Sugar Glider Store Blog

The Sociable & Not-So-Sociable Glider

2011-10-31T11:18:00.000-07:00

Sugar gliders have probably grown in popularity because they are gentle, intelligent, have interesting family dynamics, and can interact and bond with people. They are also protective and territorial, which can lead to attacks on other sugar gliders that cause serious injury or death.
Sugar gliders are social animals and are happiest when they have the companionship of other sugar gliders. To reduce the possibility of injury and excessive breeding, place females together in small groups. Neutered males also work well with other neutered males and females. Lastly, a single male and female can be placed together, but breeding will quickly follow. A female can produce up to six to eight joeys a year and, unless you neuter the males, inbreeding and overcrowding will occur, which can lead to congenital abnormalities and fighting.
Sugar gliders are scent-oriented creatures. The easiest way to create a bond is to introduce them to their owner’s own scent and touch. This can be achieved by carrying the sugar glider in a fleece pouch, under a shirt or in a shirt pocket throughout the day. Threats offered by hand and gentle touches expose them to contact. In the evening when sugar gliders are most active, they enjoy being out of their cage and interacting with people. They run, jump, flip and glide. While they cannot be trained to fetch, sit or roll over, they will beg for treats and glide to people when treats are offered. Sugar glider faces are very expressive and they are able to make many wishes known by their nonverbal cues and their unique vocal sounds.
Once bonded to their owners, sugar gliders will mark, groom and cuddle with those close to them. Bonded sugar gliders do not try to escape touch. They sit by the cage door and call out for their owner. Instead of running away from contact, they typically run toward their owner. If they are scared or lonely, they seek out their owner for comfort and support.
Sugar gliders love their owners just as much as dogs or cats do. Considering all of this, it is no wonder so many people have also found companionship and love with their sugar glider and are willing to invest time and money to provide for all its needs. Visit the Sugar Glider Superstore now!

New Sugar Glider Food Released !

2011-09-29T03:49:00.000-07:00

Exotic Nutrition Pet Company releases new Sugar Glider Food...
Quick & Easy INSTANT-HPW. Finally available ... an easy way to prepare and offer the popular HPW Sugar Glider Diet plan at a low cost. Your Sugar Glider will absolutely LOVE the pure vanilla bean flavor of INSTANT-HPW. Contains all of the ingredients in the original HPW Diet including Honey, Eggs, Wombaroo High Protein Supplement, Bee Pollen, Flax Seed Oil & Omega 6 & 3 Fatty Acids.

Our professional staff formulated INSTANT-HPW to replicate the original HPW diet plan used by Sugar Glider owner's worldwide. Exotic Nutrition's INSTANT-HPW delivers an enriched diet plan that includes all of the ingredients found in the original HPW(High Protein Wombaroo diet), without the fuss, high cost of purchasing individual ingredients ... or mess involved in it's preparation!

Simply add bottled water, blend, and it's ready to feed, or freeze into ice cubes(Freezes soft)... to offer at a later time. Amazingly simple to prepare and flavored with pure vanilla bean powder that Sugar Gliders can't resist!

INSTANT-HPW can be frozen after mixing and stored for up to 6 months frozen. It will store in it's original powder form at room temperature for up to 1 year.

When freezing, pour into ice cube trays for individual portions; offer one cube per day (per 2 gliders) along with Exotic Nutrition’s Premium Sugar Glider Pellets or Glider Complete Diet. Place frozen cube on top of the pellet diet (2 tablespoons of either PREMIUM SUGAR GLIDER PELLETS or GLIDER COMPLETE DIET along with one cube of INSTANT-HPW for 2 Sugar Gliders, half that amount for 1 glider). Remove any uneaten food after 24 hours and replace with fresh. When mixed with water and not freezing, simply pour 2 Tablespoons of the liquid INSTANT-HPW over 1 Tablespoon of either Premium Sugar Glider Diet or Glider Complete (per Sugar Glider) and serve. After mixing with water, it can be stored refrigerated for up to 1 week, mix well before each feeding if storing this way.

Packaged in resealable heavy-duty pouches.

MIXING INSTRUCTIONS: Measure 1 cup bottled water with 1/2 cup INSTANT-HPW powder. Blend for 1 minute, then feed, store refrigerated or freeze into cubes. Fresh fruits and vegetables can also be offered along with the INSTANT-HPW and Pellet Diet.
When feeding GLIDER COMPLETE ... it is not necessary to add fruits & vegetables, since this food already contains dried fruits.

INGREDIENTS:
Dried powdered honey, dried powdered whole eggs, whey protein concentrate, soy protein concentrate, ground cereals, powdered bee pollen, maltodextrin, dextrose, lysine, methionine, vegetable oils, flax seed oil, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C, D3, E, K, nicotinamide, pantothenic acid, biotin, folic acid, choline, inositol, calcium carbonate, dicalcium phosphate, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, magnesium, zinc, iron, manganese, copper, iodine, selenium, natural flavorings.

