Finding a sugar glider breeder can be difficult. It’s not as easy as finding a breeder for a particular kind of dog as there are few specific networks for breeding sugar gliders. However, browsing the internet for breeders in your area is a good start. As sugar glider breeders aren’t very common, you may have to travel to work with a breeder. Use some discretion. If a breeder offers to simply ship you a sugar glider, for example, this is a bad sign. A quality breeder will want to have some contact with potential owners to assure that his gliders receive quality care. You may have to contact several potential breeders before you find a good fit.
Ask the breeder how long he’s been in the business, if he has a USDA license, if he offers after care support, and whether his gliders come with a health guarantee. You should also ask if you can see the pedigree information for your glider to make sure he has a healthy family tree. Ask the breeder how he cares for his gliders. Sugar gliders that are not well cared for are more likely to have health problems. Ask what kind of diet he supplies, what care regimens he follows, and any problems he’s had with buyers in the past. [1] X Research source A good breeder will not hesitate to answer these questions. He should be able to provide fully thought out answers that show he genuinely cares about the health and wellbeing of his animals.
Pet store workers may not have as extensive knowledge of sugar gliders. They may not provide the healthiest diet or environment, which can increase the risk of your glider having health problems. Pet stores may also buy gliders from mills where gliders are bred poorly, leading to an increased risk for genetic conditions. If you do go to a pet store, ask some of the same questions you might ask a breeder. A pet store owner or worker may have less extensive answers but should still be able to provide you some information. You should choose a pet store where your questions are addressed the most thoroughly. Pet stores vary in quality and choosing a more renown, responsible pet store can increase the likelihood of you bringing home a healthy sugar glider.
Are the sugar gliders kept in clean environments? Are their cages or containers spacious so that they can move around freely?[2] X Research source Is the temperature being monitored by a thermostat to assure that’s it’s neither too warm or too cold? Do the animals have enough food or water? Are water and food bowls clean and easily accessible?[3] X Research source Are the sugar gliders provided with toys and other forms of entertainment? If a sugar glider gets bored, this could lead to behavioral problems later on. [4] X Research source
The eyes, nose, and ears should be clean and clear. There should be no discharge or unusual colors, as this indicates illness. [5] X Research source Does the glider have all of its teeth? Is his mouth free of signs of infection?[6] X Research source Do the glider’s legs appear strong and free of injury? A sugar glider should be able to grasp with all four paws. Is his tail a normal length? Make sure there is no discoloration of staining around the rectum. This can indicate the glider has diarrhea, which may be a sign of a health problem. [7] X Research source
Ask about how he’s been socialized. You do not want to purchase a sugar glider who’s not used to being handled. This can lead to behavioral issues. Also, a sugar glider who hasn’t been held or touched may make potential health problems hard to notice. Ask if there’s been any disease in his litter or with other sugar gliders in his cage. Even if the sugar glider you want is perfectly healthy, if he’s been around sick animals he could develop an illness after you bring him home. [8] X Research source If you’re going through a breeder, ask about your sugar glider’s family history. Is he at increased risk for any inheritable disorders? If possible, you want to get a sugar glider who has a healthy family tree.
Sugar gliders are fairly active. They should crawl and play in their cages. If a sugar glider appears inactive, he may be sick. Sugar gliders should have bright eyes, a moist nose, pink gums, and a smooth coat. If his gums look dull, his nose is runny, his eyes are cloudy, or his coat is thin and patchy, this is also a bad sign. Look for sores on your sugar glider. Patchy red skin and rashes may develop around sores, which can be difficult to treat. You do not want to take home an injured sugar glider. If the sugar glider has left any droppings, take a look at them. The appearance of his droppings can be an indication of health. Small, hard droppings may be a sign the animal is prone to digestive issues.
