Differences for
“ Cage ”
==== A very brief primer on sugar glider cages ====
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You can compare the dimensions and internal space of various popular sugar
glider cages [http://www.sugarglider.com/suggested.asp#cages here]. on
GliderGossip] or do a general search for [EbaySearch:sugar+glider+cage sugar
glider cage].
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Odds are that the cage which came with your sugar glider(s) is too small for
their healthy keeping. Most breeders, flea market sellers, pet shops will
offer a cage that is very small. Understanding that sugar gliders are arboreal
(tree dwelling), you can realize that their cage requirements might not be the
same as they are for common rodents of the same size. Much like squirrels,
sugar gliders live in the tree tops and commonly leap and glide large distances
in the course of an evening outing. There is no real way to duplicate this in
a caged environment, but one can at a minimum allow for a very large
"flight", "aviary" or "tower" style of cage and
then install all sorts of branches, shelves, floors, cubbies, boxes, pouches
and anything else you can imagine for them to romp around on and explore. The
honest truth to what kind of cage you should keep your sugar glider(s) in is
simply the largest one that you can find and afford.
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And there are a few simple things you can do to your large bird cage to improve
the quality of life for your sugar glider.
* Thin wire walls and floor grates are not kind to sugar glider feet. You
can use cheap fence panels to make simple
[http://www.sugarglider.com/glidergossip/Photos/2571/CAM_0282.JPG wood shelves]
for the animals to perch on. You can use plastic mesh "hardware" or
"landware" cloth to
[http://www.sugarglider.com/journal/Kazko/Dont_forget_the_mesh_556.asp cover
the floor grate] to give their feet an easier and more comfortable grasp.
* You can use plastic mesh and unused cage hardware such as ladders and
shelves to make a
[http://www.sugarglider.com/glidergossip/Photos/2571/CAM_0282.JPG second floor]
in the cage.
* It is best to use two water bottles per cage and to
[http://www.sugarglider.com/journal/Kazko/Secure_your_sugar_glider_water_bottles_451.asp secure them] in a way that cannot easily be dislodged by prying sugar gliders.
* Exercise wheels are an absolute must for sugar gliders in a cage. A
common and low cost wheel to purchase is the WodentWheel.
* Nail maintenance is a very important aspect of keeping gliders in a cage.
A popular way to maintain nails is by using a
[http://www.sugarglider.com/journal/Kazko/Wodent_Wheel_homebrew_trim_track_nail_trimmer_545.asp trim track] in their exercise wheel.
* If you have a "budget" cage where the doors slide up, a good
thing to do is to
[http://www.sugarglider.com/journal/Kazko/Budget_cage_doors_are_unsafe_657.asp
modify them] to open out to avoid accidental injuries.
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==== Useful Links ====
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[http://www.sugarglider.com/suggested.asp#cages Popular sugar glider cages]
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[http://www.sugarglider.com/journal/Kazko/Secure_your_sugar_glider_water_bottles_451.asp Secure your water bottles]
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[http://www.sugarglider.com/gliderpedia/index.asp?Lighting Cage lighting]
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[http://www.sugarglider.com/gliderpedia/index.asp?CageCleaning Cage cleaning]
<BR>
[http://www.sugarglider.com/glidergossip/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=17960 Cage flooring]
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[http://www.sugarglider.com/glidergossip/topic.asp?whichpage=1&TOPIC_ID=23618 Cage covers]
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