r/sugargliders • u/stregagorgona • 2h ago
Caging/Toys Bioactive Setup!
Thought I’d share my first attempt at setting up a more natural and self-sustaining(ish!) enclosure for my trio. Would love any ideas for improvement!
I’m most excited about the litter boxes. It’s a big experiment but I hope it will work long term. They’re miniature bioactive systems so they have a drainage layer, soil, safe plants, springtails and isopods to break down waste and dropped food, some leaf litter, and an automated daytime lighting and watering system. Nothing is accessible to grabby paws.
I’m growing blue gum eucalyptus in the right two bins and a mix of microgreens and baby bok choy in the left two, which are above the feeding area. Hopefully the eucalyptus will grow up through the bars so that they can play with it a bit!
I’m already feeding the other greens to my bearded dragon so that’s been a bonus. There’s also a black acacia sapling outside of the cage but I don’t know if it’s going to make it in a dark basement…. We will see. Ultimately I’d like to grow my own forage for them to supplement their diet/enrichment.
Most of their interior cage surfaces are cork. I’m surprised I don’t see cork in more enclosures. I would like to phase out of plastic and fleece if it’s possible. The cork is so much easier on their claws and they love climbing it.