Breeding Sugar Gliders

Breeding sugar gliders can be a rewarding experience for pet lovers. However, it's essential to have a thorough understanding of the birthing process, care for newborns, and the legal requirements involved in breeding these adorable marsupials. In this comprehensive guide, we'll dive into the various aspects of breeding sugar gliders to help you navigate this exciting journey..

Overview of the birthing process

Most gliders will begin breeding at about 8–12 months in females, and 12–15 months in males. Mothers have usually one to two babies (joeys) at a time, twice per year. Sugar gliders are very easily bred in captivity, the gestation period is as follows:

GESTATION: 15 -17 DAYS
IN-POUCH: 70 – 74 DAYS
WEANING: 110 – 120 DAYS

After the gestation period, the baby glider(s) crawl to the mother's pouch and attach themselves to a

nipple. This is where the baby stays for the next 10-12 weeks until they emerge from the pouch at 4 months of age, referred to as Out Of Pouch (OOP). At this point they are ready to be weaned onto a solid diet.

Sugar Gliders will mate year round, provided they have enough protein. They usually have 2 babies at a time, 4 to 6 babies a year, if weanlings are removed after independent.

The male may remain with the female throughout the entire birthing process, but it is best to simply leave the mother alone during this period. When they are out of the pouch, covered with fur, have their eyes open and have been eating solid food for 3-4 weeks they are 75% grown, independent and ready to ween. At this time, they can be gently handled for short periods of time. Be sure not to remove them from the pouch before this time because once they are removed from the nipple, they cannot reattach themselves. Once weaned they can be introduced to a variety of solid food including Glider Essential, Instant-HPW, and Re-Hydrate. These foods contain plenty of fruit & protein that Gliders need. They should be gently handled frequently, if they are to be pets. The Calming Glove is a fantastic tool to help build a stronger bond with your pet. 

How do I feed the newborns?

Newborn joeys are entirely reliant on their mother's milk for proper nourishment and growth. The mother's milk provides essential nutrients and antibodies crucial for the joeys' development. In some cases where the mother is unable to feed her joeys, hand-feeding with a specialized formula may be necessary. This delicate process requires meticulous care and attention to ensure the joeys receive adequate nutrition and hydration. See  Feeding Instructions for Baby Animal Milk Replacer for more information.

When should they be removed from the parents?

The joeys remain in their mother's pouch for approximately 70 to 74 days, where they continue to nurse and grow. After this period, they gradually start to venture out of the pouch and become more independent. It's vital to allow the joeys to stay with their parents for as long as possible to learn necessary social and behavioral skills. Separating the joeys from their parents too early can have adverse effects on their physical and emotional well-being. Females usually are aggressive toward female babies after they are older than 3 months, but males are usually ignored.

Do I need a license to breed Sugar Gliders?

In 2007 the USDA lightened their requirements for USDA licensure. The old rules required that anyone breeding and selling sugar gliders must be licensed. The new rules allow up to three breeding females without licensure. In my opinion this has had a huge impact, not so much in the amount of Sugar Gliders being sold, but more the amount of Sugar Gliders being sold by unlicensed and many times inexperienced people that pass along misinformation.

Sugar Glider nursing supplies are listed in the Nursing Baby Supplies department.

If you wish to breed more than 3 females, visit USDA contact and ask for information on how to get licensed to raise and sell exotics.