Housing Your Sugar Glider Part 3

What is the proper temperature for keeping sugar gliders?

Sugar gliders should be kept at a temperature between 65° F (18° C) and 75° F (24° C). Luckily, this is the temperature range in most homes, so no special arrangements are usually needed. Some breeders report that they keep their sugar gliders at 80° F (26° C). However, if your home gets very cold in winter or very hot in summer, you will need to provide heating/cooling for your glider. Do NOT use a reptile “heat rock” to heat your glider’s cage! The surface temperature of the heat rock is too high for a sugar glider’s feet. Additionally, the heat rock will require an electrical cord – a dangerous item to have near a curious sugar glider! (I will be writing about “Sugar Glider Safety” in the near future.)

How often should the cage be cleaned?

Cage hygiene is very important, both for your health and especially for the health of your glider. Dirty cages can become a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi. The cage should be spot-cleaned on a daily basis. Keep food and water dishes very clean. Check the nesting material and the absorbent material at the bottom of the cage to see if it needs to be replaced (do not let it get overly soiled, smelly, etc.). Spot clean toys and exercise wheels.

Once every 1 to 2 weeks, remove everything from the cage, including the sugar gliders, and clean everything with a weak bleach solution or other disinfecting solution. Be sure to rinse thoroughly, so that there is no bleach or soap residue left on the cage or toys. Some people find it convenient to take the cage outside and use a power washer. Other clever owners put their cages in their trucks and take them to a self-serve car wash (the kind where you hose off the vehicle yourself). Wait until everything is dry before you return your gliders to their cage.

(To be continued…)

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