Leadbeater’s mix is a classic homemade nectar for sugar gliders, made from honey, egg, baby cereal and a vitamin supplement. It is named after Leadbeater’s possum, a related marsupial. It is tasty and popular but can be low in calcium, so it should be only one part of the diet.
What goes in it
- Warm water and honey
- Hard-boiled egg, blended smooth
- Baby cereal (high-protein)
- A vitamin and calcium supplement
Recipes differ. Follow one from a vet or a reputable glider rescue, and don’t add extra honey.
How to prepare and store it
Blend the ingredients until smooth, then pour into ice cube trays and freeze. Thaw one cube at a time and keep thawed mix in the refrigerator for a few days at most. Throw out any uneaten portion each morning.
The calcium problem
The original recipe has more phosphorus than calcium, which can lead to weak bones over time. That is why many keepers use the BML modification and add a vet-approved calcium supplement.
Where it fits
A balanced plan has three parts: a glider-specific kibble, a nectar mix like this one, and fresh vegetables, a little fruit, a few insects and calcium. See A Healthy Sugar Glider Diet.
Common mistakes
- Letting the mix replace kibble and vegetables.
- Leaving it out all day, where it spoils.
- Feeding raw egg.
- Using honey sticks or yogurt drops as extras.
Bottom Line
Leadbeater’s mix is a useful part of a glider’s diet when it is stored safely, balanced with calcium and fed in moderation.
This article is general information, not veterinary advice.
