Sugar Glider Care Guide

The following guide provides general care recommendations for sugar gliders. We always recommend consulting with a qualified exotic veterinarian to create a personalized care plan for your pet.

Average Lifespan

These little marsupials have an average lifespan of 10-12 years, and sometimes longer!

Diet

A sugar glider’s diet is one of the most important aspects of their care. A wild glider’s diet consists of insects, fruits, vegetables, meat, and eggs. You should never feed your baby only dry kibble.

Gliders are omnivores. A balanced diet should include:

• Fresh fruits and vegetables: Offered in small, cut-up pieces in a separate bowl. Variety is key, so mix up the types of food every few days. Introduce new foods slowly, waiting at least one week to identify any issues.
• Protein sources: Insects such as mealworms and crickets are a staple and provide essential nutrients and fiber. Cooked, unseasoned eggs are also a great source of protein.
• Supplements: A nectar-based supplement powder can be sprinkled on wet or dry food or mixed with water to provide gliders with essential vitamins and minerals that are difficult to recreate with captive diets.

Good Treats

• Fruits: Oranges, apples, dry fruit, pineapple, pear, mango.
• Veggies: Kale, cabbage, celery, green beans, spinach, bell pepper.
• Other: Mealworms, crickets, roaches, cooked unseasoned eggs, eucalyptus, honey/pollen, nectar.

Bad Treats

• Wild insects (may have parasites)
• Avocado or fruit pits
• Chocolate
• Brussels sprouts, leeks, turnips, garlic, onions
• Caffeine
• Any dairy other than yogurt (they are generally lactose intolerant)
• Birdseed

Housing and Habitat

Before bringing your baby home, you should have their habitat ready.

• Enclosure: A wire cage with spacing of no more than $1/2$ inch is essential. While a smaller cage can be used initially to help a baby adjust, they will eventually need a large cage of at least 12 square feet (3m2) to move and play.
• Cage Cleaning: Use mild dish soap and water or a vinegar solution. Never use cedar bedding.
• Bedding: Pine pellets, paper, or newspaper are good options. Liners need to be changed every few days, while other beddings should be replaced once a week.
• Accessories: Gliders are arboreal and need plenty of accessories to feel secure and entertained. Good options include a smooth-surfaced exercise wheel, two food dishes (one for dry food, one for wet), a water bottle, sleep pouches, branches, platforms, hanging toys, swings, hammocks, foraging towers, and bridges.

Temperature

Small or young sugar gliders can get cold easily, which can be fatal. They do best at room temperatures between 75-80°F ($23.8-26.6°C$). Keep their cage off the floor and in a warm room of the house. A heating pad under one corner of the cage on a low or medium setting can provide a warm spot if your home is cooler. Avoid heat lamps or heat rocks, as these are too direct.

Living with a Sugar Glider

Gliders can be affectionate and loving pets if cared for properly. They are social animals and often do best in pairs. While a single glider can live happily with adequate entertainment and human interaction, a pair can provide companionship, which may prevent loneliness and behavioral issues.

Nocturnal Behavior

Gliders are nocturnal and are most active in the evening and at night. They may make various noises, including:

• Crabbing: A loud, rattling noise when they feel scared or threatened.
• Barking: Excitement, boredom, or for no apparent reason.
• Chattering or Chirping: Indicates they are happy and content.
• Hissing: A sign of agitation or pain.

Safety Precautions

Sugar gliders are curious and can get into dangerous situations. Always supervise your glider during out-of-cage playtime.

• Keep them away from toilets, sinks, bathtubs, and open containers of liquid. Gliders cannot swim and can drown.
• Avoid air fresheners, candles, and chemical sprays. Their strong sense of smell will draw them to sweet-smelling toxins.
• Be aware of open windows, holes in walls, and electrical wires.
• Keep them out of the kitchen while cooking to avoid burns from stovetops or hot liquids.
• Never take your glider outside to play. They may jump into a tree and never come down.

Bonding

Bonding is a crucial part of owning a sugar glider. It is the process of gaining your glider’s trust and making them feel secure with you.

• Bonding Pouch: This is one of the most effective tools for bonding. Carry your baby in a bonding pouch or a loose shirt pocket for several hours a day for at least two to three weeks. This helps them become familiar with your scent and voice.
• Tent Time: Bonding in a tent is a great way to let your glider play safely while still bonding with you. Choose a tent with mesh sides that is large enough for both of you but small enough to keep your glider close.
• Handling: When first handling a scared glider, hold them with a cupped hand to prevent them from jumping away. Do not let their “crabbing” or other scared behaviors deter you. Patience and consistent, gentle handling will build trust over time.

Grooming and Health

• Bathing: Avoid bathing your sugar glider unless absolutely necessary. Healthy gliders groom themselves. If they are dirty, try spot cleaning with baby wipes or powder. If you must use water, dry them immediately with a warm towel as chills can be fatal.
• Nail Trimming: Use human baby nail clippers. An extra person can be helpful. Trim the nails during the day when the glider is calmer. Avoid trimming the fused toes on their back paws, as these are used for grooming. You can also provide sandpaper-like materials on branches or wheels to help keep their nails in good shape.
• Veterinary Care: Gliders are naturally prey animals and hide illnesses well. Any odd behavior can be a sign of a problem. Keep weekly records of their weight, food intake, and activity. They do not require any vaccines, so be cautious if a veterinarian recommends them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my glider bite me? Anything with teeth can bite. Gliders bite out of fear, self-defense, or because they are unfamiliar with a scent. Once you have a bond, this behavior is rare.

Do gliders smell bad? Sugar gliders have a natural musky smell. This scent is manageable with regular cage cleanings. Male gliders tend to have a stronger smell due to their scent glands, especially during breeding season.

Can I litter train my glider? No. Gliders do not learn to use a litter box, but they can develop a bathroom routine as they mature.

Can I legally own a glider? Laws vary by state, city, and county. It is essential to research the legal status of owning a sugar glider in your area before purchasing one.

Should I get a male or female? Both male and female gliders can be equally sweet. A glider’s personality depends more on how much time you spend with it and how it is raised than on its gender. However, female gliders are generally less territorial than males.

Are they good with kids? Sugar gliders are exotic pets with complicated needs and are generally not recommended for young children unless a responsible adult is willing to take on the primary care duties.

How are they with other pets? Larger animals may frighten them. It is best to avoid direct contact between gliders and larger pets like dogs or cats.

Can I leave their cage in my room? Yes, but remember that they are nocturnal and can be noisy at night.

Is it true my glider will die if it is alone? Gliders are social animals and are known to bond strongly with their colony mates. While they can live happily alone if given enough human attention, a bonded glider that loses its companion may experience severe stress. We recommend having at least two gliders, as it can be beneficial for their social well-being.