Sugar Glider FAQ

FAQs


Q. What is a sugar glider?

A. A sugar glider is a tiny marsupial in the same general family as a kangaroo and koala bears. This little creature is nocturnal gliding possum and is able to glide through air like a flying squirrel.


Q. Where do sugar gliders come from?

A. Sugar gliders come from the rainforests of Australia, New Guinea, and Indonesia. These creatures were introduced in Tasmania in the early 1830s and are popular all over the world as cute pocket pets.  

sugar glider responding to you

Q. Why are they called sugar gliders?

A. Sugar glides love to eat almost anything that is sweet, especially fresh fruits and vegetables, and they have a gliding membrane that stretches from their wrist to their ankles allowing them to glide---much like that of a flying squirrel. Add both of them together, and you get the sweet name!


Q. Do they fly?

A. No, sugar gliders don’t have wings and can’t fly like birds do, they glide. They can glide from side to side or from high to low. They owe this to a gliding membrane that stretches from their wrist to their ankles.

sugar glider eating in hiding spot

Q. How long do sugar gliders live?

A. The average lifespan of a sugar glider ranges from 5-15 years. Good nutrition and proper care will ensure their longevity. You need to feed them just right and keep them in a male-female pairing for a log life.


Q. Are sugar gliders rodents?

A. No, they belong to the same species such as the Northern glider, squirrel glider, etc. These marsupials are similar to kangaroos and koala bears---not rodents!

multiple sugar gliders in pouch

Q. How big will sugar gliders get?

A. The full size of a sugar glider is be roughly 4-5 inches long from nose to where the tail begins and they weigh approximately 4-6 oz.


Q. Will my dog and cat eat them?

A. This depends on your particular animal and breed, some dogs and cats can get along with you other pets depending on the temperament of your other animals. You must always supervise your other animals around your glider.

sugar glider eating fruit

Q. What can a sugar glider not have?

A. Sugar gliders cannot have chocolate, avocado, onions, or spices. They love to have fresh fruit and anything sweet. You should get food pellets for sugar gliders and keep it natural by avoiding processed foods.


Q. Where do they go to the bathroom?

A. Sugar gliders do their business in their cages for the most part. They are quite predictable, so you will learn their bathroom habits. They are like humans and prefer going as soon as they wake up.

sugar glider holding on arm

Q. Do they have to go to the vet?

A. No, they do not require going to the vet because they do not require shots like a cats or dogs do. It is recommended that you take any pet for a regular checks to make sure your vet is comfortable treating your sugar gliders.


Q. Are sugar gliders nocturnal?

A. Yes, by nature sugar gliders are nocturnal. However, as time passes you can train them to be on your schedule.

two sugar gliders in pink pouch

Q. Is it better to get one or a pair?

A. All animals are happier with another of their kind, but if you only have one you need to give it plenty of extra attention to make sure that your glider doesn't get lonely.


Q. Which is better male or female?

A. Just like children, every baby has its own unique personality. How much time you spend with them determines the temperament more than gender. It is a good idea to have one male and one female sugar glider to ensure their psychological well being. Keeping two unneutered male sugar gliders in one cage is not a good idea.

two sugar gliders in tight space

Q. What are sugar gliders favorite foods?

A. Sugar gliders enjoy fresh fruit, vegetables, and protein. You can give them apple sauce, fresh or frozen fruits, oatmeal, and meats for protein and they’ll enjoy it all. Just ensure that the food is free of preservatives.


Q. Do sugar gliders make noise?

A. Yes, like all animals, sugar gliders also, make noises. They like to bark, sneeze, chattam and chirp. All these sounds are surprisingly loud but, easy to get used to and live with.

how many sugar gliders could fit in a pouch

Q. Do sugar gliders have pouches?

A. Yes, just like kangaroos, sugar gliders have pouches where their young ones do most of their growing right after birth. Baby sugar gliders spend at least 4-8 weeks in the pouch.


Q. Do sugar gliders hibernate?

A. No, sugar gliders do not hibernate but, go into toupour when they’re sick or cold. In this state, the physiological activity of the sugar glider is decreased due to a drop in temperature.

two-sugar gliders in small pouch

Q. Do sugar gliders like to be held? 

A. That depends on the personality and the mood of the sugar glider. While some love to be held, others like to be on their own.


Q. Do sugar gliders smell?

A. No, sugar glider don’t normally smell. However, while they are young, their feces and urine do have a strong or foul smell. They can smell while they’re under a lot of stress as well.

sugar glider toy sets

Q. How far can a sugar glider jump?

A.  Sugar gliders can jump up to 50 meters or about 164 feet. They don’t jump to the ground to avoid predators.


Q. How cold can a sugar glider get?

A.  The best temperature for sugar gliders is 65 degree fahrenheit. Sugar gliders go into toupour at lower temperatures and become less active.

sugar glider playing in ball pit

Q. Are sugar gliders legal in the USA?

A.  Sugar gliders are wild or exotic animals and some states consider them to be illegal. So, you need to ensure that they’re legal in the state you live in.


Q. How much are sugar gliders?

A.  A Standard Joey can cost anywhere between $125 to $150. Older sugar gliders cost less at about $100 to $150.

sugar gliders fruit and vegetable diet

Q. Can you train a sugar glider?

A. Yes, you can toilet train a sugar glider. It doesn’t take a lot of time for you to train your sugar baby.


Q. What can sugar gliders drink?

A. Your sugar gliders can drink water, juice, water mixed with gatorade, and other sodas but, keep that at a minimum. 

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