Is it OK to have sugar gliders as pets

Should you keep sugar gliders as pets? Everything you need to know

Whether keeping sugar gliders as pets is a good idea or not remains a hot topic of debate, with some saying they can make wonderful companions who will bond strongly with their human families and others believing that the specialized care they require makes them unsuitable for domestic living.

Its important to note that sugar gliders are wild animals and while they can make for playful, curious and social pets who will happily engage in a good snuggle session, they require a very particular diet, ample amounts of space, and plenty of mental and physical enrichment to keep them happy and healthy.

Sugar gliders are also highly social creatures who live in small groups in the wild and need to have at least one other buddy to share their enclosure with to ensure they dont become depressed. Because of this, youll need to be financially prepared to adopt and care for a pair.

Not for the novice pet owner, sugar gliders require a substantial time investment, not least because they need regular human interaction in order for them to become tame and used to being handled. However, if youre able to provide them with this, youll likely be rewarded with an endearing and entertaining companion.

Below, we walk you through the pros and cons of owning sugar gliders as pets so that you can make an informed decision about whether these cute little creatures are the right choice for your home and lifestyle.

What is a sugar glider?

While sugar gliders may look like rodents, theyre actually small marsupials that come from the same general family as kangaroos and koala bears. They got the name sugar glider because they love eating sweet foods, especially fruit, and because they have a gliding membrane that stretches from their wrist to their ankle that allows them to glide between trees.

Sugar gliders have been found to have around the same level of intelligence as a dog and they can be trained to learn tricks and to come when theyre called. When cared for correctly, sugar gliders have an average lifespan of between 12-15 years. They are impeccably clean, never require bathing and are known to bond strongly to their human family when kept as domestic pets.

Should you keep sugar gliders as pets?

We wish we could give you a straightforward yes or no answer to the question of whether you should keep a sugar glider as a pet, but unfortunately, professional opinion on this one is mixed.

Often referred to as sugar bears, these pocket pets have become popular amongst those looking for a small, social and sensitive little creature to provide them with companionship.

But animal welfare organizations, such as PETA, say that many sugar gliders end up in shelters because people are unprepared for the responsibility of caring for an active, inquisitive and nocturnal animal.

Because of this, sugar gliders are illegal in several states, including Alaska, Hawaii and California, and in those states that do allow them, youll want to check with your local authority as to whether or not you need a permit.

Sugar gliders are highly social animals who require a lot of opportunities to socialize with their kind, plenty of stimulation and enrichment, and a large living space to ensure they dont become depressed - which they are prone to if their needs are not being met.

If youre considering a sugar glider as a pet, youll want to ensure you can provide the right environment, have plenty of room for a large enclosure, and have the time and money to be a pet parent to two of these adorable little marsupials as they must live with at least one other sugar glider for companionship.

Below, we outline the pros and cons to keeping sugar gliders so you make an informed decision about whether these curious creatures are the right fit for you and your family.

The pros of sugar gliders as pets

When it comes to the pros of having one as a pet, youll find that theres a lot to love about the sugar bear. Here are some of the reasons they can make wonderful companions:

1. They have a long lifespan

Sugar gliders can make fantastic pets for children, as unlike other pocket pets, they can live for up to 15 years when cared for correctly - which makes them on par with most dogs and cats when it comes to longevity.

Because of this, they can be a great way of teaching children about the ongoing responsibilities that come with having a long-term pet.

2. Theyre very clean

With impeccable cleaning habits, the sugar glider is a great choice if youre looking for a pet that you dont have to bathe or regularly clean up after. Unlike other rodents, sugar gliders dont require dust baths or the use of wet or dry shampoo and will instead groom themselves and each other daily to keep their coats in tip-top condition.

Youll also find that sugar gliders do a good job of keeping their cages tidy as they prefer a clean environment, so youll only need to do a spot clean every couple of days and a deep clean every two to three three weeks.

3. Sugar gliders rarely bite

Unlike some other pocket pets, sugar gliders are unlikely to bite unless theyre feeling scared or are being mishandled in a way that hurts them. Even on the odd occasion when they do bite, the structure of their teeth means that it feels more like a pinching sensation.

Because sugar gliders bond quite deeply with their humans, as your relationship with your pocket pet deepens, biting will likely only happen if something spooks them while you happen to be holding them.

