Sugar Gliders can make excellent pets, not to mention they are probably one of the most adorable animals you have ever seen. They can become extremely friendly when provided with daily interaction with humans. In order to become the friendliest possible pets, glider babies need to be handled daily as soon as they have emerged from the pouch and their eyes have opened.

If brought home at a young age, especially shortly after they have been weaned, babies will easily bond with their human friends, which is one of their most endearing qualities. Male sugar gliders reach maturity around nine to ten months; females shortly thereafter. They will soon crave your attention constantly, if properly cared for.

Sugar Gliders are nocturnal and are content snuggling in their cage or your hand or pocket all day. They make great TV Buddies however they sleep through the whole feature During the evening, they become more active and will glide into your hand. Well adjusted, Hand-tamed gliders are very easy to handle and will not run away, even during active periods.

While any animal will bite when startled or frightened, even a wild caught sugar glider is unable to bite hard, and rarely will draw blood (unlike hamsters or gerbils). In captivity, Sugar Gliders usually live between 10 to 12 years, sometimes even longer. In the wild, 4 to 6 years is the average life expectancy .

Although Sugar Gliders can be easy to care for, they require more time than most caged mammals, and have specials needs. Before deciding to become a sugar glider owner, make sure you have done your research, and you have the commitment and time they need. Sugar Gliders are nothing like owning a puppy or kitten they require a large amount of time and care.

Sugar Gliders are social animals. In the wild, they live in large family groups, called colonies. Because of their social nature, pet gliders should always be kept in pairs or small groups. No matter how much time you plan to spend with your glider, you cannot replace the companionship of another glider. It is unnatural for a glider to be alone at anytime, and unfair to force solitude on them. If housed alone, gliders usually become depressed, withdrawn, defensive and may refuse to eat and could eventually die from loneliness! If you have no interest in breeding, same sex groups are able to coexist with each other. Just make sure if you are getting males that they are either litter-mates or introduced at a young age.

The charming sugar glider is fast becoming a popular household pet in North America. But while sugar gliders really do make great pets, think before you buy a glider and consider the consequences to yourself as well as the glider: Do I have enough time to consistently care for the glider? Can I provide the glider with a reasonably large cage? Can I afford the vet bills if my glider becomes ill? Is anyone in the household allergic to animal fur? How will existing pets react to a sugar glider? Will my husband/wife divorce me if I bring home another pet? While owning a sugar glider is a rewarding experience, it IS a long term commitment.