How to Purchase Sugar Gliders

By Bree Johnson

Instructions

Things You’ll Need:

Large wire cage
Food and water containers
Food
Vitamins
Toys

Step 1:
Determine whether you have the time for a sugar glider. Sugar gliders have an average life expectancy of 12 to 14 years and must be handled at least two hours every day. That means that within the next fourteen years, you’ll have to spend a minimum 10,040 hours just holding and playing with your sugar glider. You will also spend a great deal of your time preparing his food everyday, cleaning his cage, and visiting the vet to ensure that he’s healthy.
Step 2:
Determine whether you have the financial means to adequately care for a sugar glider. Sugar gliders need fresh food every day, often consisting of fruits and vegetables, boiled eggs, chicken or turkey baby food, and crickets or moths. They need a comfortable place to sleep in a roomy wire cage and toys to play with while they’re away from you. You’ll need to purchase vitamins and provide good veterinary care as well. All of this can run into a lot of money and you shouldn’t be fooled when someone tells you that the most expensive part of owning a sugar glider is purchasing one. His cage alone will run between $100 and $400 and you’ll spend around $50 every month just for food.
Step 3:
Discuss your decision with your family. Everyone should be in agreement about purchasing a new pet. It should be considered whether your smaller children are ready to learn how to handle a sugar glider and who will take care of your new pet while you’re away. If you have other pets, discuss what will happen if your old pet doesn't get along with your new one. If everyone is not in agreement, you should wait until they are.
Step 4:
Purchase everything you need before you begin your search for a sugar glider. Purchasing his cage, toys, food, vitamins, and bedding before you bring him home ensures that your sugar glider will have everything he needs and will be comfortable when arrives.
Step 5:
Visit pet stores or sugar glider rescues in your area to begin your search. Spend time with the sugar gliders they have available and be careful not to buy based on how cute a particular glider is. Try to get to know the sugar gliders and then make an informed decision based on temperament.
Step 6:
Check for signs of illness. When you’ve narrowed your decision down to one or two sugar gliders, check for signs of illness. A healthy sugar glider will have bright eyes, a moist, pink nose, clean ears, and a smooth fur coat. He should be able to grip with all four feet. If the sugar glider you’ve got your heart set on doesn’t display all of these signs of good health, move on.
Step 7:
Make an appointment for a checkup with your veterinarian within the first few days. Your vet can provide you with the information you need to make good decisions about vitamin brands and feeding schedules as well as other important factors in your new pet’s life.

Tips & Warnings

Check with your local state and city laws to ensure that you can legally own a sugar glider. Some cities have made it illegal to own exotic pets.

Resources

Sugarglider.com

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