Providing a Home for a Sugar Glider

If you are thinking of getting pet sugar gliders, the first step is to confirm that it's legal to do so where you live. In the United States, laws about ownership and breeding of sugar gliders vary from state to state. Some states require licenses, and in some states it's illegal to own sugar gliders. Local laws may also apply. Check all local and state laws regarding ownership, and contact your regional US Department of Agriculture office or local authorities if you plan to breed them. If you own four or more breeding females, you may be subject to the US federal Animal Welfare Act and need to register or obtain a license.

Sugar gliders are active, curious, intelligent, and social. They can form strong bonds with their owners if given regular attention. At least 2 hours of interactive contact per day is recommended. A lone sugar glider that doesn’t get enough attention from its owner may become depressed or develop behavior problems.

In groups, dominant males mark other members with their scent; newcomers lacking that scent may be attacked. Sugar gliders will also mark their owners with their scent, as well as any items in their living space.

Sugar gliders need a large, secure cage made of PVC-coated or powder-coated wire. The minimum size recommended is 24 in long × 36 in wide × 36 in high (61 cm long × 91 cm wide × 91 cm high). The cage should be big enough to hold a food dish and a nest box or pouch (a safe, comfortable plastic or wooden box that a pet sugar glider can use for daytime sleeping that resembles a hollowed out tree used by a wild sugar glider for sleeping). It should also have plenty of room for climbing and playing.

If the nest box is placed high in the cage, there should be enough room above it so the gliders' elbows don't rub on the cage roof, which could tear their stretchy gliding membranes. The bar spacing between the wires should be no larger than 1 in × ½ in (2.5 cm × 1.3 cm). Wire-bottom cages let droppings fall to a tray for easier cleaning.

Sugar gliders tolerate temperatures in the range of 60–90°F (15–32°C) but prefer 80–88°F (27–31°C). Keep the cage away from vents and direct sunlight.

Bedding options include shredded newspaper, paper towels, recycled paper, or aspen shavings. Avoid pine and other soft-wood shavings because their oils can irritate a sugar glider’s airways. Avoid cotton bedding because fibers can wrap around their toes and cut off circulation.

Branches are good for climbing, but some woods are toxic to sugar gliders. Do not use almond, apricot, black walnut, cherry, or peach tree branches. Apple or untreated citrus tree branches are safer, as long as they are pesticide-free. Any branches brought in from the outdoors should be baked at low heat (200–250°F, or 93–121°C) for at least 30 minutes to kill microbes before being placed in the cage. Toys like bird swings or chew toys (made for cats or small dogs) may also be appropriate.

In the wild, sugar gliders eat sap, nectar, and insects. In captivity, they need a varied diet of artificial nectar, fresh fruits and vegetables, and protein (mainly in the form of insects). Sugar gliders should be fed twice a day or as directed by a veterinarian. Fresh water should always be available.

Acceptable food items for sugar gliders include:

• commercial sugar glider diets (in the form of pellets, powders, or gels)

• artificial nectar mixtures (such as a homemade formula called Leadbeater's diet, or something similar)

• fruits (such as apples, bananas, berries, melons, papaya, pears)

• vegetables (such as carrots, corn, sweet potatoes)

• live insects (mealworms, crickets)

• other protein-rich foods (cooked turkey or chicken, boiled eggs, occasionally feeder mice)

• pure fruit juices (no added sugar)

• occasional treats (such as nuts)

Potentially dangerous foods for sugar gliders include:

• fruit pits or seeds

• chocolate (poisonous to sugar gliders)

• coffee, tea, and soda

• candy and canned fruits (high in sugar and preservatives)

• raw meats or eggs

• outdoor-caught insects or crickets raised on poor diets

Nutritional problems are common in pet sugar gliders, so a balanced diet is important. About half the diet should consist of artificial nectar that mimics natural sap and nectar. The rest of the diet should be a mix of commercial pellets, live insects, and fresh fruits and vegetables in small amounts (together, no more than 10% of the overall diet). Appropriate vitamin and mineral supplements—including calcium with vitamin D₃—are important. Live insects can be fortified by feeding them calcium (in a process called "gut-loading") or dusting them with calcium powder. A vet experienced with sugar gliders can recommend specific diets and supplement schedules.

Sugar gliders shouldn't eat too much fat. Nuts are high in fat and should be given as occasional treats only.

If insects are unavailable, small amounts of dry cat food can be used temporarily for protein but should not be fed over the long term.

Wash all raw fruits and vegetables thoroughly to help remove parasites and bacteria.

A diet high in soft, sugary foods can lead to dental disease in sugar gliders. Feeding them insects with hard exoskeletons (outer-body coverings) helps decrease dental tartar.

Yes, sugar gliders need plenty of exercise. Put branches and toys in their cage so they can climb, push, and carry items. Daily interaction outside of the cage is also important, as it reduces boredom. However, never leave sugar gliders unsupervised outside their enclosure, as they are easily injured.