How to Take Care of Sugar Gliders

Sugar gliders are marsupials that are originally from Australia and can live up to 15 years. They are fun pets for people who have the time and space to provide them with a good home and take care of their basic needs. Sugar gliders aren’t as high-maintenance as some pets, but they do need a particular kind of housing and a special diet.

Things You'll Need

• Wire cage
• Produce
• Meat, eggs or insects
• Dry food

Instructions

1. Allow space for the sugar glider to glide. The cage should be at least 30 inches wide and 36 inches tall in order to allow it plenty of space to roam around and leap through the air. The larger the cage is, the more space the glider will have and the more comfortable he will be. But, as long as his basic need to jump and glide are met, he will get adequate exercise. Get a cage with wire sides to allow the sugar glider to climb. Put a few platforms and ledges inside the cage that will allow the sugar glider a few places to jump from.

2. Feed the sugar glider vegetables, fruits, a protein source and a dry food each day. All three of these components are important parts of a sugar glider’s diet. The fruits and vegetables should be fed in one small portion per day. The protein can be from meat, eggs or from bugs like mealworms. There are various dry foods on the market that are recommended for sugar gliders, but the dry food should not be a dog or cat food. Dry foods formulated for omnivores will generally have the recommended nutrition.

3. Remove uneaten food from the cage after it’s been there for a day. This will prevent the food from growing mold.

4. Keep the sugar glider happy by providing him with plenty of attention. Hold your pet for a little longer each day to get him used to being held. This will socialize him to life with humans. It can take time to form a bond with a sugar glider. After the bond is formed, make sure that you hold him often to keep him from becoming lonely. Some sugar glider owners leave a piece of their clothing inside the cage to keep their scent around their pet as another way to bond.