Things Needed To Breed Sugar Gliders

Sugar gliders are small marsupials that from the outset look like tiny chipmunks and they only grow to be between eleven (11) to twelve (12) inches long. These furry creatures are in the same family as kangaroos in that the mother keeps her young in a pouch. If you are interested in becoming a breeder there are some things that you need to know before you take on this undertaking.

First of all, you need to make sure that it is even legal to own sugar gliders as pets. Different jurisdictions in the country have different laws, so contact the local office of your county officials to determine if you are permitted to own one. Also, it is important to note that if you do plan on having more than four breeding females that you have to obtain a USDA Class A Breeder's license (for more information, you can contact the local USDA office). Male gliders reach maturity between four (4) - twelve (12) months old while, female gliders mature between eight (8) to twelve (12) months and females have the ability to breed a small litter (1-2) of joeys (baby gliders) up to three times a year.

There is certain breeding equipment and breeding accessories you will need prior to putting your male and female together so that 'nature can take it's course'. First you will need a large enough cage to house the male and female; again take into consideration the maturity levels for the each glider before you put them together. It would also be a good idea to either buy or build a small nesting box so that the father and mother have somewhere to sleep and so the mother has somewhere to nest when she becomes pregnant.

The gestation period only lasts about sixteen (16) days but the joeys will remain in her pouch for an additional two (2) -three (3) months. While the joeys are in the pouch make sure the mother has adequate protein or a milk supplement to make sure that her own milk supply does not run out. After the joeys leave the pouch and have started the weaning process (up to five weeks old) they can start eating semi-solid foods like low-fat fruit yogurts and/or baby foods. Then when they are about three (3) months old can you then transition to solid foods.

A key piece of breeding equipment that you should have is some type of scale (a jeweler's scale should work nicely) as this will ensure that the joey(s) are consistently gaining weight. In order to get the joey to socialize, it is important to start handling or hand-raising it immediately. There are certain breeding accessories like exercise toys, sleeping pouches, and bonding (pouches that you can wear on you person that simulates the mother's pouch and can help to get the joey acclimated to human touch) that are also a great way to socialize your pet for its new home.

To hand raise a joey you will need to make a temporary cage area for them to sleep when not with you. This can be a plastic bucket with holes drilled in it and a reptile heat pad wrapped around the bucket. Keep the internal temp around 85F. Add some bedding material and your done.
My name is Allan Stewart and I have several websites dedicated to health and well being for people and pets. Want to learn more about sugar gliders: sugar gliding breeding Or visit my website at Sugar Glider Care for more facts about sugar gliders. Also see my other articles on Kyocera Ceramics: Kyocera Ceramic Knives