Anatomy

Sugar gliders are marsupials and the female has a pouch. The sex of a sugar glider can easily be distinguished because of this pouch and the prominent scrotum on the male. Males also have scent glands on the forehead, chest, and paracloacal region, with the gland on the forehead usually resulting in a small bald spot. Gliders use their patagium, a flap of skin extending from the front to hind digits, to jump and glide from tree to tree. The first two digits of the hind limb form a grooming comb and should not be trimmed if the nails are cut.

Husbandry

Sugar gliders are social animals, and are best kept in pairs since the average owner cannot devote the attention they require. Their most active hours are at night.

A moderately warm climate is preferred, at least 70-75 degrees F. A supplementary heat source may be required.

These active creatures require ample room to exercise. This wodent wheel is an ideal wheel. Branches and adequate space to jump and glide should be provided in an enclosure. Some plants are toxic to gliders.

Pine and cedar shavings, commonly used for small mammal bedding, contain oils that irritate the lungs of a sugar glider.

Sugar gliders prefer a next box with a small hole (resembling a hole in a tree) to sleep.

In the wild, a sugar glider's diet consists of arthropods, Acacia gum, Eucalyptus pollen, nectar, and other pollen sources.

In captivity, pellet diets are available, and homemade diets can be made as well. Australian zoos use a diet called Leadbetters Mix that can be easily made at home. Sugar gliders are insectivores, and a complete diet should include insects as well as fruits and vegetables in addition to any core diet.

Several varying opinions on the proper diet exist, and new research is continually causing Improper diet is a common reason that sugar gliders are brought to veterinarians with problems.

Common Medical Problems

Most problems are secondary to poor nutrition or improper husbandry.

Nutritional osteodystrophy - this is the most common problem in captive gliders, due to a Calcium and Vitamin D deficiency with an excess of Phosphorus.

Dental disease - this can be caused by diets that are too soft, sticky, and carbohydrate rich.

Obesity, emancipation, constipation - due to poor nutrition. The sugar glider needs a diet with low fat and adequate fiber.

Stress-related - disorders such as self-mutilation can most often be corrected changing the environment to reduce stress.

Neoplasia - the most common is lymphoid.

Infectious diseases - these are not common in captive gliders that are kept indoors and not exposed to other animals.