It's a squirrel! It's a rat! Maybe a bat? No, it's a sugar glider! Okay, so what is a sugar glider? A sugar glider is a marsupial (opossum) that is originally from Australia, New Guinea, and New Zealand, and Indonesia. In the wild, they live in the canopy of rainforests. Wild gliders eat bugs, nectar, sap, fruit, vegetables, and animals smaller than them. They are also nocturnal (hence their big, black eyes). Gliders live in colonies of 6 to 15, are very social animals, and live between 10 to 15 years of age. They have membranes that connect from their wrists to their ankles, allowing them to glide and soar like Flying Squirrels. However, keep in mind that Sugar Gliders are marsupials, Flying Squirrels are rodents. Also, sugar gliders are smaller than flying squirrels (they weigh around 4 ounces and are about 7 inches long from nose to tail tip). Moreover, gliders have four fingers and an opposable thumb on their hands and feet. These little hands, along with sharp claws, make climbing a breeze.
As a proud owner of 3 sugar gliders, I've done plenty of research on these amazing little creatures. I was first introduced to gliders when a friend mentioned he wanted one. Sugar gliders have become popular pets due to the stigma of "pocket pets." While gliders are small, smart, and adorable, many people don't realize how much work and money goes into having sugar gliders. First of all, sugar glider owners should always get more than one glider. These little animals are very sociable and will get depressed and lonely if they live alone. Loneliness can actually kill gliders. Secondly, they need a large cage. For 3 sugar gliders, the recommended cage height is 6 ft (also, the cage has to be powder coated for the safety of the gliders) and at least 8 ft around. The cage should also be filled with plenty of toys, and pouches. Gliders need variety to keep them entertained and busy. If their toys aren't changed out regularly, they can get depressed, lethargic, and overweight. Most toys that can be given to birds can be given to gliders. Just take care to watch for strings as they can get caught around a glider's leg. Running wheels are another way to keep the critter's active. Gliders should also be given a variety of places to sleep. The group will almost always cuddle and sleep together, but they should be given choices. Sugar gliders' cages and toys should also be cleaned once a week. Gliders eat, climb, and play with their hands, while walking across the soiled cage. If the cages aren't thoroughly cleaned (hot water, mild dish soap and a scrub brush...works wonders), the gliders can become sick, thin, and sad.
To maintain their proper weight and receive enough exercise, sugar gliders should be allowed to run free at least a few nights a week. This means a minimum of 3 hours a night...many suggie parents end up becoming nocturnal themselves. However, you CANNOT let them play without supervising them. Gliders can fit through the smallest of areas which means they can get trapped or wander into vents, toilets (they can't swim), dishwashers, dryer, washing machines, etc. Gliders also like to chew on things...this means wires, books, furniture, appliances, fingers, etc. You don't want your glider chewing and possibly eating anything that would cause them harm or upset you. You must stay with your gliders and watch them at all times; gliders are curious creatures and can get into trouble very easily. Also, gliders cannot be potty trained. They will poop and pee on you, your furniture, your carpet, and anything else they come across.
Moreover, gliders must have variety in their diet. This includes fresh fruit, veggies, bugs, and protein (such as bananas, cantelope, watermelon, honeydew, grapes, raisins, oats, bread, cooked turkey, hard boiled eggs, carrots, peas, kiwi, papaya, mango, meal worms, crickets, grasshoppers, etc etc). Once again, if gliders are fed the same thing over and over, they will become bored and depressed. They may stop eating. Also, I recommend glider pellets and glider vitamins as a part of their diet. These things keep the gliders healthy and active. None of their food is very cheap...so expect on spending a decent amount of money on their food. In addition, gliders tend to be messy eaters. They like to spit, throw, and fling their food in all directions. You will need to clean up after them.
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