So what are sugar gliders like as pets? You see alot of information on sugar gliders as pets and many of those sources have conflicting information. So what is the truth about sugar gliders as pets? What does it mean to be a sugar glider owner? Let me say there is a reason why a popular sugar glider forum calls us "sugar glider slaves"!
The truth about sugar glider ownership as I see it can be very subjective. I actually to try to dissuade people from getting sugar gliders. I feel if I can convince you to NOT get them but then you are still determined then perhaps they are a good “pet” for you. You must be very motivated and dedicated to be a sugar glider “owner” in my opinion. Sugar Gliders are definitely a companion animal and not just an animal to look at. If you are easily discouraged then you DEFINITELY shouldn’t get them! I would hate to say they are wonderful pets and you get one and 6 months or a year from now that glider is unhappy, neglected, re-homed, and you have been frustrated and perhaps feel guilty.
Sugar glider “ownership” is not for everyone. Just like not everyone can be a good parent and not everyone should be allowed to have kids.
So here’s the truth: practical advice and experience is marred by a person’s PERSPECTIVE. That is truth. To explain: cleaning cages, truth is cages MUST be cleaned to keep the environment healthy and reduce smells. Perspective: is everyday, twice a week, every other week, once a month the right amount? Truth: every animal smells, and all animal poop smells. Perspective: I LOVE the smell of horses. To me that is what heaven smells like. Yet my ex-husband HATED it. My current husband loves it too. Ferrets smell. While I don’t love the smell, I don’t find it repulsive either. Glider poop smells. Again it is not repulsive to ME, and when they poop on me I use that as an opportunity to check their poop to make sure it is “normal” (poop can be an indicator or health), as for my gliders personal body odor, it is very mild, sorta sweet and I inhale it deeply. Perfumes that woman wear MOST people like, otherwise they wouldn’t be in business. Ummmm I hate them. Yucky in my opinion.
Feeding sugar gliders: ahhhhh the biggest area of controversy in the animal kingdom I think. To some it is a lot of trouble to cut up fruits and veggies every day. And to learn to be a nutritionist and learn food ratios. Personally I enjoy it. I love to put their dinners together. Again a matter of perspective. When we first got the sugar gliders my husband was like “you are nuts, this is too much trouble” NOW he enjoys it ALMOST as much as I do. His perspective changed. You DO need to learn proper diet ratios for their health to be optimum.
Having sugar gliders are much like having children. You worry/miss them all the time, and a good part of your life involves them. We havent had a vacation away from home since we got them, and while some people would say that is crazy and not worth it, it is perfectly ok with us. We don’t want to leave them! If they don’t go we don’t go. And I don’t trust anyone caring for them in my stead either. While much like having children…I much prefer to care for gliders than human kids. Poopy diapers are yucky, poopy glider cage is ok with me. Poop on my shoulder is ok too.
Also keep in mind that sugar gliders DO require vets and the costs can be very high and it is sometimes hard to find a vet that is willing to see sugar gliders or are even knowledgeable about them.
Sugar Gliders can and do bite or nip. Their nails must be maintained otherwise they can leave little scratches when they climb on you. YOU WILL get peed or pooped on!
Sugar Gliders have very intense personalities. DO NOT expect them to act like the family dog! They have their own moods and agendas! While they are trainable, they will not respond to discipline, except to become scared of you. They are not like training dogs, more like cats maybe (article on that coming soon!).
Only you know what you can handle. But I ask everyone that is even CONSIDERING a sugar glider for a “pet” to research research research and when you are done research again! It is NOT a decision that should be made lightly. They can live a long time and become very emotionally attached to their care-takers. Please be sure to do the right thing by the sugar glider and NOT YOURSELF!
I hope and pray you make the right decision.
Click here if you want to read some stories about Sugar Glider behavior.
