Before you bring your sugar gliders home, you will need to set up their cage. The most important thing is to make sure the cage is big enough. With sugar gliders, you want to make sure the cage is taller rather than wider, because they love to jump and climb.

For a pair sugar gliders, the smallest a cage should be is 36”H x 24”L x 24”W or 40”H x 21”L x 21”W. Taller is always better, so just see what will fit in your home.

Finding a cage that is made specifically for gliders can be difficult if you are trying to purchase it at a physical store. There are a lot more options if you order one online.

If you really want to get it in a store, you might have to get a bird cage and modify it so it is suitable for gliders. One of the modifications people usually make to bird cages is to zip tie the feeding doors shut so your gliders can’t escape.

If you are going to get a bird cage, you want to make sure there are horizontal bars spaced no more than half an inch apart. Horizontal bars are easier for them to climb, although they will still be able to climb if the bars are predominantly vertical.

You also need to make sure the cage you choose is constructed out of a safe material. Galvanized wires are a major no-no because they can be harmful to gliders. PVC-coated wires, powder-coated wires, or wrought iron are glider-safe materials.

You definitely do not want a cage made of wood because it soaks up their urine and will smell bad pretty quickly. In addition to the odor problem, some woods can actually be toxic to gliders.

A drop pan that pulls out is also a must so you can clean out droppings easily and keep the cage clean. Most cages will have a pull-out drop pan so that shouldn’t be a tough criteria to meet.

If you can’t find a cage in a store near you that meets these requirements, you can definitely find one online. There are usually cages made specifically for gliders on Ebay, so make sure to check there if you’re having trouble finding one.

Another option is to make your own cage. If you’re in the mood for a good DIY project, you can go this route. You can do a search online for cage plans and follow somebody else’s plan to make things a little easier. If you’re creative, you can design it yourself.

You can usually find all the materials at your local hardware store, but you can also purchase materials online. PVC-coated wire mesh is a common material that people use to make their cages.

When you get your cage, you will need to get a few things to put inside. Food and water bowls should be first on the list. You can get bowls that attach to the cage, or you set regular bowls down on the bottom of the cage. Hanging water bottles or water silos are popular because water dishes can get pretty messy. Gliders are known to pee and poop in water dishes, so attaching water to the side of the cage usually works better.

One thing that is important to mention is to always have more than one water source in the cage in case one fails. Bottle can leak or break and it doesn’t take long for a glider to get dehydrated if they don’t have access to water.

Next on the list would be an exercise wheel. This is an absolute must for gliders because they love running and jumping in the wheel and it gives them much needed enrichment and exercise. When it comes to wheels, you need to get one that is safe for your gliders. The most important thing is to make sure it does not have a center bar. Gliders can get their tails caught on the center bar and that can cause injuries.

Next, add some hanging cage pouches, hammocks, or nesting boxes so your gliders have places to sleep. You will also need to provide them with some fun and enriching toys so your gliders are mentally stimulated. Rotating toys regular is a good idea because gliders get bored easily. You can think of them as toddlers who are constantly curious and craving new things to discover.

Creating a comfortable and fun environment for your gliders is really important, so take some time decorating the cage and have fun!