sugar gliders

[captainmorgan]

I think these things are so awesome looking but I have no experience with them....any one else own one?? There so freaking expensive but common where I"m at. All the pet stores have them but want to much. The first time I saw one I said it would be a snack for Captain and he said that's a pretty expensive snack. I was like what $40.00 bucks? He said something like add $400.00 No thanx[addsig]

[RavenLace]

Sugar gliders are very awesome animals but require ToNs of care. First off, a little bit about them . . .

They are small, nocturnal marsupials (pouched animal, like a kangaroo) from Australia. They are strictly arboreal creatures who live together in families and spend the time gliding from tree to tree eating sweet fruits. The are called sugar gliders because they love sugary fruits and they "glide" instead of fly/jump. Think of these guys as a cross between a flying squirrel and a possum.

In captivity, these little guys do well if you have the time. Sugar gliders first require a big and tall tank for "gliding." Next is the bonding stage. It takes anywhere from 3 weeks to 3 months for a sugar glider to bond to a human (depending on the trust of the individual animal). This usually means spending 3/4 of your waking hours playing, handling, etc. with your sugar glider. Once bonded, they are rather enjoyable pets.

I must admit, however, that these guys are quite expensive ($350 and up) and VERY time consuming. If you don't have the time, then don't consider a sugar glider. Hope this helps Captain Morgan! [img]images/forum/icons/icon_smile.gif[/img] [addsig]

[wb]

Hey Morgan.....

I have a glider.....they are awesome. But like Rav said, lots of time is needed. Actually here in Oklahoma they arent that expensive....about $100-150 is the most ive seen them for and as low as $50. Actually if u are looking for one i might have one for sale in a few weeks. I got a new job and will find out in a week if i have to travel a lot, most likely i will but im tryin to work something out. But if i have to be gone a lot i will probably sell my glider since i wont have the time to take care of him. Ill give u first dibs on him if ud like. He is a little over a year old and very playful. Email if ur interested.....[img]images/forum/icons/icon_smile.gif[/img]dlacourse76@yahoo.com

[LdyDrgn]

Just to be specific, they are members of the opossum family.....I'd like one myself, but with the snake it might not be a good idea. I don't want to get bit just because I smell like rodent!

[Ravnos]

[Boa_Master]

I have 4 of the cute little things and as matter of fact I posted one on here for sale or trade. I love them to death but the do take some time and care for them. The 1 im wanting to sell is a male and the reason Im wanting to get rid of him is because I beleive the female is knocked up again and I dont need 3 males. So if interested let me know and maybe work something out [img]images/forum/icons/icon_smile.gif[/img]

[Ravnos]

Four -white- ones?

[Boa_Master]

no, 4 normal lookin critters [img]images/forum/icons/icon_smile.gif[/img]

[Ravnos]

[bensnacks]

Sugar gliders actually eat more eucalypt saps,
nectars and insects than fruits.
Also do you guys know which Petaurus you
have ??A couple are considered very rare in the wild.
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[Ravnos]

Petaurus breviceps is the one that is routinely sold in the US as a pet. You can get others, but they are much harder to come by, and much more expensive.

Rav

[addsig]

[bensnacks]

Thanks Ravnos, 'breviceps' isn't considered endangered yet.
'gracilis' & 'australis' are listed as endangered & rare.
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