Feeding Sugar Gliders

C Johnson-Delaney
Washington Regional Primate Research Center, Univ. of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
Exotic DVM, 1998, 1(1.1), 4

Sugar gliders (Petaurus breviceps) are tiny marsupials, native to New Guinea and Australia. The most significant recommendation that one can make to sugar glider owners concerns the captive diet, because many common disease conditions are the result of improper feeding. Free-ranging sugar gliders are omnivorous, and a glider's natural diet consists of arthropods, acacia gum, eucalyptus phloem and sap; with manna, honeydew, nectar and pollen as only minor components of their diet.
A captive diet based on field research and consultation with Australian zookeepers, veterinarians and naturalists has been used with success: 50% Leadbeater's Mixture and 50% insectivore/carnivore diet. The Leadbeater's Mixture consists of: 150 ml warm water; 150 ml honey; 1 shelled hard-boiled egg; 25 g high protein baby cereal; 1 tsp vitamin/mineral supplement; Mix warm water and honey. In separate container, blend egg until homogenized. Gradually add honey/water, then vitamin powder, then baby cereal, blending after each addition until smooth. Keep refrigerated until served.
Sugar glider owners should feed fresh portions in the evening, and chop items together to reduce only favorite foods being selected. Acceptable treats include meats, diced fruits with multiple vitamin/mineral powder, bee pollen, worms, crickets, various insects (gut-loaded with high quality cricket diet plus additional calcium). Treats should be limited to 5% of daily intake.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------