Sugar Gliders

Sugar Glider

Thinking of getting a sugar glider? These tiny marsupials are energetic and friendly, making them popular choices as pets. Though they weigh less than a half-pound, they're more closely related to kangaroos than they are flying squirrels. If you think a sugar glider would make an ideal pet for your family, here's what our veterinary team would like you to know before making your decision.

Sugar Glider Health

These pets are nocturnal. This means they're awake and active during the night-time hours. Sugar gliders are not the best choice of pet for owners who work night jobs or retire early. To be happy and healthy, they need plenty of interaction with their human. This means taking them out of their cage and allowing them to play and explore in pet-proof spaces. It's important to keep a close eye on your pet's diet, too, as sugar gliders in captivity may easily become obese due to too little exercise and too much fruit.

Sugar Glider Care

The most important thing a sugar glider needs is a friend. These pets are highly social and won't thrive in isolation. This means, if you keep one sugar glider, you must keep two. But a sugar glider needs other things as well, including:

  • A big, roomy cage to leap, jump, and glide
  • A secure lock that keeps it from escaping
  • Branches or shelves to climb on
  • A cozy pouch to sleep in
  • Clean bedding
  • Toys such as bird swings or hamster wheels

Aside from housing and accessories, these cute little creatures need a specialized diet to keep them healthy and happy. Your veterinarian can help you choose the best diet for captive sugar gliders.

Feeding Your Sugar Gliders

In the wild, sugar gliders are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plants and animals. Gliders in captivity should be fed a somewhat complicated diet that includes:

  • Protein -- cooked eggs, crickets, mealworms
  • Fruit and green leafy vegetables
  • Pelleted food containing nectar
  • Vitamin and mineral supplements

Our veterinary team will be happy to advise you regarding the care and treatment of your sugar gliders.

Training a Sugar Glider

Sugar gliders can be potty-trained to go in their cage and learn to come when you call them. If you give them lots of love and patience and reward good behavior with tasty treats, they'll be quite well-behaved.

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Tutu Location

Monday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Saturday:

9:00 am-12:00 pm

Sunday:

Closed

Red Hook Location

Monday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Saturday:

9:00 am-12:00 pm

Sunday:

Closed

Testimonials

Read What Our Clients Say

  • "Dr. Reynolds and her team take excellent care of all five of my pets. I have two dogs and three cats and they always receive exceptional care. My pets range from a six pound cat to a 100 pound dog. I know that whenever I bring them in they will be well cared for by a staff who truly likes fur babies..."
    Anna C.
  • "Dr. Reynolds and her staff saved our puppy, Chombo's, life. After finding him abandoned on the street in front of our house, we noticed he was very sick. We immediately brought him to the Veterinary Centers, and he was diagnosed with parvo. We thought it was a death sentence, but after just four days with Dr. Reynolds, Chombo was stable. Eight months later, he's thriving, happy, and very healthy. We know it is all because of the care he got with Dr. Reynolds and her caring team!"
    Cara W.
  • "February 24, 2018, I had an emergency with my dog, Flake. I would like to once again give a great thank you to Dr. Laura Boshulte and her staff at the Weymouth Rhymer Clinic for the exceptional and professional services that I received. Flake was very sick and I was so afraid he would die, but thanks to Dr. Laura Boshulte and her staff he's alive today. I highly recommend Veterinary Services of the VI!"
    Debbie D.