How to Adopt Sugar Gliders

A sugar glider a small marsupial that is native to the forests of Australia, Tasmania, New Guinea, and Indonesia. A relative of kangaroos, wombats and Tasmanian devils, the sugar glider closely resembles the American flying squirrel with a membrane between his front and rear legs that he uses to glide through the air. Extremely friendly and social when provided daily interaction with humans, sugar gliders make fascinating and unique pets. Although they are not difficult to care for, sugar gliders require more time and attention than most small caged mammals. Over-breeding, swap meets, glider mills, and impulse buying have resulted in an overabundance of unwanted and discarded sugar gliders. Before deciding to purchase a sugar glider, why not consider adopting one? Here’s how to go about it.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Telephone
• Computer with Internet Access
• Large cage

1. Determine that you are willing to commit to the care of a pet for a long term. Sugar gliders in captivity can live for ten to twelve years. Insure no one in your household is allergic to pet dander or animal fur.

2. Contact local animal shelters. Inquire whether they have any abandoned sugar gliders available for adoption. Each local shelter has its own policies regarding pet owner qualifications and costs of pet adoption. Insure you are fully aware of all their requirements.

3. Fill out the required application form and submit the required deposit. Most legitimate sugar glider adoption centers will also encourage you to neuter any male gliders prior to releasing them into your care.

Tips & Warnings

• Sugar gliders are social animals and should always be kept in pairs or small groups.
• Sugar gliders, like all animals, will bite when frightened or startled. They are however, unable to bite hard and seldom draw blood.
• Male sugar gliders get along well in pairs but may become aggressive and fight for dominance in the presence of a female.
• The United States considers sugar gliders to be wild or exotic animals. Their ownership may be illegal in some states. Contact your local Fish & Wildlife Office or Animal Control Office to make sure they are legal in your municipality.