Carolina Life Properties LLC
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.
Sally has returned to North Carolina after living in the DC/Northern Virginia area since graduating from UNC-Chapel Hill. Her successful real estate career will enable her to contribute and complement the skills of the Carolina Life Properties team and work with buyers and sellers to realize their real estate dreams. Sally was a longtime resident of Arlington and Washington, DC. Her real estate career in the DC/Northern Virginia area is built on relationships developed over 23 years of helping friends and clients find their dream home or investment property. Her previous work background includes customer service for a national retail and catalog company as well as fundraising for nonprofits. These responsibilities, combined with her volunteer work, have prepared her well to advise, negotiate and coordinate for her buyers and sellers in the DC/Northern Virginia real estate market. With a BS in Business from UNC-Chapel Hill, she has the background and experience to assist clients in evaluating the financial aspects of buying or selling a home along with her people skills that keep the process running smoothly to ensure a successful real estate transaction. She is patient, thorough, and detail-oriented and keeps her clients informed as they work together for a successful closing. When you’re ready to get started, Sally is available to help.
