Clever, inquisitive, uber cute and tiny, the Sugar Glider is fast becoming a favourite pet in the US since they were made legal in March 2009. Yet where do these pocket sized pets come from and what do you need to take in to account when thinking of offering a house share to one of them? To begin with, the Sugar Glider is a marsupial, so that should give you a good clue where they come from. Australia is the natural home of marsupials that made it their permanent home when the continent split away and became isolated. The rest of the world went mammalian but Australia retained the marsupial – an infraclass of mammal famous for carrying their young in pouches. Just look how tiny the Joeys are.
Not, it has to be said that the adult is much larger. So, is it only found in Oz? In fact the Sugar Glider is found not only in Australia but is also common in New Guineau, Tasmania and the Bismarck Archipelago. Before any eyebrows are raised, it must be pointed out that the Sugar Glider is not an endangered species in the wild in any way. It has lost a great deal of its natural habitat (mostly through incursions by our species) but it is highly adaptable and can live in small areas. Some of its larger relatives, such as the Mahogany Glider, are endangered but the Sugar Glider is safe for now. In Australia people who chose to live with them must have a permit and a full license to sell them (and that is only for research but we won’t go any further on that particular subject).
It is easy to fall in love – at once – with these tiny adorable animals but they take a lot of looking after. If you are going to integrate one in to your existing human family then you will need to give it up to two hours attention and contact per day. Without that contact the Sugar Glider will never be fully comfortable with human contact. So, you must think very carefully before deciding to share your life with one of these little guys as that is exactly what it entails. Cats need less attention to be honest and if you do not have that time then maybe a feline friend is what you should consider. Also, Sugar Gliders are nocturnal and like to have companionship when we want to sleep. If you are going to share your life with one, it should really be two so they can keep each other company when you are in the land of nod!
The Sugar Glider is becoming increasingly popular as a pet for a number of reasons – the first and foremost being its incredibly cute appearance. It also bonds well to its human companions – if you have the time to devote to it. They are known as pocket pets because of their tininess and because once they are used to humans their natural sociability comes to the fore – as does their cheekiness – and they can be a wonderful companion – that is if you like little animals crawling all over you! Young or old, that’s what the Sugar Glider loves to do.
Neither are they difficult to breed but this must be done by experts and under the right conditions. A female may have up to four joeys (the name for the young of marsupials). Amazingly, the babies are born after little more than a two week gestation period. Like other marsupials (notably the kangaroo) the newborn crawls in to the pouch of the mother where it will develop for a further eight or nine weeks. It attaches itself to one of its mother’s nipples and does not leave the pouch really until it is so big it falls out. The above are about three weeks old.
Even then their eyes are normally closed for another twelve weeks or so and don’t have any fur to begin with. Once their eyes are open and they have grown some fur they look like miniature versions of the adults – a miniature of a miniature in reality. They will suckle for another month after their eyes open but then they are weaned and start to become more independent and gregarious. These animals are full of character and are naturally curious. If you allow them to roam then keep your eye on them – you never know where you will find them otherwise.
Please note though that wherever you live you must make sure that they are legal before you set your heart on a marsupial house mate. Even in the US there are still three States (Alaska, California and Idaho) that do not allow ownership. If you live in a State that does allow the Sugar Glider to be kept then you must check that the city in which you live allows it as many individual cities in the States still have their reservations and have the Sugar Glider classified as a prohibited animal. You might need deep pockets too – not for the Sugar Glider itself – they can exchange hands at up to sic hundred dollars each.
As much as the Sugar Glider is an endearing and highly entertaining pet, you must also be prepared to keep more than one of them. In the wild they will live in groups of up to seven individuals and it is ingrained in their DNA that companionship (and helping hands) must be given and received. They are clean little creatures and do not have complicated housing requirements but beware – they don’t do house training too well so if you let them wander you know what to expect. Additionally they can live up to fourteen years so should not be invited to live with you on a whim and will not in this case make a great pet for an easily bored child.
