Frequently Asked Questions about Sugar Gliders

Did you know sugar gliders are marsupials, just like kangaroos and koalas? They carry their young, known as joeys, in pouches for just over a month. These adorable and charming tiny animals may not be the most popular pets on our client roster, but they do have some devoted followers. Continue reading as a local Edison Park, FL veterinarian answers some basic sugar glider care questions.

Are Sugar Gliders Tough To Care For?

Sugar gliders are not difficult to care for, but they do have some specific requirements. They also require a good lot of care and supervision. While you may not have to do much for your pets on a daily basis, you should be aware of the dos and don’ts of sugar glider ownership. This is especially important for people who are new to owning these wonderful little pets. We cannot underline the necessity of conducting extensive research prior to using gliders.

What Should You Feed Sugar Gliders?

Sugar gliders can eat commercial glider food for their main meals, which are normally breakfast and dinner. You will need to supplement their menu with fresh, safe produce. Do a lot of study on this and consult your veterinarian for specific guidance. Not everything is suitable for gliders!

Sweet potatoes, kale, collards, green beans, beets, peas, lima beans, dill, radicchio, bibb lettuce, arugula, carrots, jicama, Bok choy, squash, red bell pepper, or snow peas are a few safe vegetable options for your little friends. As for fruits, oranges, papayas, tangerines, pineapples, mangoes, cantaloupes, bananas, kiwi, peaches, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and cherries (pits removed) are all suitable. You can also feed your gliders unsweetened applesauce, plain oats, frozen orange juice, and plain yogurt. Protein is also a necessity. You can serve modest amounts of eggs, turkey, chicken, or mealworms. Small pieces of fruit work well as snacks.

It’s also crucial to know what not to give your adorable pets. Rhubarb, garlic, onions, scallions, leeks, and chocolate are among the items on the list. 

Some foods are only occasionally safe. Corn on the cob, broccoli, and cauliflower are just a few examples of that. Don’t give your pet anything without running it past your vet.

Instead of canned produce, give fresh or frozen options. It should be served in small, manageable portions, so chop it or run it through a food processor. Before handing over, remove any thick skins, pips, pits, or seeds.

Ask your veterinarian for precise recommendations on your pet’s food and care needs, such as portion sizes, feeding regimens, and appropriate snacks.

Is It Okay to Have Only One Sugar Glider?

Absolutely not! Sugar gliders are exceptionally gregarious animals who are predisposed to living in groups. In the wild, sugar gliders play, eat, snuggle, and groom one another. While your pet may grow fond of you and enjoy interacting with you, this attachment will never replace the urge to be with other gliders. A single glider will become depressed if it does not have any friends. They may get so depressed that they quit eating or over-groom themselves.

exercise caution when selecting cagemates. If you combine men and females, you may wind up with more gliders than you expected. If you have both male and female gliders, consider neutering the males. For more information, consult with your   Edison Park, FL veterinarian.

How Do I Bond with My Sugar Glider?

Sugar gliders can be shy, so your adorable little companions may take some time to warm up to you. Keep in mind that you are essentially a giant in the eyes of your pets. Your gliders will need to adjust to you before they feel safe with you.

One thing you can do is provide them locations and opportunities to snuggle with you. Many small creatures like enclosed places, such as pouches. Wear a sweatshirt or sweater with a pocket and allow your pets to nap in the pouch while you watch television. It’s easy to understand why this might be reassuring to a marsupial!

If you want to go one step further, consider purchasing or constructing a glider apron. This is essentially an apron with some enjoyable features for gliders to use, such as a ladder, a swing, or even a sack. They may look silly, but your pets will have a blast.

Of course, simply providing your pets with excellent care will go a long way. Talking gently to them and offering modest treats, such as fruit slices, will help them create pleasant associations with you. Your Edison Park, FL veterinarian can provide you with more advice on how to become friends with your adorable pets.

Is It Illegal To Keep Sugar Gliders?

Owning sugar gliders is illegal in several areas, like Alaska, California, and Hawaii. This is due to concerns about the impact of escaping gliders on ecosystems, as they may develop into colonies that could thrive in certain regions and threaten native wildlife. Check with your town, county, landlord, and HOA for any related legal restrictions and regulations.

What Kind of Cage Do Sugar Gliders Need?

As with any little creature that lives in a cage, ensuring that these guys have a spacious, comfy home is sometimes half the battle when it comes to caring for them. Gliders love to climb, therefore they require plenty of vertical area. We recommend getting something that is at least 3 feet tall and 2 feet broad, but larger is preferable.

Choose anything with bars that are half an inch or less apart. Your pets will like having toys and furnishings to jump on, climb, and glide to. If you truly want to spoil your pet, consider building them a climbing wall. This can be a lot of fun for you and your pet. They’ll have a great time exploring, and you’ll enjoy watching them! Swings, bird perches, rope toys, ladders, and hammocks are all excellent options and quite popular with these guys. You can also use kitty shelves and glider platforms.

Do Sugar Gliders Require A Lot Of Veterinary Care?

Sugar gliders, like all pets, require regular examinations. Follow your vet’s recommended schedule. 

These guys are prone to dental problems, and are vulnerable to a variety of illnesses and diseases. Owners and future owners should be informed that gliders can spread certain diseases to humans. These include cryptosporidiosis, giardiasis, leptospirosis, and toxoplasmosis. Always properly clean your hands before and after handling your dogs or their items.

It’s also critical to keep an eye out for symptoms of disease. Depression, lack of appetite, weight loss, poor hair quality, lethargy, and respiratory difficulties are some of the most common among sugar gliders. If you observe any of these warning signs or anything else out of the norm, call your veterinarian immediately once.

Contact Our Edison Park, FL Pet Hospital

Do you have any questions about caring for sugar gliders? Please contact us, your Edison Park, FL pet hospital, at any time. We are dedicated to providing top-notch treatment and are always willing to help.