Flying squirrels and sugar gliders are often confused or thought to be the same animal, but they are far from it! They are so unique in their own special ways! We are lucky enough at JEAR to raise both of these adorable species here at our ranch in Kingsbury Texas since 2008. This is written from the perspective of first-hand care, Google was not referenced for any material written here. Not only are there plenty of physical differences but there are also some behavioral differences as well. Find out what makes these two species similar but so different. We will go over specific differences and similarities between a sugar glider and a flying squirrel, including their physical appearance, lifespan, and preferences.
Sugar Glider and Flying Squirrel Differences
Flying Squirrel Sugar Glider
What is the main difference between a sugar glider and a flying squirrel?
The main difference is that sugar gliders are marsupials and flying squirrels are rodents. This generalization is enough to show how different they are, despite their similarities.
How do sugar gliders give birth Versus how flying squirrels give birth?
When sugar gliders give birth, their blind hairless newborn is smaller than a pea and crawls into the mother's pouch, like a kangaroo! They emerge weeks later and continue to nurse for another 8-12 weeks approximately. All the while hanging on to her like velcro using their nails and mouth.
Flying Squirrels give birth to pinky tiny hairless jelly beans and keep them in a nest for the first 6-8 weeks where they nurse and grow their hair and teeth.
Sugar Glider vs Flying Squirrel Body Differences
Face- Gliders have round and peach-fuzzy faces. They have pink round noses. Flyers have pointy noses
Teeth- Flying squirrels have continuously growing teeth, meaning they need nuts and chews to ensure they stay a good, healthy length. Sugar gliders have teeth that look similar to flying squirrels but they do not need chewing items to keep them trimmed.
Color- Gliders come in all different varieties of colors. Flyers are only one color (brown and white) although there are sometimes subtle color differences in shades or face markings.
Petagium (gliding membrane)- Both species have identical membranes that allow them to glide down from high places. They cannot self-propel themselves to fly they jump off of high drapes, trees, or shoulders to their destination. Gliders and flyers can glide over 100 feet at the proper heights.
How fast are Flying Squirrels versus Sugar Gliders?
Speed- Gliders are slower than flying squirrels. Flyers are very quick and can run very fast on the ground. Sugar gliders are not quick if they are on the floor, they hop slowly but both species can climb drapes or trees at about the same speed.
What is the smell difference between a Flying Squirrel and Sugar Glider?
Smell- Gliders have a stronger smell compared to a light skunk, and will scent mark more often than flyers. Flyers have a more urine smell like a hamster or rabbit. With proper weekly cleaning, the odor can be controlled on the flyer. Sugar gliders are more constantly stinky because they cannot be in a very sanitized environment, they will over scent if their cage and cage accessories are cleaned too often.
What are the differences in vocalizations between Sugar Gliders and Flying Squirrels?
Vocalizations- Sugar gliders have a wide range of vocalizations ranging from crabbing to barking. Gliders are very vocal throughout their lives. Flying squirrels make smaller, less abrupt noises like squeaking or whistling and they make them less often.
What are the diet differences between Sugar Gliders and Flying Squirrels?
Diet- Sugar gliders are omnivores and eat mainly a fruit-based diet. Flying squirrels are rodents and will eat a nut/plant-based diet.
Do Sugar Gliders and Flying Squirrels both bond with their owners?
Bonding- Both gliders and flyers have great bonding skills and will bond with their owner/family. Over the first few weeks of owning a glider or flyer, you will want to carry them around in a bonding pouch. They both bond very well to thier owners
Can you keep a Sugar Glider and a Flying squirrel together as companions?
Compatibility- Because of their diet and scenting behaviors they are not compatible together. If you want a sugar glider and flying squirrel keep them housed separately and you can bring them together for supervised play.
Do Sugar Gliders and Flying squirrels require the same enclosure type?
Enclosure- Gliders and flyers are both arboreal and naturally live in trees. A tall cage that allows climbing and short hops. A medium-sized bird cage works great.
Are both Sugar Gliders and Flying Squirrels nocturnal?
Nocturnal Both gliders and flyers are nocturnal, they go to sleep during the day and are active at night.
Legally owning a Flying Squirrel versus a Sugar Glider
Sugar Gliders and Flying Squirrels may require a permit depending on where you live. Since flying squirrels are native to the US the requirements are a bit more complex. you must look into state, city and county laws to ensure you are legal.
How do I buy a Flying Squirrel or Sugar Glider Baby?
Purchasing- If you are local to the Texas area or ready to make the trip, check out our baby gliders and flyers below. *Note flying squirrels are strict seasonal breeders and are limited to when we have babies throughout the year. Gliders are more readily available as they have no specific breeding season.
Are Flying Squirrels and Sugar Gliders social or solitary?
Social Status- Flyers and gliders both want the companionship of their same species, they are group animals and live happily in colonies. You should consider having more than one for the optimal health and happiness of you and your glider or flyer.
Do Flying Squirrels or Sugar Gliders require vaccinations?
Vaccinations- Neither flying squirrels nor sugar gliders need or should receive any type of vaccination.
How do Flying Squirrel and Sugar Gliders stay clean?
Cleanliness- You keep the enclosure clean and the gliders and flyers will both keep their bodies clean. You should never bathe either species, keep them dry and in a healthy place they will do the rest :)