4. Theyre super playful

Curious, intelligent and highly active, sugar gliders are well known for their playful antics and the great news is that they enjoy playing with people as much as they enjoy playing with each other.

With a love of climbing any and all vertical surfaces just so they can glide back down to the floor again, sugar gliders make for wonderfully interactive and engaging pets who will delight in having your full attention.

5. Sugar gliders love a good cuddle

If you want a pet who will snuggle with you, a sugar glider is well worth considering. Known to bond very deeply with their humans, theyre quite content to curl up in a sling against your chest or in the cozy and warm pocket of your jumper or jacket.

For those that work from home or live alone, a sugar glider can make for a great cuddly companion.

The cons of sugar gliders as pets

Now that weve explored some of the advantages of owning a sugar glider, its time to look at some of the very real disadvantages that youll want to seriously consider before adopting two or more of these pocket pets.

1. Theyre nocturnal

Sugar gliders are nocturnal, which means they sleep most of the day and are highly active at night. Because of that, youll need to keep them in a dark environment and avoid waking them up during daylight hours as this can confuse them and mess with their hormones.

Their sleeping habits mean that it will also be much harder to play with them, unless you happen to be a night owl yourself.

2. Vets find them hard to treat

Most vets arent trained in the treatment of exotic animals, which means you likely wont be able to just pop along to your local vet if your sugar glider happens to get injured or become unwell.

It can be difficult to diagnose and treat a sugar glider without causing them distress or harm and getting the dosage of medication right is also challenging. Make sure you have a specialized vet in your area who can handle the requirements of your sugar bear.

3. Many sugar gliders are farmed and bred in cruel environments

Similar to puppy mills, sugar gliders are also often bred in unhealthy environments in order to meet the increase in demand amongst pet parents. With little control over breeding practices, sugar gliders are often overbred and inbred and can suffer severe health problems as a result, including behavioral issues, shortened lifespans, dwarfism, mental instability and genetic disorders.

If youve decided to get a sugar glider, be sure to get one from a licensed, professional breeder or animal shelter.

4. Theyre expensive to purchase and care for

Its not unusual for a pair of sugar gliders to cost anywhere from $500 to $1300 and thats before you buy their cage, food and toys. Because theyre an exotic animal, the cost of vet treatment is also significantly higher than your standard domestic pet, so youll want to make sure you have the finances to care for your sugar gliders before you take them on. And remember, they can live for up to 15 years.

5. Their diet can be difficult to get right

Unlike a dog or cat, sugar gliders have a fairly complex diet that must consist of the following:

• Fruits and vegetables with a 2:1 calcium to phosphorus ratio
• Insects
• A multivitamin
• A protein source
• A nectar drink
• Acacia gum
• Bee pollen

Sugar gliders are fragile and require their diet to be consistently on point to ensure they dont become sick. Vets report that the most common health issues they see when caring for sugar gliders are diet related with malnutrition, weight problems, deficiencies and poisonings all common.

If you decide to adopt a pair of sugar gliders, youll want to make sure that you thoroughly research what to feed them, how often and the correct amounts to ensure they stay physically fit.

All About Sugar Gliders

Sugar gliders are loving, interesting, energetic, and curious animals that have become popular pets. While they may look like rodents, they are small marsupials, closely related to kangaroos and koalas.

As a nocturnal tree-dwelling species, sugar gliders have large eyes to help them navigate in the darkness. These big-eyed marsupials get their name from a flap of tissue connecting their wrists and ankles, called the gliding membrane. This allows them to sail from one place to another.

Sugar gliders can make wonderful pets and bond closely with their human families if given the care, enrichment, and socialization they need for many years. Sugar glider lifespans can reach 12-15 years with proper care.

Gliders are very social and live in groups of five to 12 in the wild. They are quite vocal and are usually passive, but may bite when scared, stressed, in pain, or poorly socialized.

As pets, sugar gliders must be kept in groups,fed a special diet, and need an extra source of warmth year round. They are nocturnal, can be very noisy at night, and need specialized veterinary care.

Before taking one of these little critters home, its important to understand that they should not be impulsively adopted. Sugar gliders require unique care, and are a lengthy time commitment for a pet parent.

