In Reply to: Gliders, Research, Truths, and What do I do nows? posted by Bourbon on June 15, 1999 at 05:17:04:

I agree with you Bourbon, lately there have been so many "for Sale" posts. I think when
a lot of people buy gliders they think it will be as easy as having a gerbil, but all the companionship
and cuddlyness as a dog. People are thinking of gliders on the same level as guinee pigs that don't live
very long and aren't hard to care for instead of on the level of dogs and cats whom are a permanent
thing in your home and require quite a bit of time and care.

A few times people have come onto this board and written about how mean
and evil gliders are as pets. Well, I think in truth they are a lot of the time because they
are not trained well and cared for properly. I have even seen my very bonded, sweet, mellow
gliders turn vicious and threatening towards people they don't know or objects they don't recognise.

I have to admit I was one of those people who saw gliders on TV 3 1/2 years ago,
fell in love, did a little research, and bought one. Its not always a bad thing, I was determined
to have a great pet and companion and have continued to research gliders (info has changed a lot in 3 years!)
and still consider my gliders first and foremost (okay, maybe a close 2nd to my husband :) ).

I don't really know what more we can do for prospective owners except tell them to educate themselves
through reading and spending time with someone elses gliders and see that they do mostly poop and pee,
crab, bite, claw and hide from strangers and take a lot more work than just filling up the bowl with pre-made
chow from a bag.

Follow Ups:

• Re: Gliders, Research, Truths, and What do I do nows? David Weinreb 15:17:29 6/15/99 (0)