There are many things to consider when it comes to deciding to get a pet and what type of pet works best for you and your lifestyle. Owning a pet brings several additional responsibilities into your life. Feeding, grooming, walking, and care are things to consider before diving into pet ownership. Pets are much more than a fashion accessory.
An animal that not many people consider when choosing a pet is the sugar glider. Sugar gliders are considered an exotic pet, but they are highly social and tend to bond closely with their owners. Glider owners often carry their pets in a pocket or bonding bag as well.
That all sounds great, but what exactly is a sugar glider?
A glider is a marsupial. After birth, they are vulnerable and very dependent on their mothers. They spend most of their time inside their mother’s pouch during this time.
They have opposite thumbs that they use to grab branches and anything else they can climb on. Gliders love to climb and will need vertical space inside a cage to do so.
From the wrists to the ankles extends the skin, or pantagium, which is used as a glider in the wild. They are often seen gliding from tree to tree in their natural habitat. However, this pantagium is very flexible and allows normal walking and climbing.
Sugar gliders are native to Indonesia, Australia, and Pap New Guinea. An adult glider has a body about six inches long and a tail that is also about six inches long. An adult glider weighs about 5 ounces. Their lifespan in captivity is ten to fifteen years. They are also nocturnal so they will sleep most of the day.
Sugar gliders are very social. If you have time to give them a lot of attention, they will do very well. If you don’t have constant attention to spare, you may want to consider purchasing gliders in pairs. However, keep in mind that opposite-sex partners who are not neutered will procreate quickly.
Gliders make great pets and are very easy to care for. With the right person, they provide the perfect companion.