Are Sugar Gliders Right For You?
Sugar gliders are marsupials and are most closely related to possums. Many people refer to them as flying squirrels, but they are not, in fact, squirrels, although they do most closely resemble a flying squirrel. Sugar gliders are native to the forests of Australia, New Guinea and the Solomon Islands.
There are many things to consider before you purchase a sugar glider. Sugar gliders can live up to fifteen years in captivity; therefore, it is important that you are willing to make a lifetime commitment to your glider. Sugar gliders have very special dietary needs that you need to be willing to take the time to meet each and every night for the life of your companion. It can take an average of 20 minutes per night to prepare their dinner (See Feeding Your Joeys and Adult Gliders for more information.)
Sugar gliders are naturally social animals and need to have a lot of contact with their owner in order to be socially fulfilled. Sugar gliders are nocturnal (awake at night), so it is better to have at least 2 sugar gliders so that they can keep each other company at night while you are asleep and they are awake. Although they are nocturnal, there is still plenty of time to spend with your glider during the day. Because they are marsupials, they like to be snuggled up in a pouch during the daytime while they sleep. It is very simple to carry your glider with you almost anywhere you go. I oft-times bring mine to work with me. They are so small and quiet during the daytime, that most people will not even be aware that you have them with you. They are almost always willing to wake up for a bit of attention from you during the daytime.
If you are seriously considering adopting a sugar glider as your new companion, please do a LOT of research in advance. Please read through the rest of the information on this site. There is a lot of good information available on the internet and in books; however, many of the books about sugar gliders are very outdated - the best information can be found at the sources listed below.
Sugar Gliders: Living With and Caring For by Peggy Brewer (includes chapter on Breeding Sugar Gliders written by me.)
Critters, USA Annual by Fancy Publications, Inc.
International Sugar Gliders Association
Continue reading about Sugar Gliders and their care by going to Bringing Your Joey Home