Sugar Glider

Breed: Sugar Glider
Scientific name: Petaurus breviceps
Place of Origin: Australia / New Guinea
Classification: Marsupial
Average Price: R2,000 - R4,000 (Permit may be required)

Size Category: small
Avg. Height: 17 cm.
Avg. Weight: 0.1 to 0.16 Kg.
Avg. Lifespan: 10 to 15 years.

Colours:
Grey with a black dorsal stripe.

Covering:
fur

Vocalisation level:
loud

Temprament:
Highly social and must be kept in pairs or groups. Bond strongly with their owners but can be nippy if not socialized properly.

Trainability:
moderate

Diet type: omnivore
Feeding frequency: Once a day (in the evening) with a specific, complex diet.

Foods to avoid:
High-fat foods, chocolate, dairy, processed sugars.

Health Concerns:
Prone to calcium deficiency leading to hind-leg paralysis, obesity, and stress-related illnesses if kept alone.

Recommended Supplements:
Calcium and vitamin supplements are essential for their specialized diet.

Grooming:
Self-grooming.

Exercise:
Extremely active; requires a very large, tall cage with branches and toys, plus supervised playtime.

Handling:
Requires experienced handling. Their nails are sharp for climbing.
Ideal Location:
Requires a controlled indoor environment nationwide. Not a beginner pet.

Space Requirements:
Requires a very large, tall cage to allow for gliding and climbing.

Climate Suitability: tropical

Temperature Range: Controlled indoor (24-27°C).

Humidity Range: Moderate