Sugar gliders are intelligent, social, and active marsupials. They thrive when their physical, dietary, and social needs are met. This care guide outlines the essentials every owner should know.
Housing
Cage Size:
- Minimum: 24” x 24” x 36” for a pair.
- Bigger is always better. Tall cages are ideal, as gliders love climbing.
Bar Spacing:
- No more than ½ inch apart to prevent escapes.
Placement:
- Indoors, away from direct sunlight, drafts, or extreme temperatures.
- Keep in a lively area of your home where they can see and hear family activity (but not too loud).
Interior Setup:
- Sleeping Pouch/Nest Box: Provide fleece pouches for resting.
- Branches & Climbing Toys: Offer safe branches, ropes, and ladders.
- Wheels: Use only glider-safe wheels (no center axles) for exercise.
- Toys & Foraging Items: Rotate regularly to prevent boredom.
Diet
A balanced diet is critical for sugar glider health. A poor diet can lead to obesity, malnutrition, or even early death.
Staples:
- Glider Pellets: High-quality, glider-formulated pellets should be offered daily.
- Fresh Fruits & Vegetables: A variety every night. (Examples: apples, grapes, carrots, sweet potato, melon).
- Protein: Insects (mealworms, crickets), boiled chicken, or scrambled eggs.
- Supplements: Calcium and vitamins, if not already balanced in diet plan.
Recommended Diet Plan:
- I personally recommend the TPG (The Pet Glider) diet, which has been widely used and trusted in the glider community.
- Full recipe and instructions can be found here: TPG Diet Guide.
Feeding Schedule:
- Feed in the evening, when they wake up.
- Remove leftovers in the morning to avoid spoilage.
Safe Extras:
- Eucalyptus: Sugar gliders naturally forage on eucalyptus in the wild. Small sprigs of fresh eucalyptus leaves, bark, or branches can be offered as enrichment and for chewing.
- Safe types include Eucalyptus globulus (Blue Gum), Eucalyptus radiata, and Eucalyptus citriodora (Lemon-scented Gum).
Eucalyptus to Avoid:
- Avoid Eucalyptus polyanthemos (Red Box) and any species treated with pesticides or not verified safe.
- Never offer essential oils or concentrated eucalyptus extracts — these are toxic.
Foods to Avoid (Toxic or Unsafe):
- Onions, garlic, and chives
- Chocolate, candy, or processed sweets
- Avocado
- Rhubarb
- Fruit seeds and pits (apple seeds, cherry pits, etc.)
- Raw lima beans, fava beans, or soybeans
- Caffeine or alcohol
Plants to Avoid (Toxic if Chewed):
- Lilies
- Azalea
- Oleander
- Ivy (English ivy, pothos, etc.)
- Philodendron
- Sago palm
- Dieffenbachia (dumb cane)
Social Needs & Bonding
- Companionship: Sugar gliders are colony animals. They should never be kept alone. A minimum of two gliders is strongly recommended.
- Bonding with Humans: Carry them in a bonding pouch during the day. Offer licky treats by hand to build trust. Be patient—bonding can take weeks to months.
- Handling: Always support their body. Avoid grabbing from above (predator-like).
Temperament & Behavior
- Nocturnal: Most active at night. Expect playtime after dark.
- Communication: They bark, chirp, and crab. These sounds are normal.
- Playful: They love toys, gliding time in safe rooms, and climbing.
Health & Veterinary Care
- Vet Type: Must be an exotic veterinarian experienced with marsupials.
- Checkups: Annual exams recommended. Seek immediate care if they show signs of lethargy, weight loss, injury, or loss of appetite.
- Common Issues: Nutritional deficiencies, overgrooming/stress behaviors, parasites, dental disease, or injuries.
Cleaning
- Cage Cleaning: Spot clean daily; deep clean every 1–2 weeks.
- Odor Control: Keep males neutered if not breeding. A clean cage + proper diet = minimal smell.
Enrichment & Out-of-Cage Time
- Playtime: Allow supervised, glider-proofed play outside the cage.
- Glider-Proofing: Block access to wires, small holes, and unsafe items.
- Rotation of Toys: Switch toys weekly to prevent boredom.
Note
Sugar gliders are rewarding pets for committed owners who can provide time, attention, and specialized care. They are not low-maintenance animals, but when cared for properly, they bond deeply and bring years of companionship and joy.