Sugar Glider Care

SUGAR GLIDER CARE SHEET

Sugar gliders have grown in popularity over the years and therefore we know more than ever about these adorable little marsupials. Petaurus breviceps is the Latin name for a sugar glider which means "short-headed rope-dancer."

Lifespan: Sugar gliders live about 12 to 15 years in captivity so they are long-term pets.

Size: The sugar glider's body is about five to six inches long and the tail adds another six inches (which acts as a rudder while they glide). They weigh only four to five and a half ounces (80 to 160 grams).

Origins: Sugar gliders are native to Australia (the Eastern part), Papua New Guinea, Tasmania, multiple surrounding islands, and parts of Indonesia. They are found in the rainforests gliding from tree to tree and make their homes in tree hollows. They rarely ever touch the ground.

BEHAVIOUR:

 Sugar gliders are social animals, both with their owners and with other sugar gliders. They’re playful and loyal nature means that they love and seek attention. For this reason, we urge you to keep two or more sugar gliders at a time. If you choose to only have just one, commit to spending at least two hours a day playing and interacting with your sugar glider. Providing companionship sounds romantic, but it’s also vital to your pet’s health. If you leave a sugar glider alone for days at a time, without any interaction, your pet will likely become depressed.

 So how do you “hang out” with your sugar glider? One form of companionship could be simply walking around with your sugar glider in your pocket or a bonding pouch. This works both for people who like to keep busy while at home, and for people who live alone and like having a pet who responds to affection.

The bonding process between owner and pet may take several weeks and should begin before your sugar glider is 12-weeks out of pouch.

​Though they are nocturnal animals, sugar gliders can adjust to any schedule as long as it allows them maximum time with their owners.

DIET:

The sugar glider does have quite strict dietary requirements is prone to metabolic bone diseases which are the result of an imbalance of calcium and phosphorous so this must be a consideration when planning your glider's diet. The sugar glider's natural diet is hard to replicate in captivity, however many experts have recommended feeding a combination of Leadbeater's Mix, Wombaroo Small Carnivore Food or high-quality insects, and a small amount of finely chopped, mixed fresh fruit. The gliders should be fed once a day in the evening and care should be taken to check that all gliders are getting a fair share of food. Fats and refined sugars should be avoided and any dietary changes should be introduced over a period of a few days to avoid tummy upsets

Beware of the Sugar Glider Sweet Tooth

When given a choice, sugar gliders will eat sweet and fatty foods over healthy foods. (Can you blame them?) They will also eat excessively if given the opportunity. For this reason, it is crucial to stick to the recommended ratios as stated below

 You might feel like you want to spoil your little friend, but the effects of eating too much of the wrong foods is believed to cause many sugar glider illnesses.

WATER:

Even though sugar gliders drink very little and get most of their water from food, fresh water should always be available for your pet. A stoppered water bottle is a great way to keep water available. Glass is preferred over plastic. Alternatively a ceramic bowl could be used.

LEAD BEATERS RECIPE:

Ingredients

Directions

1. Place water into microwave safe bowl & heat for 2 minutes.
2. Then stir honey into warm water until honey is dissolved.
3. Place water/honey & eggs, into blender/food processor. Mix for 1 minute.
4. Add 30 grams of Wombaroo high protein supplement & blend for additional 1 min.
5. Pour into freezer safe bowl with lid & freeze, I dish out approximately 1 & 1/2 to 2 tablespoons for two gliders.

(Do not add honey & Wombaroo to hot water, as it can effect the vitamins in WHPS.)

If mixed fresh in refrigerator will only last 4 days!

Feed Nightly Per Glider

Feed approximately 1.5 – 2 Tablespoons of mixture for a pair of gliders. 50% of diet should be the PML Mix.

The other 40% of the diet is; 1-2 Tablespoons of fruits / vegetables per glider and any of the following additional protein sources: Wombaroo Small Carnivore Food, Chicken, Egg, Yogurt or another protein source.

Finally, 10% for treat foods such as native flowers/blossums/leaves, pollens, etc.

HOUSING:

The recommended type of cage for sugar gliders is a PVC-coated wire cage, with the openings on the bars no larger than 1.25-2.5 cm and a removable plastic waste tray at the bottom of the cage. The plastic tray should be at least 2.5 cm from the floor of the cage and lined with paper. The enclosure should be kept in a warm room, away from heaters or air conditioners, vents and direct sunlight.

 NOTE: Bird cages, where the bars are primarily vertical rectangles, are NOT recommended for baby or juvenile sugar gliders.

​Choose the most appropriate cage depending on the age and size of your sugar glider. There must be enough space in their cage for exercise, a food bowl and a place to sleep during the day. For adult sugar gliders, large cages are preferable, with height being the most important factor to consider when choosing your cage.

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• 1-2 babies or juveniles under 5 months out of pouch: Width/Depth: 46-51cm / Height: 61-76cm
• 1-2 adults over 5 months of age: Width: 91cm, Depth: 61cm, Height: 102cm

BITING:

Biting is not a common issue with trained, bonded sugar gliders. In most cases, when sugar gliders bite, it is because they are scared or being hurt.  More often than not, the culprit will be a baby sugar glider or an untrained adult who has never properly bonded with their owner or a companion. Unlike rodent teeth, sugar gliders’ teeth are designed like tweezers; therefore their bites are pretty harmless and feel more like a firm pinch.

SHOPPING LIST:

• Cage
• Exercise wheel (glider safe)
• Food dishes
• Water bottles and water bowls
• Nest pouches / Nest boxes
• Toys
• Branches and climbing structures
• Wombaroo small carnivore food
• Wombaroo High Portein Supplement
• Bonding pouch
• Travel carrier