Sugar gliders are one of the cutest animals in the world. They resemble flying squirrels, but they’re marsupials, not rodents. Now, they’re becoming increasingly popular as pocket pets because they’re tiny and sweet. However, these small creatures require plenty of care and preparation. They have many unique behavioral traits and a very specific habitat and diet. Let’s look at everything you need to know.
1. Get a Tall, Spacious Enclosure
Sugar gliders are one of many animals native to Australia and Indonesia. They soar from tree to tree and travel distances of up to 150 feet. Most people don’t have this space available in their living room. But with the help of tall enclosures, they can mimic a sugar glider’s natural environment.
Do not keep them in a hamster cage because this would be against their nature. Experts recommend at least a 20” x 20” x 30” cage because this doesn’t constrain them. Be conscious of loose mesh because you don’t want them to slip through.
These animals are nocturnal, so it’s important to keep them out of direct sunlight. Set up the cage in a room with a blind or curtain so they can sleep during the day. It’s also good to put their food at a higher level. In the wild, they feel safer eating in trees because there are predators on the jungle floor.
2. Provide a Balanced Diet
Sugar gliders get their name from the fact that they love sweet food. But remember they obtain sugar from fruits, berries, and vegetables. This comprises most of their diet. Don’t give them real granulated sugar or chocolate because this is toxic for them. Owners can experiment and see what their sugar gliders like because sometimes they can be picky. Try giving them slices of fruit like apples, mangoes, or papaya. Tropical fruit is good because it’s what they would consume in the wild. You can also give them high-vitamin vegetables like carrots and sweet potatoes.
Some people mistakenly think that sugar gliders are herbivores. The reality is that they’ll eat insects and small pieces of meat if you give it to them. Protein should make up about 25% of their diet. But you can even give them peanut butter or cottage cheese. Remember not to overfeed sugar gliders. Typically, they weigh between four and five ounces. Always give them clean water, and change it daily.
3. Understand Their Behavior
One of the most challenging aspects of owning a sugar glider is handling its behavioral traits. This is something that new owners often don’t prepare for. These tiny mammals are extremely social and require constant attention. Sugar gliders form extraordinary attachments to their owners. This can be lovely but it’s a problem if they constantly experience separation. They may suffer from separation anxiety and even depression. It’s a wise idea to get two sugar gliders to keep each other company.
Another potential issue is that they’re nocturnal. Some owners don’t expect them to be so active at night. Then they complain that they can’t sleep because their new pets are too loud. Sugar gliders require plenty of stimulation too. They love toys and can suffer from boredom if they don’t have anything to do. This is why sugar gliders are not ideal pets for owners who are constantly away from home.
4. Research Sugar Glider Health Issues
There are several health issues to understand before bringing your sugar glider home. Their diets are very specific so owners must take care. It’s not complicated but it’s important to give them the right food. You may need to add calcium and vitamins to their diets if they show signs of sluggishness.
Sugar gliders are very active animals so it’s unusual for them to do nothing. Injuries may occur if they crash or fall when they’re soaring around their home. Always bring them to the vet if you’ve any worries about their health. You may purchase pet insurance to cover any unexpected emergency vet visits.
They may not be suitable pets for homes with young children. Sugar gliders have very delicate and light bodies. Small children could inadvertently harm these tiny marsupials if they handle them roughly. The final point about health relates to their constant need for attention. Sugar gliders suffer from separation anxiety and loneliness more than other animals. Keep this in mind so your pet is happy.
Some of them will live for up to 12 years, so they’ll be with you for a long time!
5. Learn the Legal Requirements
It’s crucial to note that you may not legally be able to keep a sugar glider depending on your state or jurisdiction. They are an exotic pet and the laws around them are constantly changing. They are illegal in California, Alaska, and Hawaii so you can’t buy them from licensed pet sellers there. Law enforcement can confiscate them so take care!
In other areas, provincial or state agencies can advise the current legal status of sugar gliders. Usually, you must be able to prove that you bought them from a licensed dealer. This makes sense because most decent pet owners don’t want to fuel illegal breeding or illicit wildlife trading. Check out the laws to ensure that you and your sugar glider are welcome in your area.
6. Take Care if You Have Other Pets
Take extra care when introducing a sugar glider to a home with dogs or cats. This can have very mixed results for one simple reason. Sugar gliders are marsupials, not rodents, so they don’t have the smell of prey. Often dogs and cats don’t know what to make of them. Nonetheless, their predatory instincts may kick in, and they may try to chase the sugar glider. But it’s not a guarantee that they’ll attack it like a pet rat or hamster.
There are even reports of dogs and sugar gliders bonding. However, this is high-risk, and owners should take extreme caution. It’s better to separate the sugar glider from bigger animals for their safety. Don’t take any risks with your new pet!
