DO NOT GET A SUGAR GLIDER
UNTIL YOU HAVE DONE YOUR RESEARCH!
You walk by a Vender at a Home and garden show, a Swap Meet, gun or reptile show, or even a pet store, and you see a gorgeous little face looking up at you with BIG nocturnal eyes. Please take me home and love me, the eyes say to you!
STOP, TURN AROUND, AND DO YOUR HOMEWORK!
They are cute, and furry, and when you see one of these adorable little creatures, that’s been bonded to their owner, you will just want to take it home right then!!
We would like for those of you who see a glider for the first time, and those who don't know about the demands and care of these little ones to do lots and lots of research and then some more research, before EVEN thinking about taking on the responsibility of one of these adorable, endearing little creatures. Most of the gliders that become rescues are given up due to an impulse sale.
Most impulse bought glider owners are not thinking of the special needs and care they require to live a happy, healthy and content little life. And the vendors who sell them do NOT tell you all the care and time you will need to care for a sugar glider.
The most prominent problem Vets see with Sugar Gliders are health issues related to diet. Their diet is of special importance. That’s why it’s so important for anyone thinking about getting gliders to be certain this is the right fit.
Captive, they live for 10-12 years if kept on a proven diet, and given the proper housing, accessories, enrichment and bonding time.
It is a known fact that most Sugar Gliders that are purchased on impulse are placed in rescues, or even worse given or sold to someone else who has all the right intentions but none of the knowledge or resources to care for this poor animal. This Glider has had to endure neglect, bad care, bad diet, health issues, little to no interaction with their own kind or the person who bought them. Their poor tiny, little bodies have already been compromised and it takes a long time to get them back to health, if at all.
Stress is another killer of gliders, and can you imagine the stress these gliders go through when passed from person to person looking for a forever home because nobody would take the time to learn what it means to care for these little ones.
THE TOP REASONS A GLIDER ISNT FOR YOU
*They require a lot of research and education
*They are not legal in all cities or states
* They require a lot of room to glide and play
*They need a LARGE cage and fleece pouches and accessories for enrichment
* Many things are toxic to them
* They require a lot of bonding time or can become depressed and mean
*Their diet is time consuming to make, and requires fresh food every day
*You can’t go away for the weekend or vacation and leave your glider behind with just anyone
*They require a 10-15 year commitment
*They can cost a lot to maintain: food, vet visits when necessary, toys, cages, cage pouches, bonding pouches and enrichment materials
*They are exotic animals and require an experienced glider vet
*They are nocturnal and sleep all day
*They throw their food and are messy eaters
*They "potty" on you and mark you with their urine and scent glands and cannot be potty trained *They can and will bite and crab if scared or insecure*They should not be allowed to interact with other pets
*Some excerpts reprinted with permission from http://suggiesavers.org/donot.html