Good Eats

2011-08-19T07:35:00.000-07:00

A common misconception is that sugar gliders only eat sweet foods, but actually sugar gliders are omnivores, meaning they eat plants and animals. A wild sugar glider’s diet changes depending on the season and its location. Some frequent foods include sap, pollen and nectar from trees, a variety of fruits and insects, and, at times, eggs and small animals. Their natural diet is complicated and difficult to replicate. Gaining basic information about a sugar glider’s diet and consulting with a veterinarian about nutritional needs are the best way to choose a diet.
Calcium is an important element of a sugar glider’s diet and the recommended calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is 2:1 to prevent calcium deficiencies. Protein is also another important element of a sugar glider’s diet, the amount needed is uncertain, but a common recommendation is about 50 percent protein.
Sugar gliders often overeat sweet and fattening foods. They can become overweight, leading to medical complications related to obesity. Having fresh, clean water available at all times is vital, because sugar gliders are known to dehydrate quickly.
A variety of staple dry food diets, powdered mixes, supplements and treats are now available specifically for sugar gliders. These can be bought in select pet stores and readily online. A few dry food diets state that they provide all the nutrients needed, and they discourage any addition of fruits and vegetables, while other dry food diets are used along with daily fruits and vegetables. Powdered mixes and supplements are usually combined with familiar foods like eggs, chicken and honey, then mixed with water to make a moist diet, which is fed along with fruits and vegetables.
Sugar gliders extract moisture and nutrients from their food and then discard the remaining solid substances. Many sugar gliders and owners prefer a moist diet combined with fresh or frozen produce and daily treats. Treats include mealworms and other insects, nuts, yogurt drops and dried fruit. Treats are not necessary in maintaining sugar glider health, but they are a great tool to use with bonding.

Bonding with Sugar Gliders

2011-08-08T08:32:00.000-07:00

Sugar gliders are scent-oriented creatures. The easiest way to create a bond is to introduce them to their owner’s scent and touch. This can be achieved by carrying the sugar glider in a fleece pouch, under a shirt or in a shirt pocket throughout the day. Treats offered by hand and gentle touches expose them to contact. In the evening when sugar gliders are most active, they enjoy being out of their cage and interacting with people. They run, jump, flip and glide. While they cannot be trained to fetch, sit or roll over, they will beg for treats and glide to people when treats are offered. Sugar glider faces are very expressive and they are able to make many wishes known by their nonverbal cues and their unique vocal sounds.
Once bounded to their owners, sugar gliders will mark, groom and cuddle with those close to them. Bonded sugar gliders do not try to escape touch. They sit by the cage door and call out for their owner. Instead of running away from contact, they typically run toward their owner. If they are scared or lonely, they seek out their owner for comfort and support.
Sugar gliders love their owners just as much as dogs or cats do. Considering all of this, it is no wonder so many people have also found companionship and love with their sugar glider and are willing to invest time and money to provide for all its needs.

To view products for bonding with your Sugar glider, visit the Sugar Glider Superstore.

Home Sweet Sugar Glider Home

2011-06-30T08:43:00.000-07:00

In their natural environment sugar gliders live together in small family units making their homes in shallow hollows of trees. Sugar gliders are accustomed to traveling vast areas while foraging, which provides these high-energy animals with much exercise.
Sugar gliders must have ample room in their cage for unrestricted movement and frequent time out of their cage for playing and gliding. The minimum acceptable cage size is at least 24 inches wide by 24 inches deep by 36 inches high for a single sugar glider. Cage size should increase if additional sugar gliders are housed together. Place the cage on a stand to decrease contact between other pets.
Due to a sugar glider’s size, intelligence and manipulative thumbs, consideration must be given to cage bar spacing and door locks to prevent accidental escapes. Bar spacing should not be more than ½ by 1 inch wide and made with powder-coated wire for protection and ease of cleaning. Simple locks found on bird cages are often opened by sugar gliders. Cages that require two steps to open the door are best.
Sugar gliders are playful and inquisitive, they will play together or alone. Furnishing a variety of cage accessories like perches, hiding and climbing toys, ropes and vines, and a sturdy wheel will provide entertainment and prevent boredom. Typical food containers are heavy dishes that prevent spilling and water dishes or bottles.

Feeding Sugar Gliders

2011-06-22T10:32:00.000-07:00

Gaining basic information about a sugar glider’s diet and consulting with a veterinarian about nutritional needs are the best way to choose a diet.
Calcium is an important element of a sugar glider’s diet and the recommended calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is 2:1 to prevent calcium deficiencies. Protein is also another important element of a sugar glider’s diet, the amount needed is uncertain, but a common recommendation is about 40 percent protein.
Sugar gliders often overeat sweets and fattening foods. They can become overweight, leading to medical complications related to obesity. Having fresh, clean water available at all times is vital, because sugar gliders are known to dehydrate quickly.
A variety of staple dry food diets, powdered mixes, supplements and treats are now available specifically for sugar gliders. These can be brought readily online.

