Owning a pet can benefit your health. Not only can they ward off depression, but studies have shown that they can also lower your risk of cardiovascular disease.
Given that, it’s not surprising to know that so many people have pets! Aside from dogs and cats, many people also keep fish, birds, and rodents.
Exotic pets are a thing as well. Take sugar gliders, for example—they’re a pocket pet that resembles flying squirrels.
Thinking of getting one? Want to know if they’re the right pet for you? If so, be sure to read the rest of the post!
What Is a Sugar Glider?
Sugar gliders are small marsupials that have a natural affinity for pouches. Playful and curious, they love hanging out with their human caretakers and cagemates.
As their name implies, they’re capable of gliding through the air—much like a flying squirrel. They also like to climb and jump from place to place.
4 Things to Know Before Getting a Sugar Glider
Sugar gliders can make endearing pets as long as you care for them properly. Here are a few things that you should know about them.
- They Have Long Lives
Sugar gliders have long lives; they can live upwards of 15 years in captivity. In other words, you’ll be making a long-term commitment.
Ask yourself—is that something that you’ll be able to do? If not, a sugar glider might not be the best pet for you. The last thing that you want is to make an impulsive decision!
- They Require a Certain Environment
Sugar gliders tend to get bored easily, which is why they require an exciting environment. For one thing, their cage will have to be a certain size.
You’ll also have to get sugar glider toys so that they can entertain themselves. Exercise wheels are a great option as well—just make sure to get the proper size!
- They Need a Special Diet
Sugar gliders require a certain diet. In the wild, they feed on sap and nectar from trees. They also eat insects, fruits, and other plant material.
As their owner, you’ll have to make sure that they get the same nutrients from their food. For example, many people feed them honey, along with calcium powder. Fruits and vegetables should also be given on a regular basis.
- They’re Nocturnal
Sugar gliders are nocturnal animals so they’ll be sleeping during the day. That doesn’t mean that you can’t interact with them, though.
Over time, you can train them to be on your schedule. It’ll just take a bit of time and patience.
Getting a Pocket Pet
And there we have it—four things that you should know before getting a pocket pet aka sugar glider. As you can see, they’re a little different from dogs and cats. So be sure to do your research beforehand!
Looking for more pet-related posts? If so, be sure to check out the rest of our blog!