INTRODUCING SUGAR GLIDERS TO EACH OTHER

 

Introducing sugar gliders to each other needs to be done carefully—rushing can cause fights and injuries. Here’s a guide to help:

1. Quarantine First (If New Glider)

Keep a new glider separate for 30 days to rule out illness or parasites.  During this time, get them vet-checked.

2. Scent Swapping

Exchange pouches, toys, or fleece squares between cages.  This lets them get used to each other’s smell before they meet.

3. Side-by-Side Cages

Place cages near each other so they can see and smell but not touch.  Watch their reactions—if they crab constantly, give it more time.

4. Neutral Ground Introductions

Introduce them in a neutral space (like a glider-safe tent or bathroom), not inside either glider’s cage.  Have a bonding pouch ready in case you need to separate them quickly.

5. Observe Body Language

Good signs: sniffing, grooming, sleeping together, following each other.

Bad signs: lunging, balling up (locked fighting ball), biting hard.

⚠️ If they ball up fighting, separate immediately with a piece of fleece or thick gloves—never your bare hands.

6. Short Sessions First

Start with a few minutes, then gradually increase.  Once they cuddle in a pouch or groom each other, they’re usually ready to live together.

7. Moving in Together

Thoroughly clean the cage and rearrange it so it feels “new” to both.  Place two sleeping pouches at first—once they choose to share one, you can remove the other.

⏳ Timeline

Some gliders bond in a few days, others take weeks to months.  Be patient and move at their pace.

✅ With careful introductions, sugar gliders usually accept new friends since they are colony animals, they thrive when kept with at least one companion.