Is a Sugar Glider the Right Pet For you?

  While everyone can agree that sugar gliders are adorable and loving, not everyone should own one.  The sheer volume of responsibility in owning a glider makes being a parent a full-time job.  Before buying or adopting, ask yourself; 

 Can I spend 3-4 hours a day with this animal everyday?

Þ           Gliders need attention daily., without it, they will become unfriendly and scared. Loving them is easy when you schedule the time.

 Is it going to be a problem for me to have tiny scratch marks all over my body?

Þ           Even with clippings, gliders’ nails  still scratch, leaving miniscule, but annoying marks everywhere that they travel. Although, there are products on the market that minimize this annoyance.

 Do I have the patience to cut food up into teeny, tiny little pieces for my glider’s enjoyment?

Þ           All food must be cut into about dime to quarter size pieces.  This allows your glider to hang from his hind legs while holding and eating with his front legs. In addition, there are vitamin blends that are essential to a glider’s health.

 Do bugs bother  me? 

Þ           While not all owners feed their gliders insects, it is a natural part of their diet in the wild.  Crickets, meal worms and wax worms are necessary for good glider health. They can be fed live, frozen or canned.

 Will I get “grossed out” by glider poo?

Þ           It is possible to potty train a glider, but not always 100% effective, gliders defecate without giving any warning and accidents do happen.  Their feces is not usually very messy, rather small pellets that are dry if your glider is eating properly.

 Am I adverse to cleaning cages?

Þ           For proper health, it is necessary to clean a glider’s cage at least once a week, usually more often is preferred.  It is not an extremely messy job, but someone will have to do it.

 If you feel you can honestly do all of these things, then you are ready to learn about sugar gliders to own as pets!