Criptic's Page On Herps - Mammals - Sugar Gliders - Introduction

If sugar gliders are given the right kind of care and attention, they can be an interactive, enjoyable pet. If you buy hand-tamed young, you can expect it to form a strong lifelong bond with you. You should consider whether you can provide the constant kind of care a glider needs prior to buying one.

Things to consider before choosing one;

	Sugar gliders may live up to fifteen years
	Can you provide and furnish a large enough cage?
	Do you have the time to clean the cage and prepare meals every day?
	Sugar gliders are very social animals. You will need to buy 2 to keep each other company, and you will need to take them out and play with them often!
	Sugar gliders should not be intended for children, unless you can provide constant supervision.

	Arrangements must be made to care for the sugar gliders if you go away.
	Is there a veterinarian in your area who can treat sugar gliders?
	Do you have other pets that will not adapt to living with sugar gliders?
	Is any one in your house allergic to animal fur?
	Are they allowed where you live?

Before making any purchase, check with your states fish and wildlife department to make sure it is allowed to have sugar glider as pets. It may be legal in one state, but not another. You will want to also check local ordinances. Some cities and towns have further laws on what is permissible.

Decide if you want a male or a female. Both sexes are equally as hardy and the same life span. Male sugar gliders do have more scent glands than females, but if kept correctly, they are not overly smelly. If at all possible, you should get one male, and one female.

You will need to find a supplier for your sugar gliders. If at all possible, acquire your sugar gliders locally. Shipping is always stressful for an animal. If bought locally, you will have the advantage of being able to see the facility, and the glider prior to purchase. Things to consider about your supplier;

	How long have they been in business.
	Do they possess all the required licensing to breed or sell gliders?
	Can they provide references?
	How knowledgeable are they about the animals?
	Will they make themselves available to answer questions?
	What kind of guarantee does the animal come with?

Once you receive the answers to these questions, make sure to follow through and check their references. Make sure to get the guarantee in writing, and make sure the written document outlines your purchase agreement in detail so there can be no misunderstanding about what was intended.

A responsible supplier will ask you a number of questions as well. They will want to know why you chose a sugar glider as a pet, and are you aware of the care needs. A responsible supplier will not sell to those who do appear to be buying on impulse, those who don’t seem to be interested in learning about the animal’s requirements, or those who are motivated to buy one because they think it is an unusual pet.

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