Sugar Gliders As Pets

Sugar Gliders make wonderful pets. Gliders were first introduced to the United States approx. 15 years ago and have been rapidly growing in popularity since being showcased on programs such as Animal Planet and the Discovery Channel. Gliders adapt well in captivity and perhaps their greatest feature is how they develop such strong relational bonds with their owners. They are communal animals by nature that crave attention. How close your newly adopted pet bonds to you will depend on the time you spend together. A minimum of 2 hours a day is recommended but more time is always better. Less time is required if you have a pair that can keep each other company. It is important to note that a sugar glider is not a hamster, or a fish, or anything else with a relatively short life span. They have been known to live up to 12 years in captivity. With proper food, shelter, and companionship your pet will live a long and happy life.

Probably the most interesting quality that separates Sugar Gliders from any other small pet is how deeply they bond with their owners. Once bonded, these adorable pets can be carried almost anywhere in pockets. Since they are instinctively inclined to be near their “families”, they make excellent pets for senior citizens and even handicapped individuals who appreciate a loving and affectionate companion

Sugar gliders are also referred to as “pocket pets”. They are extremely intelligent, loyal, inquisitive, and love to play. Once bonded, you can simply put your glider in your shirt pocket and take them anywhere with you without the need for a leash.

Q: Should I keep more than one Sugar Glider?

A: It is preferable to keep more than one glider together. In the wild, gliders are community animals and they seem to be much healthier and happier while in groups in captivity. Gliders readily adapt to one another’s presence and will quickly become best of friends. Because sugar gliders are nocturnal it is recommended to have at least a pair so they can play together and keep each other company during their active night hours.

If the gliders are young, there should be no problems introducing them. However, there are precautions to take when introducing two older gliders together, especially if they are the same sex.　Please contact us for further information and recommendations. You can also view the following video with an example of older glider introductions: Video

Before introduction, be sure the cage and all accessories are thoroughly cleaned beforehand to remove any scent from the gliders

Q: How important is it to get more than one glider?

A: This depends almost entirely on how much time your (and your family/household members) will be spending with the Sugar Glider and the emotional makeup of your glider. Gliders are social animals and need interaction or they can grow lonely, get depressed, and even become sick. People that spend a minimum of two hours a day or more interacting with a single glider outside of the cage normally have wonderful healthy and happy single gliders. If you can’t dedicate at least that much time　with your glider on a consistent basis we strongly recommend getting a pair to keep each other company.

Q: Do Gliders Make Good Pets?

A: Yes and no. It depends entirely on you.　

Gliders adapt well to people and develop strong relational bonds with their owners. However, gliders can live 12-15 years in captivity. They are a long-term commitment, not a part time hobby. If you have the time, want an animal that is small and will become your best friend,　then a glider is for you.

If you expect to be a world traveler, if you are rarely home, or if it seems there are already not enough hours in the day, then a glider is most likely not for you.

Q: Do Sugar Gliders Make good pets for Kids?

A: Gliders require some special attention and generally require a little more responsibility than young children can give. Gliders for a family with young children are wonderful as long as Mom or Dad oversee the care and handling. If you are considering a glider for a child (even a teenager) it is imperative the child is very responsible and is willing and able to make a long-term commitment

Q: What is better? Males or females?

A: Sugar gliders do not exhibit any gender differences like many other household pets and typically have equally sweet dispositions, regardless of sex. Neither male nor female will exhibit any sort of aggressive behavior as they age.

The two most noticeable differences are males will typically mark their territory and females will go into heat 1-3 times per year.

Marking has a slight musky scent. The extent depends in large part on diet.

There is no noticeable spotting or odor when a female is in heat.

Just like most other pets some people prefer to have males. Some people prefer females. It is entirely up to you.

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