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So you want a sugar glider, eh? Well, you're in for a ride. Suggies are the most fun animal I've ever owned, and I've owned almost everything. Dogs, cats, rabbits, iguanas, frogs, fish, moray eels, corals, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, lizards, salamanders, snakes, large birds, sea monkeys, hermit crabs, and about anything else you can think of. Of course, sugar gliders are also one of the most demanding pets I've ever owned. You can't leave them in the cage like a snake, or let them roam around like a dog or cat (unless your house is glider proof!). Their diet takes longer to prepare than that of the iguanas, and they are every bit as noisy and messy as some birds. They won't take to you immediately like some domestic animals will, and they will also bite if frightened.
So, still want one? Well, I'd go with more than one, because sugar gliders are very social. So, other than another sugar glider, here is your checklist for suggie happiness:
1) A cage. A big cage. Personally, I wouldn't put my gliders in a cage that was too small for a ferret. Of course, the bar spacing has to be smaller (1/2"), so your suggies can't escape, and make sure the wire is PVC or powder-coated, never galvanized. 24" by 24" by 36" is considered the minimum, but bigger is better. And no, you can't put them in a small cage because you think you'll be spending lots of out of cage time with them. Why? Gliders are nocturnal: they play when you sleep. And they need room to play.
My gliders actually have their own room in the house- no cage for them! But I know that most people don't have that kind of room, so make sure the cage is big enough!
2) A wheel. Hamster wheels are BAD- let's just make this clear right off the bat. The wiring is unsafe, and gliders can become injured easily on them. Go for a wodent wheel, which I prefer because they have optional sandpaper inserts for when your gliders' nails get too long (there is some controversy over whether wodents are safe because of the middle bar, but I have never had any issues). Stealth and Rescue wheels are also safe.
3) Toys. Lots of toys. Tunnels, fuzzy fleecy toys, baby toys, ladders, bells, mirrors, and every glider's favorite: barrel of monkeys! Hang them up in the cage for hours of fun. Sometimes I'll come back in the morning to find all the monkeys either knocked off or rearranged. Toys are a must! For you, and for them! Get creative- but make sure whatever you use is safe for gliders. No catnip-infused products, and nothing that is easily ingested.
4) Pouches. You need pouches that you can hang in the cage, ones you can strap onto you, and, preferably, at least one that can do both for fussy gliders. The best material for these pouches is fleece: it is warm, soft, and cuddly, just like them!
5) Travel cage. You need one of these, whether you plan on traveling with them or not. It should be big enough for the gliders to play in, but small enough to be convenient. If you ever have an emergency, it's useful to have an extra cage.
6) Food. See the diet section for more information.
7) Water bottle. I prefer bottles, as they are easier to keep filled and clean than dishes. Also, they are safer for the gliders (who can't swim; close your toilet lids) and for your walls, which might get splashed. Sugar gliders need fresh, filtered water available at all times. They are sensitive to water quality, and so should not drink straight tap water if it can be avoided.
8) Treats. Just regular old food without treats is no fun! Visit ToandFroGliders to buy snacks for your babies.
9) Vitamins. Depending on your diet, you may need to supplement with vitamins.
10) Baby Wipes. Just trust me on this one. But be careful not to use them on the gliders themselves, as baby wipes contain aloe vera, a potentially toxic plant.
11) A tent. Set it up in your living room, throw in some fleece and toys, and you and your gliders hop in for some quality time. It's a great way to bond without having to worry about them running away.
12) Patience. The key element to keeping a sugar glider in captivity.
If you have all of the above, and are willing to dedicate your time, space, and heart to it, then welcome to the world of sugar gliders! It's a wacky world full of caring, wonderful people and mischievous little marsupials. I rarely meet a glider owner that I don't like (though it has happened), or a glider that I don't fall in love with. The people you will meet are absolutely great- always willing to help you and your glider, and the gliders are, well, hilarious. And we're glad to have you with us.
