Do Sugar Gliders make good pets?

Yes, Sugar Gliders are uniquely suited to captivity. They are very social, and will totally bond to the person who gives them good care and treats them well. Despite this loving nature, Sugar Gliders are not for small children who cannot control themselves and want to squeeze them too tight, or treat them too rough.  However, they are wonderful pets for older children, adults, the disabled, and the elderly. In fact, anyone committed to the daily care of a glider after knowing the time investment and costs can make an excellent owner for these wonderful pocket pets.

 

How long can Sugar Gliders Live?

Books report that in captivity Sugar Gliders have a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years if cared for properly and given the proper diet. In the wild their life expectancy is closer to 7 to 8 years mainly due to predators and the art of natural selection.  Our records of captive gliders run from 8-12 at Sugar Glider Connection.  Plan ahead when adopting a sugar glider as a member of your family.

 

Where do Sugar Gliders come from?

Sugar Gliders are also found in the rainforests of Australia, Indonesia, and New Guinea. Most of the Sugar Gliders available in the United States are descendants from imported gliders now bred by reputable breeders.  

 

Are Sugar Gliders related to a rat, a squirrel, a bat?

No, Sugar Gliders are in the marsupial family - not rodents. They carry their babies in a pouch and are more closely related to Kangaroos, Possums, and Koala Bears. Although they have a nickname of Australian Flying Squirrels, the only thing they have in common with a flying squirrel is that they are close to the same size, and they do glide from tree to tree like a flying squirrel. They are more social than a flying squirrel, live about twice as long, and are more outgoing.

 

What do Sugar Gliders eat?

Sugar Gliders eat a variety of things in the wild. They eat insects, worms, larvae, baby birds, lizards, and a variety of fruits, berries, vegetable, and sap.  We have a recommended feeding guide on the site for more information, but just remember to serve one item at a time at the same time each day to monitor your glider(s) diet and favorites.

 

Do Sugar Gliders bite?

Any animal can bite, especial in a defensive state when they feel threatened. Babies are less likely to break the skin when nipping as an adult could.  Use common sense, put on some garden gloves and handle your glider.  Once they become familiar with you and feel safe, they will no longer be prone to bite.  Mainly remember time and commitment, are the keys to success.  It is true, the younger the glider is, the more trainable it is. However, a glider can be trained at any age with dedication and commitment.

 

Do Sugar Gliders need a lot of attention?

Yes and no. Sugar Gliders are very social animals and therefore need to have social interaction on a daily basis at least one hour minimum. This social contact can be active, as in playing, or passive, as in sleeping up against your body in a pocket or pouch. If you want a calm loving social pet, invest your time with them.  It takes time and energy devoted daily to create a wonderful pet.  

 

Can Sugar Gliders get along with other pets?

Sugar Gliders in the wild, live in the top canopy of the rainforests, and stay there most of their lives. Since they seldom are on the ground, they don't seem to have a fear of many animals. However, they can get along well with other pets if properly introduced and closely monitored.  We do not recommend the animals be left unattended together or share housing.  Better not to allow an opportunity for primal instincts to surface….

 

Do Sugar Gliders smell?

Sugar Gliders do not have offensive odors if they are well cared for in clean environments.  However, mature males of breeding ages will have a slightly heavier odor than female.  If a Sugar Glider is warm and well fed, it has no offensive odor. Fecal and urine odors will emit from cages if left unattended and cleaned.  Avoid cage dressings that harbor fluids and allow bacteria to grow.  Keep toys and bedding that are easily cleaned or washable.  If you notice a lingering offensive odor, contact your vet for possible health issues.

 

What is the best age to buy a Sugar Glider?

Young gliders prove to be faster in training, but gliders of all ages can be trained.  The older the glider the longer of a time frame in relationship building should be allowed.  However, it is really up to you to make that decision.  

 

Should my Sugar Glider have free run of the house?

We strongly recommend you do not allow your glider freedom to run about outside of their caged environment, but this is a decision for you to make. You have to decide what kind of a pet you want. A Sugar Glider that is not allowed a lot of freedom outside of the safety of their cage home, will be a more tightly bonded glider in most cases. If they have not learned that the whole house or a whole room is safe, they will tend to want to stay close to you, where they know that they are safe. This is the best way to raise them if you want to be able to take them everywhere you go in your pocket, or on your shoulder. If they are used to running free, and you are out with them on your shoulder, and they see something interesting, they are likely to jump to the interesting thing to play or investigate. Remember, even if your home is child safe, it may not be glider safe.  There are many hidden safety hazards for gliders including open toilets, chemicals, wires, or physical dangers due to their size.  Outside, this multiplies….

 

Do I need to buy two Sugar Gliders?

A single glider raised and cared for with a lot of attention can be a happy glider if they have the temperament for being alone.  However, two Sugar Gliders are far more likely to be happy gliders. They love to cuddle while sleeping, and they love to groom each other, as well as play together. It is best to buy the gliders at the same time so they do not have a power struggle or jealous behavior when introduced later.  

 

Can I order a Sugar Glider online and have it shipped to me?

Yes.  You can order Sugar Gliders online and Sugar Gliders can be shipped directly to you.  Simply email us your phone number and we will contact you for pertinent information needed for the flight.  We do ship them by airplane, by a method known as counter to counter. That means that we prearrange to ship on a specific flight, on a specific day. We take it to the freight counter 1 hour before the flight and you pick it up at your freight counter in a couple of hours when the plane lands. They do not seem to suffer at all for the trip. We package them in a baby chick box, in which we build a carry cage (that you can use later). We give it half an apple for its food and moisture, and we put a tee shirt, or like material in the cage for it to cuddle in. If it is going to be cool weather, we include two chemical hand warmers in the cage under the material to radiate heat. Shipping rates vary due to airline and current rates of shipping, but we charge only the price of the ticket to you.

 

What sex should I buy?

In general, male Sugar Gliders make better pets than females. This doesn't mean that the females are not great pets.  Males make the best pets, but should be neutered if not in a breeding pair, due to the fact if you do not, their urine does take on a stronger odor than females.  We do provide this service before purchase free of charge for our customers.  If you are purchasing from another breeder, please consult your vet.

 

Can I breed my Sugar Glider pair?

If you have a male and a female Sugar Glider, they will almost certainly breed at the right age. Two requirements for them to breed and have success in raising their babies are warmth and a proper diet. They will breed at all times of the year when given this environment. They have one or two babies at a time and if not given a break, will have a little over two pregnancies a year. So, you certainly can have babies with your pair of Sugar Gliders, but be sure you have a method for placing your babies. You do not have to have any license or permits to own Sugar Gliders (although there are some places you cannot have them legally) but you do have to have a USDA license to be able to sell them.