Many people looking for a pocket pet consider sugar gliders as an alternative to pet rats because they live a lot longer (10-15 years as opposed to rats’ 2-3).
But the longer lifespan is offset by the fact that sugar gliders are very delicate and easy to injure. They also have more complex dietary, health and care needs, which we’ll cover below.
Similarities between rats and sugar gliders
- Rats and sugar gliders are both pocket pets, with sugar gliders being a little bit smaller.
- They both have tails! Though a sugar glider’s tail is furry, which some people find less scary than furless rat tails.
- They both eat a wide variety of fruits, vegetables and proteins.
- They both need a large cage with lots of room to climb, and places to hide.
- They both prefer to live with other members of their own species.
- They both like to chew on things if you’re not supervising them!
Differences between rats and sugar gliders
Sugar gliders are actually a type of possum! They’re a marsupial, meaning they carry their babies in a pouch on the outside of their belly. They also have flaps of skin between their arms and legs that they stretch out, allowing them to glide from one place to another. Let’s compare them with rats:
| Pet Rats | Sugar Gliders | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Average size is 9-11 inches. | Average size is 5-6 inches, not including tail. |
| Diet | Rats are omnivores who eat grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and a little protein like bugs, meats, and eggs. They can eat most of the same (healthy) foods that we do, and tend to adapt easily to any diet. Commercial pellets are also available for rats. | Sugar gliders have a specific diet of insects, nectar, tropical fruits and a little vegetables. Nutrient deficiencies are common in sugar gliders due to their very specific dietary needs, and calcium supplements are usually needed. |
| Cage | Need a tall cage with multiple levels, space for play, and nesting areas. | Need a tall cage for climbing and gliding, with lots of branches and hiding places. |
| Noise Level | Generally quiet, may make small noises when excited or stressed. | More vocal, with a variety of sounds that can be quite loud at times. |
| Lifespan | Average 2-3 years. | Average 10-15 years. |
| Smell | Can have a noticeable smell if cage is not cleaned regularly. | Less smell in general, but can still have a noticeable smell if cage is not cleaned regularly. |
| Maintenance Required | Regular cage cleaning and fresh food/water needed daily. | Regular cage cleaning, diet needs more careful balancing, fresh food/water needed daily. |
| Grooming Needs | Low grooming needs – they groom themselves. | Sugar gliders also groom themselves, unless ill. |
| Temperament towards People | Generally friendly with people if well-socialized from a young age. Fearful rats may bite, and need more time bonding. | Very friendly when bonded properly, but need more time to bond with you than rats. Fearful sugar gliders usually give warnings before biting. |
| Exercise Needs | Need regular exercise outside of cage. | Need regular exercise and stimulation, both inside and outside of cage. |
| Common Health Concerns | Tumors, respiratory infections, obesity. | Nutritional imbalances, obesity, respiratory illness, tumors, dental issues, self-mutilation if bored. |
| Vet Care Costs | Generally lower than sugar gliders, especially because they don’t live as long. | Generally quite high, as they require an exotic vet. Sugar gliders should have annual check-ups. |
| Cohabitation with Other Animals | Rats prefer to live in same-sex pairs or groups, and shouldn’t be left alone with other animals. | Sugar gliders ideally need to live in groups. They are too fragile to be trusted with other animals. |
| Training | Can be trained to do tricks and use a litter box. | Can be trained to do tricks, but less likely to use a litter box. |
| Sleep Schedule | Most active during dawn and dusk. Will typically wake up through the day to play with you. | Nocturnal, but can adjust to owner’s schedule to some extent. |
| Legality | Legal to own in most places, except for the province of Alberta in Canada, and some U.S. states (like Alaska and Hawaii) | Laws vary – illegal in some places, may require a permit in others. |
| Destructiveness | Can be destructive if bored – like to chew. | Can also be destructive if bored – can chew and are also capable of gliding to high shelves, curtains, etc. |
You should get rats if…
- You want a sturdier pet. Sugar gliders are known for being very delicate and fragile. They can be easily injured by falls and mishandling. While pet rats can also get injured, they’re a bit less fragile.
- You don’t want to fuss as much over diet or temperature. Sugar gliders have very specific dietary and nutritional needs. While pet rats do need healthy, fresh food in their diet, their nutritional needs aren’t quite as fussy. Rats also enjoy the same general range of room temperatures that humans do.
You should get sugar gliders if…
- You want a pet who will live longer. Sugar gliders can live more than a decade, even though they’re smaller than rats. Rats only live about 2.5 years on average, with a few making it to 3 years.
- You understand their specific care needs. Sugar gliders need a warm environment to live in that mimics their natural habitat. They shouldn’t be kept in rooms under 70°F (23°C). They also primarily eat insects, and need to be supplemented with calcium. Sugar gliders can die from dehydration more quickly than other animals if they lack access to water – sometimes in less than 12 hours.
Are rats or sugar gliders better pets for kids?
Because sugar gliders are harder to bond with than rats, have more complicated dietary needs, and are so fragile, they’re not recommended as pets for kids or teenagers. Sugar gliders also require a 10+ year commitment.
Rats are definitely lower maintenance than sugar gliders, though they do still need a big cage filled with lots of enrichment opportunities, a little time outside their cage each day, and gentle handling. They also need to be kept in pairs or groups, because they get depressed when kept alone.
Conclusion
If you’re torn between a pet rat and a sugar glider as your next furry companion, there are a few different things to consider.
Pet rats are not as fragile as sugar gliders, and require less fuss over diet and temperature, but they have a much shorter lifespan.
On the other hand, sugar gliders have a longer lifespan, but need a warm environment, and have more complex dietary and healthcare considerations. They are quite delicate, and not recommended for households with children.
Whether you choose a rat or a sugar glider, both will bring you much joy and companionship!
