Why do you want to breed?: Are you planning on breeding to make a profit, or experience the miracle of raising a joey with your sugar glider? Maybe you want to work with colored gliders and be a part of starting new color lines and improving current ones? There are a few good reasons to breed, and even more not too. It is important to know what you are getting into BEFORE you start. The number of rescues and gliders needing homes over the past few years has jumped and continues to do so. You need to examine all of the reasons you want to breed, both good and bad, and decide if it is best for you. There are many gliders in the USA, that are unwanted, and homeless, because of people thinking they were the right pet for them, or that they were easy to maintain.

Think you are going to make a profit? The average cost for a gray sugar glider is about $150.00 and steadily falling. Colors can cost a lot more and range up in the 1,000's. By the time you pay for the sugar gliders, high quality diets, proper housing, any licensing needed, safe toys & accessories, and exotic vet expenses, your "profit" margin for raising a sugar glider joey is nothing more than pennies on the hour for your time. Cage cleaning, and maintaining proper husbandry standards is expensive, all financially, physically, and emotionally. There are many things a good breeder must do in order to ensure the breeding sugar gliders are happy, safe, and healthy. Large cages, good diets, vet care and possible USDA licensing in the United States are EXTREMELY important. Not to mention time you must spend with both the joeys and adults to ensure they are well adjusted, suitable pets. One thing is for sure, Sugar glider breeding is not an occupation you are going to get rich off, even when working with the most expensive sugar glider colors. 

Are you prepared to possibly lose your pet?: Some sugar glider parents may become less interested in you as they begin to breed and create a family. Some pets may become extremely grumpy. Even the sweetest most bonded glider may begin to bite, crab, and become very pouch protective. It doesn't happen with all gliders, but it is important to know that it can happen.

Are you knowledgeable and have long term experience in sugar glider care?: It is important to gain extended first hand experience, and a lengthy amount of research before your gliders breed. You must take glider ownership one step at a time. You need to learn basic sugar glider care, health and diets before starting a breeding program. After all, healthy, tame adults will lead to healthier and tamer babies. New and experienced owners alike are always learning new care of sugar gliders due to experience. A good rule of thumb would be to own sugar gliders at least 6 months to a year before deciding if breeding is right for you. Never get a sugar glider only to be bred.

Are you prepared for the expense, and stress?: Breeding gliders can be an enjoyable experience, but not all the time. Health issues arise, and vet bills will be inevitable over breeding for any length of time. Joeys can be rejected, needing hand feeding around the clock in order for the little one to survive. Some gliders may not breed, as gliders breed on their own terms. Some gliders will breed as soon as they reach maturity, while others may live together for years and never breed. Breeding gliders is not always a fun experience, and it is important that you have the time, and knowledge to deal with the stress that could come your way.

Is it legal in your area?: Although owning a pet sugar glider may be legal in your state, you must also check with your local laws to ensure that it is legal to breed in your area. Each state and city has their own laws concerning exotic animals outside of our nation laws. If you are going to breed in the United States, you may have to get a license from the USDA.

Is there a knowledgeable local vet?: It is very important for the health of your breeding gliders, and your future joeys. Breeders, as well as pet sugar gliders, must see a vet at least once a year, to ensure the health of the glider. A good knowledgeable vet will have a program established with you to avoid problems and illness, resulting in happier, and healthier gliders in the future. Vet bills can be expensive, but with proper planning, preventive care, and a watchful eye, a good vet will be your gliders best friend.

How many and what kinds of gliders?: So you thought about it, and decided to go forth and begin to breed. Now you must think about what kinds of gliders you are wanting to breed. There are so many kinds of gliders now, but most of them are rare, and the initial investment very high. Are you only going to want one pair, maybe more? If you have never bred sugar gliders before, start off slowly, don't jump in head first, and decide the water is too deep.

How are your marketing abilities?: Part of breeding, is being able to sell the babies you produce to qualified homes. Talking with potential homes, weeding out unfit homes and dealing with a wide range of people both negative and positive. Think about how you are going to find those homes. Are you going to ship your animals? If not, is there enough suitable homes in your area? How are you going to reach those people? (internet, newspapers, word of mouth) What are you going to be able to do with gliders you can't sell? These are all very important things to consider. Sometimes finding a good home is easy, sometimes it isn't, and sometimes it feels near impossible!