A few dry food diets state that they provide all the nutrients needed, and they discourage any addition of fruits and vegetables, while other dry food diets are used along with daily fruits and vegetables. Powdered mixes and supplements are usually combined with familiar foods like eggs, chicken and honey, then mixed with water to make a moist diet, which is fed along with fruits and vegetables.
Sugar gliders extract moisture and nutrients from their food and then discard the remaining solid substances. Many sugar gliders and owners prefer a moist diet combined with fresh or frozen produce and daily treats. Treats include mealworms and other insects, nuts, yogurt drops and dried fruit. Treats are not necessary in maintaining sugar glider health, but they are a great tool to use with bonding. To view some of the food selections for Sugar gliders - click here -

PVC Sugar Glider Cage Recall

2011-06-02T12:29:00.001-07:00

Manufacturer Recall - PVC Sugar Glider Cages
Martins PVC coated cages sold from October 2010 - May 2011

Pertains to 'PVC' coated Sugar glider cages only. These are identified as the Sugar glider cages with the thick black PVC coating on the wire, purchased between Oct. 2010 - May 2011.

If you purchased a PVC coated (Martins) Sugar glider cage from the Sugar Glider Superstore website, or any other retail website between October 2010 thru May 2010, please contact the manufacturer - Martins Cages about a cage recall (contact information listed below).

At this time, there is no indication that the PVC coated cages are definitely a cause of health issues with pet Sugar gliders, but there is a possibility that the PVC coated wire may be an issue, therefore as a precautionary measure, Martins Cage company will replace their PVC coated cages (sold between the above listed dates) with powder coated cages at no cost to the customer.

The PVC coated Sugar glider cages that the recall applies include the following models as previously listed on the Sugar Glider Superstore website: Castle Cage, Tower Cage, Mansion cage, Travel Cage, these were the (all black) PVC coated Sugar glider cage models only, and only the cages purchased between Oct. 2010 and May 2011. No other pet cage models sold on the Sugar Glider Superstore website are effected by this recall. This recall only applies to PVC coated Sugar glider cages purchased during these dates, no other pet cages are effected.

At this time, if you house a Sugar glider(s) in a PVC coated cage that was purchased between Oct. 2010 and May 2011, please remove your sugar glider(s) from the cage, and contact Martins Cage company immediately to determine if your PVC cage is one that is effected by the recall.

Martins Cage Company (the cage manufacturer) is currently working on a new line of Sugar glider cages made from another material, and they will gladly replace any of their PVC coated Sugar glider cages that were purchased between Oct. 2010 thru May 2011.

Martins Cage Company will soon have available sugar glider cages made in powder coated wire, which they will replace the PVC coated cages with. This will take a little time, but as soon as they are available they will be happy to replace your existing cage with a powder coated version of the Sugar glider cage model that you purchased between the dates listed above.

It would be helpful if you could please e-mail Martins Cages at: sales@martinscages.com if you own one of the cages in question, so they can put you on the priority list to have a new powder coated cage shipped out to you as soon as possible. Please put "cage replacement" in the subject line and include your name and current address.

The Sugar Glider Superstore will provide any updates to the recall, along with keeping you informed of any other information that becomes available to us.

Contact Information for Martins Cage Company:
email address - sales@martinscages.com
Phone number for Martins Cage Company - 888-451-2234
Contact person at Martins Cage Co. - Diane

Fun Time For Sugar Gliders

2011-04-05T06:30:00.000-07:00

Curious, social and playful by nature, sugar gliders can live an enriched life in captivity, with a little help from you. Provide your Sugar glider with a choice of several sleeping spots. Cage nest pouches made of soft polar materials are ideal. Snuggle Sacks, Teepee's, and soft hammocks or tunnels make ideal hang-outs.

An essential accessory for every Sugar glider cage is an exercise wheels. Wodent Wheels are the most popular, with their unique 'holes in the side', they invite your glider inside to run and play. Wodent wheels also have special 'sanded' tracks available to trim the nails while the sugar glider runs. These tracks(called Sandy Tracks)make grooming much easier, it basically takes care of itself. Be aware, that some wheels that are not specifically marketed for Sugar gliders can cause tail injuries, stick with a Wodent Wheel and you won't have this issue.

Artificial vines, Manzinitta branches, and bending ropes will add areas of the cage for your pet to climb and jump, mimicking their natural environment.

Foraging-type toys keep your Glider happy hunting for treats. Coconut huts, Glider safe toys that dangle and spring are sure to keep your glider occupied during the times when you or your family are not around to socialize with him/her.

Remember, a Sugar gliders favorite toy is you. Be prepared to devote a minimum of one to two hours per night to play with your glider for its optimum health and happiness.

Sugar Glider Behaviors

2010-12-08T06:59:00.000-08:00

In addition to scent gland communications (Sugar gliders say hello to each other by rubbing their scent glands on each other) their are other communications that go on between Sugar gliders through a series of vocalizations.

Barking: Short muted barks that sound more like a small dog barking in the distance help them keep tabs on one another's location.

