How to Adopt a 1 Year Old Sugar Glider

A bonding pouch is an important tool in sugar glider care.

Sugar gliders are small marsupials which are about the size of a hamster, not including their long tails. They are social pets that fare better when kept in pairs; gliders kept singly may become depressed or aggressive. Gliders require a fair amount of attention and maintenance. Though many people prefer to adopt young joeys, adopting an adult sugar glider can be just as rewarding.

Things You'll Need

• Cage, no smaller than 24-by-18-by-36 inches
• Sleeping pouches
• Bonding pouches
• Cage-mounted food and water dishes
• Newspaper or paper towels

Instructions

1. Educate yourself about sugar glider habits and care. Many breeders and rescuers will quiz you about your home and lifestyle before allowing you to adopt one of their sugar gliders. Remember gliders are nocturnal animals that sleep during the day, but will require a minimum of two hours of social time with you each night.

2. Purchase a cage no smaller than 36 inches tall and 24 inches wide, and equip it with food dishes that attach to the side of the cage, sleeping pouches, and toys. Sugar gliders love interactive toys, like those made for large parrots. Simple black and white newspaper, or paper towels can be used to line the cage.

3. Select a sugar glider breeder or rescuer. You can find a list of sugar glider breeders at glidercentral.net. If the breeder or rescuer does not list any 1-year-old sugar gliders as available for adoption, send them emails expressing your interest in an older animal.

4. Fill out the application and read and agree to the contract the breeder or rescuer you have chosen requires. Return the signed contract and payment to finalize the adoption of your sugar glider.

Tips & Warnings

• Rescuers are people who rescue sugar gliders that have been abandoned or not cared for properly. They may have strict rules about adopting out their sugar gliders to ensure a good home. Breeders and rescues have the right to refuse to adopt out an animal to anyone they feel is not properly educated about sugar glider care. Do extensive research to make sure a sugar glider is the right pet for your family.

References

• Baby Love Gliders: Info &Policies
• The Jolley Gliders: Policies
• Sugar Gliders: Sugar Glider Environment