Hello everyone at GC!

I hope everyone is having a wonderful day, afternoon, evening or night wherever you are in the world. I give greetings from the United States!

Okay, I have many, many questions but to start off here's some background story..


The first time we've been exposed to sugar gliders were at a mall about 16 years ago from a company known as Pocket Pets. My dad and I had been enchanted by them but we ultimately did not buy them because we felt that we didn't know much about them and also we were at a time in our lives where it would have been difficult for our family to properly take care of them.

Fast forward to now, my dad had been wanting them still and had mentioned several times throughout the years about one day having them. My Petsmart chinchilla of 15 years had passed a year back and completely broken my heart and I have sworn off pets for a bit so I was more than hesitant about his idea. I've researched on and off throughout about Sugar Gliders for a long time now and it seems that Sugar Glider care is constantly evolving, people are even now still discovering many dos and don'ts of caring for them. I've read about the many different diets and the pros and cons of each and how people choose according to what is easier for them and / or best for their sugar gliders. We have an abundance of seasonal fruits and vegetables at our home and I'm juggling the idea that a HPW Critter Love or Priscilla's diet would work best for them and us. (just have to make sure not to feed them any veggies and fruits they CAN'T eat) My dad is semi-retired and my mom is now retired so they both have a lot of time to spend with them if we do get them. I have checked out Priscilla's babies at thepetglider.com and have my sights set on one and with my dad not sure which one he wants yet out of the ones he liked.

Initially, I had thought it was better to wait til mid October so my dad and I could check out S & S Exotics and Sugar Gliders R US at the upcoming Repticon in ATL but after hearing that they were a pet mill, have decided against it. I have considered rescues also but am unsure about it as I don't want my dad too discouraged when in all aspects we would get probably have them attacking and crabbing at us all the time. I expect a good amount of crabbing and bites even from hand tamed babies that are not rescues but I'm more used to it unlike my dad who felt very sad and rejected because my chinchilla hated him so much she used to spray urine on him all the time. (my chinchilla liked or tolerated the ladies but however attacked guys probably bc she felt threatened)

Sorry for the rambling.

TD;LR

I don't know. On paper, it seems that everything should work out without a hitch but I guess I'm afraid of the unknown. I'm afraid that after a lot of emotional and financial investment it might not work out. I would like to hear everyone's stories and experiences about how it did or didn't work out with suggies (or babies who ultimately had to be rehomed and why). Also, what advice can you give to a newbie like me? Is there a certain time frame that are better in adopting babies so they don't get torn from an emotional bond they may have with breeder and or staff? There's going to be a learning curve because I know that chinchillas are generally more low maintenance compared to gliders.

Thanks in advance and for taking the time to read the wall of text! lol

Hello! And

My story started 4 years and 9 days ago...

Hubby and I travel with our work and are empty nesters.We have 6 children between us and 14 grandchildren. Each of which have spent time with our gliders.

Our first was Fiona, we got her at a fair in Texas. It was impulse sort of. Hubby threatened more than once to catch chipmunks and keep as pets. I decided after watching and handling the well behaved 13 year old demo glider this would be a good fit no matter what kind of care they needed... I wanted two but the guy said they didn't need a friend. So we got her, a cage, some sample food, and off we went. Fiona was so tiny and stressed.and we knew nothing, but learned quickly. We started trusting each other after about 2 weeks. But not really bonding. I found Glider Central and started reading... They are a lot to take care of compared to other small pets and once bonded, do require attention. bonding really started fter her first vet visit 2 weeks later.

About 30 days after we got her, I found Dot on Craigslist. She was about 12wks oop. After a 30 day quarantine, they were best friends from the start. But she hated us... She trusted us in about 6 months, but bonding only came after 9 months.

Now we have a new little guy... Stewie. He's a pistol... I got him from Feather. He's very smart, loves to run and jump. It took a bit for the girls to get used to him, but not he's just part of the colony. Like a bothersome little brother with too much energy...

We fell in love first sight of sugar gliders. They do require time and attention, but patience more than anything. They so come around eventually. Some faster than others. They are unique individuals too.

I would buy from a reputable dealer after our three experiences though. Good temperament is definitely a plus.

Stewie had a rough start with us, but wants so bad to get to know us better, but he just can't calm down enough yet.

This is his story:

http://www.glidercentral.net/ubbthreads/..._is#Post1416586

We are working nights, sleeping days, I'm getting tired, so I will try to post more later.

So glad you're here!!!

Welcome to GliderCENTRAL!

I see you are in Georgia, that being said Georgia's laws on sugar gliders is that you have to get them from someone who is licensed with the USDA. So The Pet Glider is a good choice for you.

As far as diet goes, IMHO Critterlove is the best diet out there.

Feel free to post your questions in the appropriate subforums and we look forward to pictures when you get them.

Welcome!! I'm glad you are here and have put so much thought into getting them BEFORE hand. I look forward to reading your adventures!

As for a time of year or time frame to buy, I don't believe so as each one is so different. Just don't rush into a purchase Choose them carefully, and if possible, choose based on temperament and personality rather than looks IMO.