FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
We hope these help answer the questions you may have. If you have any further questions, feel free to reach out to us. We love talking about Sugar Gliders!
WHAT IS A
SUGAR GLIDER?
Sugar gliders are palm-sized nocturnal marsupials that live in the forests of Australia and New Guinea. Sugar gliders get their name from their love of sugary foods, and their amazing ability to glide! Their main distinguishing feature is the skin between their wrists and ankles that allows them to glide from tree to tree. Weighing in at 3-5 ounces with a tail 1.5 times as long as its body, gliders can glide half of a football field if they are high enough. Sugar gliders are very social animals and live in colonies of 10-15 other gliders. When bonded with properly they will consider the whole family (kids, cats, dogs, etc.) their colony.
ARE SUGAR GLIDERS
FLYING SQUIRRELS?
No. While they may look "similar", there are huge differences. Sugar gliders are marsupials, females have a pouch, birth joeys and are native to Australia. Flying squirrels are placental mammals, have no pouch, and are native to North America. While both can be pets (if permitted by law), they are very different species and cannot mate and produce babies.
HOW LONG DO
SUGAR GLIDERS LIVE?
Healthy gliders can live to be 12 - 15 years old.
IS IT LEGAL TO OWN
SUGAR GLIDERS?
Please check with your local county, city, and state laws. At this time, it is Illegal to own sugar gliders in Alaska, California, and Hawaii. Some states, while it's legal to own sugar gliders, have special laws and regulations, these are Georgia, New Mexico, and New York. Please make sure it is legal to own a glider where you live, and that you are purchasing your glider from a licensed breeder, like Sugar Glider Alley!
IS SPECIAL HEALTH
CARE NEEDED?
It is always a good idea to make sure your vet is trained in glider care and exotics. A sugar glider does not need vaccinations, but a regular physical exam is highly recommended.
DO SUGAR GLIDERS
BITE?
Yes. Any animal can nip or bite. These can be playful, accidental, or out of fear or anger. Sugar gliders aren't usually aggressive, and bonding and spending time with your glider will lessen the likelihood of bites.
DO SUGAR GLIDERS
SMELL?
Sugar gliders are naturally clean, and do not require bathing. Keeping your gliders' cage clean will prevent unappealing smells. Male gliders can be a little "musky" when marking their territory, but sugar glider smells are far less than cats or dogs, for example.
DO SUGAR GLIDERS
NEED THEIR NAILS TRIMMED?
Yes. Sugar gliders need their nails trimmed every 2 weeks. If the thought of trimming your glider's nails makes you nervous, don't worry! If you are local we offer nail trimming for $7 per glider. If you aren't local or prefer a different option, you can buy a running wheel that has a trackpad in it that can trim the nails while they run.
WHAT TYPES OF TOYS
ARE SAFE?
Sugar gliders can play with toys made of cork, eucalyptus, plastic, fleece, and natural items (i.e. coconut). There are many kinds of wood and natural things that are toxic to gliders, so make sure you do your research before purchasing or creating your own toys. Also, keep in mind you don't want to have a toy with loose or really small parts as it can be a choking hazard.