Purchasing Sugar Gliders

Sugar gliders are nocturnal marsupials from Australia and New Guinea. These adorable little creatures make wonderful pets, but they do require a commitment. Gliders are loving and attentive when properly cared for. Make sure a glider is right for you before you purchase, or you could be making a big mistake for both you and the glider.

Things You'll Need

  • Large wire cage
  • Nestbox or pouch (a safe place to sleep)
  • Non-toxic branches and perches (eucalyptus or manzanita)
  • Food dishes/water bottle (Large bird seed cups work well. Get ceramic/stainless steel dishes)
  • Toys (bird toys such as swings, rings, ladders, and mirrors)
  • Bedding
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Instructions

  1. Consider Before You Buy

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      Make sure you can make a life long commitment. Sugar gliders have a life span of up to 15 years.

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      Have time to prepare their food. Gliders have special dietary needs. It can take up to 20 minutes to prepare their food.

    • 3

      Social interaction is extremely important. Sugar gliders need to spend time every day with their owners to feel socially fulfilled.

    • 4

      Research. If you decide that you are serious about getting a sugar glider, do your research. There are many books and websites available to help you on your adventure (see Resources below).

    Finding a Breeder

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      Locate a local breeder. You can look in the phone book, ask people that you know that have gliders or search the Internet for breeders in your area. Gliders can be shipped if packaged and handled carefully, but only do this if no local breeders can be found (see Resources below).

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      Expect to be asked questions. Breeders are going to want to be sure that their babies are going to good stable homes that will love and care for them. Any breeder that is not concerned about where their animals are going is one to avoid.

    • 7

      Ask your own questions. Find out how long they have been in business and if they offer a guarantee of health. Breeders that have 3 or more breeding females are required to have a USDA license. Ask them if they offer support after the sale. Get references and contact them.

    • 8

      When you arrive at the breeder, get a tour of the animals. Check out the living conditions and quality of life for the animals they keep. Ask to see the parents of the joey you plan to purchase. Take your time on your decision to buy.

    What to Look For in a Sugar Glider

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      Choose a glider that is about 8 to 10 weeks out of pouch (OOP).

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      Make sure your glider is bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. This means your glider is weaned and ready to live on its own.

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      Check and make sure that your choice of glider is eating properly and that its poop resembles mouse droppings.

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      Choose a glider that is active, alert and very curious in nature.

    • 13

      Ask to handle the glider. If unsure, watch the breeder handle the glider. If it seems unfriendly or like its trying to escape from the breeder, don't be afraid to ask questions. Some gliders may be shy of strangers, but it never hurts to ask questions. Just remember that even sugar gliders have bad days sometimes.

    • 14

      Make a vet appointment as soon as possible after purchasing your glider. Find a vet that handles exotic pets and is knowledgeable about gliders.

    Making Your Glider Feel at Home

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      Buy a large cage. Make sure that it is at least 3 feet tall. Go for vinyl or powder coated wire because plain wire hurt the glider's feet and is very noisy. Make sure the spacing is no bigger than 1/2 by 1 inches.

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      Put a nestbox or pouch into the cage so that the glider or gliders have somewhere safe to sleep.

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      Purchase non-toxic branches to put in the cage. Sugar gliders live in trees and these will give them something to climb on.

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      Install food dishes and water bottles. A good choice is large bird seed cups because you can put them up off the ground. This is good for two reasons: sugar gliders won't eat close to the ground, and it cuts down on the amount of poop in the food. Use bird water bottles or small animal water bottles for your cage. You could also purchase ceramic or stainless steel bowls.

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      Make sure your glider has toys to play with. Bird toys such as swings, rings, ladders and mirrors are a good choice. Be careful not to get any with loose strings, small pieces or fabrics they could accidentally ingest. Rotate the toys to keep your gliders from loosing interest. Installing an exercise wheel can provide additional entertainment and exercise. Choose a solid wheel because cross bars and spaces could catch their long tails.

    • 20

      Choose a safe bedding like aspen shavings, corncob or oat hull bedding. Stay away from newspaper, cedar and pine because these are toxic to small animals.