Sugar Glider Care Sheet

Origin:

Sugar gliders (Petaurus breviceps) are small, nocturnal marsupials native to Australia, Tasmania, and parts of Indonesia. They live in social colonies in the wild and glide between trees using a thin membrane of skin that stretches from their wrists to their ankles.

Description:

Sugar gliders are about the size of a hamster or small squirrel, with an adult weight of 3–5 ounces and a body length of 5–7 inches (plus a long, furred tail). Their large eyes help them see at night, and they have soft gray fur with a dark stripe running from nose to tail. Average lifespan is 10–15 years in captivity.

Temperament:

Sugar gliders are very social and bond closely with their owners and other gliders. They are curious, playful, and affectionate once tame but may bite or crab (vocalize) when frightened. They thrive on interaction and can become depressed or stressed if kept alone without enough attention.

Feeding:

• Staple diet: A balanced sugar glider diet includes a base nectar or insectivore mix (such as BML or HPW diets) along with fresh fruits, vegetables, and insects.
• Protein: Offer mealworms, crickets, or boiled egg several times per week.
• Fruits/Vegetables: Apples, grapes, berries, melons, sweet potatoes, carrots, and leafy greens.
• Supplements: Use a calcium supplement if not included in the base diet to prevent nutritional imbalances.
• Water: Provide fresh, clean water at all times.

Never feed chocolate, onions, garlic, or processed human foods.

Housing:

• Cage type: A tall wire cage with horizontal bars for climbing; minimum 24"x24"x36", bigger is better.
• Bedding: Use paper-based substrate or fleece liners on the cage bottom; avoid wood shavings.
• Nesting: Provide pouches, hammocks, or sleeping boxes lined with fleece for security.
• Accessories: Include branches, ropes, glider-safe wheels, and toys for exercise and stimulation.
• Temperature: Keep between 75–80°F; avoid drafts or cold conditions.
• Cleaning: Spot clean daily and wash accessories weekly to maintain hygiene.

Companionship:

Sugar gliders are highly social and should be kept in at least pairs or small groups. A single glider may become lonely or depressed without frequent handling and attention. Always introduce new gliders gradually and in neutral territory.

Handling:

Bonding with a sugar glider takes patience. Carry your glider in a bonding pouch during the day to help it get used to your scent and voice. Handle gently and consistently, allowing it to climb on you rather than being grabbed. Over time, gliders can become affectionate and enjoy spending time with their owners.

Health:

Common health issues include:

• Nutritional imbalances (calcium deficiency, obesity)
• Dehydration
• Stress-related behaviors (over-grooming, self-mutilation)
• Parasites or infections

Provide a proper diet, social interaction, and regular checkups with an exotic animal veterinarian to prevent health issues.

Grooming:

Sugar gliders groom themselves frequently and generally require little external grooming. Keep nails trimmed to prevent scratches and snagging on fabric. Bathing is not necessary and can cause stress.

Fun Facts:

• Sugar gliders can glide over 150 feet in a single leap.
• They have scent glands on their head and chest used to mark territory and companions.
• They are marsupials, carrying and nursing their young in a pouch like kangaroos.
• They communicate with chirps, barks, and a unique “crabbing” sound when alarmed.

Compliments of:
S & S Exotic Animals, Inc.
1711 Connorvale Rd., Houston, TX 77039
(281) 590-0426
www.sandsexoticanimals.com