For those who want an exotic pocket-sized animal companion, many would-be pet owners consider getting sugar gliders as pets. These tiny marsupials are native to Australia and Indonesia, and are similar in appearance to gray squirrels.
While sugar gliders are adorable and playful animals, they cannot be truly domesticated like dogs or cats. As with all wild animals, there are many things to think about before choosing one as a pet.
If you’re interested in owning a sugar glider or any exotic pet, the first thing you need to do is determine if it’s legal where you live. Sugar gliders are illegal to keep as pets in multiple states including Hawaii, Alaska and California. If not banned at the state-level, there may still be county or city regulations prohibiting their ownership.
One major challenge in keeping a pet sugar glider is proper nutrition. These critters need a balanced diet most commercial pellet food can’t provide. Therefore, you’ll need to prepare fresh food for them with plenty of protein and vitamin-rich produce. If sugar gliders don’t eat well, their health can decline rapidly.
Sugar gliders are popular for their playful and affectionate temperament. Taking the time to bond with your sugar glider is crucial, as they will learn to trust you and adore your attention. Even though they’re predators in the wild, they rarely bite their owners.
They are colony animals, so experts recommend having at least two of these furry friends to provide each other company and proper socialization. Without constant attention and companionship, they can experience severe health issues stemming from anxiety.
Despite being tiny animals, sugar gliders require a significant amount of living space to thrive. You’ll want an enclosure of at least 36x24x36, containing plenty of obstacles for climbing. A sugar glider cage should also include a cozy nest or pocket area for sleep, as well as a variety of toys to encourage exercise and play.
Is a sugar glider right for you and your lifestyle? If you have your heart set on one of these playful and entertaining nocturnal animals, keep these key factors in mind when doing your research.
As a lifelong resident of Litchfield County, Heather is quite familiar with the beautiful Northwest Corner of Connecticut. In partnership with her husband at Turri, Inc., in Torrington, she managed and grew a 30+ employee electrical contracting firm that served both the residential, commercial and industrial industries. Currently residing in Goshen she hopes to transfer and utilize many of the skills she learned in contracting to the real estate industry.
Knowing how a vital community relies on its volunteers, Heather spent many hours in several capacities at local organizations that she admires. She serves on the Woodridge Lake Finance Committee and House Committee, Victoria Court Condominium Association (secretary) and Educating Canines Assisting with Disabilities (volunteer and nursery mom). Heather has also been involved with Goshen Community Care & Hospice (president of board of directors), Warner Theatre (board of directors), LARC (volunteer), Festival of Trees (founder), the Northwest Chamber of Commerce, and Goshen Business Circle. Heather also served as Vice President of Woodridge Lake’s Board of Directors.
In Heather’s spare time, she enjoys spending time with family usually in an active way by playing tennis, golf, boating, hiking and skiing.
Heather is honored to be a part of the E.J. Murphy team and hopes you will contact her with any of your real estate needs.
