Sugar Gliders???

[TARM]

Does anyone here have Sugar Gliders?  My daughters and I saw some at the pet expo and they are completely smitten with the little critters.  The people at the expo made it sound like they’re really easy to take care of and after the initial expense they’re very inexpensive.  I’m wondering how accurate that is.

[jerseygirl]

Hi TARM. Pretty sure Sadie has mentioned they have sugar gliders if you want to PM her.

[MarkBun]

My understanding is that they are not litter trainable so expect them to leave little puddles everywhere. And they are also very social creatures (even moreso than rabbits) so expect to have to pay a good deal of attention to them.

[TARM]

They are really cute…but we have too many animals as it is. No more for us. Especially not ones that will cost me $700 initially. I still wonder about them though. Maybe one day…

[Sarita]

One of my vets used to see alot of sugar gliders and one of the things she mentioned to me is that they sometimes self-mutilate…now, I don’t know what the circumstances are for this are – maybe she mentioned it to me but I don’t remember, all that stuck out with me was self-mutilation. I believe they are best in pairs or groups as well. You might talk with your vet to see if he/she says any and what their thoughts on their care is as well.

[TARM]

Self mutilate??? GAH! They sure didn’t mention THAT at the pet expo!

[Sarita]

I think it is stress related…but I’m not entirely positive as I cannot remember the whole conversation with my vet. Also her clients were breeders of sugar gliders.

[ScooterandAnnette]

They were just on Judge Joe last week! According to the specialist they had on they have a very specialized diet, they’re nocturnal, they’re very social and can be very vocal. And while they were extremely cute he also said they can’t be litter trained.
– Annette

[Elrohwen]

Wow, $700!! I know purebred dogs and cats can easily cost that much, but that’s insane for a small animal.

Now you’ve piqued my interest and I’m of to research them 🙂

[TARM]

That $700 includes the cage and set up. You get a lot for your money. The actual animals are between $175 and $250 each.

I heard they don’t stink and their waste is pretty easy to deal with, though if it’s riding around in my pocket I don’t think I want it pooping and peeing in there….

[Elrohwen]

If I had any inclination to get one, I sure don’t after reading this article! http://www.sugarglider.com/gliderpe…tDrawbacks

[TARM]

This is the website of the company we saw at the expo. They, of course, say nothing but good things about their product.

http://www.sugarbears.com/questions.php

[Elrohwen]

I’m sure they can be great pets, but they would definitely need the right owners.

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

I’ve heard of them and seen them in petstores. The info I’ve heard is they are a true exotic and really shouldn’t be kept as pets (even illegal in some states)-that they are difficult to keep properly and not very satisfying pets (as in-they just don’t like people as they aren’t truly domesticated animals).
They’re adorable looking, but so are panda bears I think they are best in the wild or zoo’s

[TARM]

Good thing I have my hands full with rabbits, dogs and ferrets. :0)

[Beka27]

Posted By TARM on 03/22/2010 11:11 AM
That $700 includes the cage and set up. You get a lot for your money. The actual animals are between $175 and $250 each.

I heard they don’t stink and their waste is pretty easy to deal with, though if it’s riding around in my pocket I don’t think I want it pooping and peeing in there….

 

Still tho… if the actual sugar glider is $250… out of $700, that still leaves $450 worth of “cage and set up”.  What on earth do they require in terms of housing for $450?! 

 

And I thought WE spent a lot on our rabbit housing!

[TARM]

Ha, no.

$700 is for a pair. it’s $500 for one glider and the set up. $250 for each thing.

[mocha200]

are you thinking of getting one? or just looking for the future?

[Moonlight_Wolf]

For some reason when I think of sugar gliders I picture them flying all the time and not walking on the ground at all.

[Elrohwen]

I think they do like to climb all over stuff and then jump off, using their little arm flaps as wings to glide. I saw some videos on YouTube that were pretty cool, though I’m not sure I’d like a crazy flying mammal running all over my house!

[Beka27]

OH!!! For a pair! That makes more sense! I guess they will only sell them in pairs b/c they’re very social?

(I was about to say, what’s this cage made out of… solid gold?! LOL!)

They are super cute, but I’ll pass. Not only are you taking in a new species, but then having to learn everything about them, including joining another forum… I just don’t have the time ;o)

[LittlePuffyTail]

I think they’re adorable. I’ve only seen them at a pet store once. I would be concerned about getting such a truly “exotic pet”. I have a feeling a lot of vets wouldn’t even know what the heck they are, never mind how to treat them. I had enough of a hard time finding a competent rabbit vet and never found one who knew anything about the “exotic” guinea pigs I once had.

[Monkeybun]

My vet has a few as patients

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