Sugar gliders are playful, curious creatures that thrive in environments that stimulate their minds and bodies. Just like other pets, sugar gliders need toys to keep them entertained, physically active, and mentally engaged. But what kind of toys do sugar gliders like? In this guide, we’ll explore the best toys for sugar gliders, including safe options that help keep your pet happy and healthy.
Why Are Toys Important for Sugar Gliders?
Sugar gliders are nocturnal, social animals with a lot of energy. They need plenty of physical and mental stimulation to stay healthy, and toys can provide this much-needed enrichment. Toys also help prevent boredom, which can lead to destructive behaviors and health issues, such as obesity or stress.
Offering a variety of toys encourages exercise, promotes natural behaviors like climbing and foraging, and helps you bond with your sugar glider. Toys can also serve as a way to mimic their natural environment, which is full of branches, foliage, and activities that allow them to climb, jump, and glide.
Types of Toys Sugar Gliders Enjoy
Climbing Toys
Since sugar gliders are natural climbers, climbing toys are essential to their environment. These toys encourage physical exercise and mimic the climbing behavior they would use in the wild.
Recommended Toys:
- Branches and wooden climbing structures: Natural, untreated wood branches or platforms encourage climbing and exploring.
- Rope or sisal swings: These provide fun, wobbly surfaces for your glider to jump and swing from.
- Hanging vines or ladders: Vines and ladders offer various surfaces to climb and explore.
Exercise Wheels
Sugar gliders are active animals that love to run and exercise. An exercise wheel is a great way to give them an outlet for their energy, especially during the nighttime when they are most active.
Recommended Toys:
- Silent hamster wheels: These are ideal for sugar gliders because they offer a quiet and smooth running surface. Make sure the wheel has a solid surface (no wire wheels), as they can hurt your glider’s feet.
- Flying saucers: These are an alternative to traditional wheels and allow your sugar glider to run without the same high-speed friction.
Foraging Toys
In the wild, sugar gliders spend a lot of time foraging for food. To simulate this behavior, you can provide toys that encourage them to search for treats or hidden food.
Recommended Toys:
- Foraging balls or puzzle feeders: These are balls or containers that hide treats inside, which encourages your glider to work for their food.
- Paper bags or cardboard tubes: Sugar gliders love to chew and investigate materials like paper. You can hide small treats inside these items to make them more interesting.
Chew Toys
Sugar gliders need to chew to help wear down their teeth, which is a natural behavior for them. Chewing also helps reduce stress and anxiety.
Recommended Toys:
- Wooden chews: Offer untreated wooden chew toys or blocks. Wood like apple, willow, or birch is safe for sugar gliders to gnaw on.
- Leather or sisal ropes: These can be used as chew toys, and they also provide climbing and gripping surfaces.
Hiding Spaces and Nests
Sugar gliders love to have cozy, secure places to hide and sleep. Providing nesting toys helps them feel safe and comfortable in their environment.
Recommended Toys:
- Fleece pouches: These soft pouches mimic the feeling of a tree hollow, providing your sugar glider with a comfortable place to sleep and hide.
- Hanging hammocks or tents: These create a cozy space where sugar gliders can curl up, rest, and feel secure.
- Cardboard boxes or tunnels: Sugar gliders enjoy hiding and crawling through small spaces, and these provide an outlet for that behavior.
Interactive Toys
Sugar gliders enjoy toys that allow them to interact with their environment and explore. These toys help keep your pet mentally engaged and can foster bonding time between you and your glider.
Recommended Toys:
- Tunnels and tubes: These provide a space for sugar gliders to explore and hide, making them great for both exercise and mental stimulation.
- Hanging toys with bells or mirrors: Toys with bells, mirrors, or other interesting features encourage curiosity and interaction.
Flying and Gliding Toys
Sugar gliders are known for their ability to glide, so they may enjoy toys that encourage them to take a short glide or jump. These toys allow them to mimic their natural behaviors indoors.
Recommended Toys:
- Flying nets or soft, hanging ropes: These can be set up in a safe area to allow your sugar glider to glide between different structures.
- Gliding rings or soft landing pads: These can be placed in the glider’s play area, helping them practice gliding in a controlled environment.
Safety Tips for Choosing Sugar Glider Toys
When selecting toys for your sugar glider, always keep safety in mind. Here are some important safety tips:
- Avoid Toxic Materials: Never buy toys made from toxic materials or those treated with chemicals. Always opt for natural, non-toxic wood and materials.
- Check for Small Parts: Make sure the toys do not have small parts that could be chewed off and swallowed, as this could lead to choking hazards.
- No Sharp Edges: Ensure that the toys are free from sharp edges that could injure your sugar glider during play.
- Supervise Playtime: Always supervise your sugar glider while they are using new toys, especially if they are new to their cage or environment.
What Kind of Toys Do Sugar Gliders Like?
Sugar gliders love to have a variety of toys that allow them to climb, explore, chew, and glide. By providing the right toys, you’ll ensure your sugar glider stays healthy, active, and mentally stimulated. Rotate toys to keep things interesting and provide regular bonding time to enhance your relationship with your pet.
