What do sugar gliders need in their cage

Do Sugar Gliders Need a Cage? [The Best Way To Keep Them!]

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Do sugar gliders need a cage?

An important question you need to know if you are thinking of getting one of these social animals as a pet.

Here I will discuss the positives of having a cage and the environment you need to create if you dont want to keep them in one.

Keep reading to learn everything you need to know to get started.

Do You Really Need to Get a Cage for Your Sugar Glider?

A cage with plenty of space and attractive accessories is the best way to keep them. The sugar glider cage bar spacing will ensure your furry friend has a safe environment.

But do sugar gliders need a cage or not? Can you create a home for them without one?

Since gliders are small animals it is easy for them to escape when they are unrestricted. This can put them in danger. Even the smallest things in your home can pose a risk to sugar gliders.

Not only does the cage protect them, but it also makes it easier as a glider parent to look after them and monitor their health.

The larger the cage the better. It will provide plenty of space for your little friend to move and fill with stimulating accessories. Also, since gliders are nocturnal animals, the best cage for sugar gliders will give them a sense of consistency and security.

You also want to make sure the cage has plenty of verticle space as these adorable fur babies love to climb.

The American Veterinary Hospital (1) recommends that youll need a cage that is at least 3 x 2 but get the biggest one you can. Be sure the bars are less than a half-inch apart, so your pets cant get stuck.

Can a Sugar Glider Live Without a Cage?

Pet gliders can live without a cage, but safety is paramount. They will also require a large space that stays at the right temperature and has plenty of nooks for them to hide in.

Most people dont have the space to create a large space like this that is still safe for gliders, so only consider it if you have the right environment.

What is Best For Sugar Gliders With or Without a Cage?

Since gliders are wild animals that have become popular pets. In the wild, they can happily live freely in the right environment with a good supply of food. They like to nest in the hollows of tree trunks and rarely nest alone. (5)

However, in a home environment, it is not possible to keep them without a cage. Many people create large enclosures or have a glider room.

Having a glider room is a great way to give your pet more room, so long as it is 100 percent glider proof!

How To Keep Sugar Gliders In a Cage?

Pet gliders should be kept in a cage but there are some essential things you need to know. As the vet I quoted above says, they need to live in a cage that has a lot of space to roam around in.

If your environment does not provide enough exercise, gliders can suffer from health issues, including stress, depression, heart, and liver disease. (6)

You also need to provide nutritious food, toys for entertainment, and equipment for exercise.

Here are some great tips and advice Ive learned over the years from experts and experienced glider parents to keep your pet healthy and happy.

• They require extra care and attention. Dont slack on cage hygiene, stimulation, and love.
• They need an ample amount of space to live in but is secure enough that they cant escape or injure themselves
• They have a specific diet that needs to be followed strictly which includes fresh fruit, sweet potato, and other sugary foods that they like. However, dont overdo it on the sugary foods as it can lead to obesity.
• They can easily get injured or harmed, so safety is essential.
• You must clean their cage often to prevent health problems.

• Keep the cage in a glider-appropriate location. Long Island Bird & Exotics Veterinary Clinic states that the cage should be kept away from direct sunlight, in a place that is easy to access, away from doorways, vents, windows, heaters, and air conditioners. (3)
• Keep all the essentials within the cage to make it more welcoming. Essentials include toys, nest boxes, bedding material, wood shavings, food bowls and water dishes, exercise wheels, and ropes.

The advice Ive highlighted above is just some of the basic reasons gliders should be kept in a cage.

To learn what accessories are safe to put in your gliders cage take a look at this video.

But does this really keep them happy? Thats a hard question to answer, but I will touch on that next.

Do Sugar Gliders Like Cages?

It is hard to give a definitive answer to this, as each glider has its own personality, and preferences, and will live in slightly different environments.

However, as their protector and parent, it is important that you take responsibility for creating a home where they feel comfortable and that caters to all their needs, including a proper diet.

This is the best way to ensure they like their cage.

RELATED ARTICLE: Used Sugar Glider Cages for Sale

Should Sugar Gliders Be Kept Alone?

Now that you know why you should keep your furry family member in a cage and what you need to do to provide them with one that makes them happy, lets tackle another important aspect of their well-being.

Should sugar gliders be kept alone? The answer is no, due to the nature of these animals.

