Sugar gliders

Abstract

Sugar gliders have become popular pocket pets particularly in the United States, Canada and Japan. They are also a popular small marsupial in zoo collections throughout the world. In zoo collections they are generally hardy, presenting to the veterinarian mainly with issues of periodontal disease or traumatic injuries. Pet sugar gliders may present with more veterinary problems particularly associated with inappropriate housing and diet. This article summarizes the husbandry and veterinary care of sugar gliders, with an emphasis on providing the specific needs for which the animal is adapted in the wild.