Top Tips for Caging Needs & a Safe Setup

01

Caging Needs & Safe Setup

Sugar gliders need a tall, roomy cage so they can climb, jump and glide. We recommend at least 36" high x 24" wide x 24" deep, with bar spacing no more than ½" to keep joeys from squeezing through. Avoid small hamster or bird cages — they’re not safe or big enough.

Place the cage in a quiet, draft‑free area of your home:

• Away from direct sunlight and heaters (they overheat easily)

• Away from air vents, doors and windows that cause drafts

• Away from loud TVs, speakers or kids’ play areas

• Where other pets (cats/dogs) can’t jump on, knock over, or stare into the cage all day.

A calm, stable spot helps your gliders feel safe and reduces stress.

02

Safe Toys & Accessories

Sugar gliders explore with their hands, feet and teeth, so everything in the cage must be safe:

• Safe Toys

  • Hard plastic baby toys, plastic chains, foraging toys

  • Fleece toys with no loose threads or frayed edges

  • No rubber bands, string, yarn, rope, or metal edges that can cut or tangle

• Safe Pouches

  • Use fleece pouches only (no loose threads, no holes)

  • Double‑stitched seams and boxed corners are best

  • Check daily for chewed spots or holes and replace if damaged

  • Hang pouches securely so gliders can’t fall out

• Glider‑Safe Wheels

  • Choose a solid running surface with no center bar and no open rungs

  • The wheel should be at least 11–12" in diameter so their backs don’t arch

  • Avoid hamster wheels with bars or spokes — they can break legs, tails or toes

03

Simple Weekly Cleaning Routine (Step by Step)

Do this once a week to keep things fresh without removing all their scent at once:

1. Remove your gliders to a safe travel cage or bonding pouch.

2. Take out toys, pouches and loose items from the cage.

3. Shake out loose debris (food, poop, bedding) into the trash.

4. Wipe cage bars and shelves with warm water and a glider‑safe cleaner or mild dish soap.

5. Rinse with clean water (wipe again with a damp cloth) so no soap is left behind.

6. Wash pouches and fleece items in the washing machine on gentle with a free‑and‑clear detergent (no strong scents).

7. Dry everything completely before putting it back in the cage.

8. Return a few unwashed items (like one toy or a small fleece square) so they still smell like “home” and feel secure.

9. Put your gliders back once the cage is dry and re‑set up.

04

Monthly Deep Clean (Step by Step)

Once a month, do a more thorough clean to prevent buildup of bacteria and odor:

1. Move gliders to a safe temporary cage or bonding pouch.

2. Completely empty the cage — remove all toys, pouches, wheels, dishes and trays.

3. Take the cage outside or to a tub if possible.

4. Scrub the entire cage (bars, corners, shelves, tray) with warm water and a glider‑safe cleaner or diluted vinegar solution.

5. Pay extra attention to corners and joints where urine can build up.

6. Rinse very well with clean water so no cleaner or vinegar remains.

7. Wash all fabric items (pouches, fleece liners, hammocks) in the washing machine.

8. Wash toys and wheels with warm soapy water, rinse, and let them dry fully.

9. Let the cage air‑dry completely before reassembling.

10. Rebuild the cage setup, adding back toys, pouches and the wheel. You can rearrange slightly for enrichment, but keep a few familiar items so they still recognize their space.

11. Return your gliders to their fresh, dry cage.