How to Make Sugar Gliders Not Stink

Your sugar glider's diet is the key to reducing odors.

Sugar gliders are playful pets that are exceptionally easy to care for. In many states these small marsupials from Australia are illegal as pets, while other states allow them with proper licensing. Sugar gliders enjoy social interaction with their owners, which can be be more enjoyable if the animal smells fresh. Some owners complain of a peculiar odor, which is often strongest in intact males and slightly weaker in females or neutered males. Keeping the smell to a minimum can increase the enjoyment of owning them as pets.

Instructions

Diet

1. Feed your sugar glider a healthy, well-balanced diet to keep its odor to a minimum. The urine from a sugar glider that is on an improper diet is the most common cause of odors. A sugar glider's diet should consist of 25 percent protein; boiled eggs and turkey are both great options.

2. Give your sugar glider fresh water daily. Filtered water is the best option, because filtering limits impurities in water. Distilled water shouldn't be used, as it lacks important minerals.

3. Feed your sugar glider calcium on a regular basis. Many calcium supplements are available at pet stores. Calcium supplements for reptiles can be used for sugar gliders.

4. Limit fats and sweets, as they are unhealthy for a sugar glider. Feeding your sugar glider too much fat can cause odor problems and unhealthy conditions such as obesity and poor eyesight.

Hygiene

1. Spot-clean your sugar glider's cage daily after meals. Remove food remnants, as they can cause odors if they remain in the cage.

2. Clean your sugar glider's cage twice a week by washing it out thoroughly with warm soap and water and allowing it to dry.

3. Sanitize the cage at least every three months, which will greatly reduce odors. Sanitizing solution can be purchased at any pet store. Clean the cage thoroughly and allow it to dry. Allowing it to sun-dry is the most effective way, but during colder months it should be towel-dried.

Tips & Warnings

• Sugar gliders do not require bathing. Bathing can make the smell worse, as the body tries to replace natural oils that were washed out of the skin and fur.

References

• Sugar Gliders: Diet
• Sugar Glider Care: Keeping your Sugar Gliders Clean