So my dad's friend told him that they got a single female sugar glider about 3 weeks ago from an exotic pet store. The glider is eating pellets with vitamins on top. I do not know what type of cage it is in but I am going to try to see it this weekend. My parents (who don't own sugar gliders but know the basics from me) told them some general things like she shouldn't eat pellets and she should be in as big a cage as possible. It seems like these people have tried to do research but are very overwhelmed and don't know what to believe. They wanted to speak with me next weekend to find out the correct information.

What does everyone think are the most important things to go over with them? I am worried that I overload them with information and freak them out if I tell them that everything they are doing is wrong.

I also wanted to make a care sheet for them that is as concise as possible.

You can always direct them to this site to research.

I'd say diet and getting a cagemate should be the top two. Then a proper cage and toys would be next.

What diet do you feed? Perhaps you could offer them some of it to try? That's probably the most overwhelming decision that new owners make themselves crazy with. If you can introduce them to yours, if it's simple, that may make the transition much easier for them.

I will definitely let them know about this site but I feel it can be overwhelming for someone that has been told that pellets and most likely a parakeet cage are enough for a glider.

I feed HPW complete. I will give them mine to try but will probably also let them know about BML so they can weigh the pros and cons and make a decision on which will be easiest for them.

I agree, diet and a cage mate. Hopefully when you get there you'll be surprised and they will have a sufficient cage...one can hope!

You may want to make a list of a few vendors that you know sells glider-safe items. Include links for cage sets, toys, and wheels.

I'd also give her a couple different diets to choose from, such as the HPW and BML that you mentioned. Once they have owned gliders for a while, they can always look into more options and decide from there. But I agree, give them too many options and it will be overwhelming to them.

You may also want to show them how to trim nails as that is very important.

Since you are close enough to them, don't try to give them everything all at once. If all goes well (and you will know if it is or not), you can always go back and offer more suggestions.

I agree. Giving to much info at one time just boggles the brain.

When I meet someone with their new babies my first thing would be to try and look at the glider. Just to see if they look health. Then make suggestions from there. If the nails are taking your skin off, offer to clip them. Most newbies are like, "OMG! Yes, Please."

You've broken the ice and they will be ready to talk about anything.

LOL! Your right about the nails!

For now, I think I am going to focus on explaining the two diets to them. I will print out a list of safe fruits and veggies. I am also going to give them the info to the vet I use. I will mention getting a cagemate but, depending on their reaction, I am not going to force the issue at the moment. I do not want them to shut me out if they think I am asking them to spend too much money unneccesarily. I think that its more important to get the glider into a safe environment and on a good diet. Once that is established, I will definitely push the importance of a cagemate for the gliders well-being.

Yes, telling someone they need a cagemate may end up with you finding the glider a home.

I mentioned that to someone and a few mths later they ask if I would take him. Really thought they would get a friend for him but, kind of back fired on me.

So, I took him, got him a forever home, he's neutered and has sister wives. Woo Hoo for Yoda!

Plus side to that is I get to see him.

Yep, that's my fear. I figured I would ease in to it little by little.

I think I am going to get to see the little one on Sunday. I hope that she is in better condition than what I expect.

Jenny, I hope so too