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What is a sugar glider? This is a question that has been asked so many times. Most people answer this question by simply saying they look like a small flying squirrel. Believe it or not, that is a true statement. Sugar gliders look almost identical to the Southern Flying Squirrel. However, sugar gliders aren't in the same family as the southern flying squirrels. They actually belong to the possum family. They are nocturnal animals that are about the size of a big hamster. Gliders weigh about four to six ounces on average. Plainly put, they are no bigger than your hand and really don't weight much.

These cute little creatures are native to Australia, New Guinea, and Indonesia. They live in the tree tops of the eucalyptus, where they feed off the sugary sap. This is one of the ways the gliders have received their name. The other way is because they glide from tree to tree. Many people confuse their gliding with flying. Sugar gliders don't fly, they glide using their "gliding" membrane. That is the skin that stretches from their wrists to their ankles. This gliding membrane allows them to glide up to 50 meters or approximately 168 feet.

Sugar gliders are colony animals, meaning they live in small families. This is why it's not a good idea to own only one glider. When purchased, gliders should be bought in pairs. If not, you have to spend quite a bit of time with them. With sugar gliders being nocturnal animals, it's very difficult for an owner to spend enough time with their glider.

When deciding to purchase sugar gliders, you must decide on it you are able to fully care for them. You must ask yourself questions. Is there room in your home for a big enough cage? Do you have time to bond with your new pets? Do you know what to feed them? If you answer no to any of those questions, you are not ready to own a sugar glider. If you answered yes to all of them, you are ready.

When you first purchase your gliders and bring them home, the first thing you want to do is hold them and play with them. That's a bad idea. Sugar gliders are very fragile animals and stress can kill a glider. When you bring them home, they should be left alone for at least twenty-four hours. Talk to them, but don't agitate them. Let them get use to their new home.

To bond with your new gliders, use a bonding pouch. While they are sleeping during the day, wear the pouch around your neck and tucked under your shirt. This allows the gliders to become accustom to your scents and sounds. Offer them treats by hand and play with them every day around the same time. Before you know it, you will have new friends and your gliders will know they can trust you.

Learn more about this author, Victoria Strickland.
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