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Are sugar gliders good pets? That is completely in the hands of the prospective owner. Sugar gliders are exotic animals. They require a lot of time, energy and resources. Successful owners reap the reward of a loving cuddly companion. The sugar gliders have been described by many as charming animals, cute little critters and very special pets.

They have also been described as mean, noisy and unfit for home pets. Anyone planning on becoming a sugar glider owner needs to be aware of what they are getting into before they purchase one. Far too many are abandoned within the first year. The effort to create a happy environment for the sugar glider and owner is great. The perspective owner needs to begin with learning as much as possible about the creature.

There are four areas that should be considered before buying. It is important to know the quality of the seller, the location of a vet that handles gliders, the state regulations dealing with exotic animals, and the facts about the sugar glider. This article provides a framework of information about the sugar glider and the necessary adaptations that will need to made at home.

In the wilds, the sugar gliders are tree-living marsupials. Their bodies are 6 inches long and their tail doubles their length. They live communally in mobs (groups) of 5-6. They are active at night and sleep during the day. Their territory spreads over 5-6 trees in which they hunt and feed. They are able to glide from one tree to another just like the flying squirrel. They eat everything: vegetables, fruits, and meat.

Gliders are arboreal. They normally live in trees. A membrane that spreads from the front limbs to the hind provides a parachute-like surface so that they can glide from one tree to another. A large cage is needed to provide space for the glider. These cages can be quite expensive. Cages are needed to provide space for sleeping and eating. Ample water needs to be provided and changed each day.

Gliders also need a period of time to out of their cage. The 3 to 4 hours of out-of-the-cage time is important to begin with for the glider to become familiar with the scent and feel of its owner. It is important for the owner to be accepted by the glider. As the glider and handler become more familiar with each other, the space out of the cage provides more exercise and feeling of being at home to the glider. Gliders will climb into pockets and sit on the shoulder. They will glide from their cage to their owner's shoulder.

Gliders are nocturnal.

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