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| This is an outstanding article! See the original article here |
| Pet Scoop: Sugar glider is no animal for children By Cindy Wolff, Memphis Commercial Appeal Thursday, December 18, 2008 Every Christmas, hawkers of sugar gliders fill malls and flea markets trying to convince naive parents that the tiny, squirrel-like animals are something their kids need this holiday. What's worse is that some parents, without doing any research or talking to people who own the animals, will fork over money and buy them. The animals are not for children, experts say. Dr. David Hannon at Vet Pets Animal Hospital, who tends to many exotic animals at his clinic, said he has accepted a lot of sugar gliders from people who bought them and didn't realize how difficult it is to care for them. Sugar gliders, which are native to Australia, New Guinea and Indonesia, eat insects half the year and tree sap the other half, Hannon said. Some breeders have tried to replicate the tree sap with pellets, but no study has been done to prove whether it works. Most of the sick ones he sees suffer from digestive problems. Because they are similar to flying squirrels, they need a large habitat in your home. They like to jump high, and have lots of energy. They cannot be housebroken. They also have sharp claws and teeth, and will bite or claw if they are so inclined. They are nocturnal, which means they come to life when you go to bed. There's a three-minute video on YouTube that is nothing but darkness and the high-pitched barking noise of a sugar glider. As with all decisions regarding live animals, don't be impulsive. Do research to see if you're willing to do the work it takes to keep a sugar glider. |
| I would also like to add... Please do NOT ever buy a sugarglider from a mall, pet store, flea market, or trade show! These gliders are from mill breeders! Mill breeders are known for keeping animals in small, cramp cages, feeding horrible diets, and neglecting their animals. These poor gliders are scared, abused, and not socialized or tame. They can be inbred or have health issues as well. Please do NOT support these people! No reputable breeder would ever sell to any of these places! If you are interested in a glider, GliderCENTRAL is a great place to start and I am happy to help in any way I can! Thank you! |
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