Even if you are not a child that gets bored easily, you must be careful with your Sugar Glider if you have other houseguests. This is Austin and his friend. In his own words, ‘I had a sugar glider. Her name was cozy. She was my favorite thing for 3 years until my dog, Bailey, ate her’. Ouch. Yes, you may well look like that, Mister Sugar Glider below.
Calm down, now, calm down.
They also take quite a long time to get them to the point where they are used to being handled and familiar with you -s o don’t expect the cuddles too early on in your relationship with them. This will need patience and time to get right. They also have a highly specialised diet which will keep you busy in its preparation. Although they look like they would snack on pretty much anything you offer them (and well they might) this sort of treatment is potentially lethal to them.
If all of this is not sufficient to deter you then the positive advantages of sharing your life with a Sugar Glider is manifold. They are great companions who will treat you as an equal (unlike the notoriously patrician mammal Felis silvestris catus). They love nothing more than being near their human companion, preferably inside a shirt (if you wear two and allow the Glider access between them you will avoid being tickled and scratched). As much as they will be trained they will not respond to domination, so if you are looking for an animal that will respond to your innate gentleness and understanding, perhaps the Sugar Glider is the one for you. As you can see below, they are not called pocket pets for nothing.
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User Comments
Stebo Hocknig
On February 17, 2010 at 4:10 pm
Hate to be pedantic but saying they are found in Australia and Tasmania is like saying gophers are found in the U.S and Texas. Tasmania is Australia.
David Lee
On February 19, 2010 at 8:00 pm
Wild animals = Very high maintenance. Better kept in the wild me thinks. Too many sad examples of wild animals kept in captivity for our pleasure and amusement ending in misery or disaster. Informative article though RJ. Keep well and hi to all
D
Marcelo Ramirez
On February 26, 2010 at 11:49 am
Parece mais um esquilo cruzado com um morcego!Bunitinho!
“looks like a Squirl/Bat without wings” ahuahua
Cute!
DR.PET
On February 26, 2010 at 12:12 pm
This pets are a vector diseases.
Sorry.
Dani
On February 26, 2010 at 6:21 pm
I bought one from Sugar Bears, expected to be delivered on March 11. I’m very nervous but also excited. I’ll probably get another one later on to keep each other company.
Great article by the way!
Hazel
On March 4, 2010 at 2:55 pm
AAAAAAAAAAAWWWWWWWWWWWW…………
papaleng
On March 15, 2010 at 10:16 am
excellent article with great photos. This is my frst time to hear about this marsupial.
Chris Stonecipher
On March 15, 2010 at 10:16 am
I want one!!
kaviarasankk
On March 15, 2010 at 10:17 am
so cute huh
Sourav
On March 15, 2010 at 10:17 am
I liked the info and the pics. Wonderful!
Priyanka D
On March 15, 2010 at 10:17 am
I didnt know about sugar glider. This is a nice read for me. Thanks for sharing.
R J Evans
On March 15, 2010 at 10:18 am
Stebo, I hate to be pedantic…. but. Texas is part of the US, yes. Tasmania is a state of Australia. Yes. However, Tasmania is an island – Texas is not. The difference is vast. Someone so obviously intelligent can be left to figure out the differences. Yes?
Bailey Thompson
On March 15, 2010 at 10:18 am
Very cute – Great pictures!
twincapes
On March 15, 2010 at 10:18 am
Never saw one of them. Cute, but might be tempting to my cats. Great article, thanks-
Michele Cameron Drew
On March 15, 2010 at 10:18 am
What a cute and fascinating little critter! Thanks for sharing this, RJ. =)
-M
B Nelson
On March 15, 2010 at 10:19 am
Be warned, as it is very difficult to tell the age of a sugar glider, pet stores are often selling older ones, the ones the breeders don’t want to keep, but can unload to the pet store cheaply. Of course pet stores should never be considered for any pet.
I know many people with them and they are A LOT of work. not a beginners or kids pet.
Lauren Axelrod
On March 15, 2010 at 10:19 am
They’re was too cute.
Wiggles18
On March 15, 2010 at 10:19 am
I am going to get me one of these!!!
