Today we will discuss a very cute animal that is Sugar Glider. They are also known as Small marsupials. To know more about them read this blog.
Sugar Glider
- Small marsupials known as sugar gliders belong to the same family as kangaroos and koala bears.
- They were domestically produced as family pets in the United States for the past 12 to 15 years.
- They originated from the rainforests of Australia and Indonesia.
Origin
- They are indigenous to Tasmania, Papua New Guinea, Australia’s eastern coast, numerous nearby islands, and some regions of Indonesia.
- They live in tree hollows and are found in rainforests, gliding from tree to tree. Rarely ever do they hit the earth.
Characteristics
Size
- The body of this creature is five to six inches long, and the tail is an additional six inches (which acts as a rudder while they glide).
- They merely weigh four to five ounces (80 to 160 grams).
Weight
- Adult female Sugar Glider weighs between 80 to 130 grams, whereas males normally range from 100 to 160 grams.
- Individuals and the various subspecies will have varied weights.
Color
- From the light-colored Silverbelles to Red Platinum and Dark Platinum, color can vary.
- White Face Blondes resemble Classic Grays but do not have an ear bar.
- All over the body, the fur is lighter and more silvery. White Mosaic: The only color on this species’ body is white.
Behavior
- They are social and need companionship.
- This makes them make the bond with their owners. However, even if you can devote a lot of time and care to your glider, keeping only one glider is not the best option.
- In the wild, they form colonies of up to 30 gliders and speak a distinct language.
- Housing a glider by itself might cause your pet’s behavior, mental health, emotional health, and even physical health issues. Consider maintaining many gliders, if not many gliders, in a flight cage.
Food & Diet
- Sugar Glider in the wild are omnivorous and consume a variety of items, such as nectar, pollen, fruits, insects, and sap and gum from eucalyptus and acacia trees.
- There is a lot of debate regarding what is proper to feed them because it is very challenging to mimic this diet in captivity.
Sugar Glider Lifespan
- For animals held in captivity, the typical lifespan is 10–12 years, and it greatly relies on how well they are taken care of.
Habitat & Housing
- It lives in open forests and wooded places. Being arboreal, they seek protection, habitation, and food above the earth.
- They find refuge throughout the day in comfortable leaf nests built in tree cavities.
- Over two acres of the forested area may be included in their region, which they designate and defend.
- They need to be kept warm, away from vents for the air conditioner or heater, and out of direct sunshine.
Caring
- They are very delicate species, so they need care.
- Daily exercise should be provided for them outside of their cages, but only under strict supervision, as their inquisitive nature often leads to mischief.
Common Health Problems
Like other exotic pets, Sugar Glider is susceptible to a wide range of illnesses. Below are some of the diseases mentioned:
- Dehydration
- Giardia
- Bacterial Infection
- Pesticide Poisoning
- Urinary Tract Infections
Reproduction & Mating
- If they have adequate protein, they will mate all year long.
- If weanlings are removed after becoming independent, they typically have 2 babies at a time, or 4 to 6 in a year.
- It is recommended to just leave the mother alone during this time, even though the male may stay with the female during the entire birthing process.
Baby Sugar Glider
- At least once a year, females give birth to one or two joeys.
- Up until they are seven to ten months old, the infants remain with their moms.
- Wintertime lows can be found in some areas of their range. The sugar glider sleeps in close quarters to stay warm.
Sugar Glider Pet
- They are not suitable as pets.
- They are wild animals whose complex requirements can never be satisfied in confinement.
- A pet that has been forced into a home life of confinement will suffer, be unhappy, and be unhealthy.
Sugar Glider Cage
- A pair of sugar gliders should have a cage that measures 24 inches deep by 24 inches wide by 36 inches high (minimum).
- Considering that height is crucial for gliders, bigger is always preferable.
- The wires should be spaced no more than 1/2 inch apart. Shelves can be added to cages that already have them.
- For napping and hiding during the day, cages should have a tiny pouch or sack high up in the cage. Shredded paper or bedding made of recycled paper can be used to line cages. Daily spot cleaning and weekly complete replacement of the bedding are required.
- Additionally, cages should have shelves and branches for gliders to hang on at various cage heights.
Sugar Glider For Sale
- Infants normally cost more; the Sugar Glider pricing should be between $200 and $500; adults typically cost between $100 and $200.
- Because Sugar Glider is a highly social creature, it’s crucial to bear in mind that keeping them in pairs will ensure their happiness.
Price
- Infants normally cost more; the Sugar Glider pricing should be between $200 and $500; adults typically cost between $100 and $200.
- Because Sugar Gliders are highly social creatures, it’s crucial to bear in mind that keeping them in pairs will ensure their happiness.
White Sugar Glider
- The white mosaic sugar glider has mostly white fur with a few very subtle color variations.
- They could have a few tiny dark spots, mainly on their heads or ears.
- Even though they frequently resemble leucistic sugar gliders, they do not always have leucistic genetics.
Sugar Glider-FAQ
What is a Sugar Gilder?
Possums the size of a palm can glide the length of a soccer field in one trip. These typical marsupials, which live in trees, are indigenous to cool-temperate and tropical forests in Australia, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea.
How much is a Sugar Glider?
Infants normally cost more; the Sugar Glider pricing should be between $200 and $500; adults typically cost between $100 and $200.
Are Sugar Gliders hard to take care of?
They do require a lot of labor for such a small creature, indeed. Because they are nocturnal, sugar gliders require a lot of care, including huge, wide-open enclosures, a specific diet, and toys to keep them entertained.
Do Sugar Gliders cry?
Due to agitation, fear, warning calls, and sometimes for attention they cry.
How do you tell if your Sugar Gilders are mating?
He’ll likely be seen following her around and crawling up onto her back to lick her cloaca. Within 24 hours of this activity starts, mating will probably take place. Your sugar gliders won’t be particularly interested in food for about 24 hours after mating starts.
Can Sugar Gilders be white?
Gliders without pigment are known as albinos. They have red eyes and an overall white body with extremely light or no markings. Because the genotype is recessive and this color is extremely uncommon in sugar gliders, an albino sugar glider needs two albino alleles to exhibit the albino phenotype.