupials with shiny grey-silver coats. They get their name from their ability to glide through the air and for their preference to feed on sweet foods. Gliding is possible by a thin membrane of skin called a ‘patagium’ that extends between their front and back legs. Sugar Gliders are very social animals and should be kept in pairs to avoid loneliness.
Traits & Behaviour
Sugar Gliders are nocturnal. They cuddle up and sleep throughout the day and are active during the night. They are quick, love to climb, and will glide from place to place if their space allows it. They are very social animals and will bond quickly with their owners. They need plenty of attention from their owners if kept alone. Sugar Gliders make different sounds to communicate, socialize, or when they feel upset or threatened.
Environment
Housing: Sugar Gliders need a large and tall wire enclosure which allows them to climb, jump, and glide. The minimum cage size for a sugar glider is 60cmL x 60cmW x 90cmH. The bedding (wood chips or cellulose fibre) can be placed at the bottom of their enclosure for easy cleaning.
Cage Placement: Keep their cage in a well-ventilated, shaded, and dry area away from sunlight. Sunlight or bright light can damage the eyesight of Sugar Gliders. The cage should also be placed in a quiet area during the day so they can rest and sleep.
Rest/Sleeping: A sleeping pouch, nesting box, or hide is a must for Sugar Gliders. It should be placed high up in their enclosure to simulate sleeping in a tree.
Accessories: A drinking bottle and food bowl are needed in their enclosure. Provide them with a plethora of toys, tunnels, swings and vines to climb on. They are active and needs toys to stimulate their mind.
Nutrition
Staple Food: A balance of fruits, vegetables, insects, and a source of protein is needed. A good ratio to maintain in a Sugar Glider’s daily diet is 40% protein and 60% fructose (which comes from sweet fruits). Crickets, mealworms and hardboiled egg yolks are good sources of protein.
Fruits & Vegetables: Fruits that can be prepared are apples, pears, persimmons, and kiwi. For vegetables, carrots, tomatoes, green peas, and celery are good.
Supplements: Calcium is needed to strengthen bone development. Calcium powder can be sprinkled on insects or fruits 3 – 4 times a week. Treats can also be given to Sugar Gliders in the form of yoghurt drops which are available in pet shops.
Water: Fresh and clean water must be available at all times.
Foods To Avoid: Never feed them with chocolates, raw sugar, and candy as sugar supplements. Corn, banana, longan, or lychee are also not suitable for them as these fruits are high in phosphorous (which can affect calcium absorption causing bone problems).
Habitat Maintenance
Daily maintenance should consist of spot cleaning by removing soiled substrate and cleaning the drinker thoroughly and refilling. The entire enclosure should be cleaned every couple of months.
Glider Maintenance
Interact and play with them every day as you bond with your new furry friend. They are social animals after all and need attention. Once bonded, sugar gliders enjoy hanging out in people’s pockets and often become comfortable meeting new people. Sugar Gliders are clean and can be fastidious, so they will never require bathing unless they have somehow gotten something on them that is toxic or they are unable to clean off themselves. Trim their nails as frequently to prevent hurting yourself when handling them.
Supply Checklist
Here are some necessary supplies owners will need to keep their Sugar Gliders happy and healthy~
- Appropriate size and well-ventilated cage
- Bedding
- Sleeping pouch/hammock
- Food dish
- Water drinker
- Toys
- Bonding pouch
- Pellet food
- Fruits and veggies
- Insects
- Calcium supplement
- Treats
- Nail trimmer
Important Notes
- Sugar Gliders needs a great deal of attention. Consider your lifestyle before owning one.
- Because captive sugar gliders can live up to 10 years or more, you must be prepared to care for your sugar glider for at least a decade.
- Avoid too much noise during the day as Sugar Gliders are nocturnal and need to sleep during the day.
- Sugar gliders are sensitive animals and may not be comfortable living with other pets in the household.
- Never feed your sugar glider with insects collected from your backyard.
And you’re set! All the best to you and your Sugar Glider!
For further enquiries contact us at 03-7733 7469 or drop by our shop and speak to our team!