In nature, gliders live in a highly interactive colony. It is strongly recommended to purchase and keep them in pairs to provide them with companionship and comfort.

Veterinarians from the VCA animal hospital state that They should not be kept as single pets. (4)

However, there are a couple of rules you should follow.Multiple males should not be kept with one female glider as they might try to show dominance and fight with the female glider.

New gliders should be kept away from each other as they might exhibit aggressive behavior if kept together.

Take a look at this expert glider owner to learn more about why they should not be kept alone.

FAQs

What should I put in my sugar glider cage?

Fit out your sugar gliders cage with bird toys, water bottles, bedding material, an exercise wheel, a food dish, and other safe accessories.

Does a sugar glider make a good pet?

Yes, they are great pets for those who love animals and are willing to learn about taking care of their needs.

Is it cruel to keep a sugar glider as a pet?

No, it is not cruel to keep sugar gliders as a pet as long as you take care of their needs and keep them safe and healthy.(2)

Do sugar gliders bite?

Yes, sugar gliders can bite if they are scared, practicing self-defense, or if they notice an unfamiliar smell.

Conclusion

Sugar gliders are small, furry, nocturnal animals that are native to Australia. They live in trees, and they have a fondness for sweet foods. They can be kept happy as pets but under certain conditions that Ive covered here in my guide.

One of these main conditions is the question do sugar gliders need a cage? In a domestic home environment, the best answer is yes! If you want a long, happy, and safe relationship with your pet, you must prioritize their needs.

Did you or did you not put your sugar glider in a cage? Tell us your experience in the comment section below!

References

• (1)Caring for a Sugar Glider. American Veterinary Hospital, 14 Feb. 2018, americanvethospital.com/caring-sugar-glider. Accessed 3 Apr. 2022.
• (2)Di Qual, Adrian. The Suitability of Sugar Gliders (Petaurus Breviceps) as Domestic Companions: An Analysis of Survey Data. 2013.
• (3)Sugar Glider Care Guide | Long Island Exotic Pet Vet. Libirdexoticsvet, www.birdexoticsvet.com/sugar-glider-care-guide.
• (4)Sugar Gliders Owning. Vca_corporate, 2009, vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/sugar-gliders-owning.
• (5)Jirik, Kate. LibGuides: Sugar Glider (Petaurus Breviceps) Fact Sheet: Behavior & Ecology. Ielc.libguides.com, ielc.libguides.com/sdzg/factsheets/sugarglider/behavior.
• (6)Disorders and Diseases of Sugar Gliders All Other Pets. Veterinary Manual, www.msdvetmanual.com/all-other-pets/sugar-gliders/disorders-and-diseases-of-sugar-gliders.

Alina Hartley

Alina Hartley is a small-town girl with a ginormous love of bearded dragons. It all started with Winchester, a baby bearded who was abandoned at the shelter by his former owners because of a birth defect that caused one front leg to be shorter than the other. Alina originally went to the shelter looking for a guinea pig, but one look at Winchester and it was love at first sight. From that day on, Alina has dedicated her life to learning everything she can about bearded dragons. She loves helping new beardie parents start their incredible journey with these magnificent reptiles.Follow her on:LINKEDINTWITTER.Read her latest articles HERELearn more about her HERE.

How to Choose the Right Size Cage for Sugar Gliders: 4 Important Factors

Sugar gliders are just tiny things, fitting ever-so-perfectly into your palm. But dont let their smallness fool you. These little marsupials are master jumpers, once gliding their way across wooded areas from tree to tree. They need a cage that allows them to freely flit around without too much restriction. In fact, their livelihood depends on it.

So, when youre browsing through options trying to find the best cage, lets talk a bit about what you should be looking for. You may have a lot of questionsdont worry! Weve covered all the basics on how to choose the right cage for your sugar glider.

The quick answer is that each pair of sugar gliders should have a large cage, at least 24 D x 24 Wx 36 H, and the bars should not be more thanhalf an inch apart.

Important Sugar Glider Facts

When it comes to exotic pets, theres no wonder sugar gliders have increased in popularity since the 1990s. These marsupials are tiny, adorable, and they can make very rewarding companions (if given the right care).

But these arent easy pets, either. They require specific care including the proper diet, environment, and outside stimuli. Many people might think that they can put these guys in a small cage to match their size. That isnt the case at all. They dont call them gliders for no reason.

