Sugar gliders are small, social marsupials that love trees.
With proper care, they can live long and healthy lives, so it is important that pet parents understand their housing, feeding and enrichment needs to support a full sugar glider lifespan.
Key takeaways
- Sugar gliders are very social nocturnal marsupials that must be housed with at least one other glider and require daily interaction to stay healthy.
- They need a large, secure enclosure, a balanced omnivorous diet, and constant enrichment to avoid stress and self-harm.
- With proper care and regular exotic veterinarian visits, sugar gliders can live 12 to 14 years, making this a long-term commitment.
What is a sugar glider?
Sugar gliders (Petaure breviceps) are nocturnal marsupials native to the forests of New Guinea and Australia. There are at least seven recognized subspecies.
In the wild, sugar gliders are very social and typically live in colonies of six to ten individuals.
Sugar gliders get their name from the patagium, a slippery membrane that extends from the front legs to the hind legs, allowing them to glide distances of up to 50 meters between trees.
In the wild, sugar gliders typically live between 4 and 5 years, although some can reach up to 9 years. In captivity, with proper care, they can live 12 to 14 years.
Sugar gliders can make excellent pets when they receive daily socialization (ideally at least two hours each evening), a proper diet, and a suitable enclosure.
However, they are not considered beginner pets. Sugar gliders have specialized needs and require a lot of time and daily care from their human companions.
They are also very social animals and should be housed with at least one other sugar glider. When left alone, they can become severely stressed and depressed, which can lead to self-harm.
Owning a sugar glider is legal in many U.S. states, but some, including California, Alaska, and Hawaii, prohibit it.
Always check local and state laws before purchasing a sugar glider.
With proper care, attention and companionship, sugar gliders can be playful, intelligent and deeply rewarding pets.
Supplies You'll Need for Your Sugar Gliders
Creating the right environment is essential to keeping sugar gliders healthy, active, safe and mentally stimulated.
A proper setup includes:
Enclosures
Sugar glider habitats should be as large as possible.
For a pair of sugar gliders, a minimum enclosure size of 24 inches x 24 inches x 48 inches is recommended. The sides should be screened, with spacing no more than ½ to 1 inch to prevent escape, especially by juveniles.
Wire cages with a slide-out tray underneath can make cleaning easier. Doors should have secure latches, as sugar gliders are talented escape artists.
Nest boxes or sleeping pouches should be placed high in the enclosure, while food and water dishes/cups should be placed away from tree branches to reduce waste contamination.
Wire cages or tiered aviaries are great options for sugar gliders.
Food and water
Sugar gliders are insectivorous omnivores (meaning they eat insects as well as plant-based foods). In the wild, they consume nectar, pollen, sap, honeydew, gum arabic and a wide variety of insects.
Their diet must be nutritionally balanced. Many keepers feed a commercial sugar pellet as the basis of their diet (around 70-75%), supplemented with:
Suitable fruits and vegetables include:
Nectars and yogurt drops may also be given occasionally as treats.
If you are considering a homemade diet or want to confirm that your current diet is balanced, consult an exotic animal veterinarian.
Fresh water should always be available in clean water bottles.
Bottles should be washed daily, especially the spout, to prevent bacterial growth. Having one to two bottles per enclosure, plus spares, makes daily cleaning easier because you can replace old bottles with spares, giving you time to thoroughly clean them.
Enrichment and time out of cage
Daily mental stimulation for your sugar glider is essential to preventing boredom, stress and depression, which these intelligent animals can be prone to.
Inside the enclosure, provide climbing branches (such as apple or citrus branches), perches and shelves at different levels of the cage. Sugar gliders also enjoy playing with swings, toys, and even wheels for exercise.
A secure nest box or sleeping pouch should be available during the day so they can sleep and hide high up in the enclosure. Cloth pouches or wooden nest boxes covered with bedding work well. Nesting areas should be cleaned weekly and fabric pouches should be washed regularly.
Sugar gliders also need supervised play time outside of the cage in the evenings.
Before letting them out, eliminate hazards such as open toilets, exposed electrical cords, hot light bulbs, curtains and blinds, as they can cause serious injury.
Bedding
For the bottom of the cage, use absorbent, safe materials such as shredded paper towels, recycled newspaper pellets, or commercial paper bedding.
Both hard- and soft-sided carriers designed for small exotic mammals are suitable. To transfer your sugar glider safely into the holder, gently guide it into a sleeve and place the sleeve inside the holder.
Binding pouch
Bonding sleeves are a valuable tool for socialization.
They allow your sugar glider to rest against you during the day and get used to your scent and presence, helping to build trust and strengthen your bond.
The best binding pouches are made of soft fleece, provide good air circulation, and have secure closures.
Sugar Glider Maintenance
Daily enrichment, a clean environment, good nutrition, and regular veterinary care all play a role in helping sugar gliders live long, happy lives.
Cleaning
Food and water dishes should be cleaned daily with dish soap and water. Clean the enclosure daily, removing droppings, urine-soaked bedding, and uneaten food.
Once a week, thoroughly clean the enclosure using a non-toxic cleaner (like Nature's Miracle Small Animal Cage Cleaning Spray) while your sugar gliders are out of the cage.
Rinse and dry everything thoroughly before replacing the litter and returning it to the enclosure.
Veterinary care
Sugar gliders can develop a variety of health problems over the course of their lives, including blindness, diarrhea, malnutrition, pneumonia, stress-related illnesses, and trauma.
Annual or semi-annual veterinary exams with a veterinarian experienced in exotic animals are recommended. During these visits, your veterinarian will assess weight, dental health, body condition, general behavior, diet and environment. Diagnostic tests such as blood tests, x-rays, or ultrasounds may be recommended if a medical problem arises.
How to hold your sugar gliders
Sugar gliders bond well with humans and enjoy spending time in their arms once bonded. Handle them in the evening when they are awake and always support their whole body by holding them in your hand. They may also like to sit on your shoulder or rest in a bonding pouch.
Avoid picking them up if they are sleeping or appear frightened, as startled sugar gliders may bite.
Sugar Glider FAQ
Do sugar gliders make good pets?
Sugar gliders are intelligent, social and affectionate animals. They can be excellent pets for caregivers wanting to meet their specialized social and dietary needs, but they are not ideal for new exotic pet parents.
How much do sugar gliders cost?
Initial costs can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars when you factor in the enclosure, feed, and supplies. Ongoing costs include food and veterinary care.
Are sugar gliders legal in the USA?
They are legal in many states, but restrictions apply in some areas. Always check local and state laws before purchasing one.
How long does a sugar glider last?
With proper care, sugar gliders can live 12 to 14 years, making this a long-term commitment.
