Most people
would recommend getting a sugar glider from a
local knowledgeable breeder. This way, you can have someone
locally that can help you with any questions you may have
with you new glider. Also, you will have a chance to visit
the place your glider is being born and raised, making sure
it is clean and a safe environment.
You may also be able to find sugar gliders in a local pet
store, but make sure the pet store is knowledgeable in sugar
gliders. There are many pet stores that sell sugar gliders,
but most have very little knowledge in the proper care or
diet of the animals. Often times they will misrepresent them
as easy to care for, and great for children. Since sugar
gliders are nocturnal, pet stores rarely handle them when
they are most active and needing attention to keep them
tame. Never try to save a sugar glider from a pet store by
buying the animal, as this will only encourage them.
Another option is to find a breeder through the Internet.
Sugar gliders can be shipped, proper care is taken to see
that it is done correctly. Most of the time the gliders will
sleep through the entire experience. However, I wouldn't
recommend this unless you could find no other alternative.
Always ask questions when choosing a place to get your
glider such as:
- How long have they been in business?
- Is there a guarantee of health?
- Do they offer "after-sale" support?
- Are the USDA licensed? (USDA license not required
if they own 3 or less breeding females)
- Do they have any references?
You can expect a lot of questions being asked to you also, as a good
breeder will make sure there sugar gliders are going to a good home. Too
many people rush into getting these wonderful animals without
considering what is best for the sugar glider or themselves, leaving
many sugar gliders homeless as soon as the novelty wears off.
Choosing your sugar glider:
Once you decide on where to get your glider, the time has come to
pick your new glider. I would recommend getting a baby glider
approximately 8-10 weeks out of pouch. Never purchase a sugar glider
younger than 8 weeks of age. Always choose a glider that is bright eyed
and bushy tailed, as this would mean that the glider is fully weaned,
and ready to live on it's own. Make sure the young glider is eating
properly, and isn't suckling on the mother any longer. You want a glider
that is active, alert, and curious in nature. Be sure that the stools
(poop) of the sugar glider is formed properly, and looks similar to
moist mouse droppings. Ask to handle the glider, it shouldn't act afraid
to be handled, and run at the first chance it gets. Every sugar glider
is different. Some gliders may be shy around strangers. In cases such as
these watch the breeder/owner handle the glider. If the glider appears
afraid or tries to escape from the breeder/owner, ask questions. Try to
keep in mind that even gliders can have a bad day, but be aware of the
sugar gliders temperament.
Where to take caution when getting your sugar glider:
- Pet Stores- There may be a FEW exceptions to this rule, however
when possible avoid purchasing sugar gliders from pet stores. Sugar
gliders are nocturnal animals requiring daily human interaction.
Most pet stores are closed during the times the sugar glider would
be most active and wanting attention. Pet stores are loud, and can
be quite busy with many different sounds and smells causing stress
to the sugar gliders in their care. Most pet store employees know
little about these wonderful creatures, their care, and their diet.
A lot of pet stores will look to "simplify" a gliders diet, in turn
compromising a gliders health, as well as passing on inaccurate
information to new sugar gliders owners. Should you find a pet store
you believe is safe, be sure to ask questions. Test them on their
knowledge, and then decide.
- Glider Mills- These are sad places where sugar gliders are kept
in the poorest conditions. Little is thought of their care, health,
or wellbeing. Animals coming from these places can be sick, and
carry several different illnesses.
- Flea Markets or Trade Shows (please see the
vendor warning in our information section)
- Buying Colors from unknown breeders, especially "hets". Ask for
references and lineages of their gliders. Any breeder that is
legitimate won't mind you asking questions. Beware of "cheap" colors
or "hets" from unknown breeders and lines.
|
|