Sneezing: When members of the same group disagree (more often than not over food), they make a sneezing sound which indicates "go away ... I saw it first".

Hissing: Dependant (young) Sugar gliders will often make this low hissing sound. This sound is meant to communicate distress, and will bring other members of the group to his aid. Babies also make this sound when hungry.

Crabbing: By far their most extraordinary vocalization is the one Sugar gliders make in the nest when disturbed. The sound defies description, but sounds a little like the new years eve rattles that you crank. The noise is considerably loud and threatening considering it is coming from such a small animal. The noise is used to communicate displeasure or fear. Pet Sugar gliders will often make this sound when disturbed from sleep, but it will stop once the Sugar glider recognizes the scent from the person picking it up.

For more information on Sugar glider behaviors and care, visit the Educational Articles section of the following website - Sugar Glider Store.

Breeding Sugar Gliders in Captivity

2010-11-12T06:57:00.000-08:00

Breeding Sugar gliders is a rewarding and memorable experience. Here is a 'run down' of a few things to think about when considering breeding...

- Part 1 of a 3 Part Series -

Colony Breeding vs Breeding in Pairs:

There are two ways of breeding Sugar gliders, they can be breed in pairs or trios, or they can be bred in colonies of up to 12 in a communal large aviary type cage. There are advantages and disadvantages of both approaches.
Colony breeding will not produce as many babies as would breeding in pairs and trios. Babies tend to not get the protective care when in colonies as they would if in pairs or trios. There is a higher rate of babies disappearing in colonies. You have to assume that they have been eaten. The best way to go about colony breeding is to assemble multiple female sugar gliders (10) and one or two males. One male Sugar glider can impregnate up to 12 females, so extra males are not necessary to take up room in the cage. The issue you may find is that it is difficult to assemble that many females. Breeders are reluctant to part with there baby producing stock, and tend to sell more males than females. One male Sugar glider will tend to become dominant, and do all the breeding, the rest of the males become redundant. You will also have a hard time selling babies that are not related, since most will have the same father.
With pair and trio breeding, it is much easier to keep track or the babies, easier to separate breeding lines, and easier to keep track of how much the babies are eating.

Although there is an advantage of housing many Sugar gliders together in a colony (easier to feed & clean when all in one cage). There are more advantages from a breeding prospective using the pair or trio method.

Keep records - It is necessary to record health, litter size, fertility, parenting ability and temperament. This will allow you to determine which gliders are the best to keep in your breeding population.

Colony Housing - Colony cages should be a minimum of 4' x 4' x 7' Here is an example of a colony cage. There should also be multiple feeding and watering stations throughout the cage. Make sure that there are multiple doors, some large and some small, so that you can access the cage without the gliders escaping. Hang multiple nesting pouches throughout the cage, and supply climbing branches and multiple exercise wheels for the gliders.

Dietary requirements for Breeders:

It is strongly suggested that you increase the protein intake of your breeding stock. You can accomplish this by adding live, canned or dried insect to the diet. Insect-Eater Diet is a good addition and contains whole insects to increase the protein content of the diet. The addition of a multi-Vitamin and calcium supplement is also recommended for pregnant or lactating females. Our recommendation is adding Glider Booster to the diet as a multi-vitamin and Glider-Cal as a calcium supplement.

Part 2 to this series will publish in the upcoming weeks.

Before attempting to raise and sell Sugar gliders, we suggest that you contact the department below to check for regulations in your state.

US Dept. of Agriculture
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
Regulatory Enforcement and Animal Care
Sector Supervisor
2568-A Riva Road, Suite 302
Annapolis, MD 21401-7400
and ask for information on how to get licensed to raise and sell exotics.

Infrared Lighting Systems for Sugar Gliders

2010-11-04T08:24:00.000-07:00

It's a good idea to locate your sugar glider’s cage in an area that is quiet during the day and well-ventilated. A wire cage allows for good ventilation. Do not house your sugar glider in a garage, basement or dark part of the house.

The area where you keep your sugar glider’s cage should provide indirect sunlight during the day, but never direct sunlight. Keep the cage away from heaters and radiators, and out of drafty areas.

Sugar gliders are most comfortable at temperatures between 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, although they will more active in warmer temperatures up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep the cage in an area that will provide these temperatures.

It’s a good idea to expose your sugar glider to natural daylight rhythms. House its cage in a room that gets indirect sunlight. Some sugar glider owners use infrared lights so they can observe their gliders at night. See the Infrared lighting system here.
Night (Infrared) lighting for your Sugar glider's cage is a cool new concept. This bulb & fixture combo provides enough light to view your nocturnal pets during the night time hours, while not disturbing the day/night cycle of your pet Glider. Our reflector dome light is included in this package, along with a 50 watt Infrared bulb. Fixture clips to exterior of cage. Great way to view your Gliders during their natural night time activities. Fixture has a durable, heat resistant ceramic base.

Sugar Glider Cage Care and selection.

