Hi,
I am new to sugar gliders although I have done lots of reading (especially lately). I have an adult female who I got because she "would not breed and is mean". Well I don't want babies and what did they expect with no handling and bonding?
So, I am the process of finding her another female pal or a neutered male. Sorry for all the back story, but I kind of think that it relates.
This is my first winter in Florida. I live near Clearwater and have moved from Maine. I would like to build a large aviary type enclosure in my screened porch (Florida room???). It would be the best place for a really large enclosure and then I would have the cage in my bedroom, that she is currently using, for nights when it gets really cold. My question is.....what does a glider consider really cold? I know that is a dumb question, but I have discovered that everyone has a different answer. Last night it was about 60 degrees in my room and she was bashing and crashing around, so I am guessing that she was pretty happy. She has a stuffed toy named "Flea" and he looked like he'd had a tough night, lol.
I work at a primate sanctuary and so I would like her to have as much space and things to do as possible.
I guess I am looking for advice and suggestions for acceptable temps and the best dimensions for an outdoor space.
Thanks in advance and i am so happy to have found you all.
Joyce

I read somewhere(perhaps a thread on here) that they can handle occasionally cold nights but not on a continuous basis. 70 plus degrees is more like their natural temperature range. As far as the aviary dimensions, as large as you wish to make it. However no galvanized wire and if you put natural wood in it be sure it isn't toxic. Of course make sure its escape proof and that no predators can get at them. Consider ease of cleaning. Good luck

an if you make one you need to make sure that the spacing are 1/2in or less those sneaky little buggers will try to get out if bigger..
lol

Also, galvanized wire is a big no-no! Causes health problems with gliders.

BIGGER is always BETTER =) lol and i've read that they deal with some pretty cold winters in australia which is there natural habitat.. i'd say for you reall want to like every one was saying make sure they can't escape, then double or triple (whatever it takes) line their pouches.. good luck!

Gliders can adapt to varying temperatures providing they are acclimatised slowly.

Best thing is to get your glider a friend as they do better in the colder weather with a friend to cuddle up with. A nestbox is much more advisable than a pouch outdoors but fill it full of fleece strips when it's colder.

Heat during the day is more of an issue than cold actually and you have to monitor them with this, though as they sleep during the day, there is no reason you could not keep them indoors during the day and let them into the outdoor area at night to play.

Also an airlock is a very good idea to prevent any escapes and for peace of mind.

I'd be a bit worried about snakes since you're in Florida. There should be some kind of a snake barrier. Also, I'd think you would need a way to keep some critters from tunneling in?

We definatly have snakes around my place and I have a snake guard on the bottom of the aviary. This is just a metal pannel that is ment to make it harder for snakes to get in. We have only been on this property since janurary but so far we have had no problems. Weao have foxes and about three stray cats that come around. I have put some brush fencing on one side to give some protection and put brush fencing across the top so that any owls cannot see them. So even with reditors there are things you can do to make them safer. Suagr Gliders love the freedom that big enclosures can give them. I agree with Ko that they cope ok in the cold weather ( always when there is more than one for body heat) its the heat that can knock them and seeing they are nocturnal you can always bring them inside to a smaller cage while they sleep.