Are you wondering, “Can Sugar Gliders Be Kept Outside?” Do you want to create a perfect outdoor enclosure or take your pocket pet companion out for adventures in the city?
In this article, we will look into both desires and see if or can sugar gliders be kept outside.
Can Sugar Gliders Be Kept Outside?
Yes, but there are many stipulations to keeping your sugar glider safely outside. Temperature is the first concern. They are able to tolerate temperatures at 60°F – 90°F (15°C – 32°C), but are more comfortable around 80°F – 88°F (27°C – 31°C).
If the temperature drops under 50°F (10°C) for too long, the only defense they have against it is curling up or shivering. Slowly but surely they will develop hyperthermia or sudden death will occur.
The outdoor enclosure must be also safe from any predators. If you’re only bringing your sugar glider outside for walks with you, you should carry a glider tote or a secure pouch that keeps them safe without their ability to escape and never returned.
Can I Take My Sugar Glider Outside With Me?
We don’t want to tell you what you should or shouldn’t do with your sugar glider. We have seen many people in our sugar glider community tell us about fun days that they spend with their pocket pets as they explore the outside world together.
Other members and sugar glider caregivers wouldn’t dare take the chance of their sugar glider going outside without any protection or security.
This is why you would need that special sugar glider tote or secure pouch to make sure that they do not suddenly jump off your shoulder if they get spooked by something that you don’t even notice.
They could run up a tree in a flash and never return. If you are willing to take the chance, we highly recommend that you keep your sugar glider close to you and attached by way of a pouch or tote that keeps them safely secure to you.
Do Sugar Gliders Enjoy Sunlight?
Sugar gliders are nocturnal marsupials and do not enjoy direct sunlight. They are fine with rooms that are lit naturally, but it is not wise to keep their enclosure next to a window.
Sunlight can lead to overheating, eye problems and other types of respiratory issues. A stressed sugar glider underneath direct sunlight will attempt to escape and find an area that is shady and more comfortable for their needs as nocturnal creatures.
5 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Take a Sugar Glider Outside
Are you ready to take the chance? A sugar glider is nimble enough to escape from you at the slightest perceived threat even though there isn’t any.
You may think that a sugar glider has bonded to you and would never want to leave your sight, but we can’t depend on the instincts of a small animal with many potential predators in the wild.
Here are six reasons why you need to reconsider bringing your sugar glider outside:
1. They Might Get Lost
Sugar gliders enjoy being high up. They may find a tree or building and jump off of your shoulder or find a way out of their pouch that you are using just for them.
The only way they will return is if your bond is incredibly tight between you two. There could be enough trust and you might have their favorite treat on hand as well.
Either way there is no guarantee that a sugar glider who climbs up or gets lost will be able to find you again.
2. Attack From Other Animals
Sugar gliders are considered easy targets for plenty of larger animals when you’re out in public. It can start from something as simple as someone’s dog on a leash or a cat next to a nearby building.
A predator such as a coyote or a bird of prey from above could be lurking. There is no assurance or 100% guarantee that your sugar glider is safe from the attack of other animals.
Even though they might be at a safe distance away from a sugar glider, if your pocket pet perceives any type of threat, their first reaction might be to escape.
3. Sunshine Sensitivity
Sugar gliders are nocturnal animals that are very sensitive to the sun. Their eyes cannot handle extended periods of sunshine.
A sugar glider will try its best to find an area that is shaded to get away from sunshine. Keep this in mind and provide enough cover for your sugar glider if you are taking the chance to venture outside together.
4. The Threat of Drowning
There are standing bodies of water in many locations. They can start from a fountain, pond or plenty of other water sources such as swimming pools. A sugar glider cannot swim.
They may follow their instincts to jump on a tree, glide off and land in any body of water that could lead to drowning.
Is it also important to always keep the lid on your toilet down at home if your sugar glider routinely enjoys free roaming around your home. I also like that advice and I tell that to my husband daily.
5. No Pets Allowed
You may think that because you have a cute little pocket pet, restaurants, cafes and all other locations will be fine with your sugar glider. Unfortunately this is not the case and we learned this the hard way.
Instead of putting up a fuss, we agreed with the manager of a popular coffee shop that she’s not allowed if other animals aren’t either. We were limited for the places that we were able to go.
When to Take a Sugar Glider Outside
Taking a sugar glider outside is up to you, but it comes with its added risks. Make sure that you guys have bonded together really tightly and that your sugar glider responds to you when you call them.
If your sugar glider comes to you, you have a higher chance of going outside as your bond is tight and trusted. Try testing this in a larger space in the largest room in your house.
Next, try the backyard. Finally, make sure your sugar glider is securely attached to a glider tote or a pouch without the ability to escape.
If you notice your sugar glider attempting to bite the tote or pouch to escape, quickly return back to the home because they are not ready for outdoor adventures just yet, or maybe never.
Thank you for visiting PocketPetCentral.com for the best information to help you enjoy the life of your pocket pet companion in a fun, safe & healthy way.