Katien
On March 15, 2010 at 10:19 am
I’d not heard of them before, they are very cute.
bailieman
On March 15, 2010 at 10:20 am
Looks like the result of breeding between a rabbit and a bat.
sambhafusia
On March 15, 2010 at 10:20 am
Excellent!!! well written …nice share..cute pics caotured…comment on my articles also friend………….
The forgiver
On March 15, 2010 at 10:20 am
Very cute!
Michael Eboh
On March 15, 2010 at 10:21 am
Nice picture!
I like that….
Belinda Dobie
On March 15, 2010 at 10:21 am
So sweet.
martie
On March 15, 2010 at 10:22 am
I am a proud owner of a sugar glider, or should I say my gliders own me. I have owned and bred them for many years and they do make wonderful pets. But like you said they are a lot of work and if I might add a note to your wonderful article. Don’t get just one glider get two if you can because they are noctural and need companionship during the night when most people want to sleep.
R J Evans
On March 15, 2010 at 10:22 am
Thanks, Martie. I have added a couple of sentences in the third paragraph…
thestickman
On March 15, 2010 at 10:22 am
Almost exactly the same, the Southern Flying Squirrel and the slightly larger Northern Flying Squirrel are also excellent pets. Because they are indigenous, many states in the U.S. will not allow ownership, or will with permits and animals received from ‘rehab’ centers or certified breeders. Other states allow, with no license required. The states that disallow, have some of the strictest punitive fines for illegal ownership.
Anyway, Flying Squirrels might be easier to keep because their diet is an indigenous one, more easily provided for owners that live in the same hemisphere. Flyers can live for 6-15 years in captivity, and become ‘bonded’ with their owners, often leaping from curtain sashes and gliding to their owner… The become tame quite easily if raised from pinks and even then, they domesticate easily even if not handled much in their youth.
Mike1229
On March 15, 2010 at 10:23 am
I want like 3 or 4 lol just one won’t do!
AJ Garcia
On March 15, 2010 at 10:24 am
They’re cute, but I still prefer dogs.
willyonline
On March 15, 2010 at 10:24 am
Nice Photos
Francois Hagnere
On March 15, 2010 at 10:24 am
They are so cute! Great share RJ. Thank you so much.
Netty net
On March 15, 2010 at 10:24 am
They are cute, but can I ask you some thing they don’t bite do they?
willyonline
On March 15, 2010 at 10:25 am
Welcome In WORLD`s Friend. Its Best way to communicate & increase good writing also gets Best opportunity online through COMMENTS.
Sachin Gadgil
On March 15, 2010 at 10:28 am
Sugar Gliders are wonders if they are taken care of properly. Good Article as few people know in the whole world
willyonline
On March 15, 2010 at 10:30 am
Great writing, I wish all the best…!!!
subhashlaxmin
On March 15, 2010 at 10:30 am
nice article with excellent collections
Japanic
On March 15, 2010 at 10:30 am
OMG! It’s sooooooo cute!
Snooky
On March 15, 2010 at 10:31 am
very entertaining safari.
Tina Cassello
On March 15, 2010 at 10:31 am
I had never heard of them. They look so cute in your photos I know I would fall in love with them if I saw them in person.
ML Sheldon
On March 15, 2010 at 10:32 am
Netty Net – I had the exact same question. Anyone know the answer?
This was a really fun article to read, not to mention ridiculously cute.
Abunader
On March 15, 2010 at 10:32 am
It Is very Cute , I never Know they existed
Anuradha Ramkumar
On March 15, 2010 at 10:33 am
Wow…so cute. I was unaware of their existence.
ajkajk2014
On March 15, 2010 at 10:33 am
i want one!! so cute
DrLopez
On March 15, 2010 at 10:35 am
Excellent! I’ve never heard of these little pets. Simply amazing! Thanks for bringing attention to these little Gliders. Nice images also!
Olive B.
