Is a Sugar Glider

Question
QUESTION: Hi, My name is Maggie, I am 15 years old and I absolutly adore sugar gliders. I
am very intrested in getting one. Lately I have been hearing how hard and
complicated and chalenging a suggie is to care for but is there an upside, is it
worth it to get one? I also hear they have a lasting bond, my family likes to
travel and i hear suggies can get depressed. I wouldn't want to cause an
animal harm and want to know if this would be a problem. I was also
wondering about the suggies diet, i hear you have to prepare very special
meal for them every day. I sadly am not willing to spend the money on special
fruits. I am willing to feed a special packaged diet with treats and such, like
apples. So i am wondering, would I be right for a suggie or am i just to cheap
of a person for one. I have owned chinchillas, a hampster, dog, cat, and
hermit crabs. Thanks so much, i really appreceate your help

ANSWER: Maggie,

Yes, sugar gliders are really cute.  However, at your age you have much to consider.  Gliders can live to 12 years or more.  What will you do with them when you go to college, get married, or whatever?  They cannot be left alone for longer than a weekend.  Who would care for them if you went away?

Gliders are not that hard to care for, but they can be very expensive.  They require a special diet.  The homemade diet is costly, and the special packaged diet is expensive, too.   Vet bills are quite high, IF you can find a veterinarian who handles exotics. They need a very large cage, which costs a lot, too.  

Gliders do not do well living alone, so you would have to get two or three.  You would need to spend lots of time with them if you want them to bond with you.   

Please do some more research before deciding to get sugar gliders.  Start with my website:  nc.sugar.gliders.googlepages.com.  I also recommend you visit sugar-gliders.com.  

I hope this helps.  Good luck!

Betty

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank so much, I understand it all completely. I have only heard bad things on
this site, is there an upside to having a suggie?

ANSWER: Maggie,

You have heard bad things on which site?

I don't intend for things to be "bad," just cautionary.  There are too many people who get sugar gliders simply because they are so cute.  Being exotic, gliders require extra care and attention.  People don't realize how much time and expense it takes to ensure that they have a happy, healthy, and well socialized pet.  A glider that is not cared for properly will be wild, mean, and not healthy.  When cared for properly, gliders are adorable, endearing pets that provide their humans with years of enjoyment, entertainment, and companionship.  Like a dog, cat, or any other long-living pet, it all depends on the owner.

There are lots of abandoned, neglected, and abused sugar gliders out there.  Those of us who care for them want to be sure that potential glider "parents" know what they are getting into.  Just like dogs and cats, sugar gliders become attached to their humans. We want to adopt our gliders out to their forever homes.  

Where do you live? I suggest you visit someone who has gliders, so you can interact with one that is well-socialized. That way you can see if a sugar glider is the right pet for you.  I am in Raleigh, North Carolina, if you would like to come visit with mine.

Does this help?

Betty

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you so so very much! This email was very helpful i really like the idea of
finding someone nearby with a suggie. There is a pet store nearby who showed
us their suggie but not much information was given. Thank you very much, this
is everything i needed. One last and final question, should i be looking to take in
two sugar gliders from a family or buying a new one?

Answer
Maggie,

I'm  not sure I understand your question.  You want two gliders who are already bonded to each other, if possible. Two sisters or two brothers would be great.  If you want them to have babies, the male and female would need to be from two different families. You want to get them young, no younger than eight weeks, but not much older than 24 weeks OOP.  If you get them from different families, you will need to spend some time introducing them to each other, so they will not fight.  

The gliders from a pet store might not be socialized to humans.  Keep in mind that you will need some time to get them used to you.  See my website for suggestions:  nc.sugar.gliders.googlepages.com  Do you know anyone who has them as pets?  It would be good for you to see what it is like to handle an adult who has been well socialized.

The best place to get gliders is from a small home breeder.  These are people who have them as pets, but adopt out the joeys.  Be careful about rescued or rehomed gliders.  They may have social, emotional, or health issues.  Always visit the breeder and ask lots of questions.  Handle the gliders to see if they get along with humans.  Young gliders might be a bit shy, feisty, or active, but should not be too frightened or aggressive.  If you let me know where you live, I might be able to help you find suitable gliders.  

I hope this helps.  Please keep in touch.  Good luck.

Betty