Lonely Gliders Club

When you get any pet, you make a commitment to provide the best possible care. For sugar gliders, this includes companionship of their own kind. When sugar gliders are housed alone, the following problems are likely:

The glider becomes withdrawn
We're aware of cases where this becomes so bad the animal can't be handled at all. That, of course, only makes the matter worse, leading to other problems.
The glider insists on continuous attention
This may seem appealing initially. Keep in mind, however, it is a response to adverse living conditions for your pet. Housing a glider alone so he "likes you more" shows a lack of understanding for and respect of your pet's needs.
The glider develops a variety of other behavioral problems
Late night barking, running in circles on the top of the cage, fur chewing, lowered activity levels, loss of appetite and picky eating are common behavioral problems among solo gliders.

These behavioral patterns all indicate high levels of stress. Long term exposure to stress is known to cause health problems in all animals. You should also keep in mind that stress-related health problems often take time to surface. As with most pet health issues, prevention is the best choice.

For this reason, we recommend always housing sugar gliders in pairs or small groups. If you currently have a solo glider, we strongly encourage you to get a companion for your pet. The information in this article will help you determine the best new roomie and help with the important initial steps when introducing strangers.

Wild Life

Despite their social nature, introductions - especially with older gliders - are rarely a simple matter. This is due to their natural social behavior. In the wild, baby sugar gliders are driven out of their birth colony when old enough to live on their own. This prevents overpopulation of an area, which would cause competition for food. This also reduces the possibility of in-breeding.

Since wild gliders are seasonal breeders, all the youngsters from all the colonies in an area reach the age of independence around the same time. These youngsters find each other and form new groups. In most cases, the new colonies are formed by the time the gliders are 6 to 7 months old.

Research suggests that - once formed - a sugar glider colony stays intact throughout the life span of all members, with no animals ever joining or leaving the group. There are many advantages to colony life for gliders and this social instinct is extremely strong.

Wild glider colonies have large territories. The territories of neighboring colonies are likely to overlap on the edges. However, gliders are extremely protective of their "home base." In captivity, this would be the animal's cage.

Getting A Roomie

Because of their territorial nature and social structure, introducing gliders before 6 months old is highly recommended. In fact, it would be best to introduce future cagemates as soon after weaning as possible, especially males. If you aren't able to do this, these tips should help:

If at all possible, get both gliders at the same time. This will prevent the first animal from developing an "ownership" of the cage.
If one glider is already living in the cage, thoroughly wash it. Also, wash or replace all cage furnishings. Moving the cage to a new room - or at least a different spot in the same room - can help eliminate a sense of cage ownership.
Have the gliders meet on neutral territory and be ready to separate them if necessary. Have gloves handy.
If there are signs of fighting after this initial introduction, put them in cages next to each other for a couple days and try again. Usually, the second time will go more smoothly.
During the first couple days, you may notice some minor squabbling. Don't separate them unless they're actually fighting. The gliders are creating a society. Interfering will prevent this.
During the first couple days, while this social structure is being created, you may notice one animal doesn't sleep in the nest box. Provide a second sleeping place during this time.

Glider Combos

Here are some age and gender specific suggestions to help you assure the smoothest possible introductions:

Both gliders are under 6 months, any gender combination
The above tips should be sufficient in most cases. However, depending on their ages - especially if both gliders are male - it may take a few days for them to start bonding with each other.

If by the third or fourth day, the gliders are still not sharing a sleeping place, put them together in one nest box. Do this during the day. We've found once this has been done, they usually will continue sleeping together. Sharing of a nest box is a sure sign the bonding process between them is in progress.

Both gliders are over 6 months, but not sexually mature
Remember, by this age, wild sugar gliders would have probably made all their colony bonds for life. You can't force a change in the natural instincts of your pets. So, introductions between gliders over 6 months old may be a little difficult and will almost certainly take longer. However, this can be successful. Gender is an important consideration in introducing animals of this age.

Male and female
There is likely to be some squabbling at first, while the animals create a social structure. Once they've accomplished that, this introduction is the most likely to be successful.
Two females
This introduction should be successful in nearly all cases. However, carefully follow the steps above and expect some squabbling.
Two males
It is unlikely males introduced at this age will be compatible. If you currently have a solo male, the only good choice is to introduce a female.

One glider over 6 months, the other under 6 months
No matter what the gender combination, if one glider is under six months and the other is older, don't try introducing them. The size difference is likely to lead to the older glider bullying the younger animal. This unbalanced relationship would probably remain even when the younger glider is full-size.

Place the animals in separate cages next to each other until the younger glider has gotten bigger. Be sure the cages are far enough apart that they can't get at each other through the bars. Before you start this process, read the information below about introducing gliders over 6 months.

Both gliders are over 6 months
There are some combinations that simply won't work with older animals. Also, gliders introduced as adults may never bond with each other as strongly as younger animals would. For these reason, we'd recommend introductions of older gliders only if absolutely necessary.

Sexually mature female, non-sexually mature male
This is the most likely combination to be successful. Proceed as you would with any glider introduction. However, keep in mind that bonding between them will take longer than with youngsters. Also, there is likely to be initial squabbling. Finally, be sure the female doesn't have pouch babies. The male would most likely destroy them.
Sexually mature male, non-sexually mature female
In many cases, this combination will work. But, it isn't uncommon for the male to bully the female or force his affections upon her. If so, put them in cages next to each other for a couple days and try again. You may have to do this several times or wait for the female to reach sexual maturity.
Male and female both sexually mature
This combination should work. There will probably be a lot of initial squabbling. However, it shouldn't be necessary to separate them. Be sure the female doesn't have pouch babies. The male would most likely destroy them.
Two females
This introduction may work, but is far from guaranteed. If you currently have an adult female, we would recommend introducing a male.
Two males
Don't even try! If you currently have an adult male, the only good choice is to introduce a female.

Baby On Board

In many cases, the reproductive drive is stronger than other social instincts. So, a male and female pairing will often be successful when other combinations wouldn't. Please keep in mind - in nearly all cases - a male and female housed together will eventually reproduce.

Here at PAWPRINT, we strongly believe breeding shouldn't be incidental to having pets. It also shouldn't be done without thorough planning, knowledge and a commitment to the highest breeding standards.

In addition, if you plan to sell, trade or even give away any exotic mammal you are required by law to be licensed by the USDA. This is true even if you only have one pair, even if you are not doing it for profit, even if the new owner is a family member.

Before your pets start having babies, make sure you understand the commitment you're making. In addition, investigate the legal requirements. If you decide breeding isn't for you, altering a male glider is a simple procedure which will prevent unwanted babies.

For more on this topic, visit Before Your Breed.