Keeping your Sugar Glider’s cage clean is important for their health—but over-cleaning is one of the biggest mistakes glider owners make. Sugar Gliders are scent-driven animals and naturally scent-mark their territory. When you remove all scent at once, they will feel the need to over-mark their space again, often leading to stronger odors.
Avoid Over-Cleaning
Instead of washing everything at the same time, clean on a rotating schedule. For example:
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Week 1: Wash toys and accessories
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Week 2: Wash nest pouches
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Week 3: Clean cage bars and shelves
This allows some familiar scent to remain, helping your Gliders feel secure and reducing excessive marking.
Daily Spot Cleaning
You can spot clean once a day by wiping away urine spots, feces, and food debris. Cage bars and non-porous accessories can be sprayed with a non-toxic cleaner like Exotic Nutrition’s Kage Kleen. Avoid vinegar-based cleaners, as they can cause rust and shorten the life of your cage. Also, avoid spraying porous surfaces like wooden platforms and perches.
When to Clean
Since Sugar Gliders are nocturnal, daytime cleaning works best while they are sleeping in their nest pouch. You can remove extra toys, tray liners, and accessories without disturbing them.
If you need to fully spray down the cage, remove your Gliders first and place them in a safe enclosure such as a Deluxe Nest Pouch or Travel Carrier until the cage is dry.
Washing Nest Pouches
Nest pouches should be swapped and washed regularly. Always keep 1–2 clean pouches in the cage at all times.
Rotate them by removing one dirty pouch and replacing it with a clean one, then swapping the second pouch later in the week.
If you use nesting material, replace it whenever it becomes visibly dirty.
Food & Water Hygiene
Food and water dishes must be cleaned thoroughly. Glass water bottles and ceramic or stainless-steel bowls are more sanitary than plastic.
We recommend using a bottle brush for water bottles to ensure they stay free of buildup.
Managing Odor
Air fresheners usually only mask smells. Instead, use an air purifier to improve air quality and a safe deodorizer like Elimina Odor Remover to neutralize odors internally for your sugar glider.
Don’t Forget Hand Washing
Always wash your hands before and after handling your Sugar Gliders or their cage accessories. This helps protect both you and your pets from the spread of germs and disease.
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Notice: Exotic Nutrition cannot provide specific care guidelines on an individual basis. Please consult a veterinarian or experienced breeder.
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