![]() Sugar gliders are considered geriatric pets at 5-7 years of age. Sexual maturity varies but is generally reached by 8-12 months of age in females and 12-15 months in males. After birth, the tiny young (joeys) migrate to the pouch where they remain for 70-74 days before they leave the pouch for good. Sugar gliders usually give birth to one or two babies at a time. The gestation period, or length of pregnancy, is about 15-17 days. Female gliders possess a pouch with four teats where their babies develop. The female sugar glider has two uteri and two vaginas that enter into a common pouch divided by a septum or membrane. "It is recommended to castrate (neuter) male sugar gliders, particularly if housed with other sugar gliders of either sex." ![]() Neutering is relatively straightforward (although magnification may be required) and can be done at any age by a veterinarian with experience in exotic pet medicine. Intact male gliders are prone to mutilating themselves. It is recommended to castrate (neuter) male sugar gliders, particularly if housed with other sugar gliders of either sex. The male sugar glider has a long pendulous scrotum and a forked (bifid) penis. The cloaca is a common opening for the rectum, urinary system, and genital system. Unlike other mammals, but similar to birds and reptiles, sugar gliders possess a cloaca. In adult males, the hair around this gland is sparse or missing. This gland is used to mark territory and recognize other group members. Males have a frontal scent gland located on the top of the head. "Sugar gliders can glide up to 165 feet (50 meters) using their gliding membrane, which stretches between the front and hind legs." Sugar gliders can glide up to 165 feet (50 meters) using their gliding membrane, which stretches between the front and hind legs. Weights will vary among individuals and the different subspecies. Male sugar gliders typically weigh 100-160 grams and adult females weigh between 80-130 grams. Sugar gliders have unique nutritional requirements which must be properly met to maintain good health (see handout "Sugar Gliders - Feeding"). They are social animals who usually cohabit in groups of six to ten, so they should not be kept as single pets. ![]() In the wild, they live in New Guinea and the eastern coast of Australia in coastal or rainforests. Like kangaroos, they are marsupials and as such, possess a pouch in which the female sugar glider raises her young. Sugar gliders ( Petaurus breviceps) are small, nocturnal mammals that are usually active at night and sleep during the day.
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