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Tuesday, October 19, 2010

The question most asked by Sugar glider owners is ... How do I select a good cage for my Sugar Glider? There is an easy answer, and a difficult answer.
First ...the easy answer - Select the largest cage that you can afford, and buy it from a reputable dealer specializing in Exotic pets. Reputable dealers will stock cages that are appropriate for your pet, and will guide you in the proper selection to fit your budget.

Now the more difficult answer - You want a cage that will offer enough space for your pet Sugar glider to run and play in, most cages on the market for sugar gliders have 1/2 inch bar spacing which is the correct size for these small marsupials. Typically the smallest cage that you would want to use for a single Sugar glider would be 30 inches wide x 18 inches deep x 30 inches high. Anything smaller than this would be cramping their style. If you have multiple gliders housed together, then a slightly larger cage would be appropriate, something 32 inches x 20 inches x 35 inches would work. More than 2 sugar gliders? See examples of appropriate cages here. When housing more than 2 gliders together, consider a corner sugar glider cage or a hexagonal sugar glider cage.

Cage Finishes:

Years ago some companies sold galvanized cages for sugar gliders, this was before we knew that galvanized metal can be toxic to the animal. Currently sugar glider cages are manufactured with either a baked-on powder coat finish (non-toxic) or PVC coating. Either one of these finishes are appropriate. If you have heard of "Medical Grade" finishes, disregard these claims. Sugar glider cages are just not manufactured with 'Medical Grade" finishes. First of all it is unnecessary, and second of all ... if they were, it would drive the price of the cage up by 200%.

Cage accessories:

Some cages come complete with shelves, ramps and other accessories, most do not. Most come with food dishes and maybe a climbing perch or two. You will need to purchase other accessories for the cage in order to provide your sugar glider with areas to climb and nest. Cage accessory selections can be viewed here. You may want to select better quality stainless steel dishes and a glass water bottle too.

Cage Bedding:

Although not necessary ... it is good idea to place a 1 inch layer of cage bedding on the tray of the cage. Cage bedding will absorb urine and feces, along with eliminating odors and making cage cleaning easier. We recommend a product called Carefresh.

Where do I find appropriate cages?

Pet stores typically do not stock cages that are appropriate for pet sugar gliders, you may find the odd store with one model on hand, but it is unlikely that they will have a selection to choose from, and it is likely that their pricing will be higher than on-line stores. The best way to shop is on-line at stores that specialize in Exotic Mammals. Specialty websites will offer the widest selection at the best pricing ... but make sure that you shop around. Models will be priced significantly higher at some web stores than others ... and it is the same model cage.

Want to read more about cages? Click here.

See a store that specializes in items for sugar gliders only ! See here.

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by: Exotic Nutrition

Thursday, October 14, 2010


by: Exotic Nutrition


Flying Squirrels eat a variety of foods, with some exceptions. A balanced diet with equal amounts of nuts, dried vegetables, fruit (fresh or dried) and a commercial flying squirrel diet is necessary for a healthy flying squirrel. For convenience purposes, mix these proportions in the same container. Refrigerate the container if it contains perishables.
Typically, flying squirrels eat about 5 to 10 grams of food per night, so a tablespoon or two per squirrel per night is ideal. Fruit is important for digestion, to prevent constipation. You may feed fruit, nuts and vegetables separate from the tablespoon portion.
Their favorite food is pecans, but don't feed to squirrels in an abundance, because your squirrel will desire only the pecans, and nothing else. Anything containing sugar should be fed sparingly as a treat. Chocolate and caffeine should never be fed to any flying squirrel.

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by: Exotic Nutrition

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