Sugar Glider Environment

Sugar gliders need a very large cage, with a minimum of 4 foot high by 2 x 2 recommended. A large barred cage such as an indoor aviary aimed at finches or other small birds can be used for pet sugar gliders, although the bar spacing on most parrot cages is too wide for sugar gliders. Some arboreal vivariums can be adapted providing they are modified to add additional ventilation. These have the added advantage of allowing easier monitoring of temperature.

Sugar gliders love pouches to nest in as well as soft hammocks. They usually prefer these placed higher up the cage, although you can provide a selection. Wooden or plastic nest boxes can also be used, it is important to have as many nests in the cage as gliders as well as to allow for the fact they may all be piling into the same one.

Wheels are an excellent addition for sugar gliders, with good brands being the Wodent Wheel or Stealth Wheel. Willow Trellis are useful to add for climbing if you are modifying a vivarium, as it is also safe for them to chew. Apple and Eucalyptus branches are safe woods, providing it hasn't been sprayed with pesticides. Java wood and cork tubes as sold for reptiles are also good additions.

Sugar gliders do need frequent cleaning and have quite a strong, musky odour. Good substrates include Aubiouse, Carefresh, Back 2 Nature bedding, and Megazorb.

Sugar gliders are masticators - meaning they don't actually swallow food, but rather suck out nutrients and will spit out remains such as seeds or pulp. This means that they can be very messy with their food and it is important to remove the remains promptly to avoid them spoiling in the cage.