By: Sun Coast Sugar Gliders

The first issue we hope you will consider is whether or not a sugar glider fits well into your lifestyle and expectations. It is ultimately important to us that gliders become part of good homes and you should be quite certain that you want to be owned by a sugar glider before making the commitment.

Just because a sugar glider is similar in body size to a hamster and other small rodents, please don't be mistaken that its needs are similar. Many people are attracted to gliders because of their exceptional good looks. If you can feel comfortable with the following list of issues, then you are very likely to have no problems becoming a succesful member of a sugar glider's family.

• A sugar glider can live up to 12-14 years. The commitment to sugar gliders equals that of dogs and cats. Can you commit to provide the best care for that long?
• A sugar glider needs to be fed fresh meals daily. It only takes a few minutes a day. Do you have the time to attend properly to their nutritional needs?
• Sugar glider cages need to be cleaned once or twice a week, depending on how large the cage is; do you have the time to attend properly to their hygiene needs?
• Are you aware that sugar gliders are nocturnal? You can play with them and handle them during the day, but they will be up playing most of the night.
• Do you have enough room to provide a reasonably large cage for your sugar glider and can you afford to purchase them a variety of toys to stimulate their clever little minds?
• Sugar gliders do not make suitable pets for young children. Are you willing to supervise constantly while a child is holding a glider?
• Sugar gliders are extremely social creatures. If you cannot afford to purchase two (same sex together is OK), can you commit 2-3 hours daily to spend time with your glider?
• Are sugar gliders legal in your state?
• Do you have someone to glider-sit when you go out of town?
• Do you have a veterinarian lined up who is experienced with sugar gliders and do the vet bills fit in your budget?
• How will your other pets respond to having a sugar glider in the house, and what will you do about it?
• Do you have allergies to animal fur?

If you are comfortable with the answers to these questions, then
congratulations, welcome into the world of the sugar glider.