Lifespan of a Sugar Glider
Sugar gliders are becoming popular exotic pets. Despite being small, these arboreal marsupials require a lot of time and effort from their owners. When kept under the proper conditions, a sugar glider can make a wonderful companion and friend. Proper diet, environment and attentive ownership will ensure that sugar gliders live to their maximum lifespan.
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Characteristics
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Sugar gliders are nocturnal by nature, and also very social. It is recommended that they are kept in pairs or groups, and have a lot of close interaction with their owners. While they do have very sharp claws and teeth, they are not aggressive unless they feel threatened.
Habitat in Captivity
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Sugar gliders are arboreal, meaning in their natural habitat they tend to stick to tall trees. A sugar glider habitat should be tall and wide, allowing enough room for them to climb and jump around. The minimum space for one sugar glider in captivity is usually 30 inches wide, 18 inches deep and 36 inches high.
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Dietary Needs
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A sugar glider in captivity has certain dietary needs, and there is currently (2009) no commercial food available to meet these needs. A diet should consist of 25 percent protein (bugs like mealworms or chicken breast), 25 percent fruit (such as blueberries or papaya), 25 percent vegetables and 25 percent of a blend of fiber and dairy such as yogurt or cottage cheese. Calcium and phosphorus must be balanced properly or health problems may occur.
Legal Issues
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Keeping sugar gliders as pets is illegal in some areas. In the United States, sugar gliders are considered wild animals, and laws vary by region. Some areas require a special license to own or breed sugar gliders (see Resources).
Health Care and Concerns
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Sugar gliders are generally healthy by nature, but finding a vet to treat them can be difficult and expensive, as many vets do not have the knowledge to deal with exotic animals. Many owners abandon or surrender their animals within the first year due to improper care, so it is recommended to do as much research as possible to avoid this situation.
Life Expectancy
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With proper care, a pet sugar glider can be expected to live an average of 12 to 15 years.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Neville W. Cayley, Australian National Botanical Gardens
