The following things are really important when choosing your sugar glider cage. Sugar gliders are vulnerable to a number of things, and they are skilled at getting out of cages, so make sure that you get the right cage.
Size and spacing between bars
A sugar glider’s cage should measure at least 3 feet in height, and 2 feet for width and length. Generally, the bigger the cage, the better for your pet, so we recommend buying him the largest you can afford.
The spacing of the wire is important if you want to make sure your sugar glider can’t get out. They are skilled escapists, they can get through 1 inch gaps quite easily, so the recommended spacing is of 1/2 inch.
The material of the cage is very important
Sugar gliders aren’t able to chew through much, so getting him a plastic cage should be fine. Although, the preferred material for these pets is PVC coated wire, which is also easy to clean. It’s important to pay attention to the materials of the cage, because some can be a death sentence on your sugar glider. Avoid galvanized cages at all costs. They may contain zinc residue that is deadly for your pet.
Not all cages are alike, so we really recommend making sure that your cage is coated with PVC. A lot of cages look the same, but some of them have epoxy coating, and are cheaply manufactured. What happens is that this coating starts chipping off after a few months, and your sugar glider can easily get zinc poisoning.
Indoor vs Outdoor
Your sugar glider should be kept inside, because he’s protected from predators and any weather changes. If you decide to keep it outside because of space or odor issues, you should know that they are very sensitive to extreme weather conditions. If it’s hot outside, keep him away from direct sunlight. Choose an area with shade. Under cold climates it’s necessary to provide him with an insulated nest box.
Strong latch
Make sure your cage has a secure latch. Sugar gliders are known to be capable of unlatching doors and showing themselves out.
Floor
There are varieties of floors you can choose. One option is to use a solid plastic floor. A floor made out of wood absorbs urine, and it’s harder to keep clean. Another choice is to use newspaper. It’s enough to absorb any droppings, and it’s easily changed. One last option is to use pine shavings. They will keep a nicer smell, but sugar gliders can make more of a mess if they decide to play with them.
If you opt for pine shavings, make absolutely sure that it’s pine and not cedar. Cedar shavings have a chemical residue that’s known to cause respiratory problems.
Some unsuitable cages for these pets are indoor rabbit cages, hamster cages, and fish tanks. Your sugar glider is a very active creature, and needs a lot of stimulation, so following these tips should be enough to get an adequate home for your pet.