In the wild, sugar gliders soar from trees and branches. So, you can see why a small cage wouldnt make them happy. They need an enclosure with enough room to move as freely as possible.

Sugar Gliders Must Be Kept in Pairs

If youve thought of having a solo sugar gliderthink again. These animals are highly social, depending on their species for support and affection.

You need at least a pair of sugar gliders together. But you can get up to even three or four. You must have the appropriate space, which would go up with the number of gliders you have. So, before you commit, think about whether you have the available home space for a cage of that caliber.

The 4 Important Factors in Determining Cage Size for Sugar Gliders:

1. Ideal Cage Shape for Sugar Gliders

Sugar gliders are short-legged, but their cage should be tall. Most compatible cages sit up off of the ground with multi-levels. Gliders should be able to move around the cage at will. So, after you get their hammocks and hiding spaces put in, make sure your cage also has enough wiggle room.

There are several enclosures designed for animals like sugar gliders, but you might also find that many bird cages are solid options, toodepending on the setup, of course. Remember to read carefully before you buy so you can find the perfect spot in your home.

2. Ideal Cage Dimensions for Sugar Gliders

Dimensions are probably the most crucial part of the process. Bigger cages are better, but the height is even more important. Sugar gliders need a tall, wide cageat the very least 24 D x 24 Wx 36 H. Bar spacing shouldnt exceed half an inch.

Multi-levels are okay, but make sure they arent too restrictive. They need room inside of the cage to get from one side to the other with no help from platformsunlike some other creatures that need them for climbing.

Many enclosures come with removable levels that you can take out or place where you want them.

3. Important Cage Safety Features for Sugar Gliders

Sugar gliders can be quite the escape artists. They are small and more than able to squeeze through thin spaces. The idea of one (or many!) getting loose without your knowledge can be dangerous. They might be very hard to find, fall prey to another household pet, or even be squished!

Multi-level cages have different entry and exit points. Some doors are the height of the cage, and swing open fully. Others have two meeting doors that latch in the center. Some have smaller entry points that snap shut. Larger cages usually have bigger gaps in bar spacing. While that might work for some pets, your sugar glider isnt one of them.

Depending on the cage, it might have sides that snap or latch together. While you can work with this, remember that your sugar glider climbs a lot. You wont want any tiny spaces where they can pinch their toes or fingers.

4. Cage Accessories for Sugar Gliders

Another reason sugar gliders need a taller cage is because of their accessories. Gliders love hiding, so make sure their cage is generously decorated with hammocks and hiding spots of all kinds. You wont want to have too many obstructions in the cage, though.

Hammocks and hiding spots generally work best in the top and bottom portions of the cage. These spaces give your glider somewhere to relax, rest, and hide.

Sugar gliders might also like running wheels to get out a little energy. Most wheels can attach directly to the cage, keeping it up against one side so you can create openness.

No matter how you spruce the cage up, make sure it accommodates all the additions you plan to add.

FAQs

Should sugar gliders be kept in pairs?

In the wild, sugar gliders live in large colonies with between 6 and 10 members. Because of their highly social nature, you must have at least a pair of sugar glidersif not more. Like many exotic pets, if theyre in solitude, they can get lonely, depressed, and exhibit poor behavior.

How much space does each sugar glider need?

Two sugar gliders should have a space that is at least 24 D x 24 W x 36 H.

Can I have more than two sugar gliders in one cage?

Permitting the cage is big enough, you can have more than two sugar gliders in one cage. Even though they are tiny, they need lots of room to move around freely.

Can I let my sugar gliders free in my home all day?

While you should get your sugar glider out for a lot of floor playtime, you shouldnt leave them out unattended. Even though they would appreciate the space, they are too small and the risks are too high.

Can I use a hamster, guinea pig, or rabbit cage for my sugar glider?

Even though sugar gliders are small, they need lots of cage space. Unlike a hamster or guinea pig, sugar gliders need tall enclosures.

However, many bird cages might suffice, providing that it meets all necessary criteria.

Summary

So, when you finally buy the cage of your choice for your sugar glider, now you know what to look for. Make sure the cage is longer vertically rather than horizontallyand never use a ground, singular-level cage for your pair. Safety is a must, so make sure there are no jagged edges or problem areas.

Also, make sure to decorate their cage with lots of exciting activities and napping areas. They need a space they can feel safe, comfortable, and at home in.

Featured Image: MARVIK, Shutterstock