COLLEGE STATION -- They may fly through the air with the greatest of ease, but sugar gliders need no trapeze. All these pint-sized marsupials need is to become a member of the family and have the specialized care and companionship of an owner who can cater to their unique needs.

"Sugar gliders are small marsupials that are native to Australia even though they look a bit like flying hamsters," says Dr. Robert Moore, a veterinarian in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Texas A&M University.

"They have become increasingly popular as 'pocket pets' in the United States, but have specialized needs that should be considered before buying one."

Sugar gliders have not been in a domestic environment as long as dogs, cats, hamsters or other common pets and require plenty of human interaction to stay socialized. Sugar gliders can be very loyal pets, but have been known to become withdrawn from human contact, anxious or even self-destructive without adequate companionship.

"Since sugar gliders are nocturnal, don't expect to be able to play with them much during the day," said Moore. "They are usually very docile, but may become irritable if consistently bothered during their sleeping hours. Because of their size, many people carry sugar gliders with them during the day in a small, soft sack (a sort of traveling hammock) that satisfies their need for both companionship and daytime sleep."

But Moore says if your schedule keeps you awake at night and asleep during the day, a sugar glider or other nocturnal pet may be ideal for you.

While they are very social creatures, it is not a good idea to house male sugar gliders together. Moore suggests keeping more than one sugar glider to provide the communal environment they prefer, but advises keeping a male with one or more females to avoid a territorial confrontation between males.

Sugar gliders reach sexual maturity within their first year and can produce up to six or more offspring, or "joeys," each year. It's important to discuss your glider's living arrangement with your veterinarian.

It is also worth noting that while sugar gliders crave companionship, cats and dogs aren't good company for them. Even if your family cat or dog have been kind to other pets, the quick movements of a small sugar glider may be enough to awaken the hunting instincts of Rover or Whiskers.

As adults, sugar gliders weigh about a quarter pound and can fit in the palm of your hand. Even so, Moore recommends a large cage for your sugar glider. Sugar gliders, like mice, can squeeze through very small openings.

Large birdcages that are made to house several small birds offer plenty of room for sugar gliders to climb and explore but will have narrowly spaced bars.

"Most sugar glider visits to a veterinarian are due to poor nutrition," said Moore. "A common misconception is that since sugar gliders enjoy sweets, such as fruit and honey, they should have a diet rich in these foods. In the wild, a sugar glider's diet primarily consists of insects with only about 15 or 20 percent being fruit and vegetables.

"You should try to mimic this ratio for your glider. Dry cat food can be given as a supplement along with fruit, yogurt and/or cheese. The most important thing is to make sure your glider receives enough protein and calcium."

Given an optimal diet and appropriate housing, sugar gliders may live an average of eight years, although some will live into their teens, said Moore. It is best to purchase your glider from a reputable breeder or to acquire the offspring of a friend's adult glider. Either way, make sure the glider has been handled by people daily and is well nourished. Then, talk to your veterinarian about the best health care for your glider.

Randall-Salinas

Aggie Daily

Texas A&M University
3/19/02