If you are looking for a sweet, one-of-a-kind pet, consider getting a sugar glider. The species native to Australia has been domesticated and is known to make a good companion. But, like all exotic pets, they do require good care and knowledge to thrive.
Read our guide on how to take care of a sugar glider to ensure you’re being the best pet owner you can possibly be.
How To Take Care of a Sugar Glider
While they may look like a grey, striped squirrel, sugar gliders are actually marsupials and not rodents. This means they raise their young in pouches, similar to kangaroos and opossums.
Sugar gliders get their name from their preference for sweet foods like fruits with high sugar content and a thin membrane stretching from their arms to their ankles. This membrane allows them to glide through the air from tree branch to tree branch.
Since sugar gliders are native to the Australian bush where they have plenty of space, you should get the largest cage you can – the bigger the better.
It is important to know sugar gliders are nocturnal, meaning they sleep during the day and are active at night. Don’t disturb your sugar glider during the day.
Sugar gliders are also very social animals and shouldn’t be kept alone. One male and several females are ideal.
The Ideal Diet
As mentioned, sugar gliders have a serious sweet tooth, but they should never be given human treats such as candy, chocolate, or sugar. Instead, they require a varied diet of fruits, vegetables, insects, and supplements.
A lack of calcium can lead to serious health issues, so make sure to keep an eye on this important supplement as well as enough protein in their diet.
Make sure to keep an eye on their teeth. Thanks to their preference for sweet treats, sugar gliders’ teeth can be prone to decay. Any sign of distress, such as weight loss, insomnia, or patchy fur should be checked by a vet.
While sugar gliders cannot have human treats, that doesn’t mean you can’t spoil them every now and then. Organic sugar glider treats specifically made for your pet are a good option to feed them something special.
Prepare For Your New Friend
As described in this article, getting a sugar glider needs some preparation and knowledge in order to give them the best life possible.
Once you’ve your sugar glider, however, they make great pets! Sugar gliders are social animals and bond with their owner. Like cats or dogs, they sometimes even pick a favorite person to snuggle with!
To encourage bonding, you can carry them in a little pouch around your neck. Remember, they are marsupials, so this is how they take care of their young.
Sugar gliders can live up to 15 years in captivity, so consider this before buying them. Now that you know how to take care of a sugar glider, check out an exotic pet store near you for a companion you’ll have for years to come!