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Before you invest hundreds of dollars in purchasing a sugar glider and setting up his/her cage, invest some time in learning more about this demanding pet. The most important thing to do when considering the purchase of a new sugar glider is RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH.
Care
Sadly, many sugar gliders are abused and mistreated because their owners failed to learn about proper care and feeding PRIOR to making the pet purchase. So PLEASE learn as much as you can about this wonderful animal BEFORE you buy it! There are lots of resources available, and most sugar glider owners are happy to answer your questions.
Legality
A basic research question for you to answer is: Are Sugar Gliders legal where I live? And if so, what restrictions (if any) apply to owning a sugar glider? Please keep in mind, sugar glider ownership remains illegal in many U.S. states. So do your "homework" first, before you buy, to avoid possible confiscation of your pet, and subsequent legal fines for breaking the law.
Resources
Another consideration is whether or not you have ample resources in your area to properly care for a sugar glider. For example, is there a qualified veterinarian in your area who knows how to provide treatment to sugar gliders? Sugar gliders can become injured and ill rather quickly, and may not survive a long commute to a distant vet or animal hospital in case of an emergency. So, ideally you want to have a qualified veterinarian relatively close by. Also, you will want to have year-round access to fresh fruits and vegetables. Canned and frozen substitutes are fine in a pinch, but fresh produce is preferred.
Housing
Have you considered the amount of space you have available to house a sugar glider? Do you have sufficient room in your home for a large cage? Sugar gliders require large housing space to accommodate their active lifestyles and exercise needs. They need cage furnishings that will help promote muscle health, and reduce boredom. The cage should be constructed so that it can permit the sugar glider to climb and leap freely. Of course, the cage should be safe, with no sharp edges to injure the sugar glider. It should also be secure so that the sugar glider cannot escape. The cage should be furnished with appropriate sleeping, feeding, and drinking accessories. Also, it should permit ready access for cleaning and daily care. And finally, it should be situated in an area of the home where the temperature will remain reasonably constant and without drafts.
Lifestyle
In addition, consider the demands a sugar glider will make on your lifestyle. Consider your time, availability, and budget too! Sugar gliders are nocturnal, which means your pet will be sleeping during the day and awake most of the night. Also, are there other pets or young children in your home who might endanger a sugar glider, whether intentionally or not? Sugar gliders are natural prey for other household pets like dogs and cats. Are you willing and able to supervise ALL interactions between the sugar glider and the other members of your household (e.g., young children and the other family pets)? In addition, sugar gliders need at least an hour each day of play time outside of their cage. Is your house glider-proof? Are you able to feel comfortable with a sugar glider leaping from one piece of furniture to the next? Are you concerned about scratches or soiling to fine drapes or upholstery? Or damage to antique collectibles? Are you willing and able to clean the sugar glider's cage at least once each week? And are you able and willing to prepare the sugar glider fresh meals each evening? Meal preparation alone can consume a lot of time in shopping for, and chopping up, fresh fruits and vegetables. Sugar gliders can also be expensive! In addition to the cost of buying fresh fruit and vegetables, they require routine veterinary care and an assortment of cage accessories (i.e., pouches, toys, and exercisers).
In sum, sugar glider owners must be devoted to their pets. Sugar gliders have special needs that require special attention from their owners. Cage design, bonding, nesting, playtime, feeding, socialization, safety -- all of these areas come with special considerations for this particular breed. So, before you introduce a sugar glider to your home, PLEASE take the time necessary to learn how to give them the quality of life they deserve.
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