Sugar Gliders a great animals, and can be a wonderful addition to your family. However, please consider what is best for the animal and yourself, as there are many pros and cons to being a sugar glider owner. Too many times do people rush into buying these animals before looking at all factors. Leaving many sugar gliders homeless, sick, and even dead. I don't mean to sound harsh, but I have seen it myself, and it is simply heartbreaking. Before you decide if a sugar glider is right for you, please consider the following:
Laws:
Sugar gliders are not legal to have as pets in some states, it is important to research this to see if your state allows sugar gliders as pets. If you are planning on breeding your sugar glider, please note that you may need to have a USDA license. If you don't abide by these laws your sugar glider can be confiscated, you also can be fined, or even imprisoned. Please visit USDA's website for more information.
Cost:
Sugar glider's are expensive animals. Prices start at about $150.00 for a normal gray sugar glider. Sugar gliders are very social colony animals, therefore, it is recommended that you get 2 sugar gliders instead of just one. Sugar glider's need large cages, toys, and have a complex diet. Even if you get a good deal on the price for your sugar glider, and cage, there are a lot more costs ahead that must been considered, such as vet bills, and diets.
Life Span:
A sugar glider in captivity can live up to 15 years, provided it has good care. That means 5,478 nights of, chopping up fresh fruit and veggies, touching bugs, balancing meals, cleaning cages, and spending quality time with your glider. Being that sugar gliders are very social animals, having only one, you must handle it a minimum of 2 hours each night, not doing so can lead to depression, and ultimately other health problems.
Allergic Reactions:
A sugar glider is a furred animal, therefore, if anyone is allergic to animal fur in your household, a sugar glider may not be the best pet for you. Sugar gliders do not have much if any dander, so usually that isn't a problem. People with sensitive skin may break out in a rash when handling sugar gliders. As part of their grooming practices, sugar glider will "sneeze" on their hands and groom their fur. The saliva in combination with their sharp nails can puncture the skin and cause a condition known as dermatitis.
Vets:
A sugar glider is considered an exotic animal, therefore, not all vets treat them. It is important that you find a good vet that has knowledge of your exotic pet, before you get your sugar glider.
Can not be potty trained:
Sugar gliders can not be potty trained as they have little to no bowl control. They go whenever and where ever, which includes on you and your clothes.
Children:
A sugar glider can be a good pet for for some older children. However a child should never be the sole caretaker of the sugar glider. For more information about sugar gliders and children, please visit our information section about sugar gliders and kids.
Smell:
There is a smell that comes with the sugar glider, as they do have sent glands. There are things you can do, such as, having a male fixed, using ferret cage deodorizer, or use Elimina or Premira on their food. Also regular cage clean will be needed. Males may mark you with his scent to claim you as his. Some owners add a few drops of apple cider vinegar to neutralize the urine and musky smell with some success.
Other Animals:
In the wild, a sugar gliders predators are mostly predatory birds, such as owls. Sugar gliders should not be kept in the same room as screechy birds, because they find their calls threatening. As a general rule, sugar gliders and other pets don't get a long. Some dogs and cats can care less about the presence of your new glider, but other's will just wait for the right opportunity. Use your judgment in these matters. Gliders should always have their own cage/habitat. Housing them with other animals can be very stressful for your glider.
