Flying squirrel versus the sugar glider: Which is a better pet?

Squirrel

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by Mary Anne

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Many people do not realize there is even a difference between a Flying Squirrel and a Sugar Glider, but there are. Sugar Gliders are native to Australia and Indonesia, while Flying Squirrels are native to the Southern United States. Sugar Glider diets consist primarily of fruit, which Flying Squirrels require nuts and seeds (as well as fruit). Sugar Gliders are members of the marsupial family while Flying Squirrels are literal squirrels and are members of the rodent family. Their actual bodies are similar in color, but have very different markings. They also have very different vocalizations, which will be addressed later on in this article.

Of course, the two species have many attributes in common. Both are nocturnal animals which are active primarily at night. They both have large black eyes. They both use membranes between their front and back legs to glide from tree to tree.

Both the Sugar Glider and the Flying Squirrel are popular Exotic Pets. The following is a list of things to consider when choosing one or the other as a pet.

1). Both are nocturnal and active at NIGHT. This means they are up and running around and making NOISE at NIGHT. When you may be trying to sleep.

2). The Sugar Glider must have a heat lamp in his cage. They cannot handle being cold, and can freeze to death very easily, as they are native to a very warm, tropical environment. Sugar Gliders are native to most of the Southern US and can be kept at room temperature.

3). Because of their social nature, pet Sugar Gliders should always be kept in pairs or small groups. No matter how much time you plan to spend with your pet, you cannot replace the companionship of another glider. It is unnatural for a glider to ever be alone, and unfair to force solitude upon your pet. When housed alone, gliders are likely to become depressed, withdrawn, even defensive, and may refuse to eat and could eventually die from loneliness! Flying Squirrels, however, are known to live solitary in the summer months, and live in groups of up to 24 during the winter to help keep themselves warm. In short, they can exist both as part of a group or solitary.

4). Both species require quite a bit of time and energy. They should be obtained at a young age, and given quite a bit of time to bond with you.

5). Another thing to consider is their vocalizations. Sugar Gliders make a noise referred to as "crabbing," which is a repeated screeching that they do when frightened, bothered or provoked. Many people may find this noise abrasive or upsetting because it clearly communicates the animal's displeasure. The most annoying sound to the Sugar Glider owner will be the nightly barking. Barking is simply a very loud repeated "bark" that they use to find others. Flying Squirrel vocalize mostly in chirping sounds.

6). In my experience, Sugar Gliders are more anxious than Flying Squirrels who are more calm and collected.

7). Make sure there are places available to your location for veterinary care, emergency care, as well as places where you can purchase their diet and supplements.

In general, I find the Flying Squirrel to be a more rewarding pet less prone to anxiousness and personality changes.

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