Commercial blends are available for sugar gliders consisting of insect protein. However, in captivity, sugar gliders do best on a mixed diet of about 50 percent crude protein. In the wild, the spring and summer months encourage insectivorous diets, whereas in the fall and winter, sugar gliders eat mainly nectar and fruits. Neutering may also lead to a decreased incidence of aggressive behavior in the males.ĭiet: Sugar gliders are seasonal omnivores. Also, unneutered males will urinate freely within their confines to mark their territory. If left unneutered, adult males will develop oily bald spots on their forehead and chest used for scent-marking. Neutering males also avoids several other issues, one of which is the prevention of scent-marking. In captivity, sugar gliders will readily breed, leading to issues of overpopulation. Neutering: It is highly recommended that male companion sugar gliders be neutered. Studies on captive sugar gliders have shown that gliders raised in solitary confinement exhibit much more stressed-induced behaviors, such as aggression and fear. Also, due to their natural social lifestyle, it is highly recommended that sugar gliders be adopted in pairs or small groups. For this reason, potential owners with noise constraints (such as apartment living) must proceed with caution when adopting a sugar glider. Because they are largely a social animal, sugar gliders are known to be highly vocal, especially in larger groups. Sugar gliders should be raised by hand from a young age so as to avoid behavioral issues coupled with improper socialization. It is recommended that sugar gliders be socialized from seven to 12 weeks of age following the release of the joey from the mother’s pouch. Despite their miniature size, captive sugar gliders can live to reach an age of 12 to 14 years. At maturity, captive sugar gliders can reach 4 to 6 ounces in weight and a height of about 12 inches. As suggested by their name, sugar gliders have a thin membrane attaching their wrists to their ankles which serves as a gliding device used to get from tree to tree. They are nocturnal omnivores and exist on a diet of mixed insects and vegetation, which varies from season to season. In the wild, these animals live in colonies of 15 to 30 gliders. Nature: Sugar gliders are a highly social marsupial species native to Australia and New Guinea. It is critical that all potential owners are fully aware of the nature and needs of these creatures so as to provide the best home possible.

Sugar gliders have a relatively low rate of health issues however, this natural hardiness can be quickly degraded if these animals are kept in improper social, environmental, and dietary conditions. Sugar gliders are valued as pets because of their cleanliness, attraction, and hardiness. However, over the last decade, sugar gliders have been increasingly kept as pets largely in the United States, Canada, and Japan. Sugar gliders are small tree-dwelling nocturnal marsupials, and, until very recently, have not been classified as a companion animal species.