Sugar gliders have grown in popularity over the years, so we know more than ever about these adorable little marsupials. (They’re not rodents!) Petaurus breviceps is the Latin name for a sugar glider. In addition, this name means “short-headed rope dancer”.
Lifespan of Sugar Gliders
These gliders live about 10-15 years in captivity and therefore are long-term pets.
Their Body
The body of the sugar glider is between 5-6 inches long, and the tail adds 6 more (which acts as a rudder while gliding). Also, they weigh only 4-5.5 ounces (100-160 grams).
Origin of a Sugar Glider
Sugar gliders are native to Australia (the eastern part), Papua New Guinea, Tasmania, several surrounding islands, and, also, parts of Indonesia. They are found in rainforests which slide from tree to tree. They settle in tree hollows and cavities. Obviously, they rarely touch the ground.
Anatomy
Sugar gliders are marsupials, which means the young are born very immature and grow in a pouch for 60-70 days on the mother’s womb (like a kangaroo or opossum). Sugar gliders have thin, stretchy, and hairy membranes that extend from their wrists to their ankles (the membrane is called a patagium) that allows them to glide up to 150 feet in the air. In nature, they move from tree to tree, without flying. Their hind legs have an opposable big toe that helps them grip branches, and the second and third toes form a grooming comb. Other toes help them catch insects and connect the patagium.
Large eyes are characteristic of these tiny marsupials, which help them see as they soar and triangulate their launch and landing locations. It also helps them foraging for food as they are nocturnal and hunt at night. Both sexes also have various scent glands, sharp teeth, and extremely soft fur.
Temperament and behavior
Sugar Gliders are very social and need companionship. This makes them bond well to their owners (especially if you are using a bonding pocket), but while you can provide a lot of attention and spend the necessary time with your kite, keeping a single kite is not ideal. Sugar gliders have their own language and live in colonies of up to 30 gliders in the wild. Housing a paraglider alone can lead to behavioral, psychological, emotional, and even physical problems for your pet. Remember to keep several gliders, or even several, in a pilot cage. Humans cannot provide the same kind of companionship and socializing than other sugar gliders can.
Diet
In nature, sugar gliders eat a variety of different foods depending on the season. They are omnivorous, and as pets, they are often fed specific diets recommended by experts and zoos. These are mixed diets that use baby food, honey, fruits, vitamins, and other ingredients, then added to fresh produce like fruits, vegetables, and insects. Formulated, prepackaged diets for sugar gliders are available in pet stores and online, but they are not recommended as a staple diet because they are not nutritionally complete. The needs of the Sugar Glider have changed as more is learned about them.
Health
Sugar gliders, like other exotic pets, have a multitude of illnesses that can affect them. Metabolic bone disease due to inadequate diet, blockage and glide injuries, diarrhea from eating too much fruit, and parasites are commonly seen in pet sugar gliders.
Did you enjoy reading this article? If so, are thinking of getting a kitten? Well, read this article to be aware of some things before getting one!
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