If your sugar glider escaped, act quickly but calmly. Most escaped gliders stay inside the house and hide somewhere high, dark and warm. Closing off the area, searching at night when gliders are active, and setting out familiar food and pouches give you the best chance to bring your glider home safely.
At SunCoast Sugar Gliders we've helped owners find runaway gliders since 1999. Here's a step-by-step plan.
Right Away
- Close doors and windows. Keep the glider in as small an area as possible
- Secure other pets. Put cats and dogs in another room. See sugar gliders and other pets
- Close toilets and cover open water
- Turn off ceiling fans and appliances
- Tell everyone in the house to watch their step and check before closing doors
Where to Look
Gliders like high, dark, cozy places:
- Tops of curtains, cabinets and bookshelves
- Inside closets, shoes and laundry piles
- Behind or under furniture and appliances
- Inside couch cushions and recliners
Search at Night
Gliders are most active at night. Turn off the lights, sit quietly and listen for movement, chewing or barking. A dim flashlight can help you spot eyes.
Lure Them Back
- Leave the cage open on the floor with food and water
- Place a familiar pouch near where you think the glider is
- Use a sound your glider knows, like a treat container. See whether sugar gliders know their name
- Offer favorite treats, such as Happy Glider Fruity
Will My Glider Come Back?
Many escaped gliders come back to food, water and familiar scents, especially when their cagemates are nearby. Keep the cage accessible and check it often.
If Your Glider Got Outside
Search nearby trees and bushes at night, leave the cage outside in a safe spot with familiar pouches, and let neighbors know. Outdoor escapes are much harder, so prevention is key.
After You Find Your Glider
Check for injuries, offer food and water, and call your vet if your glider seems hurt, cold or lethargic.
Preventing Escapes
- Check cage doors and latches. See sugar glider cage bars
- Play only in glider-proofed rooms
- Never take gliders outside unsecured
Read about other household hazards for sugar gliders.
A Search Checklist
Work through these spots, since gliders like high, dark and enclosed places:
- Tops of curtains, cabinets and bookshelves
- Inside closets, drawers and laundry baskets
- Behind and under appliances, like the fridge or washer
- Inside couches, recliners and mattresses
- In shoes, bags and boxes
- Plant pots and pet beds
Check recliners and sofas before sitting down, and look before closing drawers or doors.
Common Mistakes When Searching
- Searching only during the day. Gliders are often asleep and hidden until evening
- Leaving toilets open, sinks full or doors to the outside open
- Letting other pets roam while you search
- Making loud noises. Calm sounds work better than shouting
- Giving up too early. Many gliders are found after a day or two
Setting a Simple Lure
- Place the cage in the room where you think your glider is
- Open the cage door and put a familiar pouch inside
- Add a small dish of a favorite food and water
- Turn the lights down low and keep the room quiet
- Check the cage often through the night
Protecting Your Glider While It's Missing
Turn off ceiling fans, cover drains, keep doors to the outside closed and tell everyone in the home. Put away cleaning products and anything a glider could get trapped in.
When to See an Exotics Vet
After you find your glider, look for cuts, limping or signs it may have eaten something unsafe. If anything seems off, or if it was missing for more than a day, have it checked by an exotics vet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can an escaped sugar glider survive?
It depends on conditions, so search immediately and leave food and water out.
Will my glider find its way back to the cage?
Many do when the cage is left open with food and familiar scents.
Should I search during the day?
Check common hiding spots, but nighttime searching is usually most effective.
Conclusion: Stay Calm and Search Smart
Close off the area, search at night and lure your glider with familiar scents and treats. SunCoast Sugar Gliders, Since 1999. Orders of $30 or more ship free.