Pet Sugar Glider Guide Care • Safety • Support

New Owners

Choosing a Sugar Glider

How to choose where to get a sugar glider, what questions to ask, and what warning signs to watch for.

Where to Get a Sugar Glider

The older guide recommended finding a local, knowledgeable breeder whenever possible. A local breeder may be able to answer questions, provide support, and let you see the environment where the joeys are being raised.

Pet stores may sell sugar gliders, but the older guide warned that many stores have limited knowledge of proper sugar glider care, diet, and social needs. Sugar gliders are nocturnal, and pet stores are often closed when gliders are most active and need interaction.

The old guide also cautioned against buying a sugar glider from a poor pet-store situation simply to “save” the animal, because that purchase may encourage the store to continue selling more.

Questions to Ask

  • How long have they been working with sugar gliders?
  • Is there a health guarantee?
  • Do they offer after-sale support?
  • Are they USDA licensed, if licensing applies?
  • Do they have references?
  • Can they explain the diet, housing, bonding, and care needs clearly?
  • Can they provide lineage information when relevant?

Choosing the Glider

The older guide recommended choosing a baby glider around 8 to 10 weeks out of pouch and warned against purchasing a sugar glider younger than 8 weeks out of pouch.

A young glider should be fully weaned, eating well, bright-eyed, active, alert, and curious. Stools should be formed and similar to moist mouse droppings.

Ask to observe or handle the glider. Some gliders may be shy around strangers, but if the glider seems extremely fearful of the breeder or owner, ask more questions.

Where to Use Caution

  • Pet stores: Some may be exceptions, but many are loud, stressful, and not well prepared for sugar glider care.
  • Glider mills: These environments may involve poor conditions, poor health, and little concern for long-term wellbeing.
  • Flea markets or trade shows: Use caution and ask serious questions before considering any animal sold this way.
  • Unknown color or het lines: Ask for references and lineage. Legitimate breeders should not mind careful questions.