Cages & Supplies

What kind of cage does a Sugar Glider need?

Sugar gliders need plenty of room to jump and play. The bigger cages are better for sugar glider. Each sugar glider owner has their own opinion of how big the cage should be for a single glider and for a pair. I recommend a cage no smaller than 18"x18"x18" with wire no wider than ½" apart as a starter sugar glider cage. A cockatiel size cage is usually suitable for a sugar glider.

I do recommend starting out with a small cage such as the cockatiel cage described above. When you take your baby home it will most likely be scared and afraid of you. Getting the glider out of the cage can be a terrifying ordeal for the glider if you have to chase it around a large cage in order to catch it. Once your glider has earned to come to you and you can easily get it out of its cage, then I would suggest moving to a larger cage. In the long run it is well worth the extra money to have a small cage on hand. You can use it when you are cleaning the larger cage or when you travel. Also, when you start out with a small cage, you can decide what aspects of the cage you like and dislike before you invest more money in a larger cage.

Millermeade Farms uses all wire cages because they are much easier than something with wood to keep clean and disinfected.

**Be careful when building your own cage. Wood is not a good construction material for several reasons. Wood absorbs odors and more importantly, gliders like to chew on wood and they can quickly gnaw a hole in a cage and escape. I have had quite a few calls distraught customers when their glider escaped it’s cage. Many gliders were never found alive.

Do They Drink From a Bottle or a Dish?

I prefer to use water bottles with my sugar gliders. Sugar gliders have a tendency to mess in a water bowl or dish. It is very important to keep water bottles (or dishes) clean because dirty water receptacles can harbor many harmful bacteria.

What Kind of Wire Should the Cage Be Made Of?

There are several types of wire, each with it’s own positive and negative aspects.

Galvanized wire has a tendency to hold urine, but it is the easiest type of wire to find and work with.; There are two main types of galvanized wire: galvanized BEFORE welding and galvanized AFTER welding. Galvanized wire before welding is the cheapest but it will also rust much, much more quickly than galvanized after wire.; It can be painted, but the paint will eventually wear off in various spots. The best way to clean this type of wire is to pressure wash it (at a car wash) with hot and soapy water and then rinse it very, very well.

Many people prefer a PVC or vinyl coated wire. It can be wiped down with hot soapy water using a rag. I have heard of gliders chewing the PVC off the wire, which is certainly not good for the glider if it is ingested.

Do NOT use chicken wire. The holes are big enough to allow a sugar glider to slip right through.

Do Sugar Gliders Like Wheels?

Most sugar gliders love to run on wheels, but there are a few that will not use the wheel at all. It is a good idea not to use the standard wire wheel because the glider’s hands, feet, legs or tails may get caught in the open spokes of the wheel. An easy way to fix the wire wheel is to weave craft plastic through the spokes. It is easily washed and cheap to replace if it is damaged. There are wheels available that do not have the open spokes and are almost totally enclosed, but they are much harder to find.

What Accessories Can Be Used in the Glider's Box?

The general rule of thumb is that what is safe for a bird is safe for a sugar glider. Sugar gliders love to jump and play so branches, perches, ropes, and swings make great cage accessories. Sugar gliders need a pouch or a next box to sleep in during the day. Sugar gliders get their nesting area dirty so whatever you choose for them to sleep in must be easily cleaned.

I have heard you can make a nontoxic piece of wood safe for gliders by washing it good with a vinegar solution (2 parts water to 1 part white vinegar, not soap!) and then bake it in the oven at 250F for an hour. I have not tried this for myself so I do not have any first hand results.; There is a good list of nontoxic woods at: http://birdsafe.com

What Can I Use For A Nest Box?

Sugar gliders can make their home in a variety of different containers.; I personally use several different types of boxes depending on the personality of the gliders.; Some glider pairs have wooden nest boxes and others have baby wipe boxes with holes drilled in them.

The boutique style Kleenex box also makes a good nesting box.; You can leave Kleenexes in the box for the glider to shred, chew and make into a cozy nest.

What Type of Bedding Can Be Used in the Cage?

The only really BAD bedding to use is cedar shavings. Cedar shavings have a very strong odor and have been known to cause respiratory problems in many types of animals. Different types of bedding work better in some cages than others. My cages have a wire bottom and I use newspaper in the bottom and I change them at least once a week. Aspen or pine shavings and processed newspaper products such as Cell-Sorb or Care Fresh are other alternatives to regular newspapers.

Where Can I Buy Supplies?

I have some supplies available for purchase.; I usually have a couple cages in stock as well as food, pouches, leashes, and the Barrons book Sugar Gliders; A Complete Owners Manual. You can order food directly from Pet Pro Products (and save 10% with me as a referral!).