Are Sugar Gliders Good Pets? Everything You Need to Know

Did you know that almost 40% of households in the United States own at least one dog? Now, there’s nothing wrong with being a dog owner; they’re man’s best friend, after all. But if you’re looking for a pet on the exotic side, a dog might not be first on your list.

A sugar glider, on other hand, might seem like the perfect choice. These tiny marsupials are some of the cutest creatures on earth, but are sugar gliders good pets? Keep reading to find out!

What Do You Feed a Sugar Glider?

Sugar gliders are omnivores, meaning they eat a wide variety of foods including fruits, vegetables, and protein in the form of insects. They’ll also eat certain household foods like eggs, nuts, and yogurt. You can find sugar glider food, but because sugar gliders are rare and exotic animals, this can usually only be found online.

Your sugar glider’s habitat should include several feeding stations, as well as fresh drinking water that’s refilled often.

What Type of Habitat Do Sugar Gliders Need?

As fun as it is to pick out sugar glider names and play with your new friend, you also have to ensure that you’re giving them a proper habitat. Despite their small size, sugar gliders cannot be kept in a small cage meant for a hamster or mouse.

To be kept happy and healthy, sugar gliders need plenty of room to roam. Their enclosure should be no less than 3 feet high and 2 feet wide and long. Remember, this is a minimum – the larger the habitat, the better.

Ensure that the bars are no more than a half-inch apart to avoid your sugar glider escaping, but never use uncoated wire mesh, as this can cause injury. Because sugar gliders are nocturnal, the habitat should be kept out of sunlight in a quiet area.

Sugar gliders are highly active creatures, meaning toys, tree limbs, and other climbing items are a must. As for bedding, sugar gliders’ preferred bed is a hollow log, so look for something similar in your local pet store. Nesting boxes are typically a good choice.

Are Sugar Gliders Good Pets?

Sugar gliders are adorable, playful, active, and intelligent creatures. They’re also known to cuddle in a warm pocket!

However, sugar gliders are explorers and need lots of room to play. Additionally, sugar gliders live in colonies in the wild, meaning they should never be kept alone.

The bottom line is, sugar gliders could be great pets for you, as long as you’re prepared to provide the level of care required. But now that you know how to care for a sugar glider, you’ll be better equipped to handle the new addition to your family.

Do Your Research Before Making Your Decision

Having the answer to “are sugar gliders good pets?” isn’t enough, it’s essential that you also weigh the pros and cons and decide if it would make a good fit for your family and home.

You should also keep in mind that sugar gliders are often taken from their natural habitats and sold illegally. So if you do decide to adopt one, make sure you’re getting it from a reputable seller.

Looking for more pet care tips and tricks? Be sure to check out our blog!

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About the Author: Mary Gates