In Reply to: Re: Visited a sugar glider breeder. Upset. Long post posted by Tiffany on April 05, 1999 at 23:01:44:

Tim, your reaction was right and proper. No animal should be kept in filthy conditions- however many are. I would say run from that breeder and I mean run not walk. The more love your breeder shows the animals the easier it is to bond with your new pet. I no longer have babies but when I did each person had to go through an hour or more while i told them about the responsibility and I let them interact with the animal. if you cant interact with the animal in its normal surroundings what kind of stressed situation will you find when it is in your (new to it) home. In Texas there are tons of glider breeders look around and I am sure you will find a special breeder that will care for the gliders not just for money. I am surprized this place was happy letting you see this situation but at least you know not to get one there.
Good luck in your search
Jane
: Hi Tim,
: Sorry you had such a bad experience. Too many people are interested in the money over the care of the animals. There is a pet store in Austin that teaches people to pick up gliders by the tail! It's awful. You are right about being careful with their legs, too. It's important to gently lift the nails away so they are not hurt. Otherwise, their legs could be hurt or nails ripped out. I'm sure you will do this, but vote with your money. I've heard many people here say the glider should pick you...when I got Eos I had to hold her for about 1/2 an hour to see if she was going to like me. I think some breeders even have people visit before the gliders are ready to go home. I would think a well cared for, handled glider would be much easier to bond with...

: Good luck,
: Tiffany

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