Sugar Glider Care Information
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This site covers some basic sugar glider care information. One of the more popular exotic pets in the US today is the Sugar Glider. These little guys are known for the affection they show towards their owners. As a full grown adult they are only about 5 to 6 inches long with an added 6 inches for their tail and weigh roughly 4 to 5 1/2 ounces. These little guys and gals borrow themselves into the hearts of their owners in a huge way.
Myth
There are many myths surrounding this charming little creature and cause fascinated parties to gaze in astonishment when the truth is exposed. A fact that non-sugar glider owners are puzzled about is if these sugar gliders are rodents or not. The true fact is sugar gliders are marsupials and native to Australia’s Eastern parts, Papua New Guinea and parts of Indonesia.
Won't Run and Hide
Unlike other exotic pets such as hamsters, gerbils, and ferrets, once your sugar glider is fully-trained and bonds with you, he/she usually will not run away and hide, because they instinctually want to be with their “family”. These little guys and gals are not destructive like rodents and don’t chew on things. You can trust them to run freely about your home. They don’t look for a route to escape like the rodents do; they would rather play and jump from one piece of furniture to another in yours and their home.
Sugar Gliders are Nocturnal
Sugar gliders like many rodents are nocturnal by nature – this means they are “night owls” don’t mean to confuse you here, but night is when they are most active. See my article on the home page. The positive thing here is, unlike rodents, you can train these little guys and gals to be on your schedule, or whatever fits your lifestyle. They are usually very happy to spend time with you during the day when they can sleep in a pocket or bonding pouch.
Advantage of a Nocturnal Pet
An advantage to leaving your sugar glider nocturnal is when you are at work or school your glider is sleeping and not missing you. When you get home, your glider is very happy to see you. Of course, your little family member would be even happier if you let them sleep in your pocket or a pouch, but this isn’t realistic for many who work 9-to-5 jobs or go to school.
Cost to Raise
Sugar gliders are relatively inexpensive to raise. It can cost any where from $10.00 per month to over $2,000 a year to feed your sugar glider. This all depends on you and the diet you choose. Watch the video on Sugar Glider Food and Diet on this website. However, most owners enjoy lavishing their little family members with treats such as exotic fruits or live insects. This adds a little to the cost of your pets care, but it’s the same mentality people have when they send money to take their dogs to a dog groomer, or hand make their dog’s meals.
Don't Carry Diseases
Many people just love to spoil their pets. Unlike dogs and cats, sugar gliders don't need vaccinations. Sugar gliders don't carry any known diseases. As they don't carry heartworm or other household pet ailments that are common to pets, they don't normally require ongoing vet care.
Get Along With Other Pets
Another myth about gliders is they will not get along with other pets in your home. Actually this isn’t true sugar gliders live in large colonies in the wild. Because of this colonizing instinct they will bond with their families creating their own makeshift colony. This does includes other pets in the house. There have been reports from many glider owners of their gliders spending time with their dogs, cats and even their birds.
Hypo-Allergenic
If you have allergies a sugar glider may be for you. A benefit of owning a sugar glider, they often don’t affect people with allergies to pets. Bringing a great and loving pet into your home as a family member is one of the most satisfying things you can do. Sugar gliders love their family, and it’s very easy to see why their families love them back.
Bonding with your baby gliders:
Presented by: Dr. David M. Brust, DVM
President ASGV™
For more information go to:
www.ASGV.org
www.thesugarglidervets.org
Sugar glider care information
Rich Allyn