Sugar glider diet in captivity has several disadvantages. Fruit-based diets are harmful for captive sugar gliders, and commercially-supplemented dry or canned proteins are better than unsupplemented animal products. These articles also discuss home diets for sugar gliders, and enrichment items for these pets. The following are the top reasons to avoid feeding sugar gliders on fruit-based diets.
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Fruit-based diets are harmful to captive sugar gliders
Considering sugar gliders’ low metabolic rate, it is important to provide enough nutrients to keep them healthy. Captive sugar gliders need about 25 to 35 grams of food per 100 grams of body weight each day. A typical ration would include 15 grams of nectar or insectivore/carnivore diet with 2.5 grams of treat foods. Feeding sugar gliders should be done once daily, preferably in the late afternoon or early evening. Fresh water should always be available.
The ingestive habits of sugar gliders vary with season and location. Wild gliders eat primarily Acacia gum, which is a good source of dietary minerals, particularly calcium. They also have an elongated caecum. These ingestive behaviors vary depending on the season and location, but in general, fruit-based diets are harmful for captive sugar gliders.
Properly balanced dry or canned commercial protein sources are superior to unsupplemented animal products
Private owners of pet sugar gliders often feed diets that are highly digestible and high in protein. However, these diets are likely imbalanced in amino acids, calcium, and phosphorus. Therefore, supplementation is necessary to avoid nutritional diseases. The following are some suggestions for nutritional husbandry for sugar gliders.
A well-balanced dry or canned commercial protein source is superior to unsupplemented animal products in sugar glider diet in captivity. Similarly, fresh fruits and vegetables are preferred over larval forms of insects. Fresh water is also required at all times. Besides, sugar gliders should be kept in an area with good temperature and humidity, and they should be able to reach the food sources easily.
Home diets for a sugar glider
The first thing to remember when choosing a Sugar Glider pet is to provide proper nutrition. Sugar Gliders are insectivores, and in their wild environment they feed on a variety of insects, pollen, and nectar. The ideal diet should include fruits and vegetables, as well as protein and plenty of vitamins. A sugar glider’s diet should contain approximately 15 to 20 percent of its body weight each day.
Many commercially available diets for sugar gliders are available over the counter. A few of these diets have been created with veterinary guidance. You can also prepare your own home-made diet by blending different ingredients together and serving it in a buffet style container. This way, it’ll be similar to glider nectar. It’s important to use fresh produce when preparing the food.
Enrichment items for a sugar glider
Enrichment items for a sugar glide can include toys, hiding spots, and plants. Sugar gliders need enrichment items to keep them engaged in natural behaviours, such as climbing, foraging, and playing with toys. These items will also provide comfort and safety for the sugar gliders. They should not be exposed to high temperatures or fast moving fans. The cage should be shaded and out of direct sunlight.
One of the most important aspects of owning a sugar glider is providing proper housing and diet. Sugar gliders are gregarious animals that are often housed in small groups. If you choose to keep a single glider, make sure you neuter the males before bringing them home, or otherwise provide a place for the animals to interact. Housed alone, the glider may not thrive and may even die of lack of attention.
