host posted on May 20, 2011 12:27
Sugar Gliders (Petaurus breviceps) are small arboreal marsupials originating in Australia, Indonesia and New Guinea. They are nocturnal in nature and prefer communal living in the wild. In captivity they do not do well if kept alone. Gliders need to be handled frequently when young to develop trust and a bond to their owner.
Minimum cage size should be 18" x 18" x 20". A cage 36" height is preferred. Fresh or nontoxic wood branches with bark should be offered for climbing and chewing. Cotton ropes and nondestructable bird toys can be used as well. A sleeping nest can be made from a wood or plastic box. Bedding should consist of shredded paper towel or noncolored newspaper. A 6" exercise wheel can be offered for play. Optimal temperature range is 50 to 90 degrees F.
Sugar Gliders are omnivorous and some controversy exists concerning the ideal diet for captive gliders. In the wild gliders eat insects, spiders, worms, small mammals, eggs, baby birds, tree sap, nectar and blossums. Captive gliders will eat fruit and nuts often to the exclusion of protein sources - this leads to the majority of captive glider illnesses. Many recipes for homemade glider diets are available on the internet - one of the most popular is the modified Leadbeaters mixture. Keep in mind that whichever diet you choose it should consist of 50% protein and 50% fruit sugars and gums. Water should be available at all times but sugar gliders get a large part of their daily water requirements from the food they eat. Place food bowls and water bottles high in the cage rather than on the floor.
Sugar gliders breed year round and usually begin at 7-14 months of age. Females cycle approximately every 29 days and have a 16 day gestation period. Young leave the mothers pouch at about 70 days and leave the nest at 110-120 days. Litter size is usually 1 to 3 babies.
Most sugar glider disease is nutrition related. Common ailments include obesity, hind limb paralysis, cataracts, hypocalcemia and osteoporosis. Trauma is also a common cause of sugar glider problems - especially wounds from dogs, cats or other pets.