Americans spend billions of dollars on pets. Sugar gliders are one of the most loved exotic pets for would-be pet owners.
The only problem is that many people don’t know how to care for them. It can be confusing to know where to start with sugar glider care. If you fail to learn how to take care of your sugar glider pets, the situation can go south very quickly.
Continue reading this article to learn more about raising a sugar glider.
Purchasing Your Pet Sugar Glider
Where, when, and how you purchase your sugar glider is important. Buying from reputable sources will ensure you get a sugar glider that was taken care of ethically, that they are the age they say they are and that you will have ongoing help if you have questions.
Some of the most common places you’ll find sugar gliders for sale are:
• Pet Expos
• Flea Markets
• Mall Kiosks
• Pet stores
Again, make sure you research the place you buy your sugar glider from, so you know you’re not adding to the problem of illegal sales and inhumane treatment.
You may also want to look into finding a sugar glider that needs to be rehomed. If you still can’t find a sugar glider that will fit what you want, you can contact reputable breeders for help.
Setting Up Their Living Space
The easiest way to make sure you have the right cage for your sugar glider is to buy a cage made for sugar gliders. The larger the cage, the better it is for your new pet.
Keep in mind, if you do try to put together your own cage, you need to make sure the cage door is wide enough to fit a nest box through. You want to have at least one nest box but possibly two.
If the bottom of the cage is wire, you need absorbent bedding or substrate. A sleeping pouch will also help your sugar glider feel at home and safe.
Entertainment
Your sugar glider likes to play and enjoy itself. Keeping your sugar glider entertained is an important part of being a responsible and caring pet owner.
Make sure their cage has perches, branches, ladders, and toys. There are so many options, and you’ll see pretty quickly that your pet will show you what it likes and what it doesn’t.
Put some small toys above its hammock and use reset toys, so they have a challenge and you can hear your sugar glider barking.
Designating a safe room is a good way to let your sugar glider have time out of the cage to enjoy themselves. You have to think of every crack and cranny they might crawl into and make sure all exits and dangers are blocked off.
Turn off the ceiling fans, baby proof the electrical outlets, and make sure any cords are put up, so they don’t decide to chew on them.
You can grab some PVC pipe from the local hardware store, and that makes for some pretty cool tunnels for your little one.
Feeding Your Pet
Your sugar glider will eat anything you put in front of them, but just because they will eat it, that doesn’t mean that you should give it to them. Making sure you feed your sugar glider a diet that supports growth and health is key.
Giving them protein, fresh fruits, vegetables, and a vitamin supplement is the simplest way to keep up your pet’s nutrition.
If you feed your sugar glider the wrong things, they can develop an odor. It’s not as bad as a ferret’s odor, but most people still find it unpleasant.
Feeding your sugar glider a pelleted food called Glide-R-Chow gives them the protein they need. Then you can feed them fruits and veggies as their other main source of food. When you do this, you’ll find they don’t have an odor, and they are happy with what you feed them.
From time to time, you can give them treats like boiled eggs, cooked meats, and other human foods, and they will be very happy about it.
Bonding With Your New Pet
Once you get your new pet, you might want to snuggle with them and make them feel welcomed. That’s not the best strategy when it comes to these little ones.
When you get them back to your home, you want to put them in their cage and give them a couple of days to destress. Once they’ve had their time to themselves, you can start actively working on the bonding process.
If your glider is young, it won’t be that difficult to bond with them. If they are a little older, it can take some serious time and patience to get them to bond with you.
Bonding pouches are a good way to keep them close, so they get used to being around you. It’s also adorable when you can look down and see your little cutie.
Healthy treats help your sugar glider develop positive feelings for you. Give them things like yogurt drops, dried fruits, love, and patience.
When your sugar glider bites you or bites at you, don’t pull away. If you pull away, they’ll train you, win the battle, and you won’t bond with your glider.
Getting Good With Sugar Glider Care
Now you have a good idea of where to get started with sugar glider care. Instead of feeling like you might get your new pet friend and fail, you can now be confident that you know what you’re doing.
Do you want to learn more about exotic pets and other cool topics? Continue through our blog for more.
