Sugar Glider University

The basic sugar glider diet used in America should consist of 65-75% protein sources such as grasshoppers, crickets, mealworms and moths. Chicken, egg and yogurt can also be used occasionally as a protein source. Some people use pinkie mice for protein as well as enrichment. 25-35% of the diet consists of fresh and/or frozen fruits and vegetables (always thoroughly cleaned), usually cut up in bite size pieces and mixed together. Fresh blossoms and branches should be available AT LEAST 4 months out of the year.

Because sugar gliders process carbohydrates so quickly, it is important for them to have a glider cereal or monkey biscuits available in the habitat at all times.

The following are just a few examples of different presentations of the Sugar Glider Captive Diet in America:

The American Sugar Glider Diet

Presentation:

Choose a protein source:

• 3-4 insects (large mealworms, moths, grasshoppers, crickets) OR

• Heaping tablespoon of yogurt OR

• Heaping tablespoon broiled chicken or duck OR

• Scrambled or boiled egg yolk OR

• Pinkie Mice

Every other day, offer fruits and vegetables. Choose some healthy cleaned, chopped fruits/vegetables: (about 1/2 tablespoon each)

• Fruits: Fresh (in-season) Papaya, oranges, bananas, strawberries, cantaloupe, grapes, mango, kiwi, peaches, honeydew melon. You can also use frozen fruit to add variety.

• Vegetables: Cucumbers, yellow squash (or any in season squash), red & yellow bell peppers, carrots, sweet potatoes, bok choy, jicama and green beans.

Daily Staple:

Choose a daily staple:

• Small cup of insectivore fare OR

• Monkey Biscuits OR

• Sugar glider cereal

Enrichment Supplement:

Choose an enrichment supplement to be given a few times per week:

• Acacia gum powder mixed with water or diluted, unsweetened juice OR

• Acacia/eucalypt branches (live) OR

• Fruit flavored Gatorade OR

• A commercial nectar supplement made for sugar gliders

Daily Vitamin/Mineral Supplement

Choose a vitamin/mineral supplement:

• The Pet Glider Complete Multivitamin (1/8 teaspoon sprinkled over food per glider) OR

• Vionate (a small mammal multivitamin, usually found in pet stores), plus calcium in a nectar form, 1 tablespoon of the following mix per 2 gliders: 4 ounces unsweetened juice plus 1/8 teaspoon Vionate plus 1/4 teaspoon calcium (available at most pharmacies). DO NOT FREEZE! OR

• True Modified Leadbeater's (as used in Moonlit sanctuary)