There is something quite intriguing about a creature that can fly but has no wings. The sugar glider and the flying squirrel have something in common: two skin flaps that enable them to glide over 150 feet in a single swoop. That’s quite impressive! However, that means if you keep one as a pet, you have to maintain a proper environment for them.

If you’re an experienced pet owner and flying creatures strike your radar, which type do you choose? Does either the flying squirrel or the sugar glider require licenses or permits? How big of a cage does each species need? We answer these questions and more here!

Click to Skip Ahead:

divider-hamster

Visual Differences

Flying Squirrel vs Sugar Glider - Visual Differences
Image Credit: Left – Rut_Luecha, Shutterstock | Right – I Wayan Sumatika, Shutterstock

At a Glance

Flying Squirrel
  • Average length (adult): 6–13 inches
  • Average weight (adult): 3–5 ounces
  • Lifespan: 10–11 years
  • Exercise: 1+ hours a day
  • Grooming needs: Low
  • Family-friendly: Often
  • Other pet-friendly: No
  • Trainability: Low
Sugar Glider
  • Average length (adult): 5–6 inches
  • Average weight (adult): 4–5 ounces
  • Lifespan: 10–12 years
  • Exercise: 1+ hours a day
  • Grooming needs: Low
  • Family-friendly: Often
  • Other pet-friendly: No
  • Trainability: Low

divider-chinchilla

Flying Squirrel Overview

Flying Squirrels close up_Kuysang cho_Shutterstock
Image credit: Kuysang cho, Shutterstock

Flying squirrels comprise over 50 species that span across the United States. These creatures don’t actually fly in the way that a bird or insect might. They glide—with style. Magnificently, flying squirrels can glide over 150-foot spans.

Habitat

Multiple squirrels often live together in little communities to protect themselves from threats in the wild. They live in thick woodlands all over the United States. Since these squirrels don’t nest, they take over an existing space where another animal has been and make it their own.

You must have a tall cage so your flying squirrel can live comfortably. Even so, they must get out for play and exercise daily.

Personality

Flying squirrels are peppy, entertaining, and always on the move. They love exploring and can be very interactive with their owners. Keep in mind that they are still new to domestication, so they will act a little wild sometimes. Aside from their untamed roots, they can be social, loving pets. Flying squirrels are also known for their curiosity and flightiness.

Still, you must understand that these are not traditional pets. Unless you are familiar with exotic animals, you might not fully comprehend the needs that this pet requires to be met. It would help if you did as much research as possible before committing.

Flying squirrels may very well grow to tolerate humans and even like being handled from time to time. But these little critters are wild at heart, and that won’t change anytime soon.

Health & Care

Before you bring home your flying squirrel, it’s a good idea to find an exotic vet near you. This might be more challenging than finding a traditional vet, depending on where you live.

Flying squirrels eat:

  • Insects
  • Acorns
  • Nuts
  • Birdseed
  • Pumpkin seeds
  • Sunflower seeds
white flying squirrel playing
Image Credit: Faisal Mulfi, Shutterstock

When it comes to health concerns, these squirrels are quite hardy. To keep your flying squirrel safe, make sure to supervise any time out of the enclosure. They could get seriously injured if they are out with no one knowing.

Flying squirrels might carry Salmonella, so wash your hands after you handle them. Salmonella is a bacteria that can make humans very sick, but it doesn’t hurt your little flyer.

Permits or Licenses

Since flying squirrels are technically native wild animals, some states may require you to have a permit. It’s imperative for the safety of yourself and the animal that you check local laws in your state before committing to this pet.

Suitable For: 

Flying squirrels work best in homes with people who have knowledge or experience with exotic pets. They work best for people over the age of 18 who can provide proper accommodations. Special permits and licenses might be necessary.

divider-rodent

Sugar Glider Overview

Sugar Gliders
Image Credit: gayleenfroese2, Pixabay

Sugar gliders are marsupials native to Indonesia, Australia, and New Guinea. Like a flying squirrel, they use flaps of skin to glide around, rather than fly with wings. Like flying squirrels, they can soar over 150 feet.

