What Are Sugar Gliders?

What Are Sugar Gliders?

Do you want to know about Sugar Gliders? Are you interested in petting them? Well, Sugar Gliders are tiny creatures from Australia, Indonesia, and New Guinea. They are famous, energetic and inquisitive animals resembling rodents but are marsupials. This article will help you answer all your questions so that petting Sugar Glider becomes a piece of cake. 

What Are Sugar Gliders?

Moreover, Sugar Gliders have thin skin stretched between wrists and ankles that help them glide. They are nocturnal animals with black eyes to see correctly in the dark. They bond firmly with humans if given the proper care and needed time. 

What are some dangers to pet Sugar Gliders?

Bite wounds and injuries from companion Gliders could be life-threatening. Their claws sometime get caught in fabric, cloth, or other household objects. Also, there is a possibility of a broken wrist or ankle. Some predator birds and animals also pose a threat when visiting outdoors. 

What Do Sugar Gliders Eat?

Sugar Gliders enjoy a great mix of diets in the wild ranging from nectar, pollen, and acacia to eucalyptus tree sap. Also, they enjoy eating spiders and beetles. One thing is pretty sure, they are omnivores and adjust their diet according to climate and season.

Beginners and new owners often need help providing their pet Gliders with a varying diet. They face difficulty in preparing complicated ingredients for their Sugar Gliders. It is beneficial to consult a veterinarian to formulate a diet plan for pet  Chippy. 

Sugar Gliders in captivity should be fed fresh and green fruits and vegetables. Also, some commercial glider-specific pellets and nectar come in handy to help nourish pet Sugar Gliders. You can feed them nutrition-fed insects to your Sugar Gliders.

Further, carefully rotate all the variety to keep pets healthy and avoid fatty super sweets and too many insects. Some healthy food choices are given in the table below.

InsectsFruitsVegetables
WaxwormsStrawberriesCarrots
MealwormsOrangeSquash 
SuperwormsBananaCucumber
CricketsCantaloupeBell Pepper
MangoSweet Potatoes
KiwiChicama

Do Sugar Gliders Make Good Pets?

Sugar Gliders might be the perfect pet, but their maintenance is complex. They are about the size of your palm and are energetic and nice-looking. Large dark eyes and black stripes on their backs give them a charismatic look.  Curiosity and activeness make them engage in fun activities. 

Moreover, Sugar Gliders are social creatures and need the company of humans or other Gliders. So you need time to take good care of them and money to create an excellent habitat for them. They live in colonies, and it is recommended to give your buddy a partner. Try never to leave your pet alone. 

Further, Sugar Gliders have some medical problems associated with them. Mainly issues arise due to unhealthy diet. Obesity, diabetes, metabolic bone disease and gum diseases are common among Sugar Gliders.

Additionally, Sugar Gliders are illegally taken from their natural habitats and sold on the black market. Due to this, in some US states, raising such Gliders as a pet is illegal. Thus refrain from buying Sugar Gliders from unauthorized dealers. 

How Long Do Sugar Gliders Live?

The average lifespan of Sugar Gliders ranger from 10-12 years. It further reduces to 9 years in the wild. Natural predation and foraging for food make it challenging for Sugar Gliders to live long lives.

Owls, kookaburras, snakes and feral cats are the main predators of Sugar Gliders. While in captivity, they have no predators, nor do they need to struggle for food.

Males and females differ in size; usually, males weigh a little higher than females. Further, males have two glands that they use to mark territory and recognize other clan members. Following are some facts:

  • Females have two litters per year
  • Female Gliders give birth and similarly raise newborns as Kangaroos do
  • Baby Gliders live in their mother’s pouch for two weeks  
  • After weaning, babies spend a few months with their mother before living independently

Where Can I Buy A Sugar Glider?

After choosing Sugar Gliders as your pet choice, you might be wondering where to buy them. Pet Gliders are available at many stores, but not all are reputable and don’t abide by the law. There are many ways to buy pet gliders. Some of them are

Google & Social Media Search

Google and social media provide many options to buy critters. Remember to be cautious dealing with unknown persons. Always meet with dealers in public and ask for references. Most people sell adult gliders; that’s why better research the pros and cons of adult gliders before purchasing.

Local Pet Stores

Checking local stores is quite helpful. Either you find your preferred glider or store management introduces you to a pet Glider breeder or adoption centre in your area. 

Pet Expos and Markets

Such expos and markets introduce gliders to the public. They promote critters as excellent pets by educating them. As usual, care is a must because sellers are more attractive in sales than helping people choose pet gliders.

How Much Do Sugar Gliders Cost?

The costs of purchasing Sugar Gliders largely depend on their age. Infants cost somewhere between $200-$500, while adults cost around $100-$200. Remember that petting Sugar Gliders is illegal in some states of the US, and in some states, it requires a special permit. 

Furthermore, gliders like to live in a group consisting of several members. So, it is recommended to keep them in pairs for their health and safety. Although it mitigates the risks of anxiety and harmful behavior but adds up little more in costs. 

Summary

If you’re a pet lover and spend considerable time playing with tiny beautiful creatures, Sugar Gliders can be the best bet for you. You’ll enjoy their curiosity along with cute and naughty climbing and gliding. So, pick up your little critter by gently rubbing the back and putting them in the shoulder or pocket. 

Further, make them feel secure. After that, you’ll see their curiosity as they start exploring things around them. Keep in mind that high inquisitiveness might be harmful to your Sugar Glider.

That’s why it is crucial to take a moderate approach and supervise them, ensuring their safety. Moreover, share your tips and new learnings about your pet in the comment section. Visit Own Your Pet to learn more.

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Frank Kane

Ever since I was a child, I’ve been head-over-paws for all creatures, great and small. I’m on a mission to help other pet lovers better understand, care for, and enjoy life with their furry, scaly, or feathery friends.