Scared of Overfeeding/Sugar Canes

Question
Hello,

I moved to the UK from the US and purchased 2 male sugar gliders who are approx. 1 years of age. I have had them for approx. 1 month.  They appear to be very happy. I am more fearful of over feeding them.  They have picked up weight since I have had them and they use to pace the cage when I got them and that behaviour has changed along with the assistance of a wheel.  They are morning babies and come out to play. They are very active when they are out.  Thank goodness I was trained by ferrets for over 8 years, so I know how to keep up with these guys when they are out.  On an average day, they eat 3 kabob sticks prepared with fruits and veggies laced with calcium powder.  A small bowl of either a mix of fruits, vegs, and meal worms or chicken.  But, that seems like so much for only 2 gliders.  Have sugar gliders been known to be food oriented.  In the mornings, when they are out they will stay around me playing when I am preparing food.  I can't put the food in the cage until I want them to go back because they will go eat before getting what I would consider enough exercise.  I do hear them most nights running the wheel. Please advise if I should cut down their food. They really don't leave alot of food left by the end of the day.  

Other questions, I have read information about sugar canes that appears to be very controversial.  I purchased some yesterday.  I did let them eat at one of the stalk for approx 3 minutes.  I watched the time while I was on the computer.  I didn't want them to eat too much.  What are the consensus on sugar cane?

Thank you for any advise.  We also appear to be bonding.  One nips, but he is working on it.  He is the dominant of the brothers. Their cage is interactive with branches, toys and parrot toys hanging and other things.  That is changed every 2 weeks.  

Answer
Hello Benita,

Yes, gliders are food-motivated.  They love their sweets (hence the name SUGAR glider).  I would suggest you feed your boys their veggies and protein foods with vitamins and calcium before they get dessert(fruits).  That way you can be sure they are getting enough of the important foods.  I feed my gliders their BML before anything else. Have you tried giving them BML?  It is very healthy and gives the glider a good balance of nutrients.  I have a recipe on my website:  nc.sugar.gliders.googlepages.com   

Sugar cane should be reserved for a very special treat.  Naturally, they love it, but it is sugar, and should not take the place of healthy foods in the diet.  

How much do your gliders weigh?  The average healthy weight for a glider is 100 grams.  Naturally, this will vary with the gender and size of the individual.  As long as they are healthy, active, and happy, I wouldn't worry too much about weight.  Do they feel soft, or are they muscular? You should be able to tell if your gliders are "fat" by observing their behavior and feeling their musculature.  

I hope this helps.  

Betty