Can you give me a 'run-down' about how much money goes in to caring for 2 sugar gliders? Read details!?

Question

I am doing extensive research about sugar gliders (I NEVER buy a pet without analyzing everything...cost, supplies, time that goes into caring for them ect). I want to probably get 2 gliders since people say they are happier in pairs. I have room for a large cage so that isn't a problem.

For the people that own sugar gliders, can you give me a rough list of the supplies that they need and give me your best estimate of the cost. Plus, after I've set everything they need up, how much with the monthly cost be (food and such)?

Any specifics you can give me about what kind of food they need, what toys they seem to like best ect would be great. And any personal experiences you can share would be great too!

THANKS to the people who take the time to give me a thorough response!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I really appreciate it!

Answer 1

Between supplements, produce and insects, it runs about $50 a month per sugar glider. If you have two or more sugar gliders, it goes down slightly because you are not double buying and you are not wasting as much food but monthly I would pretty much go to the produce section of the grocery store and drop $50 just for one animal. Bugs will cost you about $10 to $15 a month and then generally like supplemental protein foods, biscuits and treats will run you $5 to $10 a month as well. It is a little bit more economical if you have two but it runs $50 to $60 a month to feed one of these sugar gliders.

The starting price for getting a sugar glider if you are getting a young animal is about $150. It can go up from there. This is a normal gray sugar glider who is about two years old and he would cost about $150 either at a pet store or from a breeder. Pet stores sometimes are a little bit more expensive. There are some color mutations and they range anywhere from $250 for cinnamons or spotted ones to $1,000 or $2,000 or an an all white sugar glider. They are very hard to find. Really they are all the same quality of pet you will just pay more if they are some exotic color. As far as maintenance goes, these guys are again insectivores so you have to provide live food most of the time for them or at least some type of dead processed cricket food. There is also produce and supplements.

The environment in which your glider lives in is extremely important and can directly affect health and temperament. In order to have a proper housing setup, cages, toys, food and water areas, and sleeping quarters must be carefully evaluated.

Cages should be big enough for your gliders to be able to jump and move around freely. Remember that they can glide as well as they prefer to be high off the ground, so taller cages are always better. According to one source, a sugar glider cage for a pair should be at least 15x15x36 inches, but most people set a minimum of 2x2x3 feet for a pair. Cages should also sit off the floor or ground. It will make your gliders feel safer.

Bar spacing is of equal importance when considering the perfect cage for your new pet. This has always been one of the more difficult parts in finding a cage.  Horizontal bar spacing should be no more than one half inch. One half inch is the preferred vertical bar spacing as well. This is so the glider can have a better grip on the cage to climb. Also of importance is the material your sugar glider cage is made of. The two most common are plastic vinyl coated (PVC) or powder coated.  Other things to watch out for include any sharp edges or pieces, doors or other places that are easy to escape from, and cages that are hard to clean. It is a good idea to secure doors and other parts that can open with a lock or zip tie in case you have a glider that is smart enough to figure out how to escape. Bedding is also something to consider. Pine and cedar shavings are a definite no. Aspen shavings are fine as are puppy pads, fleece scraps, paper towel, and plain newspaper print. If your glider can reach down to the bedding and has a tendency to chew on things, however, puppy pads and aspen might not be the best choice.

Your sugar glider cage should also be kept in a good location.  Although it is not recommended to keep your glider in a high traffic area where it can disrupt sleep patterns, you should keep your glider in a place you frequent often. Cages should also be by natural light so that the glider can tell the time of day. Make sure the room is also free of drafts and is not extremely hot or cold. Temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit are best.

More than one food bowl is suggested; one for drier foods, and one for softer, moister foods. Water bottles or dishes may be used in the cage but both food and water should be changed daily and bowls and bottles cleaned thoroughly. toys pouches and sleeping areas are needed for bedding.  The cost varies with your choices.  Many can be homemade.  

http://www.freewebs.com/suggiewonderland...

http://www.freewebs.com/suggiewonderland...

Cage cost can vary with choice.  Consider spending at least $150 for a good cage.

http://www.sugarglider63.com/cagecondo.h...

http://www.glidercentral.net/ubbthreads/...

http://www.adoptedpets.com/Exotic%20Pets...

nice article on gliders

Although usually calm and sweet pets, some gliders may bite and scratch. They use the sharp claws on their back legs to try to get away. Some poorly socialized or abused gliders may aggressively bite, resulting in a potentially serious wound.

Sugar gliders are nocturnal creatures, which means they tend to be active at night. For this reason, avoid housing your glider in your bedroom.

http://www.petplace.com/small-mammals/un...

understanding your glider

Answer 2

This is not a answer,however it is info you should consider before purchasing sugar gliders and that is they are  very wild and hard to tame down enough to handle them.I speak from personal experience.Almost every other kind of wild animal pets I have ever had eventually came around to trust me but not the sugar  gliders!