2010-10-26T11:54:00.000-07:00

Providing a proper enclosure with Sugar glider-safe toys and accessories minimizes the risk of injury to your Glider. A Sugar glider's enclosure must be kept clean, not only to avoid smells, but to avoid parasites.

A Sugar glider's cage should be as large as possible. The absolute minimum for one or two gliders is 30 inches tall, 2 feet wide, and 2 feet long. Bigger is always better. Just remember, very large cages will offer limited access to your gliders (harder to reach them). Many owners use large aviary type cages. 1/2 inch bar spacing is a must, while others choose PVC coated cages. PVC coated cages are typically made by hand from rolled wire, the cages work well for sugar gliders, but the finish is a little 'home-made' looking.

Sugar gliders are excellent escape artists, so make sure that the doors lock properly, or you can add 'key-clips' on each door (found at your local hardware store). An enclosure with a removable bottom tray is ideal, it allows you to easily keep their cage free from unwanted waste, food, urine and droppings. Avoid using cedar shavings, and ideal bedding is a product called carefresh. There are excellent disinfecting products on the market suitable for sugar glider cages. Our favorite is a product called Discide wipes. You can use these wipes not only on the cage itself, but also on the cage accessories such as the exercise wheel.

To keep odors at a minimum, there are a few choices. Elimina is a product that works internally, you spray it on your gliders food (completly safe) and within a few days all odor from feces and urine are eliminated. Another popular product is Pureayre, this product is a natura food-grade product that is safe and works to remove the odors.

Keep the cage clean and sanitary, your sugar glider will feel, look and smell good !

Find more information on Sugar glider care at this webpage.

Who do you believe? Sugar Gliders need help!

2010-10-20T06:54:00.000-07:00

OK ... so you are confused. Misleading websites, veterinarians with vested interests in sugar glider products, and websites that promote 'only' using their products, so, which do you believe? Don't believe any of them. Although you may find partial truths in many things you hear or read about Sugar glider care from these companies, whether you find the information in a video promotion by a veterinarian boosting of their experience, or on a sugar glider website, much of the information is based on selling products that these companies or individuals are invested in, they make money from getting you to buy their products, or by visiting their websites, of course they are going to promote their products, that’s called capitalism, and they want to make money.

Some of these websites or videos can be extremely professional looking, along with coming off as if they have no vested interests other than teaching you the correct way to care for your Sugar gliders. Don't be fooled. Many of these websites that claim they are "societies' or "associations" are really one or two individuals that want only for you to buy their products, or buy their sugar glider (usually from flea markets or Mall kiosks that they own). They may tell you 'never to buy a sugar glider from a pet store' why do you think that is? Because they do not sell their sugar gliders, or their products in pet stores .... They only sell them in the flea markets, tourist areas, and malls. Look closely at the website, does it actually list the member veterinarians ... or is it just trying to get you to sign up to get you on their emails list, so they can promote their products?

So ... where do you find unbiased, reliable information on the care of your pet sugar glider? Simple ... Sugar gliders are not difficult to keep in captivity; they are extremely hardy animals that will thrive when provided with a few basic items. A proper cage, quality fresh foods, and companionship.
There is an excellent book that you can purchase for under $10 called the 'Barrons' Sugar Glider Book. Well worth the investment if you are thinking about, or already own a sugar glider. You may be able to find this book in your local library. This book was written by a well-known Canadian writer named Caroline Wightman (formally Caroline Mcpearson). She does not promote products, has no vested interests in any product, and provides genuine experience from years of successfully owning and breeding healthy sugar gliders. Rather than spend hundreds of dollars on products that may not be in the best interest of your gliders, spend $10 or go to the library, and learn how to care for your pet properly.

There are excellent sugar glider educational articles packed with proper sugar glider care information listed here. They are free.

Exotic Pet Website with proper care information - Click here

Sugar glider cage inspections

2010-10-14T07:24:00.000-07:00

Before going to bed each night, perform a Multi-Point cage inspection. Come up with a constant number that reflect the amount of "points" to be checked each night. For instance, if your cage has 6 entrances, each night perform a 10 point inspection: checking and counting off that each of the enterences are secured, the food is present, the wather bottle is full, and each of the two gliders are present in the cage.

A dehydrated sugar glider will suffer from a few symptoms that you can easily recognize. Sunken eyes are the first, most pronounced indication. Instead of alert, robust eyes, they are recessed in their sockets. Another indication of dehydration is "tented skin". When pinched, a hydrated animal's skin returns to it's normal resting position instantly. With a dehydrated animal, the skin remains in a pinched "tented" position for an extended period of time.

View more educational articles on sugar gliders HERE.

Sugar Glider Nutrition

2010-08-27T05:41:00.000-07:00

Sugar Glider Nutrition:
As with all animals, sugar gliders ownership bears with it the responsibility of proving the proper diet. Commercial diets are now becoming available. However, the shorter an animal has been in the domestication process (for glider, a decade or so), the more kinks there will be in their feeding regimen. This is an important point to remember when feeding your sugar glider.
Conflicting options abound. To stay abreast of the most current discoveries in sugar glider nutrition, frequent the Internet, where sugar glider food manufacturers, who have made it their mission to effect positive changes in glider nutrition, post their most recent findings.

