 | Posted by: | Mom | | Subject: | HELP!! | | When: | 6:27 PM, 17 Oct 2000 | | IP: | 152.163.201.201 |
My son wants to get a sugar glider, however, I thought that we had done all the research, until I read about the sg's attacking. I am unsure at this point if I should let him get one. I understand that they may live 10 or more years, and if I don't bond with him, will I have problems when my son leaves for college? We already have a dog as a family pet that demands a lot of attention. I have read that the sg's like a lot of attention, but what is "a lot of attention?" Any suggestions would be appreciated. Are these attacks rare or are they to be expected? Thanks!! 
|
| Posted by: | Mary, intr01dc@frank.mtsu.edu | | Subject: | Attention and attacks | | When: | 6:56 PM, 17 Oct 2000 | | IP: | 12.77.121.122 |
This depends on what you mean. Will you get bitten? probably so. Many gliders do bite. If you buy from a breeder that holds the babies a lot then you have a lot less chance of being bitten, but you will probably be bitten some.
Gliders bond promarily to one person but can bond to others if around them enough. If your son spends the most time with the glider and then goes away to college the glider can become depressed. But if you spend as much time as your son while you are rasing the glider then it should be okay if he goes off because he will already be close to you.
Children do not generally do evry well with gliders. They are small and fragile. They can easily become hurt if stepped on or handled Gliders require a lot of parience, and most kids do not have the parience to bond with them. Gliders are nocturnal so they do not wake up until late.
Gliders do need a lot of attention. They need at least 2 to 3 hrs of outside the cage playtime nightly. They also like to be carried around durring the day in a pouch.
If you wnat to get a glider as a pet and allow your son to help out and play with the glider then thats fine. I would not suggest buying a glider for him. They are hard to keep animals.
| Posted by: | Debbie, delliott@tulane.edu | | Subject: | Could it be a family pet? | | When: | 10:26 PM, 02 Jan 2001 | | IP: | 216.227.111.97 |
I think gliders are wonderful for certain special, mature teenaged children. We got our gliders about 10 weeks ago. My young (aged 12 and 14)teenagers are grateful that I bought them for myself, and I take care of them. They get to enjoy them if and when they want to. Meanwhile I am still struggling with frequent sleep deprivation because I have a busy career as well, but am VERY dedicated to my gliders. If this were just my child's pet, I would not be willing to change my lifestyle the way I have had to.
On the other hand, this has been a very rewarding experience for myself and my family. We LOVE our sweet babies! It is WONDERFUL that you have taken it upon yourself to research this. You must love your son and love animals very much. I know you will make the right decision.
| Posted by: | Sarah, heavenztrash@telus.net | | Subject: | none | | When: | 10:53 PM, 02 Jan 2001 | | IP: | 216.232.132.105 |
Hi Mom. Yes, sugar gliders do need a fair amount of attention. They need to be handled every day and if you do not have time for that, it is best to get 2 to keep eachother company. If you can afford 2, it is better. If your son is younger than 10, it'sa probably not the best pet since they require alot of extra time that people can tire from. They have to have fresh fruit cut for them every evening and they need to be let out to run around and play with you. If you get a glider, it would be a good idea to get the glider used to both you and your son so if he decides he does not want to care for it, you will not have a nasty glider on your hands. It is possible to get them used to more than one person. Again, this is not a pet for a young person. If your son thinks he can meet the challenge, then he'll have a great pet. But if he is not ready, another glider may end up without a home. There are too many animals discarded in this world already so make your choice carefully. -Sarah
| Posted by: | Barb, blooprints@yahoo.com | | Subject: | none | | When: | 1:54 PM, 04 Jan 2001 | | IP: | 63.178.65.68 |
How old is your son? (Younger children get very eaily bored, for the most part.) If it is to be a family pet that everyone will enjoy and you are willing to care for it, go for it. Gliders like people come with many different temperaments and personalities. Breeders that have lots of animals don't have the time or inclination to spend with their glider - hence, they are not usually very nice. There are lots of bad breeders, and a few very, very good ones. Gliders can be downright nasty, sweeter than sweet and everything in between. I suggest your family get and read Caroline MacPherson's book SUGAR GLIDERS (publisher Barron's), then go and meet a real live glider....It could be love at first site or not. Good luck! I have raised gliders for nearly 5 years and would be try to answer any other questions you might have.
|
| 
Home
Glider Gossip
Gliderpedia
Journals
Resources