The Ups and Downs to a Sugar Glider
-They have extremely sharp claws!! I sometimes look like I have been attacked by a cat. Your glider loves to climb trees and will treat you like a tree... they use their claws to climb all over you. You should trim their nails, but sometimes this doesn't help that much. I am able to show you how to trim their nails and do it for you as long as you're able to come to me.
-Gliders cannot be litter trained. Since they are aboreal... they don't care where they defecate... even if it's on you! Now, remember you will have lots of scratches on your arms.... then the glider decides to urinate, be prepared to have disinfectant around at all times!
-They live a pretty long time when you care for them properly, about 10-15 years., sometimes even 20! Are you ready to have a pet around for this long? They bond to people and treat them like family, and if you decide that you don't have the time for them anymore and give them to someone else, this is very mean! They think of you like a family member and it's very stressfull on them to be switched from home to home. This can sometimes even cause death.
-Gliders are nocturnal, hence the very large black eyes. Are you prepared to stay up until past midnight playing with your glider while they are awake? My own gliders don't get up until at least 10pm. Then I'm up until about 1am giving them the out of cage time that they require. If you don't play with them every night they will become depressed and this can lead to sickness. For those whom keep their gliders in pairs, they won't need as much human interaction, but they still do need it to maintain the bond you worked hard to make when they were young.
-Gliders are insectivores, which means they eat bugs! If you cannot handle it there is no point in you purchasing a glider if you can't meet the dietry requirments they need. They may also eat a pinkie mouse from time to time for calcium and protien. This is not essential but should be taken into consideration. There are other ways to satisfy a sugar glider's needs such as cooked chicken and egg, however they love to eat insects and it provides enrichment for them too.
-Gliders are expensive pets to purchase, they can cost between $100-$400 for a single glider. Don't go looking for a cheap or free glider, because if you cannot afford it now then you won't be able to afford the vet bills if they get sick. One check-up not including medication can cost upwards of $50, and medication can be a lot more.
- The Sugar Glider's bones are very small and can be crushed easily. I do not reccomend this animal as a pet for a young child, especially ones that like to squeeze the animals they like most. This may also lead to the Glider biting the child as a form of self-defense.
-Not all gliders like humans, be prepared that the glider you get may not like people as well. Most gliders do but there are some who never will. However, those whom do bond to their human companions will be your best friend for life. They will form a very special bond and be able to recognize you by both scent and your voice.
- Sugar gliders are the true "pocket" pet, as they will find great enjoyment from sleeping in a shirt pocket or a sweater pouch. (they've been known to sleep in bras too!) |
