Internet Controversy

Question
I have heard back and forth that some websites (such as www.sugargliderinfo.org) are and are not honest people who have truly reliable and trustworthy information on caretaking of sugar gliders. Is this sort of website (mainly, the people who run it) really a good place to go through to purchase sugar gliders, or are they the type of people who are said to do cruel things like pluck them away from their habitat/mothers too early, and selling ones that just end up getting sickly. I would love to one day own such a pet as a sugar glider (or two), but if I were to attain a sugar glider and unknowingly damage the poor animal by taking it from bad people or even be a misled owner of one who was wrongly trained to take care of one, then I'd rather not own one at all. I would only want to own one if I had an absolute confirmation that sugar gliders can truly live long lives and be happy and content in a domesticated environment such as my private home.

Answer
Ben,

I don't have any inside information about the reliability of websites or glider breeders.  The only website I use regularly is sugar-gliders.com.  I have used that site for years and have been very happy with their products, information, and advice.  

As for finding gliders to adopt, I believe your best bet would be to go with a small hobbyist breeder like myself.  I adopt out the joeys born to my own pet sugar gliders.  They are part of the family and the joeys are already hand tame before adoption.  The last two gliders to be adopted met their future "parents" before they even came out of the pouch.  The prospective adopters came by every few weeks to bond with the joeys until they were old enough to leave their parents.  You can't get that kind of situation from a large breeder or pet store.  

In any case, be sure to have a dialog with any breeder you are considering.  Make sure they answer all your questions appropriately.  They should also be asking you questions to see if you will be a good glider "parent."  A good breeder will permit you to visit the facility and see the gliders for yourself before adoption.  

You are the only one who can judge whether or not your gliders will live long, happy lives.  Do your research to determine if you have the time, patience, and money to care for them properly.  Even a glider with a questionable early life can find good health and happiness with an excellent caretaker.

I hope this addresses your concerns.  Please write back if you have any other questions.  You may also want to check out my website:  nc.sugar.gliders.googlepages.com

Thanks, and good luck,

Betty