The information here is a very small part of what I have accumulated about Sugar Gliders over the years from reading numerous books, articles, and web pages. I am also a member of 2 sugar glider forums and have learned a lot from those sources as well. I encourage you to do research of your own about these amazing little people, as perhaps you will learn more than I and then you can teach me! I am always thirsty to learn more about these incredible people called Sugar Gliders.
For more information on the care of sugar gliders, please click HERE
Sugar Gliders are marsupials which means they carry their young in a pouch. Babies, called joeys, are "birthed" while still not fully developed, they crawl into their mom's pouch and finish developing there. When they enter the pouch they "attach" themselves to a nipple and remain there until fully developed. Once developed they will detach from the nipple and come "out of pouch" (often referred to as the OOP date) but they do continue to nurse for some time. The mom can be seen tucking the joeys back into her pouch. Sometimes feet and tails will stick out and it is quite amusing! Joeys spend about 8 weeks or so in pouch.
Sugar Gliders scientific name is Petaurus Breviceps. They are originally from Australia, Indonesia, New Zealand, and Tasmania. They do not like the cold and need to be kept warm, so please don't bring them out to play in the snow! In the wild the Sugar Glider diet consists of eucalyptus sap, acacia gums, insects, honeydew (secretions from insects) and even the occasional small bird. They are also a food source for other animals (how awful!!!) such as birds, snakes, and other predators.
The Sugar Glider is a small mammal, never getting much bigger than an average human hand, with a 6-8 inch long tail. They are quite intelligent (in fact I place them ABOVE cats and dogs! But more of that later!). THEY ARE NOT RODENTS! So correct that person that calls them a rat!
The average life span of a Sugar Glider can vary greatly depending on the type of care and any genetic issues it may have. I have heard stories of them living 5 years as well as long as 15 years.
Sugar Gliders have a membrane on each side that extends from the wrist to the ankle. This membrane is called a "patagium" and is what they use to help them glide from tree to tree (or shoulder to shoulder!). They do not "fly" in the traditional sense.
Sugar Gliders are nocturnal which means they are active at night and sleep during the day. Sugar Gliders do make a variety of sounds, not including the noise from them playing at night. Keep this in mind before purchasing one! They bark, purr, "crab", chitter, and other noises I cant explain here. The "crabbing" sound they make is generally made when they are very unhappy or angry about something and is very loud for such a small body and sounds like a boat or other small engine starting without any oil in it. It is quite a unique and surprising sound! In the wild I assume it is a defense as a predator could be easily startled by this sound and give the sugar glider a chance to escape.
Sugar Glider Behavior is quite interesting. For some true examples of this, see my sugar glider stories page!
They can become very bonded to their caregiver in captivity, and are quite rewarding as friends. But I do suggest research, research and more research before you get one! Did I mention research?!
If you already own Sugar Gliders and want me to add more information to this site, or see something you feel is wrong, please email me! If you do not own Sugar Gliders and have questions, feel free to email me!
and remember....PLEASE DO NOT PURCHASE FROM A MILL BREEDER!
HOW TO RECOGNIZE A MILL BREEDER:
ask yourself:
Are the joeys of the right age?
Do the joeys act like they are HAPPY being held or are they "crabbing"?
Is a large cage and proper diet and research encouraged so you can be a good glider parent?
If you said "no" to any of this....please think again before buying from that business!
Please visit here for more information:
www.millbreederproject.com
