Sugar gliders are native to Australia and parts of Indonesia.They are illegal in some states, but sold as pets in the United States.If you're buying a sugar glider, you want to make sure it's healthy so it can live a long and happy life.There are steps you can take to make sure you bring home a sugar glider.
Step 1: Find someone who is a breeder.
If you want a sugar glider, the best option is to find a breeder.Increased knowledge about how to care for sugar gliders will increase the chance of you getting a healthy pet.It can be difficult to find a sugar glider breeder.It's difficult to find a breeder for a particular kind of dog as there are few specific networks for breeding sugar gliders.It's a good idea to browse the internet for breeders in your area.You may have to travel to work with a sugar glider breeder.Use your discretion.This is a bad sign if a breeder offers to simply ship you a sugar glider.A quality breeder will want to have some contact with potential owners to make sure his gliders are taken care of.Before you find a good fit, you may have to contact several potential breeders.
Step 2: The right questions are asked.
Questions should be asked when you make contact with a breeder.A good breeder will be more than willing to address your concerns as his or her goal is to find a loving, safe home for his gliders.Ask the breeder how long he's been in the business, if he has a USDA license, and if his gliders come with a health guarantee.If you want to make sure your glider has a healthy family tree, you should ask if you can see the pedigree information.Ask the breeder how he cares for his gliders.Sugar gliders are more likely to have health problems if they are not well cared for.Ask about his diet, care regimen, and any problems he's had with buyers in the past.A good breeder will answer these questions.He should be able to provide answers that show he cares about his animals.
Step 3: Be aware of pet stores.
Buying a sugar glider can be done at a pet store.It's not always a good idea to go through a breeder as you may not find one in your area.There are risks to going to a pet store.Pet store workers don't have as much knowledge about sugar gliders.The risk of your glider having health problems can be increased if they don't provide the healthiest diet or environment.Pet stores may buy gliders from mills where they are bred poorly, leading to an increased risk for genetic conditions.Ask the same questions if you go to a pet store.A pet store owner or worker should still be able to give you some information, even if they have less extensive answers.The most thorough answers to your questions should be found in a pet store.Choosing a more renown, responsible pet store can increase the likelihood of you bringing home a healthy sugar glider.
Step 4: Take notice of the environment.
Unless it's the only option, you should never have a sugar glider shipped.It's a good idea to check out the environment.You can see if the glider is in a safe place.Health problems can be caused by a poor quality habitat.When evaluating a sugar glider's environment, consider the following questions.Is the sugar gliders kept in clean environments?Are their containers large enough to allow them to move around freely?Is the temperature being monitored by a thermostat to make sure it's not too warm or cold?Does the animals have enough food or water?Is water and food bowls easy to access?Do the sugar gliders have toys or other forms of entertainment?If a sugar glider gets bored, it could lead to behavioral problems later on.
Step 5: The nose-to-tail check is done.
You can handle your sugar glider at a good pet store.To make sure your glider is in good shape, do a nose-to-tail check.The eyes, nose, and ears should be clean.There should be no discharge or unusual colors.Does the glider have all of its teeth?Is his mouth free of infections?Is the glider's legs strong and free of injury?A sugar glider should have all four paws.Is his tail long?There should be no staining around the rectum.It is possible that the glider has a health problem.
Step 6: There are questions about the sugar glider's background.
The owner of the sugar glider should be asked questions about his background.Before making a purchase, you want to make sure he has no history of health problems.Discuss how he's been socialized.You don't want a sugar glider who's not used to being handled.This can lead to behavioral issues.Potential health problems may be hard to notice if a sugar glider is not held or touched.Ask if there is any disease in his litter or in the other sugar gliders.If he's been around sick animals, he could develop an illness after you bring him home.Ask about your sugar glider's family history if you're going through a breeder.Is he at increased risk for inheritable disorders?If you can, get a sugar glider who has a family tree.
Step 7: Look for signs of injury or illness.
Sugar gliders can become injured from fighting.They may get sick when they're young.If you want a sugar glider that is injury-free, make sure he is sick.Sugar gliders are active.They should play in their cages.The sugar glider may be sick if he appears inactive.Bright eyes, moist nose, pink gums, and a smooth coat are what sugar gliders should have.This is a bad sign if his teeth look dull, his nose is cloudy, or his coat is patchy.There are sores on the sugar glider.It can be difficult to treat red skin and sores.You don't want to bring home an injured sugar glider.Take a look at the sugar glider's droppings.His droppings can be seen as an indication of his health.Small, hard droppings may be a sign that the animal is prone to stomach issues.
Step 8: Dehydration can be a problem.
Some sugar gliders have health conditions that make them dehydrate easily.These sugar gliders are hard to care for.The sugar glider may be dehydrated if you notice a lack of energy around the nose or mouth.You might want to pick a different glider.
Step 9: Don't visit flea markets or glider mills.
It's hard to find sugar gliders.You may be tempted to go to a flea market if you can't find a pet store.Sugar gliders from such places are not bred with care.They have both health and behavioral problems.The sugar glider is less likely to be healthy if you get it from a mill or flea market.
Step 10: Questions about the personality of a sugar glider.
Before buying a sugar glider, you should ask the pet store owner about the glider's personality.Sugar gliders vary in personality.Some are friendly while others are not.A sugar glider's personality type is not indicative of his health.This is something you should consider if you want a more playful pet.
Step 11: Prepare for setbacks, even if you're cautious.
Even when taking precautions, there is no guarantee of perfect health.Sugar gliders can have health issues at any point in their life.Before buying a pet, make sure you have enough money to deal with any health issues that may arise in the future.