How Long Do Sugar Gliders Live?

Tiny marsupials with large eyes and silver blue-gray fur, Sugar gliders are adorable-looking creatures and members of the same family as Tasmanian devils, kangaroos, and wombats.

how long do sugargliders live

In the right condition, these tony nocturnal animals are great pets.

The name ‘sugar gliders’ finds its origins from the Latin word Petaurus breviceps which translate to ‘short-headed rope-dancer.’

In this article, I will answer the question, “How long do sugar gliders live?” and share some additional details on this topic.

So, without further ado, let’s begin!

Read on to know more.

How long do sugar gliders live on average? 

The average lifespan of a domesticated sugar glider ranges from 5 to 15 years!

sugar glider hanging from wired cage

This lifespan depends on the living conditions of this tiny marsupial. So let’s take a look at what plays a significant role in determining the sugar glider’s lifespan.

Meeting the Nutritional Needs

Diet is one of the significant things that can help your marsupial live a long and happy life. With each animal, the definition of proper diet changes.

what do sugar gliders eat

So, let’s take a look at the proper diet for sugar gliders.

Since they are small in size, sugar gliders have small stomachs as well.

This means that they need a constant supply of fluids to keep them hydrated and healthy. Following are some liquids that ensure your pet’s health:

  • Apple juic​​​​e
  • Gatorade
  • Water

Yes, all three of these things are safe for your pet to consume and will ensure that he stays hydrated throughout the day.

sugar glider eating in hiding spot

Moving on…

The proper diet for sugar gliders has the following important ingredients that provide all the essential and vital nutrients:

  • A gravy formula that contains all the nutrients that these animals need and adds the necessary moisture and flavor to the food you get in the market
  • Bread, apples, and yogurt are also some important ingredients that your sugar glider needs in his diet

If you fulfill the recommended daily dietary and caloric intake of your pet, it will help increase the life expectancy.

Foods that are Harmful to Your Sugar Glider

While some foods help increase the life expectancy of your sugar glider, others can decrease it!

In this section of the article, I would like to go through some foods that you must avoid giving to your tiny marsupial.

food that are dangerous to sugar gliders

Let’s take a look.

  • Fruits and vegetables that aren’t organic can decrease your pet’s lifespan as they contain a lot of harmful chemicals and pesticides. Even a trace amount of these toxic substances can adversely affect your pet’s lifespan
  • Foods high in sugar, salt, and fat such as chocolates, ice cream, and raw meats must never be given to your sugar glider as they will decrease your pet’s lifespan!

Moving on…

Things that Can Affect Your Pet’s Lifespan

Food isn’t the only thing that can affect your sugar glider’s lifespan. In this section of the article, I will go through a few other things that do.

So, let’s get started.

Competitiveness Among Male Sugar Gliders

If you have two or more male sugar gliders, the chances are that at least one of them won’t make it to the age of 15---even if you take special care of the diet.

sugar glider eating a flower

Why is that so?

Male sugar gliders are aggressive and are known to fight each other to death---even if there isn’t another female present.

So, what can you do about it?

For starters, if you wish to keep multiple male sugar gliders, it is best if you nutre them both. A male-female pairing is best.

Having a Buddy

Everyone wants a friend, right?

Sugar gliders are social animals and have a longer lifespan if they have a companion or a buddy to call their own and share a life with.

sugar gliders fitting in tight spaces

Usually, males don’t mix well with each other so, a male-female pairing is the best.

Premature death can occur due to loneliness.

Sad, right?

The thing is, sugar gliders can develop depression because of loneliness as humans do. And, depression is a known cause for shortening lifespan.

So, go! Get your sugar glider a companion!

A Happy Sugar Glider is a Healthy Sugar Glider

Sugar gliders live long when they are happy.

And to be and stay happy, they need a person.

sugar glider playing with toys

So, the best thing you can do is to provide them with a companion and spend some time with your pet to bond and keep happy!

Just like other animals, they thrive when they are shown affection.

So, make sure that you give your pet as much love and attention as you can!

Summing Up: How Long Do Sugar Gliders Live?

The average lifespan of a sugar glider ranger from 5-15 years.

That’s a significant difference, right?

The lifespan of this animal depends on its living conditions.

sugar glider toy sets

If you give your pet the right food, provide him with a companion, and show affection, he’ll be happy and in turn healthy.

In this article, I aimed to share the lifespan of the sugar gliders as well as some other details that can help you increase this marsupial’s lifespan. 

 I hope it has been helpful.

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