Reproduction

 

QUIK FACTS™: Reproduction
SEXUAL 
MATURITY:  
Male: 12-15 mos.
Female: 8-12 mos.
ESTROUS CYCLE: 
polyestrous / 29 days
GESTATION:  15-17 days, fetus
migrates into pouch
via saliva trail
LITTER SIZE:  2:(81%) 1:(19%)
LITTERS/YEAR: 
1-2, > not
recommended
Captive 
BREEDING CYCLE: 
all year long / Can
reproduce up to 10 yrs
BIRTH WEIGHT: 
180-200mg
IN POUCH: 
50-75 days
WEANING: 
35-60 days OOP

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sugar Gliders are relatively easy to breed in captivity, requiring little extra attention from their owners. Th ey are seasonally polyestrous, with breeding occurring all year round in captivity. Th ey are polygynous, consisting of a dominant male who breeds with the colony’s females. Th e reproductive systems of Sugar Gliders are unique compared to other mammals more commonly seen in practice. Becoming familiar with the reproductive anatomy of each sex is key to recognizing pathology (See Male Anatomy on page 17 or Female Anatomy on page 18).

 

 

Sugar Gliders: A Complete Veterinary Care™

 

After a 15-17 day gestation, the fetus migrates to the pouch (marsupium) following a trail of saliva made by the mother. Once in the pouch, they attach to a nipple where they remain for 50-75 days. Joeys will make brief trips outside the pouch beginning at approximately 40 days – and increasing in duration until leaving the pouch completely. Joeys begin eating the same food as their parents at approximately 35-60 out of pouch (OOP) – and can leave their parents around 50-70 days OOP. Females typically return to estrus 12-14 days aft er joeys leave the marsupium.

 

 

Cannibalization of one or both young is not uncommon – especially during fi rst 2-3 litters, or when parents are subjected to stressful conditions (ex. moved to a new

 

cage). Otherwise friendly, well-adjusted males may temporarily become protective of a pregnant female, but this can usually be overcome with persistent aff ection. Pregnant females can be handled by their owners throughout the entire pregnancy. Once joeys emerge from the pouch, the male oft en helps babysit, feed and care for them. As with many marsupials, joeys oft en ‘hitch a ride” on their parent’s backs. Joeys may be handled by their owners upon emerging from the pouch without danger of rejection by the parents.

Mother with triplets.

 

 

Triplets (including one leucistic)

 

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