Why aren t sugar gliders good 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.

Do Sugar Gliders Make Good Pets? Vet-Approved Facts & Care Tips

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

Learn more

Sugar gliders are popular pet choices in the United States. These tiny friends are inquisitive, social creatures that enjoy the company of humans and other sugar gliders. Their bodies are only about 6 inches long, and they weigh 4 or 5 ounces as adults. A sugar gliders tail can add another 5 to 6 inches to their body length.

The female sugar glider has a pouch in which she carries her young, which means sugar gliders are marsupials and not rodents, as many believe. They have large eyes and gray fur, and a dark stripe often runs down their backs. Their main characteristic is the presence of a patagium, or a thin membrane along their sides that connects the front and back feet. When the sugar glider jumps, they stretch out their arms and legs, and the patagium expands, acting like a parachute and enabling the animal to glide through the air effortlessly from tree to tree.

Sugar gliders can make wonderful pets for people who can put in the effort to learn about their care and can provide them with everything that they need to be healthy. While theyre considered exotic, you can find them at many pet stores, animal shelters, breeders, and rescues.

Its not always legal to own a sugar glider, however. Also, this furry little critter wont be an ideal pet choice for everyone. Lets look at situations where owning a sugar glider isnt recommended.

States Prohibiting Sugar Gliders

Unfortunately for sugar gliders and many other pets, people always dont take care of them properly. Pets that seem like a fun or exciting idea suddenly become a mundane chore in reality. Sometimes, pets get much bigger than anticipated. Other times, they require more care than originally assumed, have health issues that are costly to treat, or simply become boring to the person who acquired them. Pets have been rehomed and surrendered to shelters and rescues for these and countless other reasons, but in extreme cases of irresponsibility, pets have been abandoned outdoors.

Due to this, some states have prohibited the ownership of sugar gliders as pets. If they are released outside when people decide that they dont want them anymore, they can become nuisance animals in an environment to which they are not accustomed. Once left to their own devices in the wild, sugar gliders can hurt the ecosystem.

Always check your states laws before welcoming an exotic animal into your home to make sure its legal to own them. Currently, the states where it is illegal to own a sugar glider are:

• Alaska
• Hawaii
• California
• These boroughs of New York City: Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn, Staten Island, and Queens

Its legal to own a sugar glider in other areas, albeit with exceptions:

• Georgia requires proof that the sugar glider came from a reputable source.
• An exotic pet permit is required to own a sugar glider in New Mexico, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania.

Important: Always check the latest legislation with the United States Department of Agricultures Animal Care office in your state to find out whether the laws in your area permit ownership of sugar gliders. If you own four or more breeding female sugar gliders, you may be subject to the Animal Welfare Act, which may require you to obtain a license and register your pets. If youre not in the U.S., check all relevant legislation before adopting or breeding sugar gliders.

If You Want to Get a Sugar Glider, Get at Least Two

If youve found out that its legal in your state or country to own sugar gliders, thats great news! However, if youre headed out to get one, its important to know how social they are. This is an animal that loves to be with people and other sugar gliders. If you get one sugar glider and put them in the cage alone, they will become depressed and not be the happy, social pet that you hoped to have. They live in small groups in the wild, and your glider will crave companionship.

Even if you plan to spend plenty of time with your sugar glider and think that they wont get lonely, chances are that they still will. Human companionship cant make up for the presence of another sugar glider. To help them be as happy as they can be, get a pair (minimally). You can even get a male and a female and keep them together. Female sugar gliders are generally not spayed. That surgery is too invasive for such a small animal. Male sugar gliders can be neutered, though, and should be. If youre keeping two male sugar gliders together, they should both still be neutered.

Housing

Sugar gliders should be kept in a proper cage but always allowed out every day for interaction and exercise. Their cage should be 2L x 2W x 3H at minimum. Sugar gliders love to climb, so the higher you can make their cage, the better. You can fill this cage with all sorts of things to keep them entertained. Toys, ladders, ropes, hammocks, pouches, and an exercise wheel will fend off boredom and keep your gliders happy.

Dietary Needs

Sugar gliders love a variety of foods, and these should be available to them at all times. Sugar gliders naturally graze and enjoy finding food throughout the night. Its best to discuss the diet for your particular glider with an exotic animal veterinarian, but typically, these animals eat protein, nectar, fruits, and vegetables. You can purchase a pellet food specifically for sugar gliders that will provide 50% of their diet. The rest is made up of a nectar replacement and fruits and vegetables as treats (no more than 10% of their diet).

You can also make your own sugar glider food called Leadbeaters Mix, but this is to be refrigerated and then thrown away and made fresh again every 3 days. Nectar is an important part of their diet. Vitamins and supplements should be added to their food to make sure they are getting the proper nutrition. Make sure clean, fresh water is always available.

Common Health Issues

The most common health problems of sugar gliders result from incorrect care and feeding, mainly obesity and dietary imbalances. Metabolic bone disease can occur due to a lack of calcium in your gliders diet. Dental and gum diseases and infections can happen if they are fed high amounts of sugar (often in the form of fruits in excess).

If you notice your gliders pawing at their mouths or refusing to eat, a veterinarian should examine them, including their teeth. Stress can also affect sugar gliders that arent kept with a companion. This can cause them to pace out of boredom, overeat, and resort to mutilating themselves.

Socialization

The best way to keep sugar gliders happy is to allow them adequate time out of their cage for interaction and playtime. In addition to keeping your glider tame, this will keep them from getting bored and meet their needs for socialization. Sugar gliders can become incredibly bonded to their owners and have been known to curl up and sleep on shoulders and in shirt pockets. Since sugar glider babies are carried in a pouch, adults still love to be in a pouch-like enclosure. If you dont handle your sugar glider often, they will eventually not want to be touched anymore. Handle them and interact with them as often as you can each day to keep them tame and social. Consider your time constraints carefully when you think about getting a sugar glider. If you dont have the right amount of time to dedicate to them, they arent the ideal pet choice for you.

Conclusion

Sugar gliders make fun, affectionate, and loving pets. With the right amount of love and care, these animals can live long, happy lives in captivity. Check the laws in your state to make sure its legal to own sugar gliders where you live. If you are considering getting one of these amazing animals, consider getting two. Sugar gliders do best with a companion of the same species.

Proper diet, housing, and socialization are requirements for giving your glider the best life that they can have. If you cant meet their needs for interaction and socializing, a sugar glider isnt the best pet choice. They are not a pet that thrives while being in a cage, even with a companion. They love to explore, climb, play, and interact. By giving your sugar glider the ability to do all these things, youll have a happy and healthy pet for years to come.

Related Read:

Featured Image Credit: Arif Supriyadi, Shutterstock