Sugar Gliders care sheet. In many countries, Sugar Gliders are popular as exotic pets and are kept as pocket pets. In some countries, they are allowed to be kept as pets while in other countries they are not.

Cons of keeping sugar gliders:

• You need more than one sugar glider for its social needs.
• They are nocturnal; active at night, therefore they are not much fun during the day.
• They do not interact well with other pets you may have.
• Their dietary needs are very complex.
• They need a lot of attention and environmental enrichment.

As I am doing my research on keeping sugar gliders as pets, I came to the conclusion not to recommend keeping them. I will rather recommend getting an alternative pet that requires less specialized care.

They are available from shelters, breeders, and pet stores. If it does happen that you need to take care of them:

Sugar Gliders Care and Housing

Obtain a cage as large as possible to let them jump, leap and glide. The minimum cage size for one sugar glider must be at least 900mm x 600mm x 900mm (3’ x 2’ x 3’).

The best room temperature is between 23 to 26 degrees Celsius (75-80°F).

They are notorious escape artists, therefore the cage should be locked.

You need to allow them out of the cage on a daily basis under supervision.

Purchase a small sleeping bag or pouch for them to hide and sleep during the day. Place it high in the cage.

Also, purchase shelves and branches and place them at different levels in the cage.

You can also purchase exercise wheels, bird toys, and swings for them. Change the toys’ location periodically to keep them stimulated.

Use shredded paper to line the cage and clean it daily.

Have multiple food dishes in the cage.

Find out if the glider drinks its water from a sipper bottle or water dish. Supply the one he is used to and refresh daily.

Feeding Sugar Gliders care sheet

They eat plant and animal matter and have specific nutritional needs.

Food from their natural environment: sap and gum from eucalyptus and acacia trees, as well as pollen and nectar from flowers, and a variety of insects.

Their diet should consist of:

 25% protein – for example, cooked eggs, small amounts of insects like crickets and mealworms, and small amounts of lean, cooked meat.

25% – of green vegetables and a smaller amount of fruit like grapes, apples, mangos, berries, and papaya.

50% specialized commercial pellet food for sugar gliders

You can also Google for the homemade Leadbeater’s mix.

Their food should be available at all times because sugar gliders naturally eat throughout the day.

Also, sprinkle lightly over their food a supplement with vitamins and minerals.

In conclusion:

If you have the time and patience to care for sugar gliders, please remember to also visit a veterinarian that can do a complete physical examination annually. Ask breeders and veterinarians for help when needed.

Featured photo courtesy: Zee Zee