Do Sugar Gliders Have To Be In Pairs?

Sugar gliders are social creatures and typically live in groups of 10-15 in the wild. In captivity, they can be kept in pairs or groups, but many people choose to keep them as pairs.

There are a few reasons why keeping sugar gliders as pairs may be the best option for both the animal and the owner.

Do sugar gliders have to be in pairs?

Sugar gliders are very social animals, and they typically live in large colonies in the wild. However, when they are kept as pets, they can do well either as part of a pair or as a single animal.

While sugar gliders are not exactly like other pets such as dogs or cats, they can form strong bonds with their human companions. If you decide to get a sugar glider, be prepared to provide lots of love and attention. However, usually they are happier when they are in pairs of at least 2.

But whether you get one sugar glider or two, these delightful little creatures are sure to bring you lots of joy.

How many sugar gliders should you have?

In the wild, sugar gliders live in groups of 6 or 10, but in captivity, they can do well in pairs or even as a single animal. If you decide to go for more than 2 sugar gliders, you must be careful to properly met their social needs by providing a large enough cage and enough toys and hiding spots.

Should I get 1 or 2 sugar gliders?

Generally, it is best to have at least two sugar gliders, as they are social creatures by nature. This will help to keep them happy and avoid boredom.

Can I have 3 sugar gliders?

You can have three sugar gliders, but you must be careful at their social behavior. It’s fine to have 2 females and 1 male, but is not recommended to keep multiple males and only 1 female because they will fight for dominance.

Benefits of having a pair of sugar gliders

Lastly, having two sugar gliders can be less work for you as the owner since they will often entertain each other. This is in contrast to having just a single sugar glider, who will likely require more of your time and attention.

Here are some reasons why it’s best to have a pair of sugar gliders:

• They can keep each other company if you are not home a lot;
• They can groom each other, which helps to keep their fur clean and healthy;
• They can play together, keeping each other entertained;
• They can sleep together in the same nest, which helps to keep them warm;
• Being nocturnal animals, they can help to keep each other entertained at night, when you are sleeping;

Disadvantage of having 2 sugar gliders

Although there are a lot of benefits having a pair of sugar gliders, it comes with some disadvantages.  One of the most common problems is that they might not get along and start fighting each other. This can happen if they are not introduced properly or if they are the same sex.

Another downside is that sugar gliders is that you need a bigger cage to accommodate two animals. This means that you will likely have to spend more money on their housing and care. Cleaning their cage will also take more time and effort.

Lastly, sugar gliders can be very noisy, and having two of them means twice the noise. If you are not prepared for this, it can be quite overwhelming.

As you can see, there are both advantages and disadvantages to having a pair of sugar gliders. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide whether or not you are ready and willing to take on the challenges that come with owning two of these adorable creatures.

Adding another sugar glider to the family

If you already have a sugar glider and want another one, there are some things you should keep in mind. First, it is important that you provide a large enough cage for two animals. They will need plenty of space to move around and play.

You will also need to take care in introducing the two sugar gliders to each other. It is best to do this gradually, over the course of a few days. Start by letting them see and smell each other, and then progress to letting them share a cage.

Be prepared for the fact that they may not get along at first. It is not uncommon for there to be some fighting and squabbling as they establish their hierarchy. However, with time and patience, most sugar gliders will eventually become friends.

Here are some tips that you can follow:

Set up a neutral space 

First, set up a neutral space where the sugar gliders can meet. Choose an area in your home where the sugar gliders can be together without any fear of escape. This might be a bathtub, a large playpen, or even a spare room.

Introduce them to each other’s scent

Before you put the sugar gliders together in the same space, it is important that they are familiar with each other’s scent. To do this, you can swap their cages or sleep sacks. This will help them to get used to each other’s smell.

You can also put a shirt that you have worn in each of their cages. This will help to transfer your scent to both animals and make them feel more comfortable with each other.

Let your old glider smell the new glider’s tail

Another way to help them get used to each other is to let your old sugar glider smell the new one’s tail. To do this, simply hold the old sugar glider close to your new one’s cage.

This will let them sniff each other and get used to each other’s scent. Don’t let them meet face to face just yet! If there is no aggression, you can then progress to the next step.

Allow them to meet each other

Once they have had a chance to get used to each other’s scent, you can then allow them to have a face to face meeting. Start by moving both cages next to each other on the neutral space you prepared.

Let them observe each other, and don’t be scared if they start to scream or chatter. This is normal behavior and simply means that they are trying to figure out who the other one is.

If there is no aggression after a few minutes, you can then open the door to the cage and let them sniff each other. Do this for a few days and if there is no sign of biting, you can start moving one of them in the other one’s cage.

Conclusion

Ultimately, it is your decision whether or not to get a second sugar glider. There are pros and cons to owning two of these animals, and you should carefully consider all of them before making a decision.

If you do decide to get another sugar glider, it is important to take care in introducing them to each other. Start by letting them see and smell each other, and then progress to letting them share a cage. With time and patience, most sugar gliders will eventually become friends.