Sugar gliders are small, cute, and unique little exotic pets that are native to Australia and parts of Indonesia. They make excellent pets because they are playful, inquisitive, and social. Sugar gliders get their name from a fold of skin that runs from their wrists to their sides and allows them to glide from place to place when their arms are fully extended. These are nocturnal creatures which mean they are most active at night. Other bodily features that distinguish them are their very large eyes and the scent gland atop the male’s head, which is used to mark territory.
Sugar gliders do, however, require regular management to tame, as well as plenty of space to exercise. Furthermore, they follow a strict diet.
These animals are not suitable for inexperienced pet owners, and you should devote significant time to learning about the species prior to actually purchasing a Sugar Glider.
NUTRITION AND DIET OF SUGAR GLIDERS
Sugar gliders have very specific dietary needs. A Sugar Glider’s diet in the wild contains tree nectar and sap. Sugar gliders, on the other hand, are omnivorous, which means they eat both plants and animals. Along with nectar and sap, they eat fruit, insects, and even small birds and rodents.
Fresh fruits and vegetables should be consumed in moderation, no more than 10% of the total diet, because they are deficient in essential vitamins, minerals, and protein and are mostly water.
HOUSING AND CARETAKING OF SUGAR GLIDERS
Sugar gliders require a habitat that is both healthful and enjoyable to them, particularly if they were once free-roaming. A standard area cage for a duo of sugar gliders is 24 inches wide by 24 inches deep by 36 inches high.
In the case of Sugar Gliders’ shelter, height matters more than width due to their love for climbing and gliding activities. It is critical for the health and happiness of your sugar gliders that they be able to jump and climb around their environment.
During the day, cages should have a small pouch or be placed high in the cage for sleeping and hiding. Crushed paper or recycled paper-based bedding can be used to line cages. Bedding should be spot-cleaned on a daily basis and properly changed once a week. The cage should also have numerous food dishes and a water dish or sipper bottle, based on what the glider is used to drinking from, all of which should be cleaned on a daily basis.
VETERINARY CARE FOR SUGAR GLIDERS
To ensure that sugar gliders are healthy, they should be analyzed within a few days of being acquired. Because not all veterinarians are comfortable treating sugar gliders, it is vital that a sugar glider owner seeks the counsel of a veterinarian who has received special training in sugar glider care.
Sugar gliders, unlike dogs and cats, do not need annual vaccinations, but they should have a yearly veterinary inspection to ensure their health.
BEHAVIOR AND NATURE OF SUGAR GLIDERS
Sugar gliders are curious, intelligent, and active creatures. They have a strong bond and love spending time with their owners by doing fun activities. If you want to go on outings with your well-socialized friends, they love to snuggle in a warm pocket.
Sugar gliders are very vocal pets that make a variety of noises to let you know when they are furious, scared, hungry, and so on. When they are angry, they will usually give an audible warning before biting. If you startle a sleeping glider, you might hear this sound.
INTERACTION WITH SUGAR GLIDERS
If you want your glider to connect with you, you must engage in regular human interaction. Allowing a sugar glider to climb in your shirt pocket or a pouch around your neck is a convenient way of interacting with it throughout the day. It may take some time for your glider to become cuddly with you if it isn’t used to being approached.
OVERALL THOUGHTS ON HAVING SUGAR GLIDERS AS PETS
Sugar gliders are friendly and playful. But, they need a lot of attention and time along with constant supervision in order to be happy and healthy. These creatures require quite a lot of time from their owners. If you are planning on bringing home a pet sugar glider, it is crucial to make sure that you have the adequate amount of time to put into the caretaking of your pet sugar glider.
Sugar gliders make excellent pets for people who have the time and patience to properly care for them. They are not, however, low-maintenance pets, and thus are not suitable for everyone. If you’re thinking about getting a sugar glider, talk to breeders and veterinarians first to make sure this adorable but time-consuming animal is right for you.
