Sugar Glider Facts & Learning Center

What is a Sugar Glider?

A sugar glider is a small marsupial, meaning it belongs to the group of animals with pouches, similar to their cousins koala bears. 

Being social animals, sugar gliders naturally thrive in colonies. When kept as pets, they do exceptionally well with families that spend time with them, or when kept in pairs. Providing them with companionship enriches their lives and supports their well-being, creating a more fulfilling and contented experience for these delightful marsupials.

How long do Sugar Gliders live?

When cared for properly, sugar gliders can live an impressive 12 to 15 years, which is comparable to the lifespan of many beloved dogs and cats. Their intelligence is another delightful trait - with proper training, they can learn their name, come when called, and even showcase some cute tricks, just like dogs.

Do they have a bad smell?

One of the most notable perks is their minimal smell. By providing them with the right diet, you'll hardly notice any odor, ensuring a pleasant living environment for both you and your glider.

Maintaining their impeccable hygiene, Sugar Gliders never require bathing, saving you time and effort in their care.

Again, having relatively odor free gliders all depend on their diet. All of our gliders are given our Glider Grub food to help our gliders stay odor free.

Can sugar gliders bond/ be a companion pet?

Now, here's where the magic truly lies - the profound bond they form with their human families. Once fully bonded, Sugar Gliders become devoted companions who deeply cherish their connection with you and your loved ones. It's a heartwarming experience to have them by your side, as they willingly accompany you almost everywhere in public, without the need for a cage. Picture your Sugar Glider nestled on your shoulder or snuggled in your pocket during outings, creating unforgettable moments together.

Their unique "mentality" sets them apart from rodents; they won't hide or run away because they instinctively desire to be with their beloved "family" more than anything else. This authentic affection and loyalty create a lasting emotional connection, making them cherished members of your household.

Do Sugar Gliders make good pets?

Absolutely! Their love of companionship, and low-maintenance care make them a delightful addition to any loving home. Now, sugar gliders are not for everyone. In the beginning, baby sugar gliders need time with their owners in order to bond. We make this process as simple as possible by guiding you through the process.

Sugar gliders are animals that actually want to spend time with you, they aren't like a gerbil or hamster, that some people leave in their cage without ever playing with them. If you love animals and understand that just like a puppy in the early days of adoption, that baby sugar gliders need a little patience and care, then a sugar glider may be the perfect animal for you.

How much time does it take to bond?

The bonding process varies from a few days to several months, as each Glider's personality is distinct, similar to human children. The biggest thing to know is age is a crucial factor in the bonding success, which is why we offer babies aged between eight and twelve weeks. In their natural habitat, sugar gliders live in colonies of 10-15 individuals.

This colony (family) natural instinct of sugar gliders takes them a year to form connections with a group.

Welcoming sugar gliders into a family setting allows them to consider everyone, including other pets, as part of their extended "colony." This bond remains steadfast throughout their lifetime, creating cherished relationships within your family.

While they form connections with all family members, each glider may have a "primary bond" with the individual who spends the most time caring for them.

Contrary to misconceptions, bonding with sugar gliders is not a time-consuming process. Instead, it is a beneficial investment that rewards you with enduring love and companionship for years to come.

Over the years, we have developed a systematic bonding process in which we guide you through upon adopting a baby with us.

Through this bonding journey, they will become beloved members of your family, filling your life with warmth and happiness.

Are Sugar Gliders nocturnal? 

Indeed, sugar gliders are nocturnal creatures. During the daytime, they prefer to sleep, and their active hours are at night. As the late afternoon and evening approach, they become lively and playful.

To initiate the bonding process, it's best to start spending time with them during the day or afternoon. As your bond strengthens, you can participate in their nighttime playtime. This allows you to enjoy their active and playful nature during their preferred hours, enhancing the bond between you and your adorable sugar gliders.

Do you trim their nails? 

Yes, but only 1-2 times per month. Your little gliders need just a little self-pampering : ) The process is straightforward and only takes a few minutes.

We'll guide you step-by-step through the easiest method to trim their nails, making it a simple task. Keeping their nails trimmed, makes them more enjoyable for you to play with and helps prevent them from getting caught in their pouches or fleece toys, ensuring their safety and comfort. 

Our nail kit is a great option to ensure ease and safety.

Do I have to wash or bathe them? 

Worried about giving your sugar gliders a bath? No need! Like we mentioned earlier, Gliders are self-cleaning animals, which means they do not require baths. Their fur is exceptionally dense, preventing fleas or mites from becoming an issue. This high fur density also makes them hypoallergenic pets, making them a great choice for those with allergies. Rest assured that their natural grooming habits keep them clean and healthy without the need for you giving them baths.

