Glider Care

SUGAR GLIDER CARE

Download: Introduction to Sugar Gliders

WHAT IS A SUGAR GLIDER?

Sugar Gliders (petaurus) are small marsupials that are native to Asia and Australia. Sugar gliders are colony animals and generally live in the treetops in colonies, foraging for food. They are omnivores and eat a wide variety of produce, insects, small mammals, reptiles, and birds, sap, and other items. ​

SUGAR GLIDERS AS PETS

Here are some important things to consider:

  • Sugar gliders are colony animals, so they absolutely should not be kept as singles. They must be kept in pairs or more, with very, very few exceptions. 
  • Sugar gliders are nocturnal, which means they sleep during the day and are awake much of the night. This is part of the reason why they need a friend of their own species.
  • They require out of cage play time.
  • Sugar gliders are relatively high maintenance animals. They require veterinary care, nail trims, toys, stimulation, daily feeding and watering, and interaction. 
  • Sugar gliders are not without smell. 

 

NEW OWNER CHECKLIST

Here is a checklist of what you need to be fully prepared for gliders:

  • Enclosure:
  • Diet and treats
  • Wheel
  • Toys
  • Cage Accessories
  • Safe home environment
  • Cage cover
  • Veterinarian
  • Emergency Veterinarian
  • Emergency Vet fund
  • Time
 

COMMON HAZARDS TO AVOID

  • Unsafe sleeping pouches
  • Inadequate water sources
  • Keeping a lone glider
  • Dangers in the home such as open toilet lids, standing water, access to gliders by young children and other pets