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Origins

The original undomesticated Sugar Glider is a native of Australia. Those domesticated are descendants and often imported from countries such as Indonesia.

They are similar in size to the American flying squirrel and have been known to glide through the air for fifty-five yards in one stretch.

These nocturnal creatures are considered intelligent, playful, inquisitive, and cute. For example, they may hang on curtains, play in house plants, jump from place to place, and even ride on human shoulders. They make noises that mimic a bird or dog.

Adoption Considerations and Realities

Sugar Gliders should not be adopted until they have been weaned. Maturity is reached at between nine to ten months.

Sugar Gliders typically live in small groups (i.e., one to seven). Statistics indicate that a lonely Sugar Glider will become depressed, withdrawn, and even defensive. It may refuse to eat and could even die from loneliness.

Sugar Gliders may reproduce at least three litters per year with the result of at least one or two, or in some rare instances, three offspring.

Research has shown that a large percentage of owners give up their Sugar Glider(s) within a year after adopting them.

Living Conditions, Diet, and Health

Owners should provide an Exel Tower Cage (i.e., a very large bird cage). The cage should have horizontal bars and be at least 34x24x24 or 40x21x21 inches in size. These living spaces must also be cleaned daily.

Provide small toys to keep the Sugar Glider active and entertained along with exercise equipment such as a stealth wheel.

A proper and healthy diet is imperative to your pet's survival. For example, the Sugar Glider enjoys fruits, vegetables, dried cat food, live insects, pinky mice (bought frozen from pet store), scrambled eggs, yogurt, nuts, monkey biscuits and fruit juices. A proper diet will assist in reducing the Sugar Glider's unique smell.

Consider that it may be difficult to find a veterinarian experienced in assisting with the health problems that may plague the Sugar Glider.

Time Commitment and Lifespan

The Sugar Glider bonds well to humans if a time commitment of at least one to two hours, daily, is provided.

Sugar Gliders have been known to live at least ten to fifteen years.

Ownership and Breeding

Those interested in breeding must have a federal license. In some states it is illegal to own them. It is important to check with the United States Department of Agriculture's animal care Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (www.aphis.usda.gov) for current information on ownership policies and responsibilities as well as local (i.e., city, county, neighborhood) regulations prior to adoption.

Those individuals with a sincere interest in Sugar Gliders and the responsibilities, benefits and joys that may come from adoption and ownership should do adequate research as well as visiting informative websites (e.g., www.sugarglider.com).

Learn more about this author, Cynthia Ruff.
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