Sugar Glider Habitat and how to make your Home Glider-Proof
Creating a safe and appropriate environment for sugar gliders indoors is crucial for their well-being and should closely resemble their natural environment in the wild. Here are some important factors to consider and guidelines to ensure their safety.
Sugar glider-proofing: Sugar gliders are small and agile creatures, so it's important to sugar glider-proof your home to prevent any potential hazards. Block off small spaces where they could get stuck, seal openings around wires, and secure windows and doors to prevent escape.
Remove potential hazards: Identify and remove any potential hazards that could harm your sugar glider. This includes toxic plants, open windows or doors, uncovered electrical cords, exposed wires, chemicals, cleaning products, and small objects that can be swallowed.
Secure windows and doors: Sugar gliders are small and agile, so make sure all windows and doors are securely closed and have screens to prevent escape or accidental falls.
Cover electrical outlets and cords: Use outlet covers to prevent your sugar glider from chewing on electrical outlets. Additionally, cover electrical cords with cable protectors or keep them out of reach to avoid any accidental injuries.
Keep toxic substances out of reach: Store all household cleaning products, chemicals, medications, and any other potentially toxic substances in secure cabinets or high shelves, out of your sugar glider's reach.
Remove dangerous plants: Sugar gliders are curious and may try to nibble on plants. Remove any toxic plants, such as lilies, ivy, philodendron, or any other plants that are known to be harmful to pets.
Close off small spaces: Sugar gliders are small and can squeeze into tight spaces. Close off small openings, gaps, or vents where they could get stuck or hide.
Provide a safe environment: Create a designated sugar glider-safe area in your home, such as a glider-proofed room or a large cage with plenty of toys, branches, and hiding spots. This will allow your sugar glider to explore and play safely when unsupervised.
Supervise playtime: Whenever your sugar glider is out of its enclosure, ensure you are closely supervising it to prevent any accidents or damage to your home. Keep an eye on their activity and redirect their attention if they start heading towards potential hazards.
Secure food and water: Use spill-proof bowls or attach them to the cage to prevent spills and contamination. Also, make sure to remove any uneaten fresh food to avoid attracting insects or causing any health issues.
Beware of open flames: Sugar gliders are attracted to warm areas, so be cautious with open flames from candles, fireplaces, or stovetops. Keep them out of reach and never leave them unattended when your sugar glider is out of its enclosure.
Cage size: Sugar gliders need a spacious cage to move and glide around, such as the Critter Nation Double Level Cage. A minimum cage size for a pair of sugar gliders is about 24 inches wide, 24 inches deep, and 36 inches tall. Bigger is always better! Provide a secure and escape-proof cage for your sugar gliders when they are not supervised. Ensure that the cage has small bar spacing to prevent them from squeezing through. Regularly inspect the cage for any damage or weaknesses.
Vertical space: Sugar gliders are arboreal animals, so providing them with plenty of vertical space is essential. Opt for a cage with multiple levels or add branches and perches for climbing.
Temperature and lighting: Sugar gliders are native to warm climates, so maintaining a room temperature between 70-90°F (21-32°C) is ideal. Avoid placing their cage in direct sunlight or near drafts. Avoid placing their cage near heating or cooling vents. A consistent 12-hour light/dark cycle mimicking their natural day-night pattern is recommended. Put a cage cover made of fleece around the back side, top, and sides of the cage, such as this one sold on ETSY.
Exercise wheels: Sugar gliders are highly active and love to run. A solid, safe exercise wheel such as the Freerunner Wheel is an essential addition to their habitat. Choose a wheel specifically designed for sugar gliders to prevent any injuries or tail entanglement. A wheel with the axis extending into the inside of the wheel is not suitable and unsafe for Sugar Gliders. It is essential to provide sufficient space around the wheel, as Sugar gliders love to run on the inside and outside of the wheel equally.
Toys and enrichment: Sugar gliders are intelligent and curious creatures that require mental stimulation. Provide plenty of toys, such as ropes, ladders, hanging pouches, chew toys, and structures like the Lil’Woodzeez Tree Houses (remove all small parts that have the potential to be a hazard). Rotate their toys regularly to prevent boredom.
Safe materials: Ensure that all materials used in the habitat are safe for sugar gliders. Avoid using cedar or pine bedding, as they can be harmful to their respiratory system. Pine bedding is acceptable if the gliders don’t come in direct contact with it. Ensure to have separation between the bottom grid of the cage and the pan containing the pine bedding. If the gliders come in contact with the bedding, use paper-based bedding instead. Avoid material like cotton, as fibers may come loose and provide an entanglement hazard. Use Anti-Pill or Polar Fleece instead. Ensure that the seams are hidden so the gliders nails can’t get stuck in it. Avoid metal like bells, as it can pose a potential risk as sugar gliders may chew on it, leading to dental damage or injuries. Also, metal can react with the glider’s pee and cause a toxic reaction. Opt for non-toxic plastic toys and accessories instead.
Ensure that all toys are properly secured using C-Links with a lock. In some cases, zip-ties can be used, to ensure the safety of sugar gliders, it is important to select the appropriate size of zip-ties. Ensure that they are tightly secured, leaving no gaps that could potentially trap a glider's hand or foot. Lastly, use flush cutters to remove the excess tail of the zip-tie, eliminating any sharp edges that could cause harm.
Sleeping areas: Sugar gliders are nocturnal and need dark, cozy spaces to sleep during the day. Provide nesting boxes or pouches lined withe fleece. Also cut up some fleece blankets in different shapes, approximately 5”x5”.
Socialization: Sugar gliders are social animals and should ideally be kept in pairs or small groups. They require daily interaction and playtime with their human caregivers to maintain their mental well-being. Always supervise your sugar gliders when they are out of their cage to ensure they don't get into any trouble or encounter dangerous situations. Keep a close eye on them during playtime to prevent accidents. A good option is a mosquito tent, big enough to fit a person as well, like the Even Naturals Mosquito Tent.
Regularly assess your home for potential hazards and make adjustments as necessary to maintain a safe environment for your sugar gliders. Remember that providing a suitable habitat for sugar gliders is just one aspect of their care. A well-balanced diet, regular assessments of their physical and mental condition, and proper socialization are equally important for their overall health and happiness.
It's important to prioritize their safety to prevent any accidents or injuries.