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What is a Sugar Glider?

 

Native to Australia, New Guinea, and Tasmania, Sugar gliders (Petaurus breviceps) are nocturnal arboreal marsupials.  They have a skin flap (Patagium) from their front to hind legs for gliding. 

01

FAQ

 

frequently asked questions about Sugar gliders

02

Why do they cost so much?

 

Sugar Gliders are an exotic pet and have special requirements when it comes to diet, cage, toys, & accessories. It takes time and money to breed and raise sugar gliders and it is a labor of love from reputable breeders to choose proper pairings to achieve the desired temperament and colors. 

03

What about smell?

 

Intact males are usually the only over zealous scent markers. Keeping the gliders cage clean without over cleaning(leaving at least one item with their scent on it) is the best way to control any smell.  If sugar gliders are on a bad diet, that can contribute greatly to odor. When gliders have a good diet and with normal cleaning, there is little to no smell.

04

What do sugar gliders eat?

 

Sugar Gliders require a special diet consisting of protien, vitamins, fruits, vegatables & insects. A 2:1 Calcium:phosphorous ratio is required, while paying close attention to oxalates as well.

BML diet, OHPW diet, Val's Green Variety Diet are just a few of many reccomended diets available to sugar gliders. - Diet research can be done on GliderCentral.net.

05

Do they bite?

 

Anything with teeth has the potential to bite, but sugar gliders usually just use their teeth as their form of telling you no. It can range from a gentle no to a terrified no. They also use their teeth for grooming themselves, other gliders and humans, which can be slightly painful because we don't have fur! Also mistaking your finger for a treat, so be sure to wash your hands before handling and stay away from scented lotions. 

Most of the time a bonded glider, that trusts you, will not bite.

06

Can sugar gliders fly?

 

Sugar gliders glide, up to 150 feet if they are high enough using their patagium (skin flap between front and rear legs). This is why having a tent time or safe glider room (ie glider proofed bathroom or closet space) is reccomended for them to glide, forage, explore and play.

07

Can I get just one?

 

Sugar gliders are colony animals and need to at least have 2 gliders together. A single glider becomes depressed and can refuse to eat or drink, overgroom sometimes to the point of self mutilation. It's very important to have at least two gliders. Most reputable breeders will not adopt out a glider to be a single and sometimes offer a discount when adopting more than one.

08

Are they good pets for kids?

 

They are a high responsibility pet, so not good for kids to be the primary care taker. Life span ranges from approx 10-15 years, so a long commitment. Certain children can be gentle and understanding, but gliders have a tendency to jump to your face, they groom your skin with their teeth, they are quick, and sometimes unpredictable on where they are going to jump to next. Use your own descretion as to whether or not your child is old/mature enough to handle your gliders. 

09

Will they keep me up at night?

 

Gliders make several noises, their most common noise at night is barking, which sounds like a little puppy. Location of cage, how hard you sleep, and if your glider is feeling extra talkative can all make a difference. Also getting a quiet, glider safe wheel is essential, as some wheels will squeak and gliders run in their wheel all night long. Reccomended wheels are Fast-Track, Custom choice cruiser, Stealth and Raptor. I personally have Fast-track and Custom Choice cruisers and they are very quiet.

10

How long do they live?

 

 

In the wild gliders life span is approx 6 years, whereas in captivity they can live approx 10-15 years with proper care. So its a long commitment to consider. 

 

11

What all do I need to get started?

 

 

A glider safe cage with 1/2 inch bar spacing like a Double Critter Nation(not ferret nation) or off brand of the DCN but its the same extact cage at Petsmart branded All Living Things or an HQ cage(ie, Sturdy, Birsbane, Congo) to name a few, a glass water bottle, glider safe wheel, glider safe cage pouch, glider safe toys, diet supplies and bonding pouch. There are many other things to consider- but those are the main essentials. Make sure to also look up an exotic vet that knows sugar gliders or is willing to learn.

 

12

What gender is best to get?

 

 

When getting pet only gliders, temperament is what matters, not necessarily what gender. Speaking with the breeder is reccomended to figure out which glider is best for you. Neutered males are what I usually suggest because they are generally the least expensive and you have less smell and they don't have a cycle. 

 

13

How are gliders shipped? Is shipping a glider safe?

 

 

Gliders are shipped through the airlines in the pressurized cargo area of a plane. Several airlines offer this service but the most commonly used are Delta and United. There are some instances where shipping has gone wrong but for the majority of flights, it all goes as planned.  That is why there is moisture rich food shipped with the gliders so that they will be alright if they have to stay overnight from a layover hiccup. 

 

14

How do I give my glider a bath?

 

 

You don't have to bathe them. Gliders groom themselves, much like a cat. If kept in a clean enviroment with a good diet, they will also stay clean.  They only necessary bathing is if they get into something toxic or something they cannot get off themselves. A warm wash cloth can be used and keeping them warm until they dry is very important. They get cold very easily and should not be immersed in water.

 

If they are not able to groom themselves or look filthy or greasy all the time they need to be taken to a vet ASAP. 

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