Did you know that sugar gliders can live up to 15 years? Many people may find this surprising. Nowadays, many people like to keep little animals as pets. It’s not hard to understand why. Small animals tend to be rather affordable. They’re also really cute, don’t require much space, and are small enough to easily pass weight restrictions imposed by renters or homeowner associations. However, many of the most popular small animals survive only a few years. That extended lifetime is one of several factors to consider before adopting sugar gliders. This post has a local veterinarian discussing some care advice.

What Kind of Cage Do Gliders Need?

Sugar gliders are not difficult to care for, but they have very particular requirements. You’ll need a fairly large cage. We suggest picking one that measures at least 24″W x 36″H. However, bigger is better. These little guys love to climb, so choose something that is taller than wide. The bars should be spaced less than half an inch apart. It’s also recommended to get something with enamel or powder coating. Wire cages can result in injuries. For bedding, you can use non-treated wood shavings, shredded newspaper, or commercial liners or substrates. Check with your veterinarian about this, as many popular substrates are hazardous to gliders.

You also have to have accessories, such as toys and hides. Hammocks, bags, swings, ladders, and tents are all possible additions. Your pets will also like branches, (big) rings, bells, and bridges. Don’t forget dinnerware!

Ask your vet for specific advice about choosing and setting up a glider cage.

What Do Sugar Gliders Eat?

Sugar glider care can get a little tricky here. They can eat commercial glider food, but you’ll need to supplement it with vet-approved foods, such as arugula, bibb lettuce, dill, or radicchio. You can serve applesauce and honey sticks as treats, though you’ll need to be careful not to go overboard. It’s also important to understand what not to give your pets. This includes anything high in calcium and oxalates, like raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, spinach, carrots, beets, pears, lettuce, figs, and collards. You should also avoid chocolate, onions, avocado, garlic, and anything high in fat, salt, or sugar. Ask your veterinarian for particular guidance.

How Do You Form A Bond With A Sugar Glider?

Gliders, like many other small creatures, are prey in their natural habitat and can be shy. Once you’ve earned your pet’s trust, you’ll notice that he or she grows quite connected to you. In fact, one of the best things about these little guys is that, because they are so gregarious, they frequently bond with entire families. Of course, they will naturally be most attached to whoever loves them the most. Once they have bonded to someone, they will be devastated and depressed if separated from them or rehomed. As a result, we advise against purchasing gliders unless you are certain that you will retain them for their whole lifetimes. Otherwise, choose something shorter-lived, such as a hamster or Guinea pig.

Gliders can be timid, so it may take some time before you gain their trust. There are several things you can do:

Wearing Pouches: Sugar gliders love to snuggle up in little hammocks. You can put on a hoodie with a pouch and let them sleep in it.

Making Your Scent Known: Gliders are highly scent-oriented. Putting a worn t-shirt in your pet’s cage can help them become accustomed to your scent.

Using A Tent: Making a small tent and caressing your little friends inside it can be an effective approach to get them acquainted with you.

Offering Treats: Remember the old saying that the path to a man’s heart is through his stomach? That goes for many pets as well. Another good way to help your pets feel good about you is to give them tasty treats. Just stick with safe options! 

Making Life Fun!: If you truly want to pamper your tiny companions, consider purchasing or crafting a custom glider apron. This may sound foolish, but many gliders enjoy these! You may also create a fun climbing wall for your little buddies to play on. 

What Are The Symptoms Of Sickness in Sugar Gliders?

As with any other animal, you’ll need to learn about typical health issues and disease symptoms to look out for. Pay close attention to your gliders and look for signals that something is awry.

The list contains the following:

• Diarrhea
• Lethargy
• Obesity
• Constipation
• Eye Problems
• Lack of Appetite
• Abnormal respiration
• Dragging Their Hind Legs
• Hair loss
• Anorexia
• Seizures
• Shaking
• Vomiting

If you notice any of these problems, call your doctor right away.

What Are Some Unusual Facts About Sugar Gliders?

Sugar gliders are distinctive among our animal pals. Their care requirements are similar to those of a pocket pet in some ways, but more akin to those of birds. Before deciding to adopt one, you should conduct extensive research. We’ll go into more detail about care later, but in the meantime, here are some fascinating facts.

They’re Marsupials, Mate: People frequently misidentify these lovely little fellows as rodents, but they are actually marsupials. These adorable small mammals are indigenous to Australia and Indonesia.

They Love Sugar: Gliders really do have sweet teeth. Sugar gliders receive their name (or part of it) from the fact that they enjoy eating sweets. In the wild, their natural meals consist primarily of fruits, nectar, and honey.

Yup, They Really Do Glide. Believe it or not, these tiny furballs can glide up to 150 feet (45 meters).

Gliders Are Nocturnal: Sugar gliders are most active at night. That’s something to bear in mind if you’re considering getting one for your child. Your small furballs may keep your youngster awake at night!

They Haven’t Been Pets For Long: They only very recently became pets, first gaining popularity in the exotic pet niche in the 1990s.

A Tall Tail: That adorable tail truly does take up half of a glider’s body length, which is around a foot.

They’re Fragile: Gliders have a thin membrane that extends from their wrists to their ankles, similar to a flying squirrel’s. This is known as a patagium. It lets them jump and glide through the air. However, it is also extremely fragile. Because of this, you should never use a harness on a glider.

They Make Funny Sounds: Sugar glider vocalizations are quite cute. They frequently sound like a dog barking rather.

They Need Friends: In the wild, gliders live in big colonies of up to 15 gliders. You don’t have to adopt so many as that, but you should have at least two. A single glider will become lonely and melancholy if it has no friends.

Consult Your Veterinary Clinic

This is only a very basic summary of sugar glider care. There’s a lot more to cover. Always conduct extensive study before acquiring a new pet. Also, don’t be scared to see your veterinarian for tips and advice. We’re always delighted to help!

Schedule An Appointment At Our Pet Clinic

Do you have any inquiries regarding sugar glider care? Contact your pet hospital today! We are dedicated to offering great care for all of our patients, from the tiniest sugar gliders to the massive Saint Bernards.