Many would assume that sugar gliders are rodents but they are actually marsupials similar to a koala or a kangaroo. Sugar gliders are nocturnal animals native to Australia, Indonesia, Tasmania, and Papua New Guinea. These sweet marsupials exhibit a gray fur accented with a cream color on the chest and stomach, as well as a black stripe that runs the full length of their spine. Also, they have large ears that twitch individually.
Sugar gliders got their cute name from their affinity for sweets and their ability to glide through the air like a flying squirrel. Unknown to many, these unique animals have only been domesticated over the past 15 years. As pets, they can be hilarious and affectionate, especially if you spoil them with fresh sugary fruits like apples and berries! They can also express displeasure and bark like a toy dog to boot.
According to Dr. Anthony Pilny of The Center for Avian and Exotic Medicine, sugar gliders can live 12 to 15 years in a captive environment, provided that the cage is always kept sanitary and your pets are given proper nutrition. Thus, it is quite important to pick the best sugar glider cage as you are going to have these marvelous creatures for a long time.
What to Look for in a Sugar Glider Cage
The Biggest Cage Your Budget Allows
Sugar gliders are social animals, as they live in colonies in the wild. This is also why sugar gliders can easily bond with families. They can even choose a favorite person. Therefore, these sweet marsupials do better if they live in pairs.
The recommendedcagesize for a pair of sugar gliders is 40” x 40” x 60”. Since your pets are going to live more than a decade in captivity, be sure to provide them a cage that is as large as your budget can afford.
The Taller, the Better
Sugar gliders love to spend their days in the wild gliding from tree to tree, so it is best to give them a tall cage with a few floors to explore. It also comes with several benefits such as the following:
- Sugar gliders are arboreal animals and feel safe when they are up high. Encouraging this normal behavior promotes physical and mental health benefits.
- You can place all the goodies and treats on the upper levels so your pets can eagerly run up to get them, while your pets can save their business for the bottom level where you should place the bedding.
- It prevents your pets from getting pudgy, as they can move around and exercise as they climb up and down.
- You can add an assortment of toys and accessories that sugar gliders love such as tunnels, bells, bird toys, extra ladders, and exercise wheels. Adding a few branches to the cage also spells more fun for your sweet marsupials.
Metal, Not Plastic
Your sugar glider cage should exhibit metal bars or a sturdy wire mesh, both of which should have 0.5-inch spacing. Otherwise, it won’t give you the peace of mind knowing that your sneaky pets are far from harm’s reach. Anything larger than 0.5 inches allows your pets to sneak through, especially if you still have growing joeys inside the cage.
Must be Accessible Anytime
Being able to access your pet's cage any time of the day is very important for cleaning, feeding, and doing a few tweaks inside the cage. A highly accessible cage also makes cleaning more effective, as you can reach all nooks and crannies.
10 Best Sugar Glider Cages
1. Prevue Hendryx Pet Products Wrought Iron
This particular wrought iron cage by Prevue Hendryx is the bigger version of their best-selling F040 unit. You and your sugar gliders will be super pleased with the extra room it provides, as this model measures 37” x 23” x 60”. There is more than enough space for a variety of toys and your mini pets can still play and move around without getting tangled in it all.
In addition, this cage comes with three wooden perches and four bowls. It also has two sliding areas to put the grille and the droppings tray that comes with it. As for security, there is no gap that is wide enough for your teensy sugar gliders to get out. The bars’ thickness and weight are both ideal, making this gigantic cage possible to move and clean, as well. Not to mention it has casters, too.
Moreover, setting this cage up is so self-explanatory and every component fits together as it should. However, it is nice to have a helper to hold things in place and make the assembly a lot quicker. The location and flexibility of its doors are well-thought out. The top ones can’t be reached by other animals, which is very convenient if you have a curious cat or a clever dog inside the house. The doors are held closed with a spring latch and hence, it is strong enough to keep your mini pets securely inside.
