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If you research thoroughly and train them carefully, you’ll have a friend constantly by your side.Media Platforms Design Team My son wants a sugar glider for Christmas. Many owners find carrying them around becomes second nature, and lots of these pets travel really well because of it. While not right for everyone, a sugar glider might perfectly complete your family. Include a heating source in the cage, especially if they sleep there at night when temperatures drop. They also need to stay warm since their ancestors came from tropical forests. Set up their cage with many perches to keep them entertained. Specially designed food from the pet store will nourish them well, though you can try feeding them bugs, too, which they heartily enjoy.Īs the name suggests, these critters can jump from branch to branch in the wild or from branch to your hand in captivity. They love to snack on fruit, but protein needs to be the staple of their diet. However, marsupials don’t catch the same diseases as a cat or dog and should require fewer checkups if everything’s going well.īecause the sugar glider likes to sleep during the day, his biggest feeding time happens in the evening. Research local vets to see if there’s someone in your area who can help you look after your animal. Sugar glider care is complex, and you should consider whether you’re up to the task before bringing him home. If you’re extra mindful of bonding, your glider will adapt in no time. Since they live for over a decade, you can take in an older animal and still have a long time together. If you want to go the extra mile, find a homeless animal nearby to adopt. Never take a young one away from his mom under 12 weeks. Look at where the gliders were kept as babies and make sure the parents and littles look healthy. Department of Agriculture, but that’s just the beginning. First, make sure they’re licensed by the U.S. When picking out your new fuzzball, you must diligently research breeders, too. On the state level, Alaska, California, Hawaii, and Pennsylvania have all banned sugar gliders (and some other exotic pets). You’ll need to carefully look into all laws and restrictions - even your homeowner’s association or similar association might have rules about these unusual animals. Many places in the United States require a permit and some even prohibit keeping them as pets. Be careful if you’re keeping a few males together as they can become territorial, and you don’t want them fighting or marking their territory (ew). Select an area of the house equipped for a big cage. Since they also need room to move, it’s best to give them a large space. You’ll probably want to maintain their enclosure outside of any bedrooms. Remember, these little buggers from Down Under are nocturnal, which means they’re loud energetic at night.
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The good news is he will love just sleeping the day away in your pocket or bag - really anywhere he can feel like he’s close to you. NARONGKAN WANCHAUY/Shutterstock How do they act?īecause your new best bud will bond with everyone in the household, you’ll need to spend a lot of time handling and playing with him.
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Best of all, sugar gliders live up to 15 years! You’ll have your furry friend for a long time. Also, some people with allergies find they coexist just fine with this mini marsupial, unlike with other pets that might trigger sneezes.
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Many owners recommend getting a pair or small family, so they can keep each other company, especially at night when they like to play (and you like to sleep). You’ll need to introduce them carefully, but they can form lifelong attachments to each other. Because gliders don’t smell like the animals your cats and dogs like to chase - rats, gophers, and bunnies, to name a few - many bigger pets can get along with your new friend. For starters, these are highly social creatures and they will bond with every member of the family and even other pets in the house. This gives you a few distinct advantages as they behave differently from hamsters, guinea pigs, or gerbils. Unlike most little pets, sugar gliders aren’t rodents but marsupials. Praisaeng/Shutterstock What are sugar gliders?