Sugar Glider Travel: Choosing The Right Cage Size

what is a good size travel cage for sugar glider

Sugar gliders are social and intelligent creatures that require a lot of space to jump around and glide. They are colony animals and should always be kept in pairs. A good travel cage for sugar gliders should be at least 24 wide, 24 deep, and 36 tall, with bar spacing no wider than 0.5 inches to prevent the gliders from escaping or getting stuck. While bird cages can work, some wire cages may injure their tiny feet, so it is important to choose a cage that is powder or enamel-coated. It is also crucial to provide accessories such as hammocks, hiding spots, and running wheels to keep them stimulated and comfortable.

Characteristics Values
Cage dimensions 24” D x 24” W x 36” H is the minimum recommended size for 2 sugar gliders. For 3-4 gliders, the cage should be bigger.
Bar spacing No more than 1/2 inch apart to prevent gliders from escaping or getting stuck.
Cage type Commercial cages are the most popular choice, but some owners opt for homemade cages made from materials such as PVC pipes and plastic netting.
Cage levels Multi-level cages are okay, but they shouldn't be too restrictive. Sugar gliders should be able to move freely around the cage and get from one side to the other without relying on platforms.
Cage safety The cage should be secure to prevent sugar gliders from escaping. Avoid cages with jagged edges or other problem areas that could injure the gliders.
Cage location Place the cage in a quiet spot that stays above 65 degrees Fahrenheit, away from direct sunlight, speakers, heat sources, fans, and air ducts.
Cage material Choose a cage that is powder or enamel-coated, or made of vinyl to prevent injury to the gliders' feet.
Bedding Use bedding made specifically for sugar gliders, such as non-treated wood shavings, shredded newspaper, or commercial liners or substrates.
Accessories Provide hammocks, pouches, swings, ladders, and tents for the sugar gliders to play and hide in.

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Minimum cage dimensions

Sugar gliders are highly social and active creatures that require a spacious cage to move around freely. The minimum recommended cage dimensions are 3 feet in height, and 2 feet in width and length. However, it is important to note that bigger cages are always preferable, and each additional sugar glider will require more space. For 2-3 sugar gliders, a cage measuring 24" D x 24" W x 36" H is considered the minimum suitable size. This allows for adequate space to accommodate accessories such as hammocks, hiding spots, and running wheels.

The height of the cage is particularly important, as sugar gliders are climbers and jumpers. A tall cage with multiple levels can provide ample vertical space for them to explore. Additionally, it is crucial to ensure that the bar spacing does not exceed 1/2 inch to prevent the sugar gliders from escaping or getting stuck.

When choosing a cage, it is essential to consider the number of sugar gliders you plan to keep and provide enough space for comfortable living. While commercial cages are the most popular choice, some owners opt for homemade cages made from materials like PVC pipes and plastic netting. Regardless of the type of cage, ensuring it meets the minimum dimensions is vital to providing a healthy and stimulating environment for your sugar gliders.

In summary, the minimum cage dimensions for sugar gliders should be around 24" D x 24" W x 36" H, with bar spacing no wider than 1/2 inch. However, bigger cages are always preferable, especially when housing more than two sugar gliders. By providing a spacious and well-equipped cage, you can ensure the health and happiness of your sugar glider companions.

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Cage safety features

Sugar gliders are small but active and agile creatures, so it's important to ensure their cage is secure to prevent them from escaping or hurting themselves. Here are some key safety features to consider when choosing a travel cage for your sugar glider:

Bar Spacing

Sugar gliders can squeeze through small spaces, so it's crucial to check the bar spacing on the cage. The bars should be no more than half an inch apart to prevent your sugar glider from escaping or getting stuck. This is an essential safety measure to avoid any potential harm to your pet.

Secure Locking Mechanism

Sugar gliders are known for their escapist tendencies, so a secure locking mechanism is vital. Look for a cage with a reliable locking system that will prevent your sugar glider from opening it accidentally or with their tiny paws. This will give you peace of mind and ensure your pet's safety.

Smooth Surfaces and Edges

When choosing a travel cage, opt for one with smooth surfaces and rounded edges. This is important to prevent your sugar glider from injuring themselves on any sharp edges or protrusions. Check the cage for any potential hazards, such as sharp wires or uneven surfaces, and ensure that all parts are securely attached.

Size and Height

While a travel cage doesn't need to be as spacious as a permanent home cage, it should still provide enough room for your sugar glider to move around comfortably. A good rule of thumb is to aim for a minimum size of 24" width x 24" depth x 36" height for a pair of sugar gliders. This will give them sufficient space to climb and move about, reducing the risk of injury from restricted movement.

Cage Material

The material of the travel cage is also important for your sugar glider's safety and comfort. Choose a cage made from powder-coated or enamel-coated metal, or vinyl. These materials are safer for your pet's tiny feet than traditional wire cages, which can cause injuries.