Recent data suggests sugar gliders are prone to certain maladies caused by calcium/vitamin D deficiencies and vitamin E/selenium deficiencies. Limit the amount of fat, phosphorous, sodium, and processed in the diet. Avoid caffeine at all costs.

The diet should include a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, animal protein (including farm-raised insects and commercial diets made for insectivorous pets), and possibly a vitamin/mineral supplement (bare in mind the importance of calcium-to-phosphorous ratio of 1 ½ or 2 to 1. The overall protein (insects, eggs, boiled chicken breast, baby food, etc.) to plant matter (fruits, vegetables, nectar, etc.) ratio should hover around the 50:50 mark. Discuss with a veterinarian knowledgeable about sugar sliders what diet best suits your pet.

View a wide selection of Sugar Glider Foods HERE.

Glider Hygiene

2010-08-09T07:09:00.000-07:00

A healthy Sugar Glider has a pleasant aroma. However, males that have not been neutered tend to have a pungent odor. All Sugar gliders spend a lot of time making their territories by urinating or rubbing secretions from their scent glands on things, which can make the marked items become sticky and smelly if not kept clean.

All Sugar gliders seem to toss their food and make a mess of the surrounding walls. Covering the area of the enclosure near feeding stations can reduce any mess. Noticeable smells near feeding stations can reduce any mess. Noticeable smells can be kept to a minimum if you clean the glider enclosure regularly. We suggest using Kage Kleen when doing a weekly cage cleaning. Place your Glider in a safe carrier when you do your cage cleaning, and if possible, take the cage outside for a good garden hose washing. Do a full cage washing at least every two weeks and if possible every week, and spot clean the enclosure every other day.

Sugar gliders are meticulous at grooming themselves, so there is never a need to bathe them. You will hear them make what sounds like a sneezing noise into their hands before grooming, which can be quite comical to watch.

We do offer products that eliminate odors from feces and urine. A product called Elimina has been used for years with excellent results.

Fun Time !

2010-06-14T06:56:00.001-07:00

Curious, social by nature, sugar gliders can live an enriched life in captivity, with a little help from you. Provide your Sugar glider with a choice of several sleeping spots. The most commonly used are fleece nest pouches that hang on the inside of the cage.
An essential accessory for every Sugar gliders habitat, is a glider-safe running wheel. We recommend the Wodent Wheel. Be aware that using a wheel not specifically marketed for Sugar gliders can cause tail injuries as well as death. Use Sugar glider specific items to outfit your cage when possible.
Forage toys keep your sugar gliders happy hunting for treats. Coconut husks, manzanitta branches, climbing ropes and toys made specifically for foraging are highly recommended.

Most products for Sugar gliders can be found on link below:
The Sugar Glider Superstore

Sugar Glider Wombaroo Products

2010-05-03T07:02:00.000-07:00

Wombaroo products are manufactured in Adelaide, Australia and imported to the US for the Exotic pet market. Products such as Wombaroo high protein supplement and Wombaroo milk replacer have been the standard for nursing Sugar gliders for many years. Wombaroo Food Products started in 1984 producing specific milk replacers for different animals as well as specialised diets for birds. In 1987 Colin Rich joined the company. His expertise as an ornithologist and aviculturist was instrumental in the introduction of the Passwell range of foods. In 2000 Samantha Rich joined the company bringing with her several years of experience in marketing and customer service.

They are continuing research into the nutritional requirements of captive and wild animals and have developed several products specifically for zoos and captive breeding programs.

VIEW WOMBAROO PROODUCTS HERE

Correct Diet for your Captive Sugar Glider

2010-03-06T12:57:00.000-08:00

Many mammals (including humans) adapt to a wide variety of food sources. Mammals in general, can thrive by consuming proteins, fats, carbohydrates etc. in many different forms. Sugar gliders are no exception. Certainly, any single food source that contains the exact nutrition necessary to sustain life would be adequate to keep them alive, but as you know, humans, and our animal friends, prefer to eat a variety of foods. Sugar gliders do not prefer, nor, are they healthier eating the same food over and over again, day after day, week in and week out.

In the wild, Sugar gliders consume a wide variety of foods. This varied diet provides adequate nutrition for their species to propagate and prosper.

If you have read or heard promotional material from a pet food company, Sugar glider breeder, or veterinarian that hints of offering ‘only their food’...then you have been exposed to a ‘marketing ploy’ used to promote a product that company, breeder, or veterinarian is touting.
This just is absolutly not accurate information. It's a ploy.
If Sugar gliders, thrived on only one specific type of extruded 'man made' food, then the wild populations of Sugar gliders would diminish in a short period of time, since a varied diet is exactly what they feed on in the wild. The fact of the matter is, they survive just fine consuming blossoms, flower nectar, sap from eucalyptus trees, acacia gum, and insects.

