There’s a lot to think about before you add a new furry friend to your family, and sugar gliders are no exception.
Before you decide to get a sugar glider, there are a few things you should take into consideration. Sugar gliders are nocturnal, so they may keep you up at night. They also require a lot of attention and care, and they may not be the best pet for families with young children. If you’re prepared to provide the time and attention a sugar glider needs, then they can make wonderful, unique pets.
Here are 13 things to keep in mind before you bring home a sugar glider of your own.
Long lifespan
Sugar gliders can live up to 15 years in captivity, so be prepared for a long-term commitment. They are perfect for people who want a pet that will be around for many years to come.
They are nocturnal
Sugar gliders are most active at night, so if you’re looking for a pet to cuddle with during the day, this may not be the right choice for you. If you work long hours or are gone often, a sugar glider may not be the best pet for your lifestyle.
They are known to make a lot of noise, including squeaks, barks, and hisses. These are ways for them to communicate, and some times you may have to pay attention to their noises to figure out what they need.
You can place the cage in a different room from where you sleep, but be aware that they may keep you up at night with their active chattering.
Consider the cost
While sugar gliders aren’t the most expensive pets, they do have some specific needs that can add up. Their diet consists of special pellets, fruits, and vegetables, and they need a large cage with items like branches and leaves to climb on.
In extreme cases, you may also want to consider investing in liability insurance in case your sugar glider escapes and causes damage to someone’s property.
Think about the time commitment
Sugar gliders require a lot of attention and care. They need to be fed multiple times a day, and they need to have their cage cleaned often. If you’re not willing to put in the time to care for a sugar glider, they may not be the right pet for you.
These little pets are very social, so they do best when they have another sugar glider to cuddle with. If you’re only looking to get one sugar glider, be prepared to give them a lot of attention and spend a lot of time socializing with them.
Make sure you have the right habitat
Sugar gliders need a large cage with plenty of branches and leaves to climb on. They also need a nesting box where they can sleep and feel safe. If you’re not able to provide them with the right habitat, they may become stressed and unhealthy.
You also need a lot of toys and items for them to play with, as they are very active little creatures. Chew toys are a must, as they like to gnaw on things, and you’ll also want to provide them with some hiding places.
Keep in mind that sugar gliders are not a natural pet, they are exotic animals that require a lot of work to care for correctly, including offering them the right habitat.
Choose the right diet
Sugar gliders have a very specific diet that consists of special pellets, fruits, and vegetables. If you’re not willing to commit to feeding them the right diet, it can result in health problems.
They also need a source of water, and you’ll need to clean and change their water regularly. Some sugar gliders will also drink nectar, so you may need to provide them with a special nectar feeder.
A good sugar glider diet includes:
- Fruits: strawberries, blueberries, mango, papaya;
- Vegetables: sweet potatoes, carrots, dark leafy greens;
- Pellets: specifically designed for sugar gliders;
- Insects: mealworms and crickets.
Be prepared to handle their messes
Sugar gliders are very active and love to play, which means they can make quite a mess. Their cage will need to be cleaned often, and you’ll need to be prepared to handle their waste.
They are natural clean creatures, but they will still need help staying clean. You’ll need to give them a bath from time to time, using a sugar glider-specific shampoo.
Be prepared for bonding
Sugar gliders are very social creatures, and they bond closely with their owners. Once they bond with you, they will want to be with you all the time.
Sugar gliders are unique and special creatures that can make great pets for the right person. If you’re prepared to make a long-term commitment, care for them properly, and provide them with the right habitat and diet, they can be a fun and rewarding pet.
The bonding process can be slow, and it may take months for your sugar glider to fully bond with you. But once they do, you’ll have a lifelong friend that will always be happy to see you.
Handle with care
Sugar gliders are delicate creatures, and they need to be handled with care. They are small and fragile, and they can easily be injured if they are dropped or handled roughly.
It’s important to be gentle with them and to handle them carefully. When picking them up, make sure to support their back and bottom, and never pick them up by their tail.
Sugar gliders are also known to bite, so it’s important to be careful when handling them. If they do bite, it’s usually not hard enough to break the skin, but it can still be painful.
Understand the risks
Sugar gliders are wild animals, and there are risks associated with keeping them as pets. They can be aggressive, and they may bite if they feel threatened. They can also be very active and destructive, and they may damage your furniture or property if they are not properly supervised.
Before you decide to get a sugar glider, make sure you are aware of the risks and are prepared to handle them.
They may have problems bonding with other pets
Sugar gliders are social creatures, but they may not necessarily get along with other pets in your home. If you have other pets, it’s important to introduce them slowly and supervise their interactions.
Sugar gliders may also be territorial, and they may not want to share their cage or home with another pet. If you’re considering getting a sugar glider, it’s important to make sure that you’re prepared to provide them with their own space.
Sugar gliders can get along with dogs and cats if they are introduced slowly and carefully. But, it’s important to understand that there may be some risks involved.
Be prepared for escape attempts
Sugar gliders are very active, and they like to explore. This can often lead to them trying to escape from their cage or home.
To prevent escape attempts, it’s important to make sure their cage or enclosure is secure. It should have a tight-fitting lid, and it should be made out of sturdy materials that they can’t chew through.
It’s also a good idea to keep their cage in a room that they can’t get out of, such as a laundry room or bathroom.
Sugar gliders are escape artists, so it’s important to be prepared for their escape attempts. If you’re not, they may end up getting lost or hurt.
Don’t forget about vet care
Sugar gliders need to see a vet for regular check-ups and vaccinations, just like any other pet. They are also susceptible to health problems, such as diabetes, so it’s important to take them to the vet for regular check-ups.
It’s important to find a vet that is experienced in sugar glider care, as they will have the knowledge and experience to properly care for your pet.
Sugar gliders also need to be spayed or neutered, as this can help to prevent health problems later in life.
Wrapping it up
If you’re considering getting a sugar glider, there are some things you need to know. They are delicate creatures that need to be handled with care, and they can be aggressive. They are also known to escape, so you need to be prepared for their escape attempts. Lastly, don’t forget about vet care. Sugar gliders need to see a vet for regular check-ups and vaccinations, just like any other pet.
With all of this in mind, you can decide if a sugar glider is the right pet for you.
