Glider Talk

The Sugar Glider

A Bit About the Sugar Glider

Sugar Gliders are small marsupials, similar in size to a squirrel (but are NOT in the squirrel family). They are native to Austrailia, yet many of the Sugar Gliders we have in the United States today were imported from Indonesia. They get their name for their love of sweets, mainly tree sap, and their ability to "glide" up to 150 feet from tree to tree. They are considered exotic animals, and not all states allow people to own a Sugar Glider.

Characterisitcs of the Sugar Glider

A Sugar Glider is approximately 11 to 12 inches long, with nerly 6 inches of the length being their tail. Their fur is very soft, (feels like a Chinchilla), and colored in shades of gray with a white or cream underside and a black stripe from the tip of the nose, over the head, and down the back. The very end of the tail is usually a solid black. They have no hair on their ears, which feel like leather and are rather large, and big, drk round eyes.

Beacause their thail is so long, it can be used for balance when they are leaping back and forth in the trees. Their hands and feet are similar to humans, with for fingers and an opposing thumb. As a marsupial, Sugar Gliders have a pouch, where they carry their young. Sugar Gliders are in the Kangarroo family.

Picking your Sugar Glider

Since Sugar Gliders are considered an exotic breed, you will not likely find them in a local pet store. Searching the internet and locating a Sugar Glider breder or adopting one from a rescue facility will be your best options.

Breeders are required to have a special license in order to breed Sugar Gliders, and in some states, the animals are not allowed. It is best to check with your local state animal ordinances to ensure you are even able to have one. Select a Sugar Glider tht has been newly weaned, which will allow them to form a strong bond with you. There are very little differences between males and females, and both will make equally good pets.

How to Pick your Glider

Before You Bring Your Glider Home

Sugar Gliders are very social creatures, and need alot of attention. They can become easily depressed or withdrawn if they are neglected and left alone. It is best to purchase a captive-raised Glider, since they will normally be of better health, and are used to being around humans and everyday sounds. If you are not comfortable examining the Glider, you can take them to a vet that specializes in exotic pets for a physical exam.

Things to look for in your Sugar Glider

- Bright eyes
- A moist, pink nose
- Good gripping ability with all feet
- Clean ear canals; clear of obstruction or buildup
- A soft, smooth coat
- No parasites in the feces

From Start to Finish

The Sugar Glider Joey (baby)

Once they are born through the birth canal,Joeys move to a special pouch on the front of their mother after they are born, just like a kangarroo. They will stay there for about 2 months, emerging fully covered with their fur. They will continue to nurse on the mother and ride on her back (sometime's dad's to!), until they are about 5 months old.

There can be 1-4 joeys per litter, and usually 3-4 litters per year. In the wild, babies will be born the silver-gray color, yet as hey mature, the coloring will often turn to a sable or cinamin brown color. It is said that this is due to the tree sap and other foods that they eat.

The Sugar Glider Adult

Adult Sugar Gliders an be a lot of fun to have as pets, especially since they are exotic animals, and many people are still not familiar with the breed. They are quite curious and can get into all sorts of trouble if they are not properly supervised when out of their cages. It is best to only take them outside at night, or when it is cloudy, since the bright sun can be harmful to their nocturnal eyes.

Sugar Gliders can be trained to fly to you, after they have bonded to you, and are bribed a little with treats.

The Sugar Glider Elderly

Sugar Gliders have a long life span of about 10-15 years. As they age, there are certain medical concerns that will arise. Often, cataracts can affect their eyes.

Loneliness is another big concern for older Gliders, especially if they have lost a companion they have lived with for quite some time. These pets need a lot of attention, or they can become extremely depressed.

Medical Issues

Hind leg paralysis is a concern with Sugar Gliders, as well as blindness and/or cataracts. Do your best to locate an exotic animal vet to treat your Glider, as they will be best qualified to treat them.

Housing

Sugar Gliders need a cage at least 20 x 30 inches. Taller cages are best, since Gliders love to climb. Perches and ropes ar also nice additions to the cage. They also need some sort of shelter in their cage where it will be dark and they can sleep during the day. This can be something homemade, sucha as a box, or a specialized house for Gliders purchased online. You can also use bird housing for them as well. You local pet stores have procucts that hang on the side of the cage for sleeping as well.

Gliders also need to be fed plenty of protein, fresh water, calcium, and a small amount of fats and sweets. There are a lot of recipes and special mixtures available on the internet for making your own Sugar Glider food and treats.

Personal note:

I personally by small jars of baby food consisting of fruits, vegetables, and meats, fresh, raw fruits and vegetables, mini marshmellows, dates, yogart drops, twinkies, crackers, yogart covered raisons,well... just about anything!

WARNING!: NO FRIED FOODS!!! Anything baked is fine though!