How to Buy a Pet Sugar Glider

Sugar gliders are novel and interesting pets. However, you may need to put in a little extra work if you're interested in buying one. Research your sugar glider to determine if it's the right pet for you and find a licensed sugar glider breeder in your area to ensure that you buy a healthy pet sugar glider.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Check the United States Department of Agriculture laws to see if owning a sugar glider is legal in your state.

2. Research sugar gliders and their care requirements. Determine if you can adequately care for a pet sugar glider. While sugar gliders are interesting and fun pets to keep, they also require much more care and consideration than other pets of their size.

3. Confirm that you are capable of devoting 10 years to caring for a pet sugar glider, the approximate lifespan of a pet sugar glider. Transferring ownership of your sugar glider can be physically and emotionally stressful on sugar gliders because they become attached and dependent on their original owners. You should also be able to devote 2 hours a day on average to pet sugar glider care requirements and playtime.

4. Locate an exotic pet veterinarian near your residence. Having a local exotic pet veterinarian close is an essential part of caring for a pet sugar glider. An exotic pet veterinarian is often the only type of animal doctor that can help your pet sugar glider if it becomes ill or injured.

5. Find sugar glider breeders. One of the quickest ways to find sugar glider breeders in your area is to conduct an Internet search. You may visit the International Sugar Glider Association's website and view its list of members. No matter your chosen method, be sure to verify that the breeders have official United States Department of Agriculture licenses to sell sugar gliders before inquiring about a possible purchase.

6. Contact breeders and arrange a date to visit their sugar glider stock.

7. Inspect the sugar gliders' housing for cleanliness. Breeders who keep sugar gliders in aquarium tanks are not housing them properly and are probably not concerned with their sugar gliders' health. Check its food for pellets. A knowledgeable breeder will not feed a sugar glider pellets because of their complex nutritional requirements.

8. Ask questions about pet sugar glider care requirements. A breeder should be able and ready to answer any inquiries you may have. The best breeders have written information available for you to peruse and take home.

9. Choose a sugar glider that is at least 8 weeks old, furry and has a pink nose, tongue, nails and footpads. Sugar gliders should not have diarrhea, odd-colored stools or strong-smelling urine. It should be lively and alert.

10. Get your breeder's phone number in case you have questions about your sugar glider or its care. A good breeder will offer his number and be open to contact after the sale.

Tips & Warnings

• You should consider buying more than one sugar glider so that it is not lonely. Sugar gliders are social creatures and need social interaction to thrive.
• Don't be afraid to ask breeders for references, testimonials and guarantees if you are interested in them.
• Refrain from buying pet sugar gliders from trade shows, exhibitions and pet stores. These sugar glider sources usually do not provide adequate care to their sugar gliders. They are also not usually USDA licensed. Do not be tempted to buy from these sources because they offer lower prices for their sugar gliders.
• Be advised that pet sugar gliders may require expensive maintenance. Do not invest in a pet sugar glider if you are not prepared for the possibility of paying high bills for its care.