Sugar Glider Care Guide

Sugar gliders (Petaurus breviceps) are small, nocturnal, arboreal marsupials native to Australia and New Guinea. They are known for their ability to glide using a membrane called a patagium. Sugar gliders are highly social animals and require companionship of their own kind. Keeping a single glider is detrimental to their mental health. They have complex dietary needs and require a significant time commitment for bonding and care. Their legality as pets varies by location.

Habitat & Enclosure

A large, tall cage with appropriate furnishings is critical.

• Cage Type: LARGE, tall wire cages are essential. Height is more important than width for these arboreal animals.
• Size: Minimum size for a pair is typically recommended as 24″ wide x 24″ deep x 36″ high, but **bigger is always better**. Ensure bar spacing is no more than 1/2 inch wide to prevent escapes or injury. Powder-coated wire is preferred over galvanized wire (potential zinc toxicity).
• Furnishings:
  • Sleeping Pouch(es): Provide multiple fleece sleeping pouches mounted high in the cage.
  • Branches & Vines: Natural wood branches (safe woods like eucalyptus, manzanita), ropes, and plastic vines for climbing.
  • Toys: Bird toys (plastic, wood, fleece – avoid small parts or loose strings), foraging toys, plastic chains, and tunnels provide enrichment. Rotate toys regularly.
  • Exercise Wheel: A **glider-safe** wheel (solid track, no center axle, specific designs like Raptor or Stealth wheels) is highly recommended for exercise. Avoid unsafe wheel designs.
• Substrate: Cage liners (fleece) or paper-based bedding in a pull-out tray are common. Avoid wood shavings (especially cedar/pine) due to respiratory risks.
• Location: Place the cage in an active part of the home (but not direct sunlight or drafts) to help with socialization, but ensure they have quiet time during the day.

Temperature & Lighting

Standard household temperatures are usually suitable.

• Temperature: Average room temperatures between 70-80°F (21-27°C) are generally fine. Avoid temperatures below 65°F (18°C) or above 85°F (29°C). Avoid drafts.
• Lighting: Sugar gliders are strictly nocturnal. They need darkness at night to be active. Avoid bright lights near their cage, especially during their active hours. Normal ambient daylight during the day is fine for setting their cycle. No special lighting is required.

Diet & Nutrition

This is one of the most complex aspects of glider care and crucial for preventing health issues.

• Complexity: Sugar gliders have very specific nutritional needs. Improper diet is a leading cause of health problems, especially Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD) due to calcium deficiency.
• Accepted Diets: Several established diet plans are widely used and recommended by experienced keepers and vets. These typically involve a specific staple mixture plus nightly offerings of fruits, vegetables, and protein sources. Popular diets include:
  • BML (Bourbon’s Modified Leadbeater’s)
  • TPG (The Pet Glider) Diet
  • OHPW (Original High Protein Wombaroo)
  **Choose ONE established diet plan and follow it precisely.** Do not mix plans or substitute ingredients without thorough research and understanding. Pelleted diets alone are NOT sufficient or recommended as the primary food source.
• Components: A balanced diet generally includes:
  • Staple Mix: The core component of chosen diet plan (e.g., BML mix, TPG vitamin/calcium powder mixed with food).
  • Protein: Cooked eggs, cooked chicken, mealworms, crickets (gut-loaded).
  • Fruits & Vegetables: Offer a variety of safe fruits and vegetables nightly. Ensure a proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio (ideally 2:1 Ca:P). Avoid foods high in phosphorus or oxalates. Research safe/unsafe food lists EXTENSIVELY.
  • Nectar/Sap: Some diets incorporate nectar substitutes or natural saps like acacia gum.
• Supplements: Most established diet plans incorporate necessary calcium and vitamin supplements. Do not add extra unless advised by a vet.
• Water: Fresh, clean water must always be available, typically offered in a sipper bottle or heavy dish.
• Avoid: Chocolate, caffeine, garlic, onion, raw meat, excessive fatty foods, artificial sweeteners, high-sugar items, unsafe fruits/veg (e.g., rhubarb, avocado pits/skin).

Handling, Socialization & Bonding

Sugar gliders require significant time and patience to bond with their owners.

• Social Needs: MUST be kept in pairs or small groups. Solitary gliders suffer from depression, stress, self-mutilation, and reduced lifespan.
• Bonding Process: Requires daily interaction. Carry them in a bonding pouch during the day while they sleep. Spend time near their cage talking to them. Offer treats by hand. Allow supervised playtime in a glider-proofed room (tent or bathroom) during their evening active hours.
• Handling: Be gentle and patient. Allow them to come to you. They may crab (make a buzzing noise), bite, or lunge when scared. Consistent, positive interaction is key.
• Time Commitment: Bonding can take weeks or months. Sugar gliders require daily attention throughout their long lifespan (10-15 years).
• Nocturnal Nature: Respect their sleep schedule. Most interaction will occur in the evening/night.

Health, Grooming & Cleaning

Diet-related issues and stress are common health concerns.

• Common Issues: Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD) (hind leg paralysis, tremors – due to calcium deficiency), malnutrition, obesity, dental problems, stress-related disorders (self-mutilation, fur pulling), injuries (from unsafe toys/wheels, falls), parasites, urinary tract infections.
• Veterinary Care: Essential to find an exotic vet experienced with sugar gliders *before* acquisition. Annual checkups are recommended. Neutering males is often advised to prevent aggression, marking, and accidental breeding.
• Grooming: Sugar gliders are generally clean animals and groom themselves. They do not require bathing. Nail trimming may be necessary; use specialized techniques or have a vet assist, as their nails are small and quicked easily.
• Daily Cleaning: Remove uneaten food, clean food/water dishes.
• Weekly Cleaning: Wipe down cage bars, clean sleeping pouches (have spares), clean toys and wheel, replace/clean cage liner/tray.
• Deep Cleaning (Monthly): Thoroughly wash and disinfect the cage and all accessories.