The sugar glider is a small marsupial native to Australia. In the wild, sugar gliders can travel over 6 miles per night. They dwell in acacia and eucalyptus trees and spend most of their lives in the treetops. Sugar gliders glide from tree to tree with a gliding membrane called a patagium.

Since coming to America in the past several decades, Mill breeders have taken advantage of these small and delicate creatures. Mill breeders frequently enclose Sugar Gliders into 12 X 12 X 12 inch cages in pairs or more.

Sugar Glider enthusiasts have many valid reasons why the increased cage sizes are important to the overall health, well-being and comfort of the animals. A larger cage mimics their natural habitat and encourages gliding, jumping and overall better mental and physical health.

 Current SS3.128 Space Requirements states:

“Enclosures shall be constructed and maintained so as to provide sufficient space to allow each animal to make normal postural and social adjustments with adequate freedom of movement. Inadequate space may be indicated by evidence of malnutrition, poor condition, debility, stress, or abnormal behavior patterns.”

We feel that the USDA and it’s managing department APHIS  has a responsibility to these animals to oversee their welfare and change current regulations to a specific size cage as recommended below.

Recommended cage size for a pair of Sugar Gliders would be no less than 10 cubic feet. This would be the minimum acceptable size and is what we are petitioning for. We sincerely hope that the USDA/APHIS will change their guidelines for the benefit of these beautiful and special creatures.