Should you Adopt a Sugar Glider?   by David Oc

in Family / Pets    (submitted 2012-02-06)

Those who want to adopt a sugar glider should think long and hard before actually committing to the task. No matter how cute these marsupials seem, they can be very difficult to take care of. Not only do they have a particular diet but a single glider is usually a sad one. Hence, the decision to adopt this exotic pet usually means taking on more than one of these animals.

What are sugar gliders? As mentioned, gliders are marsupials and are native of Australia. They actually look like squirrels and may grow up to 13 inches in length. They sport blue-grey fur and have large eyes that they use to aid food hunting in the wild. These animals are agile and active, making it necessary to house them in a cage with adequate space. Gliders have a single black stripe running from its nose down to its back. These animals actually have opposable toes on their hind feet and sports five digits for each limb.

Aptly named as a "glider", the animal has a thin membrane attached to the first and fifth toe, allowing the animal to extend its limbs and "glide" through the air. One good way to separate a male from a female glider is through the pouch found on the female abdomen.

What do sugar gliders eat? Those who want to adopt a glider should be aware at how picky eaters they are. Their daily diet must contain a healthy dose of calcium and protein to prevent complications. They should be fed a mixture of insects, fruit and protein-rich-food types. It might be best to ask the seller about the diet of the glider or ask the vet about the most ideal supplement. Currently though, there are various products being sold as sugar glider food although nothing still beats fresh food.

Some owners recommend that their diet should be a three part course. One should be protein rich, the second being any fruit or vegetable liberally sprinkled with supplements and the third being the staple diet.

How do you house a glider? These pets are nocturnal animals and sleep in their own personal nest during the day. For this reason, try to get a cage that would house all the marsupials and still allow them maximum movement. Cages should be adorned with the nests and branches where they can play in and exercise.

Of course, these aren't the only concerns one has to have when opting to adopt a glider. It is ideal that adoptive owners look for an exotic pet veterinarian in their area to take care of the marsupial should there be any problem. Note that since they are exotic animals, adopting a sugar glider may fall under certain policies and restrictions of the government so try checking out the rules in the given area.

All in all, trying to adopt a sugar glider would be a good idea for those who are willing to provide both time and patience. The good news is that these little marsupials are definitely worth it.

About the Author

To learn more about sugar gliders and how to care for them, go to the Sugar Glider Pet Center web site, or pick up the new Kindle book,"Sugar Gliders! The Ultimate Owner's Guide" at Amazon.com, or the Nook book at Barns and Noble.