Habitat

Sugar gliders live in temperate forest areas in trees. They rely on having lush plant life so they can comfortably glide from surface to surface. It also helps them blend in to divert potential predators.

In captivity, the taller and larger the cage, the better your sugar glider will feel. You can fill their cage with engaging activities and toys, but don’t block the walls too much. Sugar gliders need free space to fly and climb around their enclosure.

Each enclosure needs to be at least 24” W x 24” D x 36” H. Inside, they also need to feel safe. Hammocks and hides are perfect for these critters.

Personality

Sugar gliders can bond well with humans, primarily if you socialize them early. They can be quite docile, so you can hold them in your hand or pocket. No matter how tame they act, though, these domesticated animals never really lose their wild streak.

They require very different care from traditional pets, so being educated about the species is highly recommended before buying. They are usually playful and curious, having great fun exploring outside of their cage—and they need plenty of room to do it.

Sugar gliders do best with mature and responsible handlers, as they are fragile. They can also be quite skittish, especially if you didn’t interact with them enough initially.

Health & Care

Since sugar gliders are exotic pets, you need to understand the special dietary care they require. Sugar gliders eat mainly insects, fruits, and veggies.

Favorite meals for sugar gliders are:

  • Mealworms
  • Crickets
  • Pellets
  • Eggs
  • Leafy greens

Sugar gliders are prone to certain health issues, so finding a licensed exotic vet with experience is a necessity. Even though your sugar glider won’t require as much vet care as some other household pets, they still need annual check-ups.

Sugar glider
Image Credit: Arif Supriyadi, Shutterstock

Sugar gliders are prone to:

  • Aflatoxicosis
  • Obesity
  • Leptospirosis
  • Giardia
  • Parasites

Taking your sugar glider to a trusted professional helps reduce the risk of disease.

Permits or Licenses

Since sugar gliders are considered exotic animals, some states don’t allow the buying or selling of this species. You need to check your local state laws before you commit to purchasing them.

Suitable For:

Sugar gliders can be compatible pets in many situations. However, they are illegal to have as pets in individual states. Make sure to check your local laws before you buy a sugar glider.

divider-multiprint

How Flying Squirrels & Sugar Gliders React in Captivity

To be happy in captivity for flying squirrels and sugar gliders, you have to make them feel as free as possible. As you can imagine, being caged can cause depression and sadness, especially if they aren’t adequately socialized with their own kind.

They might never fully adapt to life in captivity, even if they were born in it. But they can socialize and bond with humans to a degree.

Responsibility of Owning Wild Pets

When you get into exotic pet-owning, it can be drastically different from the traditional dogs and cats that you might be used to. Knowing how to care for an exotic animal can take time, experience, and education.

You should always make sure to brush up on every aspect of care so you can give them their best life. It’s essential to understand their environmental and dietary needs fully. Make sure to check with your landlord and local laws to verify that owning these types of pets is allowed.

Thinking one of these creatures looks cool might make you think that they would be a terrific pet. But you have to consider if you have the right conditions to help them thrive. They are just as big, if not bigger, of a commitment than many other pets.

To Pair or Not to Pair

Both sugar gliders and flying squirrels do best in multiples. They are highly social creatures that thrive on the companionship of their own kind. So, if you plan to commit to one of these animals, get at least two.

You should never have flying squirrels and sugar gliders together. It’s a recipe for disaster to mix species of any sort.

divider-multiprint

Summary

You can make your decision based on your personal situation. Each of these magnificent creatures has their own set of challenges and upsides. Picking one as a pet will come down to preference, knowledge, and state laws. Remember, sugar gliders and flying squirrels are exotic animals, and you must treat them that way.

That said, these animals can be incredibly rewarding. Just make sure you’re up for the task before you take the leap!


Featured Image Credit: Top – dwi putra stock, Shutterstock | Bottom – Aliza Thailand, Shutterstock