Message:

Subject: Re: Politely,
Posted by Kim S. on September 03, 1998 at 22:21:49:

In Reply to: Where can I get a SugarGlider? posted by Lauren on September 03, 1998 at 16:54:51:

: I am interested in getting a SugarGlider. I live in Mississippi and was wandering if you know where I could get one. How much is one, and how much attention do they require?

I think more what people are trying to say is not that you 'don't need one,' but that there is much to learn before acquiring a little sugar glider. Please don't be scared off by people's attitudes or harsh words because they are only that. There are no harsh intentions on this board, just a lot of people trying really hard to keep gliders from getting hurt.

Sugar gliders do require a lot of time, patience, and commitment. First of all, they live anywhere from 12-15 years. That's the same amount of time as many dogs. Could you give a glider that kind of commitment? Second, they require freshly prepared food every day. Finally, they are somewhat expensive, and vet care is difficult to find for them, should they get sick. When I got my glider I bought and then I researched. I got lucky that things went smoothly. But I would never do it that way again, there are too many variables.

Do a search for Sugar Gliders on the web. You will turn up many, many glider-related pages. My advice is to read them. Read every single one you can get your hands on. Ask questions on this page (and don't worry, we won't treat you like a potentially bad glider owner!:) ) The reason we are such sticklers is because too many of us have heard of gliders dying for stupid reasons that could have easily been prevented if people have done their homework. They are socially demanding, and need a very specific diet to be healthy. Not to mention a good sized chunk of money to get set up properly.

When someone's pet mouse or hamster dies it's a sad thing. But they are not very high on the evolutionary scale, to put it nicely, so their lifespan isn't long, and they just plain aren't that smart.
Gliders on the other hand are very intelligent. Their lifespan is very long, and you can marvel at watching them learn new things each time you watch them. I liken them to cats, intelligence-wise. Feel free to email me for any comments or rebuttles. Gliders are great pets, but they are also a lot of work, and somewhat fragile.

I look forward to hearing what you decide...
Good luck-

Kim S.

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