Sugar Glider Basics
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Sugar Gliders Information Handout

Sugar gliders are dexterous, agile, highly energetic members of the marsupial family. They have a furred web of skin (the gliding membrane) which runs on each side of the body from the wrist to the ankle referred to as the patagium. When in motion this gives them the appearance of a flying kite. These arboreal marsupials are native to Australia. Males average in weight between 115-160 grams with females being smaller at 95-135 grams. Average lifespan ranges between 8-13 years. They are primarily gray in color with black stripes and have a lighter underside. At sexual maturity males develop a scent gland on the top of their head used in marking females and their territory. Since they are nocturnal animals, they have large eyes for superior night vision. Sugar gliders are affectionate and very intelligent, and can make an excellent pet for the right family. Just like any other exotic species they have some very special needs.

Diet

Providing the proper nutrition is a very important aspect of keeping your glider happy and healthy. Fresh food should be offered daily at a maximum of 15-25% of the sugar glider’s body weight. In the wild gliders feast on a combination of insects, pollen, nectar, and the sap from eucalyptus trees. In captivity, these animals need a variety of foods to meet their nutritional needs. Approximately 40-50% of their diet should be an insectivore/carnivore diet. Good sources include crickets, mealworms, hard boiled eggs, pinkies, commercial sugar glider diets, and monkey chow (avoid the ones high in iron and vitamin D). A calcium supplement and a multivitamin supplement should be added to the diet 1-2 times weekly.

Chopped up fruits and leafy vegetables, along with preservative free juices can be given as a treat but should compose no more than 10-15% of the diet. Favorites include orange, watermelon, pear, kiwi, apricot, berries, banana, apple, mango, grapes, melon, and figs. The remaining portion of the sugar glider’s diet should be related to nectar and sap-type foods such as Nekton-Lori or Gliderade. These can be supplied in a sipper bottle or bowl anchored to the side of the cage. There are numerous different recipes for mixtures involving Leadbeater’s available. While many of these are good they do not all constitute a fully balanced diet ? rather they supplement it. Care must also be taken as the vitamins added break down with continued storage and freezing.

Clean, fresh water should be available at all times. Water is easily provided in water bottles equipped with sipper tubes and should be placed in a position your glider can perch near comfortably. This method also helps keep the water free from contamination. Even though the capacity of the bottles can hold enough to last the glider a few days they should be rinsed out and changed daily.