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Knowing what to look for in a healthy sugar glider involves some basics and some not-so-basics. The quickest and easiest things to spot when looking for a healthy sugar glider are its bright clear eyes, healthy weight, soft clean fur, alertness, activity level, and its responsiveness to its previous owner/breeder.

Something to avoid is the appearance of a yellow tint to the belly, referring to a situation known as jaundice which indicates possible liver problems. Combined with green color in the stools-both situations could be symptoms of Guardia. A priority when purchasing this popular little pet is to actually know how to choose a healthy sugar glider. The healthier the animal is, not only will there be fewer veterinarian appointments and bills, but also a happier animal and longer healthier relationships between the animal and the owner.

AGE

A big question many prospective sugar glider owners ask is "How old should my new sugar glider be?" Not a dyed-in-the-wool answer, many experts suggest a recently weaned sugar glider as it bonds with their new owner easier with less time involved and with fewer problems. Remember that law requires them to be 8 weeks of age and eating on their own, making for a healthier pet as it will be under less stress, which is approximately 60 to 70 days OOP (out of pouch).

Not all owners feel that only young sugar gliders make better pets, with many owners of older sugar gliders stating that have had no problems with their animals, other than the bonding may take slightly longer. A sugar glider "out of the wild" can live up to 15 years of age, so choosing a healthy sugar glider at the age of twelve or thirteen may be slightly difficult and hard to bond with.

EYES, EARS AND NOSE OF A SUGAR GLIDER

The eyes of a sugar glider are normally very black and clear with no white flecks or white cloudiness in them. Watch for runny eyes or drainage which shows eye infections or disease. Also, they should be alert and responsive, without a "sunken-in" look about them.

The ear canals should not have any ear mites in them, with symptoms involving shaking of the head, and scratching or excessive rubbing of the ears. The ear flap itself will spring back to its original shape when touched or gently rubbed down, while also being free of lesions. Wax should not be present in them and they should not feel or appear too dry.

As far as the nose is concerned, it should be pink and moist with no crust or nasal discharge around it. Also, when breathing no abnormal

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