Anyone have Sugar Gliders?

[N4S]

Always thought these were pretty cool.

But for some reason they seem to me like they wouldnt be great pets because they are really nocturnal.

[weirdbuglady]

My parents got me a sugar glider from a relative (she used to breed them) when I was 10 years old. She lived five years before she got sick due to stress and the fact that I spoiled her too much with her favorite, yet unhealthy, foods. I really wish I had known better

She was an amazing pet because she completely bonded to me. I was like her mother, she would climb all over me and fall asleep in my pocket. I would put her onto bookshelves and she would glide down onto my head.

However... it was a shame they only gave me one because they are very social and do better in groups. It's possible to keep a single glider and keep it happy but they really need a few hours of attention per day.

They have certain dietary needs that should be followed, and they are very messy eaters. Love to fling food all over the place, the wall behind the cage would get plastered with bits of sticky fruit. They will often eat in their nest box, and soil it, so you need to clean that just about every day. Need a big cage so they can romp around, and toys to keep them entertained. My glider loooved strings with knots, she would untie every one.

They are definitely most active at night, but can become accustomed to coming out to play during the day. I would usually take my girl out in the evenings, like when I was doing my homework.

We didn't even have the internet until I was like, 12, so I didn't quite realize that I wasn't doing enough for my little girl until it was too late, I wish I had more resources, especially *before* my parents gave her to me, it was for my birthday and I had never even heard of a sugar glider before. However I learned a lot along the way. We sell them once in a while at the pet store I work at and make sure to let people know that gliders are a LOT of work, but can make very rewarding companions.