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Cage location

Sugar gliders are nocturnal, so it's best not to put their cage in a bedroom. Avoid placing the cage in direct sunlight, or close to a TV, speaker, heat source, fan, or air duct. Sugar gliders will be happiest in a quiet spot where they can see and hear you without feeling too exposed. Choose a room that stays above 65 degrees Fahrenheit, as they may get too cold otherwise.

It's also a good idea to put the cage on a table to give your sugar gliders the height they love. They are highly social and need to be kept in pairs, so make sure the cage is in a room where you spend a lot of time. This will allow your sugar gliders to feel your presence and not get lonely.

When choosing a cage location, also consider the safety of your sugar gliders. They are tiny escape artists, so the cage should be secure and have bars spaced no more than half an inch apart. Additionally, avoid wire cages as they can injure your pets' tiny feet.

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Cage material

When it comes to the material of a travel cage for sugar gliders, there are several options to consider. Firstly, it is important to note that sugar gliders are small and agile creatures, so the spacing between the bars of the cage should not exceed half an inch to prevent them from escaping or getting stuck. A lock on the cage is also recommended to keep your sugar gliders secure.

For the cage material, you can choose between commercial cages and homemade cages. Commercial cages are readily available for purchase online or in stores and are the most popular choice among sugar glider owners. When selecting a commercial cage, be sure to check the dimensions and bar spacing to ensure they meet the safety requirements for sugar gliders.

If you opt for a homemade cage, you can use materials such as PVC pipes and plastic netting. There are many online tutorials that offer guidance on how to build your own sugar glider cage. However, it is essential to carefully consider the potential perks and risks associated with homemade cages.

Additionally, some specific materials should be avoided for the safety and well-being of your sugar gliders. For example, wire cages with exposed wires can injure your sugar gliders' tiny feet. Instead, choose cages that have been powder-coated or enamel-coated to provide a safer surface for your pets. Vinyl is another suitable option for cage material.

When it comes to bedding, avoid using softwood shavings such as cedar or pine, as the oils released from these woods are toxic to sugar gliders. Instead, opt for non-treated wood shavings, shredded newspaper, or commercial liners specifically designed for gliders. Always check with your veterinarian before using any new bedding material to ensure it is safe for your sugar gliders.

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Cage bedding

Bedding is placed at the bottom of your sugar glider's cage or in the tray pan to collect waste. It is important to choose the right bedding for your sugar glider's cage, as some materials can be toxic.

Do not use any softwood shavings such as cedar or pine, as the oils released from the wood are toxic. Also, avoid using any scented bedding. If you choose to use shredded bedding, remember that gliders are grabby and will try to pull it out of the cage, often resulting in a scattered mess.

You can use reusable puppy pads, newspaper, or paper liners. Puppy pads are popular, as sugar gliders won't bite them and they are easy to clean. However, they can be expensive, and some owners have reported that the cage starts to smell more quickly when using them.

Some owners prefer to use nothing at all and simply clean out the tray at the bottom of the cage daily. This is a good option if you want to save money and avoid the hassle of washing bedding.

Another option is to use a bulk roll of bird cage liner. This can be rolled out, cut to size, and placed in the tray. Clean-up is easy, as you simply roll it up and throw it away.

If you want to use a natural material, you can try using dried eucalyptus leaves and twigs, or all-natural nesting material made from 100% cotton.

For sleeping areas, you can use a nesting box with fleece squares or a fleece-lined pouch. Sugar gliders prefer to sleep in small, enclosed areas, and most owners use hanging fleece pouches. You can also use cubes, pods, or open-style hammocks. It is important to provide a sleeping area for each glider in the cage, as they may want some alone time or to shelter from squabbles with other gliders.

Frequently asked questions

The ideal size for a travel cage for sugar gliders is 24" wide by 36" high. However, it is important to ensure that the cage is spacious enough for them to jump around freely and that the bar spacing does not exceed 1/2 inch to prevent escape or injury.

When choosing a travel cage for sugar gliders, it is important to consider the following features:

- Size: The cage should be tall and spacious enough for the sugar gliders to move around and jump freely.

- Bar spacing: Ensure that the bars are no more than 1/2 inch apart to prevent escape and potential injuries.

- Security: Sugar gliders are known escape artists, so a secure lock is essential.

- Materials: Choose a cage made of powder-coated, enamel-coated, or vinyl materials to prevent injury to their tiny feet.

- Bedding: Use bedding specifically made for sugar gliders, such as non-treated wood shavings, shredded newspaper, or commercial liners.

There are a few things to avoid when choosing a travel cage for sugar gliders:

- Small size: Avoid cages that are too small and restrictive. Sugar gliders need ample space to move around and exhibit their natural gliding behaviour.

- Inappropriate bar spacing: Bar spacing that is too wide can lead to sugar gliders escaping or getting stuck, which can be dangerous.

- Unsafe materials: Some wire cages or materials can injure their tiny feet, so opt for powder-coated, enamel-coated, or vinyl options.

- Toxic bedding: Avoid using popular substrates that are toxic to sugar gliders, such as softwood shavings like cedar or pine. Always check with your vet if you are unsure about the bedding material.

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