Overall, this cage is sturdy, functional, and a cinch to move or clean. As for the price, we really can’t think of a single reason why this cage doesn’t deserve to be called the best cage for sugar gliders.
pros
- 0.5” Bar spacing
- Provides maximum space, visibility, and ventilation
- Has 2 large hinged front access doors and 6 small side access doors for optimum accessibility
- Equipped with a pull-out grille, a droppings tray, and a storage shelf
- Lightweight and has rolling casters for easy transportation
cons
- The assembly may take 45 - 90 minutes
- Customers mention that it requires zip ties to permanently close the doors on the bottom
2. Critter Nation 162 Deluxe by MidWest Homes
The Critter Nation 162 Deluxe Cage by MidWest Homes is another suitable enclosure for sugar gliders, especially if you own a bunch. This cage stands 5’4” tall, which should give you an idea of how humongous it is. It leaves plenty of space to accessorize. The undersides of the shelves even have bars that you can use to hang toys to entertain your fun-loving sugar gliders. Most importantly, you can separate it into two cages by simply locking the ramp that connects between units. This closes the hole and prevents your females or males from going up or down into the other unit. It even has the potential to accommodate even more units should you wish to build a tower for your pets.
In addition, this cage is such a breeze to clean. Of course, the larger your cage, the easier it will be for you to keep it clean. Since you can block off the entrance to/from the top and bottom sections, your pets won’t be in the way during cleaning. Plus, it features two full-width double doors that offer maximum accessibility and a reliable locking mechanism. The shelves are also easy to clean and it eliminates potential foot injury in your pets, as there is really no way for your sugar gliders to get their feet caught in the shelves.
However, we recommend that you assemble the cage where it will be residing. Although it has casters for transporting between rooms, the cage remains pretty heavy due to its size. On the bright side, this cage is a cinch to configure. You just slide the pieces together using force or a rubber mallet. Overall, the Critter Nation 162 Deluxe Cage is the perfect choice if you are on the lookout for a sugar glider hotel that will not only comfortably house your pets with its roomy interior but will hold up well over time.
pros
- Offers plenty of ground and height space
- Horizontal bars with 0.5” spacing is thick, stain-resistant, and chew-proof
- Exhibits 2 full-width doors with rust-resistant latches
- Stackable and units can be separated by closing the ramp
- Covered ramp adds traction and foot protection
- The shelves and doors can be removed for cleaning
- Legs have wheels (with locking features) for quick relocation
- Complete with a spacious storage area
- Finished with a pet-friendly powder coating
cons
- The cage is expensive
- Very heavy once assembled
3. Exotic Nutrition 68” Congo
Best Large Sugar Glider Cage
Understand that height space is crucial for sugar gliders and hence, we cannot recommend the Exotic Nutrition 68” Congo Cage highly enough. This cage is specifically built for housing small pets using premium materials and the experienced craftsmanship of the professionals from the HQ cage company. The Congo Cage stands 68 inches tall, measures 32 inches wide and 21 inches deep. It can accommodate four sugar gliders and still leave enough room for accessories. It features an iron tubing construction for increased stability, interior space and comfort for your mini pets. Assembly is a cinch, but you can always view Exotic Nutrition’s YouTube channel if you need a step-by-step guide.
Included in this cage are two plastic double-feed dishes, three wood climbing posts, two wire ladders, three metal wire shelves, and a pull-out droppings tray. Additionally, this cage also has a stand with wheels, making it easy to relocate. It is also complete with an accessory shelf at the bottom where you can store pet food, toys, beddings, and other items. With safety in mind, the bar spacing is only 0.5 inches wide, which is narrow enough to prevent an escape but wide enough for your teensy pets to grasp the bars without injury. Its two large front doors, which measures 10.5” x 22” each, are equipped with strong metal locks. There are also two smaller doors at the sides.
pros
- 0.5” Bar spacing
- Made with premium quality materials and professional craftsmanship
- Finished with a pet-friendly powder coating
- Exhibits 2 large front doors and 2 small side doors
- Has a pull-out bottom tray for easy cleaning
- The stand has wheels for mobility
- Complete with 2 plastic double-feed dishes, 3 wood climbing posts, 2 wire ladders, 3 metal wire shelves, a pull-out droppings tray, and a spacious storage shelf
cons
- Wired floor increases the risk for potential feet injuries
4. Exotic Nutrition 60” Madagascar
The 60” Madagascar Cage is another beauty by Exotic Nutrition. This cage stands 60 inches tall, measures 24 inches wide, and 24 inches deep. Just like the Congo Cage, the Madagascar Cage is built with wrought iron tubing for increased stability and strength. Likewise, this heavy-duty cage features two large front doors to make cuddle sessions, chow time and cleaning easy to perform.
