As far as exotic pocket pets go, sugar gliders are one of the more playful, affectionate and loyal types that really enjoy hanging out with you. Once they’ve bonded with their human friends, they’re all fun. Sugar gliders can live up to 15 years, making them a long-term investment. While they’re not the most difficult type of exotic pet to care for, they have very specific needs that must be met in order to keep them happy.
Consider factors like your living situation and time before investing in a sugar glider. Don’t let others discourage you from adopting one! They make great company for people living in small households and you only need to know basic information about their housing, nutrition and behaviors to properly care for them.
Valley Animal Hospital cares for a variety of exotic pets. Call us to make an appointment for your sugar glider today!
Housing
Since they glide, sugar gliders need plenty of space to do what they do best. You’ll want to provide your little friend with a large cage that is tall and narrow versus short and wide. Equip the cage with a variety of toys like climbing ropes, wheels and even branches to give them plenty of opportunities for exercise. They love to hang and jump on or from various platforms and perches, even outside of their cage. Once they’re comfortable with you and their environment, sugar gliders will fly freely when given the chance.
Nutrition
Like any pet, sugar gliders require a nutritious and well-balanced diet. A combination of pellet food made specifically for sugar gliders, fresh fruits and veggies, and a multivitamin mix will do. You can even feed them insects and bugs.
In the exotic pet community, the sugar glider diet is a topic of much controversy. Some people like to make their own, home-cooked food for them, like the HPW (High Protein Wombaroo) diet. We recommend consulting with our veterinarians about the best combination diet for your pocket pet.
Bonding
Sugar gliders are a special kind of companion that requires bonding time to form a strong connection with you. They need to adapt to a new environment and their new home, and that means time and patience on your end. At first, your pet will be uneasy by making funny noises we call crabbing and barking. They may even bite.
It’s important to not punish them or show anger. The more you have them around you, the faster they grow accustomed to your scent and presence. In no time at all, your little sugar glider will love being around you and will feel comfortable enough to go on small adventures in your house. That’s when the real fun starts!
Behavior
Just like some small dog breeds, a sugar glider without a companion can become easily depressed and develop a host of problems. Sugar gliders are very social, so you’ll want to spend a minimum of three hours a day with it. Simply carrying your little buddy on your body in a specially designed pouch will be enough. They like to hang out with you, but that mostly means napping while you carry them.
