Thinking about bringing a sugar glider into your home? These tiny marsupials are unique, social, and full of personality—but they also come with specialized needs. To help you decide if they’re the right fit, here are answers to the most common questions new and future owners ask.
What is a sugar glider?
Sugar gliders are small, nocturnal marsupials native to Australia, New Guinea, and surrounding islands. They are named for their love of sweet foods and their ability to glide through the air using a thin membrane of skin between their front and back legs.
What country are gliders native to?
They are native to Australia, New Guinea, and nearby islands.
When were gliders first introduced in the U.S.?
Sugar gliders were first brought into the U.S. pet trade in the early 1990s.
Are they rodents?
No. Sugar gliders are marsupials, related to kangaroos and koalas.
What is their life span?
With proper care, sugar gliders can live 10–15 years in captivity.
How big do they get?
Adult sugar gliders typically weigh 4–6 ounces and measure about 9–12 inches long, including their tail.
What is their temperament?
They are curious, playful, and social. Sugar gliders form strong bonds with their owners but may be shy or nervous at first. With time and patience, they often become affectionate and interactive.
Are girls nicer than boys?
Temperament depends more on individual personality and socialization than gender. Neutered males are generally just as sweet and affectionate as females. In fact, many owners find that once neutered, males make some of the most gentle and friendly pets.
How long can it take for a glider to bond with you?
Bonding can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the glider’s personality and the consistency of your interaction.
Do they make good pets?
They can make wonderful companions for the right owner. Sugar gliders are highly social and bond closely with their humans. However, they are exotic pets that require specialized diets, large cages, and plenty of attention.
Are they a lot of work?
Yes. Sugar gliders need daily care, including fresh food, bonding time, and regular cage cleaning. Their care is more complex than that of a typical household pet like a cat or dog.
Are they good with kids?
Sugar gliders are delicate animals that do best with gentle, patient handling. They are not recommended as pets for young children, though older children who are taught proper care and respect may enjoy them under adult supervision.
Are they awake at night?
Yes. Sugar gliders are nocturnal, meaning they are most active during the evening and nighttime hours.
Are they noisy?
Sugar gliders can make a variety of sounds, including barking, chirping, and crabbing. While not excessively loud, they can be vocal—especially at night.
Do they bark?
Yes. Sugar gliders sometimes bark, often as a way to communicate or get attention. The sound is similar to a small dog’s bark.
Do they smell?
Healthy sugar gliders and clean cages do not have a strong odor. However, un-neutered males can develop a stronger musky scent due to their scent glands. Neutering significantly reduces this odor, and with proper diet and cage cleaning, most gliders have little noticeable smell.
Can they get rabies?
No. Rabies is a disease carried by certain mammals, and sugar gliders are not susceptible.
How big does their cage need to be?
A minimum of 24” x 24” x 36” is required for a pair, though bigger is always better. Tall cages with vertical climbing space are best.
What kind of food do they eat?
Sugar gliders require a balanced diet of specialized glider pellets, fresh fruits, vegetables, protein sources, and supplements. A poor diet is one of the leading causes of health issues in captivity.
What kind of vet should they see?
Sugar gliders should be seen by an exotic veterinarian experienced with marsupials.
How often do they need to see the vet?
An annual wellness exam is recommended. They should also be seen if there are any signs of illness, changes in behavior, or injuries.
How many different morphs are there?
There are dozens of color variations (morphs), including classic gray, white face, leucistic, albino, mosaic, and caramel, among others.
How much can they cost?
Pet-only sugar gliders may cost $200–500, while rare or lineaged color morphs can range from $500 to over $2,500.
How to find a reputable breeder?
- Provide detailed lineage and health history for their gliders.
- Offer continued support and education after adoption.
- Be transparent about diet, housing, and care requirements.
- Neuter pet-only males before or shortly after adoption (or require it).
- Never rush a sale or avoid questions.
Can they be shipped?
Yes, sugar gliders can be shipped within the United States. The safest and most common option is through trusted USDA-approved ground animal transport carriers. This allows the glider to travel in a climate-controlled vehicle with food, hydration, and regular care along the way.
Some breeders do offer air shipping, but it is generally not recommended due to the added stress, noise, and environmental changes during flights. If air transport is used, it should only be through approved live-animal services and arranged with great care.
Whenever possible, it’s still best to pick up your glider in person—both to meet the breeder face-to-face and to minimize travel stress for the animal.
Disclaimer: Always confirm transport options directly with your breeder, as policies and availability can vary.