Question
Is a sugar glider the right pet for me?
Answer
Before you decide yes or no, do lots of research. Gliders can live up
to 12 - 15 years in captivity. They need fresh food and water, every
night! As well as, a minimum of one to two hours of human interaction
every day. They are nocturnal animals, so make sure you can spend some
time with them at night, too. These are just a few considerations, but
if you are even the slightest bit concerned about these most basic
needs of sugar gliders, then do not get one!
Question
What do they eat?
Answer
A wide variety of fruits and vegetables need to make up 70% of their
diet. They also need a source of protein that should make up the other
30%. An excellent source of protein is the modified Leadbetter's Mix.
You can find the recipe for Leadbetter's Mix under our
Diet
Section.
Question
Can they be trained to use a litter box or hold their bladders?
Answer
No! No! No! Sugar gliders can't, and never will be, able to be trained
to hold their bladders or use some sort of litter box! Fortunately,
their stool ("poop") and urine ("pee") is usually a very small amount,
but if this will bother you to have a little on you (because most of
the time they WILL WAIT till they are on you to "go") then I suggest
you don't get one!
Question
Is there a benefit to owning either a male or a female?
Answer
As far as temperament goes, I have not really noticed a trend of one
sex being better than the other. I've had really sweet males and
females and I've had males and females that were real toots. The only
major disadvantage I can think of owning a male is that they do smell
rather musky after their scent glands develop. The smell isn't as
strong as a ferret, but it is definitely noticeable.
Question
Is it okay to only own one, or should I buy a pair?
Answer
Sugar gliders are highly social animals.......It is fine to get only
one AS LONG AS YOU ARE COMMITTED TO SPENDING AT LEAST TWO HOURS EACH
DAY PLAYING AND INTERACTING WITH THEM! Of course, missing a day every
now and then isn't going to send them spiraling into depression, but
left alone over time (especially after they've bonded to you) they do
tend to lose their appetite and become depressed. If you think that
there is a possibility you will not be able to spend enough time with
them, it would be a good idea to get two so that they can keep each
other company. The amount of time you will have available is
definitely something to consider before you get a sugar glider!
Question
What is the youngest age that I may be able to purchase a baby joey?
Answer
There are many different opinions regarding the best age to separate
joeys from their parents. Some breeders separate at 6 weeks and
younger. However, we feel that because the joey is still nursing at 6
weeks and getting nutrients from momma's milk that boosts their
immunity as well as having mom and dad teaching good grooming habits,
that it is not a good idea to separate any earlier than 7 1/2 to 8
weeks OOP. Each week that you separate earlier than 7 weeks decreases
their chance of survival and we are just not willing to gamble with
our babies lives.
Question
What are some other good sugar glider resources on the web?
Answer
We recommend
Glider Central
The International Sugar Glider Association
Bourbon's Page
