Sugar Gliders: Owning

What do I need to know about sugar gliders?

Photo courtesy of Dr. Gregory Rich, DVMSugar gliders (Petaurus breviceps) are small, nocturnal mammals that are active at night and sleep during the day. Like kangaroos, they are marsupials and, as such, females have a pouch in which their young develop. Like birds and reptiles, sugar gliders have a cloaca, which is a common opening for the rectum, urinary system, and genital system.

In the wild, they live in Australia, Indonesia, and New Guinea. They are social animals that live in groups, so pet gliders do best in compatible pairs or small groups and should not be kept as single pets. Sugar gliders have unique nutritional requirements that must be properly met to maintain good health.

Sugar gliders can glide up to 165 feet (50 meters) using their gliding membrane, which stretches between the front and hind legs. Both males and females have large eyes. Male sugar gliders have a scent gland on the top of the head that is used to mark territory and recognize other group members. In adult males, the hair around this gland is sparse or missing. 

Sugar gliders often live about 10 to 12 years, although the lifespan in captivity depends heavily on how they are cared for, including nutrition, housing, and cage temperature. Sugar gliders are considered geriatric pets at 5 to 7 years of age.

Do sugar gliders make good pets?

Sugar gliders can be good pets. They are lively, inquisitive, playful, and intelligent. Socialized sugar gliders may enjoy cuddling and will bond with their owners. Spend time interacting with them regularly, preferably when they are awake in the evening or at night. Even a sugar glider that bonds with people needs appropriate social contact with other gliders.

Sugar gliders are not easily handled by strangers and often bite, vocalize, or urinate when frightened or forcibly restrained. They can become agitated if disturbed when resting during the day. Use caution and supervise interactions with small children, as sugar gliders may bite if handled improperly.

What daily care does a sugar glider need?

Photo courtesy of Dr. Gregory Rich, DVM

Food: Sugar gliders have unique nutritional requirements. In the wild, they eat plant sap and other plant foods as well as insects. It can be difficult to reproduce this diet in captivity, and an unbalanced diet can cause serious illness. Ask a veterinarian experienced with sugar gliders for a specific feeding plan. Always provide fresh water.

Housing: Sugar gliders are escape artists and can easily squeeze through tiny openings. Cages must be secure to prevent escape and injury. Sugar gliders are naturally inquisitive and may chew on toys, so do not provide toys that can be easily chewed apart. They also need room to climb and places to hide and sleep. Supervise sugar gliders whenever they are outside their cage, and keep them away from other pets.

Should pet sugar gliders be spayed or neutered?

It is recommended to neuter male sugar gliders, particularly if they are housed with other sugar gliders of either sex. Intact (unneutered) male gliders are prone to mutilating themselves. The procedure should be performed by a veterinarian experienced with sugar gliders. Female sugar gliders are not routinely spayed.

How do I choose a pet sugar glider?

Check whether sugar glider ownership is permitted where you live. Ideally, purchase a young sugar glider. 

• The eyes and nose should be clear and free of any discharge that might indicate illness. 
• The sugar glider should be curious and have a healthy body condition. 
• Check for wetness around the cloaca (the opening for waste and reproduction), which might indicate diarrhea. 
• Check for external parasites, such as fleas. 
• If possible, examine the animal's mouth for broken teeth or obvious sores. 
• Ask about their diet, health history, and whether a male has been neutered.

What veterinary care does my sugar glider need?

Arrange an examination with a veterinarian experienced with sugar gliders soon after purchase or adoption. Check whether a seller’s health guarantee requires an examination within a specific time, such as 48 hours. During this appointment, your veterinarian will discuss proper care, housing, and the unique dietary requirements of your sugar glider. They may also recommend a fecal test to check for parasites or other problems. 

Sugar gliders should have a veterinary examination at least once a year. Pet sugar gliders do not routinely require vaccinations. Seek veterinary care promptly if a glider eats less, loses weight, becomes weak, or has abnormal droppings.