What is a sugar glider?
Sugar gliders (or sugar bears) are adorable, fluffy creatures that have grown in popularity as pets over the last 10-15 years. Glider is a nocturnal marsupial commonly found in Australia, on average he is 9 to 12 inches long and weighs only a few ounces.
Their fur is soft to the touch, and they have flaps on each side that connect their front and hind legs, allowing them to “glide” or fly long distances. These flaps act as parachutes to slow the descent when jumping. These pets form close social bonds and are very active when kept in the right habitat.
content to discuss
- What is a sugar glider?
- suitable habitat
- proper diet
- sociability and bonding
- keep as a pet
suitable habitat
Gliders are native to Australia, Indonesia, Tasmania and New Guinea. They live in the tops of tall trees and descend to the ground only when necessary. They are nocturnal, sleeping during the day and becoming active when the sun goes down. They live in environments ranging from 65 degrees Fahrenheit to 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
Cage size and material
Gliders are social and active animals by nature and need a lot of space to jump and play. The absolute minimum cage size for housing this species is 2 feet (width) x 2 feet (diameter) x 3 feet (height), with a maximum gap between cage bars of 1/2 inch.
Gliders are very capricious animals, so their cage should not be made of raw metal or mesh, otherwise claws can get caught. Otherwise, the limb may be pulled freely, and the appendage may be dislocated or removed in the process. Stay away from cage material that has loose strands sticking out.
Habitat enrichment
Gliders are active and need free space and obstacles to jump and glide. Without toys and space to glide, these pets become bored, lethargic, and unable to thrive.
Gliders have enough energy to burn off, so if left in captivity you may need a hamster wheel. Make sure you choose the right wheels. The glider’s small tail can get caught in the middle of the wheel, depending on its construction. Pet owners can put a nail file pad on the wheel to make it easier to file nails.
hammocks and hideouts
Gliders like to sleep in hollow logs or hammock pouches. They are very picky about where they sleep, so you have to offer different options until they choose a permanent space. Sugar gliders enjoy sleeping near their owners’ scents. For 5-7 nights I sleep with my shirt on and either hang it like a hammock or put it on the ground for my glider to climb.
You can also wear a hammock around your body for your sugar glider to sleep on. This helps recreate the childhood of the sugar glider, which stays in its mother’s pouch for 2-3 months.
proper diet
Offer natural fruits and insects
In the wild, gliders feed on surrounding vegetation. However, in captivity, it is very important to pay close attention to their diet. There are many ingredients to consider when creating a diet, and many foods that can cause illness. Gliders love berries, fresh fruit, and insects, but be sure to feed them a varied diet, as their tastes change over time.
natural and harmful foods
Balances the ratio of calcium to phosphorus
To ensure a good sugar glider diet, the appropriate vitamins must be added to the diet. There are many commercially available multivitamins made for gliders that you can sprinkle on your food. We recommend giving him a calcium powder supplement every other day (or less frequently) to ensure he is getting enough nutrients. Don’t increase calcium just to supplement your phosphorus intake. It is best to start with a balanced diet from the beginning.
Proper phosphorus to calcium ratio is important. Calcium is used by the body to keep phosphorus levels in balance. If you have too much phosphorus in your diet and not enough calcium, your body will take calcium from your bones to make up for the deficit. The first symptom of this disorder is tremors in the hind legs. Gliders can become paralyzed or die from complications of phosphorus poisoning and calcium deficiency.
Socialization and bonding of sugar gliders
sociability is key
Sugar gliders are inherently incredibly social creatures. In the wild, they are sometimes found in families or “colony” of seven or more. In captivity it is important to keep them socially active (preferably with other gliders). I get depressed when I don’t have someone to play with or hold me. Males compete for dominance, which can lead to malnutrition and minor injuries, so it is ideal to leave only one male in the colony.
bonding
Sugar gliders rub their scent glands against each other when mating. We recommend storing it in a pouch (hanging from the body) while the glider sleeps. You can also keep it in your shirt. Flying squirrels enjoy using their armpits as sachets.
You can also offer a worn-out shirt that has your smell on it, but start slow at first. Only put the shirt on when your new glider is sleeping. Over time, you can put them in cages forever.
Quick tips for interacting with gliders
- Accommodate the glider with at least one other companion.
- If you have a colony, you can sit and watch the gliders play together.
- Hide-and-seek is one of my favorite games out there. The glider climbs out of sight and waits for you to approach and find it.
- Let the glider run over you while you walk around or do other things.
- Many sugar gliders prefer to hang out on their backs, which makes it difficult to get off when they’re done playing.
Deciphering the cry of the sugar glider
keep a sugar glider as a pet
There has been a lot of controversy over keeping gliders as pets over the last few years. Part of the problem lies with superbreeders who don’t manage their seeds properly and collect them improperly. Another problem is caused by ill-informed pet owners. In either case, you should do your research before purchasing a pet, especially an exotic breed.
I got the glider from the owner who bought it from a superbreeder. She was very shy and scared. After she bonded with us, we noticed she was having minor seizures. Unfortunately, by the time we found out it was too late, we lost her.
Owners may want to think twice about who to buy from. Many of these superbreeders illegally capture gliders by encroaching on their native habitat, and a lot can go wrong in the process.
why they make great pets
Sugar gliders make great companions. They are comfortable if they have the right habitat to run and jump around. It takes time to get used to a new glider, but with patience and love it will be a great addition to any family.
This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. It is not a substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription or formal, individualized advice from a veterinarian. Animals showing signs or symptoms of distress should be seen by a veterinarian immediately.
comment
pugicorn rules May 14, 2020:
I have a sugar glider so is this a good website?
Gududurur June 5, 2019:
I have.one is so cute
Bjorn May 20, 2019:
cute
Eumeria Chin From Malaysia on 21st August 2018:
To learn more about sugar gliders, there’s a great YouTube channel called Snap Out Of It (originally known as Lilly Bell Looks).