Cages need to be good sized. They can be bought or be homemade. Homemade cages are relatively easy to build. The cage should be welded wire or mesh; sugar gliders like to climb. The size of the welded wire or mesh needs to be small. If the spacing is over 1/2 inch by 1 inch, the sugar glider can escape. A cage should be no smaller that 24" inches in diameter and 38" tall to contain no more than two sugar gliders. That space is the very minimum sized cage; bigger is better. Sugar gliders love to jump and climb therefore, a taller cage is better than a horizontal cage.
The main structure can be made from wood, PVC pipe, or metal. PVC and metal are much easier to disinfect. I went on a PVC kick for a long while, building everything I could possibly think of out of PVC. It is so easy to use, glue, the stuff that softens the pipes when you use the glue, joints, screw joints; I am sure those are all technical terms…not! The only big problem I ran up against was weight; it was much too light for my bigger parrots. I filled the pipe with sand and that cured that problem.
They love multi layers in their cages. You can purchase plastic or metal shelves and attach them to the cage sides.
Make sure the cage has a secure fastener and even a lock; sugar gliders are pretty smart little critters and have frequently figured out how to open the latch. I like to keep most my cages, any housing for pets locked, especially since I have a young child in the house. Besides, my animals are escape artists, and wouldn’t think twice about letting their next door neighbor free as well.
For the floor bottom don’t use pine or cedar shavings they can be lethal to animals. Aspen has always been my favorite.
Remember, cleanliness goes a long way to keeping your sugar glider healthy.
Place live fruit trees branches in their cage, and replace them frequently. This is for two purposes, one, climbing, and two; they need to chew to keep their teeth healthy. Do not use any branches that have been sprayed with poison.
Provide a sleeping box for them to sleep in the daytime, for their comfort and to keep them out of the daylight. Place a couple of tissues (unscented) in the box, the tissues will make a great pillow and blanket.
There is an example of a proper sugar glider cage at bottom of article.
Birds and Parrots
Some cages are a danger to your bird. The bars can be improperly spaced. Birds can get their heads stuck and be strangled. Cages may have screws and other tiny parts the bird will work free and the bird can choke. Parrots have very nimble tongues. You would be surprised what they can accomplish with their tongues, beak, and feet. Parrot’s like to chew constantly. They will chew at the bars. The paint must be non-toxic.
Birds are notorious for opening birdcage latches. The latch must be of a quality design and secure. Keeping a cage clean and sanitized is a very important issue. Some cages are impossible to keep clean, harder yet keeping sanitized.
The cage must be the proper size for the bird; the larger the better. I won’t buy a cage unless it has a playpen on top. Cages are fine when you’re not around to watch the bird. However, birds need their freedom. They love the playpens on top of the cage and will spend most of their time on it. There are many excellent birdcages available.
Many cages come with feeding stations and dishes and perches. Look for removable trays for easy cleaning. Rectangular and square cages are much better than a round cage. The bird needs perches of various thicknesses for healthy foot development.
The only time I don’t recommend playpens on top of the cage is if there is a behavioral problem. In this case, the parrot should always be at a lower level, that what you are. The bird will still need a playpen which can be purchased or made at home.
I wanted an outside playpen so that my macaw could be outside with me when I was gardening. Money didn’t come by easy back then, so I made one out of PVC pipe, and sunk it in a large flower pot filled with sand. I had to roughen up the top T to keep the macaw from slipping, but it worked out great.
Remember, our pets have curious fingers and nimble toes, keep that in mind when finding the right cage.
The aviary will be discussed soon at another date. Aviaries are important especially for small birds.
Cage Examples
Excellent example of cages and also very good cages. The first cage would be great for sugar gliders or ferrets. The second cage would be great for smaller parrots; conures,lovebirds, quakers, and so on.
Brand New Bird Sugar Glider Ferret Cage 30x18x55 With Stand On Wheel *Black*
Brand New Parrot Bird Cage Cages Play W/Stand On Wheels 20x20x58
