Keeping Sugar Gliders As Pets

Sugar gliders are one of the most popular species of exotic animal that people often keep as pets. Natives of Australia, Papa New Guinea, and Indonesia, sugar gliders are marsupials that are known for their ability to glide through the air. Their gliding is made possible by their furry membranes that extend from their wrists to their ankles. Although these animals make good pets, owners should understand their temperament and habits of so that they know how to best care for them.

First of all, they are very social animals and they require lots of companionship. Their social temperament helps make them great pets because they are playful and entertaining and quickly bond to their owners. But in order to cater to their social habits, sugar gliders will need a great deal of attention, so if people choose to keep them as pets, they should be prepared to spend a lot of time with them or get another sugar glider (preferably one of the same gender) to keep the other one company.

Sugar gliders are also nocturnal so they will be most active during the evening and nighttime, so pet owners should be comfortable with any noise they may make or have a separate area for them to play in. Because they are marsupials, during the day they will like to sleep in a pocket or pouch; however, they usually do wake up during parts of the day to interact and play with their owners.

Although sugar gliders are fairly healthy and clean, they are not easily trained, so they will need to be kept in a large caged area that's at least two feet by feet and at least three feet high. The higher the cage, the better. Ropes, ladders, and other toys in the cage will provide great exercise and entertainment for them. These pets also have strict dietary requirements, and people should be especially careful to ensure that their sugar gliders get enough calcium as well as vitamins and minerals.

As the most popular type of exotic pets, sugar gliders are active, friendly, and fairly easy to maintain. They bond easily to their owners and enjoy playing and being social. Because of their unique characteristics, these fun and friendly animals can make great pets for owners who are willing to take the necessary steps to care them and ensure that they stay healthy and happy.