Aside from the three metal shelves and ladders, the Madagascar Cage also comes with two double-feed dishes and two wood climbing posts. There is also a pull-out droppings tray that catches poop, dirt, debris, etc. This cage has wheels, so it is easy to change its location when need be. With safety in mind, the bar spacing is only 0.5 inches wide, which is narrow enough to prevent an escape but wide enough for your teensy pets to grasp the bars without injury.
pros
- 0.5” Bar spacing
- Made with premium quality materials and professional craftsmanship
- Finished with a pet-friendly powder coating
- Exhibits 2 large front doors with strong locks
- Has a metal grate and a pull-out bottom tray for easy cleaning
- The stand has wheels for mobility
- Comes with 3 metal shelves, 3 metal ladders, 2 double-feed dishes, and 2 wood climbing posts
cons
- Difficult to reach and clean corners due to lack of side doors
- Its storage space is not very roomy
5. Everila YFT32
Best Budget Sugar Glider Cage
The Everila YFT32 is a solid proof that you can get an awesome sugar glider cage even if you are on a shoestring budget. A majority of cages within its price range won’t come close to the quality, size, and ease of access it offers. It boasts of a heavy-duty carbon steel wire construction that is finished with pet-friendly epoxy paint. This cage measures 32” x 20” 63” and has a bar spacing of 0.5 inches. It features seven feeder doors and a large swing-out door in the front, making it a lot easier to do what is necessary.
Moreover, the Everila YFT32 comes with four cups and two perches. It is also complete with a grate and a droppings tray, both of which you can remove for easy cleaning. Know that this cage is mobile, as it has casters on the bottom. Nonetheless, you can skip the casters and place the cage on a table if need be. Assembling this cage is straightforward but it is best to ask help from a friend to make the process quicker.
pros
- A very nice cage for the price
- Heavy-duty carbon steel wire construction finished with a non-toxic epoxy paint
- 7 Feeder doors and 1 large swing-out door with lock
- Complete with 4 cups, 2 perches
- Both metal grate and droppings tray can be removed for easy cleaning
- Has casters for mobility
cons
- Time-consuming assembly due to the lack of a user-friendly manual
6. Everila PCFT32N
Again, we have another entry from the company known as Everila. The dimensions of the PCFT32N model is 32” x 20” x 53”. This cage is made of carbon steel wire finished with elegant non-toxic epoxy paint. Due to the limited instructions provided, the assembly may take a little while if you are not a handyperson. But perhaps the most time-consuming part is pre-cleaning its components, as some customers complained that this cage has manufacturing residues.
There are two models for the Everila PCFT32N — the other one does not have the ladder and upper platform. There are also two color options available for this cage. Whichever you choose, you can remove the top cage from the base and put it on a table if it is a more convenient option for you.
Moreover, this cage comes with four plastic cups, two sanded wood perches, a metal grate, and a slide-out bottom plastic shelf. It has a large swing-out door on the front, as well as one feeder door on each side. There are also five other feeder doors built into the front of the cage.
Although this cage is fairly sturdy, we highly suggest you zip tie the numerous food doors; otherwise, your dexterous creature might escape. Other than that, we believe this one is a really nice cage for the price.
pros
- Sturdy carbon steel construction
- Finished with a non-toxic epoxy coating
- Comes with free four plastic cups and two sanded wood perches
- Metal grate and slide-out bottom shelf for easy cleaning
- Has casters for mobility
- Available in black and white
cons
- All you get for directions are pictures with small details
7. Exotic Nutrition Brisbane
The Brisbane Cage by Exotic Nutrition is also a good choice for housing your sugar gliders. This cage measures 63” x 33” x 22” inclusive of its spacious storage area. The cage has casters, so it is a cinch to pull or push around for relocation. You also have the option to separate the cage from its rolling stand when need be.