On March 15, 2010 at 10:36 am
very nice……sounds like a great pet, but where could i get one? i have guinea pigs….cuter! thanks for sharing
AndyTNguyen
On March 15, 2010 at 10:36 am
Very enjoyable article
Jakespear
On March 15, 2010 at 10:36 am
First time to see this kind of animals. Thanks!!!
toughnips
On March 15, 2010 at 10:37 am
Hey don’t cook it that’s not cool. I know i like my rice with a sugar glider just hold the fur. Great breakfast.
Yusuf2554
On March 15, 2010 at 10:38 am
very nice article, also the pictures so good that it makes you want to get one.
MartineP
On March 15, 2010 at 10:39 am
Great creatures, but I am not sure they are allowed in Belgium. I do think they are cute.
Judy Sheldon
On March 15, 2010 at 10:39 am
I did a comprehensive article about marsupials and do not remember coming across anything about this particular one. It is adorable! I am glad you did so much research so I know that this pet would not integrate well in my home – two cats, for one.
RS Wing
On March 15, 2010 at 10:39 am
Tiny little creatures. They almost look like mini ferrets. Cool article. Well researched with great images.
Einstein12321
On March 15, 2010 at 10:40 am
I have two! There soooo cute! You have some great photos!
Thanks for sharing!
lillyrose
On March 15, 2010 at 10:40 am
Oh wow… they are so very cute but I always worry when people get pets because of a trend, a pet is a life time commitment and not a matter to be taken lightly.
Very good interesting article and those pics are out of this wold!
Butterfly Dreaming
On March 15, 2010 at 10:43 am
An interesting article! What cute, little critters they are!
justmyname
On March 15, 2010 at 10:45 am
very good stuff you write there, keep going friend
gourab
On March 15, 2010 at 10:45 am
I want one of those!
Athlyn Green
On March 15, 2010 at 10:46 am
These are so cute and very different looking–and the pictures were a treat. As always, R. J. an excellent article. Bookmarked.
janedoe146
On March 15, 2010 at 10:47 am
Just a heads up, Tasmania is part of Australia.
Cazz29
On March 15, 2010 at 10:47 am
I’m glad to see you like the animals that come from my country. You’re right they are beautiful animals.
louiseobrien
On March 15, 2010 at 10:48 am
I hd never heard of these before. They are indeed very cute but I hope people take o borad your warnings about the amount of time needed to be a good owner to one.
Michael Eboh
On March 15, 2010 at 10:48 am
Cool. I prefer dog!
overwings
On March 15, 2010 at 10:48 am
Nice creature. I’ve never seen one closely. Too far from Australia I live.
Uma Shankari
On March 15, 2010 at 10:48 am
Ah, these cute animals have taken away my heart!! Adorable pictures, and equally enjoyable description.
thestickman
On March 16, 2010 at 8:53 pm
The more I learn about Sugar Glider care versus Flying Squirrel care, the more I think I love Flying Squirrels. Too bad Flying Squirrels don’t have that adorable stripe down their head and back like the Sugars do…
Charmaine Shaw
On April 6, 2010 at 5:13 am
I have 6 sugar gliders and they are very cute and loveable. They can bite on occasion, if they are scarred or somtimes they will lightly grip you with their mouth . They also make funny little noises when they are scared they make a loud noise called “crabbing” they also make a barking noise that sounds like a little puppy that’s how they call to each other. Sometimes they make a hissing noise to each other as well. Mine love to climb down my shirt and sleep while holding onto my bra all day.they have alot of personallity no 2 are alike.
Charmaine Shaw
On April 6, 2010 at 5:14 am
I have 6 sugar gliders and they are very cute and loveable. They can bite on occasion, if they are scarred or somtimes they will lightly grip you with their mouth . They also make funny little noises when they are scared they make a loud noise called \”crabbing\” they also make a barking noise that sounds like a little puppy that\’s how they call to each other. Sometimes they make a hissing noise to each other as well. Mine love to climb down my shirt and sleep while holding onto my bra all day.they have alot of personallity no 2 are alike.
goddess of love! [aphrodite]
On April 8, 2010 at 4:46 am
soooo ccuuutttttttteeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
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