Bringing home a sugar glider is an exciting experience—but before you do, it’s important to have the right supplies ready. Sugar gliders are active, social animals that require specialized housing, diet, and enrichment. Here’s a checklist to help you get started:
Cage
Your glider’s cage is the most important purchase you’ll make. Choose one with plenty of vertical space for climbing and jumping. The Congo Cage is a customer favorite, offering 20 cubic feet of interior room and large front doors for easy access.
Exercise Wheel
Gliders love to run, so a safe wheel is essential. Standard hamster wheels are dangerous, but the Silent Runner Pro was designed specifically for sugar gliders. It has no center axle and allows natural running and leaping. Add a Sandy Track for gentle nail trimming or an AutoClean Track to reduce mess.
Food & Water
Provide both bolt-on food dishes and at least one water bottle or water bowl to ensure your pet always has fresh food and water. Our Sugar Glider Starter Pack includes food, dishes, an exercise wheel, and a nest pouch to make setup simple.
Nest Pouch / Sleeping Area
Gliders sleep 13–19 hours a day. A soft nest pouch gives them a cozy, secure place to rest and helps with bonding. Having multiple pouches allows you to rotate and wash them regularly.
Toys & Cage Accessories
Sugar gliders thrive on enrichment. Add toys, ropes, ladders, and foraging accessories to keep them active and curious. Rearrange the setup often for mental stimulation.
Bedding & Cleaning Supplies
Use cage liners or safe bedding to make cleaning easier. For sanitation, Kage Kleen is a safe and effective cleaner for cages and accessories.
Nail Trimmer
Glider nails grow quickly and can get caught in fabric or accessories. A pet-specific nail trimmer is essential for safe grooming.
Food, Vitamins & Treats
Feed a balanced sugar glider diet (such as Sugar Glider Diet with Papaya & Eucalyptus) along with fresh produce, protein, and healthy treats. Supplements like Glider-Cal (calcium) and Glider Booster (multivitamin) help prevent nutritional problems. Live or dried insects can also be offered for variety.
Bonding Pouch
A bonding pouch lets you safely carry your glider during the day, helping them get used to your scent and voice. This is one of the best tools for building trust.
Travel Carrier
Whether it’s a vet visit or a cage cleaning, a secure travel carrier is a must-have for safe transport.
Exotic Vet Contact Information
Before you bring your glider home, locate a trusted exotic veterinarian in your area. Having a vet lined up ensures quick help if your pet becomes ill.
Starter Packages for New Owners
If you’re a first-time owner, our Starter Pack for Sugar Gliders (includes food, dishes, wheel, nest pouch) and Congo Cage & Starter Pack for Sugar Gliders (starter pack + cage) make it easy to get everything you need at once—at a discounted price.
✅ With this checklist, you’ll be fully prepared to welcome your sugar glider into a safe, comfortable, and enriching environment.
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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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