Suggested Cage Requirements

Setting Up a Home for Your Sugar Gliders

Sugar Gliders are active, and need lots of room in their cage. Because they prefer to climb and jump, the amount of vertical space is more important than the square footage of the cage. A good cage size for a pair of sugar gliders is 24 inches deep by 24 inches wide by 36 inches tall. Larger is always better, keeping in mind that height is important for the gliders. The spacing of the wire should be no more than 1/2 inch by 1 inch. If you use a cage which is not wire mesh, make sure it has horizontal bars (provide foot holds for climbing) with spaces no more than 1/2 inch. Cages that provide shelves are nice, shelves can also be added. Shelves are sold separate in our cage accessory dept. Because most commercial cages are not available in the dimensions preferred for sugar gliders, it is difficult to find the correct housing in a local pet store. (We have them!) The latch on the cage should be secure, as gliders will sometimes learn how to open latches and let themselves out! There are cages marketed as 'Sugar glider cages' that do not have latching doors, avoid these cages. A layer of shavings (never cedar; we suggest 'Carefresh bedding') in the bottom of the cage will help absorb wastes, and should be cleaned out once or twice a week (more often if needed, depending on how many you have). The cage should be placed in an accessible spot in the home, but out of direct sunlight and in an area free from drafts. They do best a temperature slightly higher than room temperature, in the rage of 70-90 F.

Nest Pouches

Your sugar gliders need a nest pouch, which can be bought or home made. Hang multiple nest pouches in your gliders' cage to give them different areas to sleep, and so that you can remove one to wash, and still have a place for your sugar glider to sleep. Nest pouches can be affixed to the sides of the cage easily, and are washable, so you can have a spare and wash/replace them as necessary. These are also nice as they help with the taming and bonding process as you can remove the pouch, sugar gliders and all, from the cage if you wish to handle them. Unless a cloth bag is used, some bedding material should be provided as well. A piece of cloth is often easiest and works well, but monitor and remove any loose threads.

Furnishings and Toys

Sugar gliders are very interactive animals. They should have enough toys in their cage to promote interest, curiosity, and movement. Rearrange the cage often - The simplest way to enliven your pet's surroundings is to continually rearrange the toys and accessories within his cage. And the easiest time to rearrange his cage is when you clean it. It can be as simple as moving a shelf to the other side of the cage, or as complex as a complete rearrangement of everything inside your pet's home. Sugar Gliders like to climb and jump, and you should provide lots of branches to allow them to exercise. Fresh branches are appreciated, but make sure they are free from pesticides and fertilizers, and are from non-toxic plants (see Manzanitta Branches in cage accessories). Also avoid branches from coniferous trees like pine and cedar due to the sticky sap produced by these trees. Ropes and ladders can provide additional climbing opportunities. Wooden toys make good toys for sugar gliders (check our toy department). Toys placed high in the cage will be most appreciated as gliders like to spend their time high up in the cage. Cloth toys are best avoided or at least regularly checked for loose threads that could entangle the gliders or be ingested.

An exercise wheel, if introduced to young gliders, may be a big hit and allow lots of opportunity for exercise. A larger wheel, with a solid surface is best (we suggest the Wodent Wheel 11 inch), so that legs and tails do not get caught. Some people also use the clear plastic globes (critter crawlers) that you can put your pet in to let them roll around the house.

Food Dishes

Stainless Steel dishes that hang on the side of the cage are probably easiest. They should be fairly large, but not so large that the gliders can climb into them and soil them. Water can be provided in a bottle, but if the gliders are not trained to a water bottle, provide another clip on dish for water until you are sure your gliders are taking water from the bottle consistently.