A sugar glider is a huge commitment.

Sugar gliders are exotic animals that require a huge commitment.  They do not make appropriate pets for children and should be supervised at all times around small children.

Sugar gliders are intelligent, playful, lovable and sensitive creatures. This section is provided so that you may make an informed decision that is right for you, your family, and your lifestyle. 

AFFINITY SUGAR GLIDERS DOES NOT SUPPORT THE SALE OF SUGAR GLIDERS BY OUT-OF-STATE EXHIBITORS.  PLEASE CONTACT A LOCAL U.S.D.A. LICENSE BREEDER WHO WILL BE ABLE TO PROVIDE INFORMATION AND OFFER SUPPORT AFTER YOU TAKE YOUR GLIDER HOME.

YOUR LIFESTYLE:

A sugar glider's life expectancy is between 10-12 years; however, they have been known to live up to 16 years. 

A sugar glider is not like a rodent or a cat.  Consequently, sugar gliders cannot be left with a little dry food for a weekend or left forgotten in a corner like a child's hamster.

Sugar gliders require huge amounts of attention, love and play time. You should be prepared to spend a minimum of 2 hours a day with your sugar glider. 

The cage must be completely cleaned weekly and should be spot-cleaned daily. If you tend to be away from home a lot, you may want to reconsider.  

Sugar gliders have scent glands and both males and females have a musky odor.  This odor may or may not be objectionable to you.  All sugar gliders will mark their territory (some more than others) and the cage will begin to smell if not kept clean.  Intact or un-neutered males will produce a a stronger odor.  Neutering a male will drastically reduce this odor to the same level as a female. 

DIET:

Sugar gliders and a detailed, varied exotic diet which includes fresh fruits and vegetables, protien and vitamin supplements every day.  Here is a link to the WSGN diets page which outlines detailed information about diets for sugar gliders:

http://www.worldwidesugarglidernetwork.com/board/viewforum.php?f=17

Affinity Sugar Gliders uses the Pet Glider Diet

http://www.thepetglider.com/index/the-pet-glider-nutrition-system/the-pet-glider-nutrition-system.html

Your sugar glider requires protein 40% of their diet.  Insects are a very important part of their diet and you will need to provide them live, canned, or dried.  Ask yourself if you can touch a mealworm.

A sugar glider needs fresh food and water each evening. The dishes must be removed each morning to prevent bacterial illness.   

BITING:

Sugar gliders can bite hard enough to draw blood if frightened.

NAILS:

Sugar glides have sharp nails that require trimming.  There are some sand paper inserts for their running wheels specifically designed to help reduce this requirment. 

EXERCISE:

Sugar gliders require exercise. They will run on an approved wheel, but the best exercise is out-of-cage playtime.

OTHER PETS:

Many sugar gliders get along with some dogs and cats, but a sugar glider should never be trusted alone and unsupervised with other pets. 

EXPENSES: 

A sugar glider is an exotic animal.  It will require vet visits at some point and should be seen at least annually by a veterinarian who is familiar with treating sugar gliders. Can you afford and provide access to proper vet care? 

Food, vitamins, toys, cages, and pouches are regular expenses.

STILL THINK A SUGAR GLIDER IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

After reading all of the above and you are still ready to commit to a sugar glider?  Then be prepared for the most amazing relationship with a pet you have ever had. Your sugar glider will capture your heart.

You will find there are many people out there who are dedicated to these precious animals.  Here is a link to the WORLDWIDE SUGAR GLIDER NETWORK:

http://www.worldwidesugarglidernetwork.com/

 Log on, say hello and meet other people who love sugar gliders. 

 We will not adopt sugar gliders to people who live in states where sugar gliders are illegal.  Here is a list of illegal states:  Alaska, California, Georgia, Hawaii, Massachusetts, New York City (city only) and Pennsylvania (without permit).  We do, however, support legislation to legalize sugar gliders in these states and hope they will be legalized in the near future.