By consuming their native food sources, the Gliders don’t need a separate vitamin source to stay healthy!

So, why then do certain companies/veterinarians... persist at informing the public that their food product/vitamin is the only product that will keep your Sugar glider healthy? The answer is simple, they have a financial interest in promoting the food and attempt to persuade you into feeding that product.

The fact of the matter is: Sugar gliders can, and will, sustain an adequate nutrition balance using many different food sources. Just as humans can sustain excellent health by eating a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, meats etc. … Sugar gliders do the same by eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, insects and nectars. They thrive on this diet it in the wild … and they thrive on it in captivity!

We at Exotic Nutrition are appalled at the misinformation and misleading suggestions made by some self proclaimed experts with ties to the Sugar glider trade. They remind us of doctors who push certain brands of medications because of the ‘perks’ that pharmaceutical manufactures offer them. It really amounts to a conflict of interest.

We at Exotic Nutrition, maintain the belief, that variety in the diet of a Sugar glider is not only welcomed, but much more nutritionally complete than some extruded food products that are pumped out by machines and left to sit in warehouses for months or even years, losing it’s nutritional value, before it is shipped to you.

Exotic Nutrition Sugar glider foods (we make 10 varieties) are produced fresh. Most ingredients used in the pelleting of our diets is grown locally, and the ones we can’t grow here in Virginia are imported from reliable sources abroad. The dried fruits used in our blends... are human grade. Exotic Nutrition acacia gum blends are mixed right here in our warehouse by hand, as are most of our other foods and treats. We have been producing and supplying Sugar glider foods to breeders, institutions, and pet owners for over 10 years with exceptional results, and healthy animals.

In conclusion … we suggest that you follow common sense principles. Offer your pet Sugar gliders quality foods that are fresh, a diet that contains the suggested nutritional balance. Your pet Sugar gliders will not only thrive, but they will flourish by consuming a healthy variety of fresh nutritional foods, rather than stale extruded foods ... day after day.

READ MORE ABOUT SUGAR GLIDER FOODS

VIEW EXOTIC NUTRITION SUGAR GLIDER FOODS

Dirty Secrets about Sugar glider foods

2010-03-02T11:46:00.000-08:00

Pellet type Sugar glider foods …

The majority of Exotic Nutrition foods are pelletized. This means, the ingredients used in our foods including grains, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, fruits, vegetables etc. are initially mixed together in large mixing bin with an auger. The ingredients are then put through a pelleting machine. Basically
the pellets are formed from the exact ingredients provided; there is no ‘puffing’ therefore the finished product is solid food (no air). This finished pellet contains an extremely large amount of nutrition per volume. One ounce of a pellet food can provide as much nutrition as 4 ounces of an extruded product.

In reality, offering a ¼ dish of pellet food is similar to offering an entire dish of an extruded food. Our pellet diets are nutrient-dense, made fresh with locally harvested ingredients, and shipped direct to your door. Visit the Sugar Glider Food Department

Extrusion process Sugar glider foods …

Extrusion processing is a manufacturing method that some companies elect to use to produce their Sugar glider foods. Unbelievably, even some of the Sugar glider foods currently sold as ‘Vet Recommended’ are manufactured this way. Some veterinarians are highly knowledgable about food ingredients and nutrition, but do not know much about pet food manufacture, nor do they take into consideration the processing methods involved to arrive at a finished product ... especially how manufacturing processes affect the nutritional values of the ingredients. Here at Exotic Nutrition ... we are experts in this field. Our 10 years of hands on manufacturing experience and sucessful pet food formulations, have enabled us to develop some of the highest quality, freshest exotic pet foods available.

Examples of extruded sugar glider foods are:

1) Pretty Pet
2) Glider-R-Chow
3) Happy Glider
4) Vets Pride (Nutrimax)
5) Wholesome Balance

Extrusion processing destroys much of the nutrients in the grains. It destroys the fatty acids; it even destroys the chemical vitamins that are added at the end. The amino acids are rendered very toxic by this process. The only advances made in the extrusion process are those that will cut costs … regardless of how the processes will alter the nutrient content of the final product. The amino acid lysine, a crucial nutrient, is especially denatured by extrusion. Cooking and other processing of meat and by-products used in pet food can greatly
diminish their nutritional value.

To make extruded pet food nutritious, pet food manufacturers must “fortify” it with
vitamins and minerals. Why? Because the ingredients they are using are not wholesome, their quality may be extremely variable, and the harsh manufacturing practices destroy many of the nutrients the ingredients had to begin with.
Proteins are especially vulnerable to heat, and become damaged, or “denatured,” when
cooked. Because dry food ingredients are cooked twice — first during rendering and again in the extruder — problems are much more common than with pelleted, canned, or homemade foods. Altered proteins may contribute to food intolerances, food allergies, and inflammatory bowel disease.

During extrusion the food expands or “puffs” into its final shape. An extruded food is ‘puffed’which means high volume and low weight … a cup of extruded food can weigh half as much as a cup of pellet food. Less weight per volume also means less nutrition for the same volume of food.