Just like its Exotic Nutrition counterparts, this one features a wrought iron tubing construction and is professionally finished with a non-toxic powder coat. This heavy-duty cage also has two front doors. It also comes with two double-feed bowls, two climbing posts, and a pull-out tray. With safety in mind, the bar spacing is only 0.5 inches wide.
pros
- 0.5” Bar spacing
- Made with premium quality materials and professional craftsmanship
- Finished with a pet-friendly powder coat
- Has 2 front doors for accessibility
- Complete with 2 double-feed bowls, 2 climbing posts, and a pull-out bottom tray
- The cage can be separated from its rolling stand
cons
- Lack of side doors makes cleaning a challenge
- Storage space takes up almost half of its size
8. Mcage New Four-Level Large Wrought Iron Cage
If you find yourself in a tight budget, the new Mcage Four-Level Large Wrought Iron Cage will give you a bang for your bucks. This cage is fairly sturdy and is finished with pet-friendly epoxy paint. As you can see, it looks very stunning either in black or white. This cage lends a roomy environment for your sugar gliders.
In addition, this beautiful cage is complete with a grate and a slide-out bottom tray for easy cleaning. This cage is also easy to put together. It measures 32” x 19” x 60” and as its name suggests, it gives your mini pets four levels to explore. Should you wish to place it on a table for display, you can always remove the stand if need be or make use of its heavy-duty casters for relocation.
However, some customers suggest that the little entries on the sides should be wrapped around so your pets can’t lift it open. They also suggest clipping the bottom drawer and the wrought iron tray to hold it in place. Otherwise, your sugar gliders can find a way of escaping. Other than doing a few tweaks yourself, the Mcage Four-Level Large Wrought Iron Cage works great and is a lot cheaper for the quality it provides.
pros
- 0.5” Bar spacing
- Sturdy wrought iron cage finished with black/white epoxy paint
- Shelves and ladders are wire-crossed to prevent slipping
- Complete with a slide-out bottom tray and grate for hassle-free cleaning
- Has a swing-out door at the front with a strong metal lock
- Spacious and has 4 levels for your pets to explore
- Portable and can be pushed around for relocation
cons
- Unstable base - has to be clipped or zip-tied to keep it in place
9. Exotic Nutrition 66” Oriental
The 66” Oriental Cage represents the quality craftsmanship of the HQ cage company. It features a sheet frame construction, which is professionally finished with a pet-friendly powder coat. This heavy-duty cage, which is also beautifully made for your sugar gliders, measures 66” x 28” x 24” with a bar spacing of 0.5 inches. It comes complete with two sliding front doors at the front for accessibility and casters for mobility. Likewise, it comes with two double-feed dishes and two wood climbing posts, both of which are removable. A metal pull-out tray and a wired bottom tray are also included to make cleaning a cinch.
pros
- 0.5” Bar spacing
- Made with premium quality materials and professional craftsmanship
- Finished with a pet-friendly powder coating
- Complete with 2 sliding doors
- Has a wired bottom tray and a pull-out tray for easy cleaning
- The stand has wheels for mobility
- Included are 2 double-feed dishes and 2 climbing posts
cons
- Difficult to access and clean corners due to the sizes of the doors
- No storage area
10. Mcage New Large Wrought Iron Four-Level
This four-level cage by Mcage boasts of a robust wrought iron frame construction finished with a pet-friendly epoxy coating for an elegant look. It measures 32” x 19” x 60” and has a bar spacing of 0.5 inches. This cage is complete with a slide-out bottom tray and a grate for hassle-free cleaning; cross metal platforms and metal ladders; four heavy-duty rolling wheels for easy relocation; and a large swing-out door with a reliable safety lock.
pros
- 0.5” Bar spacing
- Boasts of a wrought iron frame construction
- Finished with a pet-friendly epoxy coat
- Large swing-out door
- Has a wired bottom tray and a pull-out tray for easy cleaning
- The cage can be separated from the rolling stand
- Included are 2 double-feed dishes and 2 climbing posts
cons
- Not among the sturdiest options
- Comes with poorly written instructions