Purchase an owner's manual. We recommend Sugar Gliders: A Complete Pet Owner's Manual by Caroline MacPherson. | |
Find a qualified veterinarian in your area. You may want to schedule a check-up immediately. And your vet may offer certain grooming services (like nail clipping) too. | |
Glider-proof your home. Remove toxic plants and chemicals from your home if you plan to let your sugar glider roam freely. Also make sure that toilet lids are down and fish aquariums have full hoods, to avoid accidental drowning. | |
Select a suitable location. Choose a room that is relatively free from blinding bright light and noises during the day. Avoid drafty areas and make sure there is adequate ventilation in the room. | |
Purchase or build a suitable cage. Specifications should be at least 36" high x 24" wide x 24" deep -- plenty of room for your sugar glider to exercise. Be sure the cage has metal wire spacing that is no more than 1" x 1/2" wide, to prohibit escape and accidental strangulation. The feeding station should be relatively high in the cage to avoid fecal soilage. | |
Purchase food dishes. To avoid spillage and waste, choose dishes that will not easily topple over when your pet climbs onto them. Preferably, use dishes which mount securely to the side of the cage. Also select dishes that are easily removed, washed and maintained. | |
Purchase a leak-proof water bottle. Sugar gliders must always have fresh water. So buy a water bottle that is easy to change daily, and will provide ample water throughout the day. | |
Find an appropriate food source. Most dietary items (like vegetables and fruits) may be found in your local grocery store, but other specialty food items (like mealworms, crickets, and monkey chow) will have to be purchased online or through your pet shop. | |
Choose a vitamin supplement. Expert opinions vary and there are many vitamin/calcium sources available on the market. Check with your vet for the appropriate food supplement for your sugar glider. | |
Buy a nesting pouch. Although pet stores offer wooden nesting boxes, cloth nesting pouches are preferable. Wooden boxes absorb bacteria from urine and feces, whereas cloth pouches are machine washable and easy to store, change, and move. Have at least one nesting pouch available, with preferably an extra one for laundry day. | |
Create a playground atmosphere in the cage. Cage toys and accessories help stimulate and entertain your sugar glider. Add live tree branches, ropes, swings, and cubbies to fight boredom in your pet. Severe neurotic behavior (which can ultimately lead to illness and death) can be avoided by providing visual and physical stimulation. | |
Purchase a bonding pouch or design one of your own. In order for your sugar glider to become bonded to you, he/she will have to become accustomed to your scent and sounds. A bonding pouch provides protection and security for your sugar glider, while permitting you to remain mobile -- you take your pocket pet with you wherever you may go. |