Thinking of getting a sugar glider? These tiny marsupials are energetic and friendly, making them popular choices as pets. Though they weigh less than a half-pound, they're more closely related to kangaroos than they are flying squirrels. If you think a sugar glider would make an ideal pet for your family, here's what our veterinary team would like you to know before making your decision.
These pets are nocturnal. This means they're awake and active during the night-time hours. Sugar gliders are not the best choice of pet for owners who work night jobs or retire early. To be happy and healthy, they need plenty of interaction with their human. This means taking them out of their cage and allowing them to play and explore in pet-proof spaces. It's important to keep a close eye on your pet's diet, too, as sugar gliders in captivity may easily become obese due to too little exercise and too much fruit.
The most important thing a sugar glider needs is a friend. These pets are highly social and won't thrive in isolation. This means, if you keep one sugar glider, you must keep two. But a sugar glider needs other things as well, including:
Aside from housing and accessories, these cute little creatures need a specialized diet to keep them healthy and happy. Your veterinarian can help you choose the best diet for captive sugar gliders.
In the wild, sugar gliders are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plants and animals. Gliders in captivity should be fed a somewhat complicated diet that includes:
Our veterinary team will be happy to advise you regarding the care and treatment of your sugar gliders.
Sugar gliders can be potty-trained to go in their cage and learn to come when you call them. If you give them lots of love and patience and reward good behavior with tasty treats, they'll be quite well-behaved.
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