by E.David Fenton

Having some understanding of the required sugar glider care before buying one or two is very important to keep a healthy pet. The sugar glider weighs about 6 ounces and is approximately 5 to 7 inches in length. For their small size, they can give a lot of affection.

When looking at a sugar glider, one may think that they are a rodent; in fact, they are actually a marsupial and their native land is Australia. Gliders are more fun than more traditional pet rodents because you can train gliders; somewhat like training a dog. Once your sugar glider has bonded with you, you can beginning to teach it tricks such as responding when you call its name.

Part of proper sugar glider care is knowing that the gliders love to socialize. They love to be in large groups and they love attention. They will not destroy things like hamsters and rats will. The bond that forms is so strong that you can allow the glider to roam your home and not worry that it will run away and hide. On the contrary, it will use different things to jump on and glide off of.

Although the sugar glider is different in so many ways compared to rodents, they do have something in common; they are also nocturnal. They spend most of their waking hours playing while you are sleeping. Referring back to the opportunity to train them, you can if you wanted, train them to stay awake longer during the day and sleep more at night. Another aspect of proper sugar glider care is that they love to snuggle when sleeping. If you have a shirt pocket, you may find yourself carrying a warm friend along for the ride.

Compared to other pets, sugar gliders are inexpensive pets. Although, it can become pricey when you begin to buy lots of toys and other special treats for them such as food and insects from their native lands. There is nothing wrong in doing this; if you do then perhaps those who take their dogs to the doggie day spa once a month are crazy too? I didn’t think so; it’s in the owners’ perception of how much to spoil their beloved family pet. As long as proper sugar glider care is being given along with lots of love then so be it.

In regards to their health, gliders don’t carry any known diseases and they don’t require vaccinations like other pets do. This is helpful to know to keep medical expenses at a minimum. In addition, those with allergies generally do not have issues when a glider is around. Also, because gliders are such social creatures, they will typically get along with other pets that you already have in your home.

These adorable creatures are loved so much that they are quickly becoming one of the most popular pets in the United States today. Providing the proper sugar glider care, your new exotic family member(s) will be loved and part of the family for years to come.