Differences for “ Sugar Glider Starter Kit ”

You've done all the research, you've weighed all the pros & cons, you've
found a reputable breeder and everything is settled.  Your joeys will be coming
home soon.  This is when most new snuggie sugar glider owners freak out.  Here
are the bare basics that you'll need.
  
= Cage: = 
  
The smallest cage recommended for sugar gliders is 34"x24"x24"
36"x24"x24" (or 40"x21"x21").  You are going to
want your cage to be either PVC or powder coated with 1/2" bar spacing or
less.
  
A removable, seperate separate poo tray is a must.  Shelves are good to help
simulate branches of trees.  Untill  Until you know if your gliders are chewers
or not, keep any wood 'branches' out as the splinters can be dangerous.  You
should also be aware that some woods and plants are toxic so please be aware of
these items before exposing your sugar gliders to them.
  
You're going to want to ziptie any unused doors shut (especially if you think
the gliders will be able to figgure figure out how to open them).  And you  You
also need to look for swinging doors that are large enough for you to easily
reach to all corners and remove/put in the wheel.
  
**Note:** Some people think joyes joeys need small gaps because they're not
fully grown, don't have all of their adult strength, and are still getting used
to what their capable.  If you want something temporary, try wrapping PVC mesh
(can be found at Lows Lowes & is typically called pet or garden fencing)
fencing or builder's mesh) with small gaps around the inside of the cage using
zipties to secure.
  
= Food: = 
  
If you haven't already decided which to feed your gliders, you need to do your
research now!  There are many recommended diets out there used by reputable
breeders and rescues.  The most popular are HPW, Blended, BML, LGRS Snuggie
Suggie Soup, Candy's, Leadbeaters, & Priscilla's.  Pellets are not to be
used as the main portion of the diet and some believe they should be avoided at
all costs.
  
No matter what diet you choose, you are going to need...
  * a blender
  * ice cube trays (or freezer safe container, but ice cube trays make 
measuring & serving easy)
  * motar mortar & pestal (optional, but helpful)
  * food processor (optional, but helpful)
  * a 'kitchen' made from a plastic bowl with lid, needs to be large enough for 
the food bowls & sugar gliders (not necessary, but definitly helpful in 
keeping the cage & surrounding area clean)
  * 1 or 2 water bottles to hang on the side of the cage
  
You are going to also want a stock of treats.  Here are some suggestions:
  * yoggies yogies (yogurt drops, can be found at most pet stores)
  * live bugs like mealies &/or crickets (note: research these before you 
use them)
  * dried fruit
  * seeds &/or nuts (no seasoning)
  * applesauce (try to avoid added sugar & seasoning - this is great for 
bonding if you have them lick it off your finger)
  * organic, vanilla yogurt (dab a bit on your finger & have them lick this 
off as well)
  
**Note:** I suggest starting with 1 fruit & 1 veggie (with a CA:PH ratio of 
1.5:1 or better) per week so you can test to see which your gliders like best.  
Later these can be blended & frozen for ease of storage & serving.  
That way you know that your gliders are geting the nutrition that they need 
& are still enjoying their fruits & veggies.
  
= Toys & Accessories: =
  
For in the cage vine-like items are fantastic along with foraging toys.  
Inexpensive foraging toys can be openable Easter eggs and/or a bucket/bowl of 
cut straws &/or fleece strips that they can dig into to find the hidden 
treat.
  
A wheel is a must.  The stealth Stealth and wodent wheels Wodent Wheels are
recommened by most. most and are recognized as "glider safe".
  
For toys that allow you to interact with them, anything with feathers are
fantastic (avoid cat-nip catnip if you use cat toys). toys as it is toxic to
them).
  
You'll also want at least two sleeping pouches made of no-pill fleece & 
with hidden seams.  One of these should be double lined if you live in an area 
where it dips below 45 degrees F in the cold months.
  
You'll want at least two bonding pouches as well.  Again, no-pill fleece and
hidden seams are a must.  And you'll  You'll also want one of these to be double
lined.
  
= Cleaning Supplies: = 
  
Any whipes wipes without any bleach are great for cleaning the cage, toys, &
kitchen.  You can also use vinegar & warm water.  Dawn dish soap is safe as
well.  If your gliders are sensitive to some detergents, you might want the
baby-friendly detergent for when washig their pouches.
  
Also, baking soda in the bottom of the poo tray over the black and white
newspaper or other lining helps keep the sent scent down.
  
= Other: = 
  
Here are some things that you might also want:
  * humidifier (especially for the cold months where the heat is on, drying the 
air)
  * space heater (especially for the cold months)
  * hand warmers handwarmers & a small, zipable zippable fleece pouch to put
it into so the gliders cannot get to it (great if you're traveling with them
during the winter)
  * an emergency care kit (The Glider Initiative has a great one that you can 
suppliment as you see fit)
  * a joey rejection kit if you are going to be breeding
  * a travel cage (you're going to want enough room for them to play when 
looking at size, but smaller is ok since this is temporary - again: PVC/powder 
coated, 1/2" bar spacing)
  * a hospital cage (something very small to reduce movement; same requirements)