In Reply to: I hoping t o buy a sugar glider posted by emily on April 17, 2000 at 10:06:24:

: i need so feed back of what there like to keep.

Well, you have come to the right place.. And I applaude you for checking them out before buying one.
First off, are they legal where you live? If they aren't then you won't be able to get one anyway.
These little guys take atleast 2-3 hours of personal contact A DAY. They require a special diet that includes fresh fruits and veggies, specially made mixtures of protein, calcium, & vitamins, as well as insects. You MUST have the time to bond with them as well as take care of their daily needs of a clean cage, time and space out of their cage to run around, a Vet near by that is qualified to handle check ups and any health problems you have, etc.
Plan on taking a trip, holiday, or a vacation? Are you going to take them with you or do you have someone qualified to take them in and care for them?
They are social animals - so if you don't have atleast 2 hours to play with them EVERY DAY - then you will have to get atleast 2 Gliders. They are not cheap nor are they cheap to take care of. They live for up to 15 years. If you are not committed to having them until they die then I would strongly suggest you don't get one. They will be bonding with YOU and noone else after a certain age. It is cruel to send a glider to a new home after bonding with you.
They cannot be potty trained and will deficate on you and anything around you. They have nails that scratch and teeth that they will use to bite with (especially during the bonding process) You run the risk of NEVER bonding with them - are you prepared to take care of a animal that doesn't want to have anything to do with you?
Ahhh there is so much more.. Like I have said in the past - Please look at Bourbon's glider page.. Pay special attention to Jane's downsides, interviewing a vet, diets, bonding, everyday needs, and glider horror stories.

If you feel, after all of that research, that you would be a good Glider owner, then I wish you the best of luck. They are wonderful companions if you have the time and the dedication. But I must emphasize that they are not like a domesticated animal... They have special needs that you must deliver and if you can't .. then don't get one..

Best regards,

Jen

• Bourbon's glider page

Follow Ups: