Where to buy

Question
Hi Betty,
I'm thinking about buying a sugar glider (still not sure though). I know not to get them from pet stores, but I'm having trouble finding a breeder. I live in South Jersey. Do you know of any breeders in that area? Also, how do you tell if the person is a good breeder or not?

Answer
Hello Jenny,

Please do lots of research on Sugar Gliders and their care.  A couple of good resources: sugar-gliders.com, glideruniversity.org, and my site, nc.sugar.gliders.googlepages.com.  

You should consider getting two.  Gliders are social and need to live in pairs or small groups.  

I don't know of any breeders in your area, and unfortunately, I don't ship.  You want to find a small home breeder.  This would be someone who has gliders as pets, but sells their offspring.  Look on Craigslist or find local classifieds.  The way to tell is to visit the place where the gliders are raised.  They should be in large, clean cages.  Ask about their diet.  They should eat fresh fruits and veggies, along with a good protein source such as chicken, eggs, etc.  If they eat BML, that is an excellent sign that the breeder is interested in keeping them healthy.  The breeder should be able to tell you about the personality of individual gliders and joeys.  Beware of a breeder that wants to sell to you, no questions asked.  Good breeders want to ensure that their joeys are going to good homes.  They should be asking you questions about your ability to care for them properly.  At the same time, you should be asking them lots of questions, too.  Generally, you will have several conversations with the breeder, and should be able to tell if the breeder is a caring, responsible person.

When you see a glider that you are considering, there are several things to check for.  First, the joey should be at least eight weeks out of pouch.  Gliders any younger will not be properly socialized, and may not be ready to leave their mothers.  They should have bright eyes, and be alert.  Some joeys of this age can be fearful and might crab some, but should not try to bite.  Their fur should be soft and clean, and their bellies should be white, with no yellowing.  Yellowing would indicate that the glider is older.  When you "tent" the skin on the back of the neck, it should quickly go back to the normal state, indicating that the glider is not dehydrated.  You should be able to handle the joey with little or no crabbing.  If possible, meet the joey's parents.  They should be friendly and healthy.

Some small pet stores are okay.  Ask them where they get their gliders.  If they come from a local pet owner, then it might be okay.  Ask to meet the breeder.  If the gliders come from out of state or from some glider mill, then obviously, you'll want to pass.

Good luck.  Please keep in touch.  I'd be happy to answer any additional questions.  

Betty