Once I receive my sugar gliders from PouchMates, can I contact you with more questions? 

Absolutely! At PouchMates, we take great pride in our commitment to providing top-notch after-adoption support. We want you to feel confident and well-equipped in caring for your new sugar gliders, so please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions you may have.

Our dedicated team is here to assist you every step of the way. Whether you need advice on bonding, nail trimming, behavior, health, or any other aspect of glider care, we're more than happy to share our expertise and knowledge.

The ongoing support and exceptional customer service we offer are among the key reasons why people choose to adopt through us. Your satisfaction and the well-being of your sugar gliders are of paramount importance to us, and we're here to ensure you have a wonderful and rewarding experience with your adorable new companions. So, feel free to contact us anytime with your questions, and we'll be thrilled to assist you on this delightful journey with your sugar gliders!

Do Sugar Gliders make noise?

Sugar Glider's aren't very noisy animals, as long as you don't give them a lot of loud toys, with bells or things, oftentimes you won't hear them much at all.

One notable noise you may encounter is called "crabbing," resembling the sound of an electric pencil sharpener. This vocalization indicates that your gliders feel threatened or scared, signaling that they want some space and would like you to give them some "alone" time. During the early bonding phase, crabbing can be more common as they are still adjusting to their new surroundings. Additionally, they may crab at other gliders if they get surprised or irritated with one another.

Another intriguing sound is a "barking" noise, which resembles the vocalizations of a little chihuahua. This sound is usually an indication that your gliders are seeking attention, either from each other or from you. They may even make this noice when they are excited to see you, similar to a little puppy : )

As you continue to bond with your gliders, you'll become more attuned to their vocalizations and what they communicate through these endearing noises.

Do I have to get more than one glider?

The happiness of any household pet is undoubtedly enhanced when they have a companion to play with, especially in times when their owners are not around.

Some people think that Sugar Gliders need to be in pairs, but it is not imperative for their survival.

These delightful creatures are well-suited for families with children aged 6 years and older, while younger kids can enjoy their company under adult supervision. Additionally, Sugar Gliders make wonderful full-time companions for seniors living alone, offering a loving, relatively low-maintenance pet to provide company and affection.

While it is true that having a playmate can bring even more joy to any pet, including Sugar Gliders, we understand that budget constraints may limit the possibility of adopting two gliders.

Nonetheless, we encourage those who can afford it to consider getting two or more, as it does enrich their lives. To support this, we extend a discount on additional animals to our new "moms & dads."

At the end of the day, our ultimate goal is to ensure that both you and your Sugar Gliders experience happiness and contentment in your journey together. Whether they have a buddy or not, their affectionate nature and charm make them delightful companions, and we're here to help you create a loving home for these wonderful creatures.

Do Sugar Gliders need to go to the vet? Is it expensive to take them?

As you consider adopting a sugar glider as a pet, you might wonder about their veterinary care. While they are indeed unique animals, you don't necessarily need a specialized veterinarian. Sugar gliders are not disease-harboring creatures, and they do not require vaccinations. However, like any pet, taking them to the vet for check-up yearly by a licensed veterinarian will help ensure their well-being.

It's pretty simple to find a vet, just call a few different ones in your area and find one that works on small animals with experience working with sugar gliders. For healthy gliders, the check-up is usually pretty quick and inexpensive, in comparison to dogs and cats. 

How do I order a Sugar Glider from you?

The best thing to do is to shoot us an email under the "contact us" section, and we will get you all set up to learn how to adopt a sugar glider from us. 

 

Can Sugar Gliders be with other pets?

This is a question that we get a lot, and we think that the answer will surprise you!  

Despite what some might find hard to believe, our experience in selling gliders to families with other pets it that, if introduce in the right way, sugar gliders and your pets can form a close bond.

The key to how this works, lies in the fact, that Sugar Gliders are marsupials, not rodents. Their distinctive scent and behavior do not trigger the instinctive predatory response in most cats and dogs. Instead, other pets are often curious and intrigued by their presence.

Introducing, Sugar Gliders to other pets is best when done the correct way. We have created a simple method that we can teach you upon adoption.This gradual approach create an environment where your pets can get acquainted and establish an harmonious relationship.

Once familiarized with each other, Sugar Gliders and other household pets often form close bonds. They may eat, sleep, and spend time together, creating heartwarming companionship.

While Sugar Gliders can bond with most household pets, it's essential to be cautious with reptiles like snakes, as this could lead to potential harm for the gliders. Additionally, they may initially be wary of certain large bird species due to their natural instincts from the wild.

We do recommend that you supervise your sugar gliders, when with other pets, due to the gliders being such small animals.

Here are a few photos to of Sugar Glider's hanging out with their family pet buddies. 

Sugar Gliders With Their Pet Friends