Sugar Glider Housing

Providing great care is key to a happy and healthy sugar glider. This begins with finding comfortable housing for your small companion.

Gliders are from Australia and New Guinea and are an arboreal species, meaning they live in trees. Imitating their natural environment allows your glider to be as comfortable as possible.

Cages for Sugar Gliders

These little creatures need housing that allows them to glide over distances. Aviaries are preferrable habitats for sugar glidersthe bigger, the better. Ceiling height is ideal.

However, if an aviary is not possible, cages should be made of PVC-coated wire with plenty of spots for gliders to climb and grab. The openings in the mesh shouldnt be bigger than 1 inch. Glider cages should be at least 3624x40 inches, with height prioritized over width.

Gliders are very active and will use their entire enclosure to exercise, play, and explore.

Sugar gliders enjoy toys and other items in their cage. Adding hide and nest boxes and poucheswill allow your gliders safety, comfort, and dark areas to rest.

Change the enrichment tools around your gliders cage often, including shelves, a solid running wheel, swings, and bird toys. Branches and plants are extremely important for gliders and will allow them room to leap and climb.

Use caution with any natural products to ensure youre not introducing pests or chemical sprays. Sugar gliders will chew on branches, so make sure only nontoxic plants and trees are provided.

Many veterinarians and pet parents recommend keeping two water bowls in the cage to prevent dehydrationa traditional hanging water bottle and a second water dish on the cage floor near their gliders food bowl.

Sugar Glider Bedding

Line the bottom of your gliders cage with paper towels, hay,or Carefresh bedding. Stay away from wood shavings, which may cause irritation and infection to the eyes, nose, throat, and respiratory system.

Its important to spot-clean the cage daily and perform a more thorough cleaning of housing, toys, and accessories every week. If you have multiple sugar gliders in one habitat, its important to do multiple cleans a week.

Temperature for Sugar Gliders

Dont keep your glider in bright sunlight as they are nocturnal. Sugar gliders thrive around7590 degrees Fahrenheit and should never be kept in environments lower than 70 degrees Fahrenheiteven at night. Pet parents need additional heat sources in the colder months to provide appropriate temperatures for their gliders.

Gliders should always have a section of their enclosure that is close to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. This doesnt need to be the temperature of the entire cageone sleeping area will suffice.

What Do Sugar Gliders Eat?

A sugar gliders diet varies. As omnivores, they adjust their food choices based on climate and season. In the wild, food for sugar gliders includes pollen, insects, larva, spiders, sap, gum, plant blossoms, and nectar. Its difficult to reproduce this ever-changing diet in captivity, so domesticated sugar gliders frequently suffer from poor nutrition.

Home diets can sometimes provide the nutrients required to keep a sugar glider healthy, but theyre complicated and difficult to make. Speak with your veterinarian for help creating the most effective diet for your pet.

Kathy Johnson-Delaneys feeding protocol for sugar gliders can help give additional insight to your gliders health needs. Insects should be gut-loaded and dusted with a calcium supplement. Gut-loading means feeding these insects a nutritious diet for 2448 hours before feeding them to your sugar glider. By gut-loading, the insects are packed with vitamins and minerals that positively impact your glider.

Make sure to rotate all varieties of your gliders food. Dont feed your glider fatty or super sweet foods, pits, seeds, or too many insects or fruits. Sugar gliders may ignore other food sourcespreferring the sweet fruits or juicy insects and ignore nutrient-laden foods. This can lead to obesity and metabolic disorders.

Some examples of healthy food choices to feed on regular rotation with your sugar glider include:

Insects:

• Crickets

• Mealworms

• Superworms

• Waxworms

Vegetables:

• Squash

• Cucumber

• Bell pepper

• Carrots

• Sweet potatoes

• Bok Choy

• Jicama

Fruits:

• Papaya

• Oranges

• Bananas

• Strawberries

• Cantaloupe

• Mango

• Kiwi

• Peaches

Its never appropriate to feed your sugar glider a diet made for cats or reptiles. Avoid chocolate, dairy products, grapes, and raisins. Fruits and treats should not make up more than 5% of your sugar gliders diet.

Food should be provided in the afternoon or early evening when sugar gliders are naturally feeding. Remove all uneaten food in the morning.

