Pleasing 4 Pets

It has been reported that the latest ‘must have’ pet is none other that the Sugar Glider.

Originating from Australia (where incidentally it is against the law to keep them as pets), the Sugar Glider is a small nocturnal flying possum that is a native of the bush. They have a flexible membrane right across their backs that allows them to launch themselves into the air and glide for as far as 200ft.

A Gliders diet consists of vegetables, fruit and ‘lead-beaters’ – a mixture made up of warm water, baby cereal, boiled eggs, honey and vitamin supplements, and if cared for properly can survive for up to ten years in captivity.

These tiny mammals are literally ‘flying’ off the shelves in pet stores across the UK. With their huge brown eyes, velvety soft fur and their entertaining demeanour, they are being perceived as the perfect pets.

But there are concerns that not enough is known about the care of these miniature marsupials to enable them to be kept as pets.

One experienced breeder said:-

“They are extremely pretty and very tame providing the owner bonds with them, if not they can give a nasty nip.

Sugar gliders are becoming more common as pets and people are travelling all over the country to get them. ‘They are very cute; however they do require a lot of care and attention – far more than a cat or dog.

My only concern with them becoming more popular is that some people will buy them because they are unusual and then get bored. I have already seen one that has ended up in a rescue centre which is very worrying.”

This unease has been re-iterated by the RSPCA who are concerned that Sugar Gliders are not able to withstand hot or damp living conditions and can have their highly sensitive eyesight destroyed by bright lights.