Children

Question
Are Sugar Gliders good with children,because I was thinking about getting one for my 12 year old daughter?

Answer
Dear Juliana:

Thank you so much for contacting me.  So many parents do not research and just buy the pet to placate the child.  Sugar gliders are good with everyone once they are bonded to them.  However, they are high maintenance exotic pets and the problems with children are as follows:

1.  Commitment.  Sugar gliders are a long-term commitment 10-12 years.  Where will your daughter be in 5-10 years.  It's very hard to say.  Teenagers are one of the highest groups of rescue turn-ins due to the fact that they go to college, have children, have demanding careers and get married.  They no longer have time for the animals which require 2-4 hours a night.

2.  Expenses.  Sugar gliders require a fresh fruit and protein diet.  There are weekly groceries, expenses for toys, treats, bedding, mealworms, food and vitamins and then there are vet bills.

3.  Transportation.  How will she get it to the vet in an emergency situation?

4.  Habitat.  Sugar gliders require large cages compared to their size because of their gliding ability.  We recommend a minimum of 2' X 2' X 3'.  But seriously wider and taller is better.  Cages need to be cleaned at least once a week.  It's a big job.  

5.  Odor.  Sugar gliders do have a musky odor.  It is more objectionable to some than others.  I suggest you visit a breeder and determine if you can handle the odor in your home.  

Thank you again for researching first.  

If, after reading the above, you decide to get your daughter a sugar glider, please find a licensed breeder near you.  Please understand that it is you that are making a lifetime commitment to that animal, because your daughter is too young at 12 to enter into such a commitment.  You need to be responsible and make the right decision.

If this is going to be something that you are going to commit to as well, then research as much as possible and do it right.  

Best of luck to you,

Laurie