Sugar Glider Medical Needs

Before adopting a sugar glider, its important to understand that it can be difficult to find a veterinarian that specializes in their care. Find and secure a vet before getting a glider.

Sugar gliders should receive routine veterinary care annually and as needed. Your glider may require bloodwork, fecal analysis, and routine dental checkups.

Healthy sugar gliders are alert, with clean, clear eyes and a smooth, soft coat. Their nose, eyes, and mouth should be clear of any discharge or discoloration.

Males have two scent glands that can be confused with bald spots. One is on the top of their head and the other is on their chest. Healthy sugar gliders are active and inquisitive with no signs of breathing difficulty or malaise.

Sugar gliders may develop medical issues throughout their life. The most common conditions include:

• Malnutrition: causing paralysis, blindness, lameness, and seizures

• Obesity

• Parasites: causingloss of appetite or changes in bowel movements

• Hair loss: may be stress-related, especially with un-neutered males and poorly socialized individuals

• Respiratory issues: causing increased breathing rate and effort

• Trauma

• Dental disease: facial swelling, drooling, or decreased appetite

• Cancer: obvious tumors or lethargy and weight loss

• Metabolic bone disease: most sugar gliders dont receive appropriate levels of protein and calcium, which causes metabolic bone disease and may show as decreased appetite, weight loss, lethargy, tremors, and lameness due to broken bones

• Infections: skin, pouch, and tooth infection can cause fever, lethargy, pain, swelling, and discharge

• Blindness and cataracts: hazy eyes and incoordination

If your sugar glider has any physical abnormalities, is behaving or eating differently, is lethargic, or you have any other concerns, contact your vet as soon as possible.

Sugar Glider Cleaning Needs

Sugar gliders keep themselves clean. They dont require water, dust, or shampoo baths, unless prescribed by your vet.

All food and water dishes should be cleaned daily. Spot-clean the cage for any messes daily. Fully clean the entire cage every week.

Cages should not be cleaned when gliders are inside, as the chemicals may be irritating to eyes, nose, and lungs. Vinegar cleaning products and diluted bleach are all safe to clean the hard items in the cage.

Once everything is completely dry its safe to place your fur baby back in their habitatthough depending on the humidity and temperature of where you live, this may take a few hours. Make sure it has had time to completely air out before returning your sugar gliders.

Sugar Glider Handling and Behavior

Sugar gliders can be difficult to handle, especially if they are young or poorly socialized. They should never be scruffed (held by the back of the neck) or held by the tail. Many sugar gliders respond well to being carried in a zippered, fleece pouch.

Sugar gliders should have socialization with their human at least one or two hours a day. They are highly social animals and prefer spending time with other sugar gliders. Therefore, they are usually happier in groups of three or more.

If they dont have enough emotional and environmental enrichment, sugar gliders may self-mutilate, causing hair loss, pain, and infection. Neutering males may help ease this behavior. Speak with your vet about any behavioral issues your glider may be having, and how to best solve them.

Well-socialized sugar gliders are rarely aggressive. However, when they are frightened or defensive, they may stand on their back legs, make loud noises, possibly charge, and may bite.

How to Pick Up Your Sugar Glider

Pick up your sugar glider by safely and calmly placing one hand on the top of its back and chest, near its arms. Use your other hand to gently scoop from below. They may feel more secure on your shoulders or in a pocket. Eventually, as they get comfortable with their surroundings, gliders will want to explore.

Exploration is a wonderful way for humans to bond with their sugar gliders and provide them with enrichment. However, due to their highly inquisitive nature, sugar gliders can easily injure or otherwise hurt themselves, so always supervise your glider when they are outside their cage.

Featured Image: iStock.com/LKR Photography

References

1. Brust DVM, David M. VIN.com. A Quick Reference Guide to Unique Pet Species - Sugar Glider (Petaurus breviceps) Pet Care. January 2011.

2. Strat-Zenoni DVM, Deanne. Chicago Exotics Animal Hospital. Sugar Glider Care.

3. Pollock DVM, DABVP, Christal. LafeberVet. Basic Information Sheet: Sugar Glider. February 2010.

4. Wikipedia. Sugar glider. May 2022.

WRITTEN BY

Lauren Jones, VMD

Veterinarian

Dr. Lauren Jones graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 2010, after receiving her bachelor's degree...