by Pauline Abreu

Created on: February 23, 2009   Last Updated: May 29, 2009

Sugar gliders are small marsupials native to Eastern Australia, Papua New Guinea, and some parts of Indonesia. These little creatures are expected to live 10 - 15 years in captivity. They begin life in a pouch just like the kangaroo. An important fact is that if they aren't socialized they can go into a state of depression, and even die.

What do sugar gliders look like?

These furry gray colored animals can grow to 5 - 6 inches long, with their tail measuring about 6 inches. They have furry membranes that stretch from their wrists to their ankles, looking a lot like wings, and indeed are used to help them glide from tree to tree in the wild. They have 3 toes, one of which is longer than the other two and aids in gripping branches.

What kind of temperament do sugar gliders have?

Sugar gliders are very social animals and need to be in association with other sugar gliders. They work well together when they have grown up with each other, introducing adult gliders can be a problem. If you have to the time to spend with a sugar glider then all well and good, if you don't then you should get at least two, as they can keep each other company when you are not around.

What are their habits?

These little animals are nocturnal, so they are active mostly during the night. They like to sleep in a pocket type bed during the day.

Are sugar gliders good pets?

Sugar gliders can be good pets, but some states don't allow them to be kept as pets, so it's best to check out whether it is legal to own one in your state. It's also a good idea to check out their care requirements before deciding to have one as a pet.

More than one should be kept as a pet as they are social animals. Although, one may be kept if the owner has time to spend bonding with the sugar glider. Their housing arrangement isn't too complicated, and they are pretty clean overall. Their nails should be trimmed regularly as they can become very sharp. These can make good pets for the right person, who is willing to spend a lot of time socializing with the animal.

What do they sugar gliders eat?

They need a good balanced diet as they can have a problem with paralysis stemming from an imbalance of calcium to phosphorus in the diet. The name stems from how they eat the sugary feed on nectar and the sap of eucalyptus in the wild. They also eat insects, plant material, small rodents, and birds in the wild.

Some consideration should be taken when choosing a sugar glider as a pet, as with any other pet. Do research before you make a decision, make sure you know the needs of this exotic pet before having one in your home. They can be great pets for the right owner, and are cute little creatures, even if they do look a little weird.

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