Sugar Glider Care Sheet

Sugar gliders are small marsupials native to Australia and New Zealand. They are nocturnal arboreal animals. In the wild, sugar gliders live in groups of up to 12 individuals. They are very social animals that are best kept in pairs or small related groups. An adult sugar glider is about the size of a hamster or a flying squirrel, approximately 5 to 7 inches long from tip of nose to base of tail. Adults in proper body condition weigh between 3 and 4 ounces. The tail is fluffy, often curls on the end and usually is longer than the body length. In captivity sugar gliders can live 12 to 15 years.

Sugar gliders do well in small environments if they are allowed ample exercise outside of their cage daily. When considering where to place your sugar glider’s cage in your home, remember that sugar gliders need their environmental temperature to stay between 64 and 75 degrees. Wire cages are preferable but must be placed in an area free of direct sunlight and drafts. The openings in the wire mesh should not exceed 1 inch by ½ inch. The absolute minimum size for the cage should be 2 cubic feet per animal, but sugar gliders certainly enjoy larger cages. Natural branches or rope perches that can be used for climbing and gnawing are good additions to your cage, however make sure any branches you use are free of pesticides and are not from a plant that could be toxic. You can also hang knotted ropes to use for climbing. You will also want to have a nest box in the cage for your sugar glider. Line the nest box with a piece of cloth, shredded bark or dried leaves. The cage and nest box lining should be cleaned weekly.

The diet of wild sugar gliders consists mainly of sap, nectar, bugs and small animals such as baby birds. In captivity, they should be offered a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, commercial sugar glider pellets, vitamin and mineral supplements and animal protein from insects such as crickets. Mealworms can also be fed as an occasional treat. Boiled chicken and scrambled or hard boiled eggs are also a good source of protein. At least 25% of their diet should be protein. Yogurt and low fat cottage cheese are also foods that can be fed in moderation. Sugar gliders relish nearly all fruits and some vegetables. In general, however, they do not like bananas, and citrus fruits often encourage diarrhea. Recommended vegetables include broccoli, sweet potatoes, carrots, corn, beans and green peas. The ideal amount of food to offer is 15-20% of their body weight.

Water is critical to sugar gliders. If they are without water for more than a day, they can dehydrate rapidly and die. Sugar gliders can have their water offered to them in a water bottle that is attached to the side of the cage or in a small ceramic dish. Water bottles are the better choice.

Sugar gliders are nocturnal, so as pets they’re most fun late in the evening and early in the morning. They are capable of making an interesting variety of sounds. They are very clean little animals, and although they do have their own unique scents, they don’t smell bad if their diet is correct. They are intelligent, playful and inquisitive. They don’t have fleas, don’t need shots and they are relatively inexpensive to keep. Sugar gliders are becoming more popular as pets in the United States, and anyone who has ever seen one can easily tell you why. They can be fascinating wonderful pets for you and your family.