The microscopic effects of extrusion on the proteins "Zeins," which comprise the majority of proteins in corn, are located in spherical organelles called protein bodies. During extrusion, these protein bodies are completely disrupted and deformed. The extrusion process breaks down the organelles, disperses the proteins and the proteins become toxic. When they are disrupted in this way, you have absolute chaos in your food, and it can result in a disruption
of the nervous system.

In conclusion, most extruded sugar glider foods are extremely hard. Extruded foods will typically last for up to a year, but be aware of companies that try to sell you a large volume ‘2 year supply’. This is typically done because the food is not very palatable (doesn’t appeal to your pet’s taste) hence you are stuck with 2 years worth. Along with that, the entire 2nd. year … you would be feeding a product that has been sitting around, getting stale, for a long time.

New ... Gumivore-Fare / FRUIT BLEND

2010-02-07T02:52:00.001-08:00

The Exotic Nutrition Co. has recently released a new flavor of the popular Gumivore-Fare Jungle Jelly for Sugar Gliders. The original Gumivore-Fare was formulated with Acacia Gum and mealworms ... the new variety incorporates the same Acacia gum that Sugar gliders feed on in the wild ... then adds a variety of fruits rather than the mealworms.

New .... Fruit Blend! Easy to feed, acacia gum base supplemental food source for Sugar Gliders & Marmosets. Exotic Nutrition TM developed this Acacia gum supplemental food (Gumivore-Fare) for Sugar gliders & other gumivores. Fruit Gumivore-Fare delivers Pure Acacia Gum (in jell form) combined with small chunks of mixed fruits, and fresh fruit pulp. Gliders & Marmosets can't resist this food which is native to there homeland, and natural diet. 'Gumivore-fare' has no preservatives, is all natural, easy to feed jell, that is ready to use. Sugar gliders feed on Acacia Gum sap in the wild. The Australian acacia gum is a very important carbohydrate source, and gliders are able to digest about 90% of the gum. Gliders spent about half their time in the wild (43%) feeding on gum from the Acacia trees, Gumivore-Fare is the latest food product by Exotic Nutrition, it simplifies, and mimics the Gumivore's natural food sources.

Exotic Nutritionï¿½s Gumivore-Fare is formulated to be fed as a Supplementary food source to Sugar gliders, Marmosets, Tamarins, and other gum feeding mammals. Offer Gumivore-fare in an open dish, or it can be placed into hollow openings in branches, to allow animals to forage. Gumivore-Fare is a supplemental food, and should not be offered as the sole food source. Feed along with a balanced diet plan. Try our original Gumivore-Fare too (with whole mealworms)!

See Gumivore-Fare here.

Refrigerate the jar after opening, will store refrigerated for up to 4 weeks.

Ingredients: Acacia gum, whole golden mealworms, mango, apple, papaya.

Keep it Safe !

2010-01-29T12:59:00.000-08:00

As with all pocket pets, sugar gliders are curious critters that enjoy exploring nooks and crannies. Glider-Proof your home before allowing your sugar gliders to explore, to prevent and minimize the risk of accidents.

The adverage household is a minefield of potential hazards to gliders: open toilets and sink, even large dog bowls, are drowning hazards; electrical cables and wiring may be tempting for gliders to chew on; open fireplaces and vents can be dangerous and sugar gliders can easily be trapped in spaces behind and between furnishings.

Consider providing a glider play corners, containing accessories such as climbing perches, and climbing ropes, so that you pet has a safe place to play outside of it's cage. Now available are 'play-pens' for sugar gliders

See a Sugar Glider Play-Pen.

Dogs and cats must be kept in a separate room while your glider is out of it's cage to minimize the risk of predatation. No matter how friendly your other pets are, dogs and cats may play rough or even try to eat these prey animals.

Kitchen activities should be finished before your glider is allowed out, it's all too easy for a glider to crach-land in a cooking pot or kitchen sink. Also, ensure the area is free of any sweet temptations like chocolate, which can be toxic to sugar gliders.

Finally, supervise your gliders when they are free-roaming around the home so that you will be ready to bail them out at the first sign of trouble.

For all of their redeeming qualities, gliders cannot be housetrained, so place a drop-sheet or towel in areas they like to free-roam.

Craving Companionship

2010-01-29T12:45:00.000-08:00

Sugar gliders are a social species and must be housed in pairs or groups to ensure that they don't get lonely and fret. Beware, however, because intact males housed together may fight, and may inflict serious injuries on one another. Ideally, house two females or two neutered males together.

Gliders that are kept as single pets may exhibit repetitive, seemingly purposeless behaviors (stereotypies) that indicate stress. They may even refuse to eat, which can lead to starvation.

Gliders can become accustomed to regular, gentle handling. Newly acquired gliders should be allowed a period of acclimation before handling begins, so they can relax in their new environment.

Single gliders kept in a cage should be provided interactive toys, and of course ... and exercise wheel. Toys, branches and pouches will keep your glider entertained during the times when no one is at home to interact.