In Reply to: money posted by Ryan on December 18, 1999 at 13:54:37:

Budgeting money ahead of time is a very smart thing to do as they do have hidden costs. I commend you for your forethought and responsiblity in glider owning. This list may not be what you want to hear. But please realize it is to "Go for the good of the glider" to steal a phrase.

First, there is the large initial cost. $500 and up--->

Glider, 250$ (give or take). Cage, 150$ unless you plan to build it yourself {see the posts on the horrors of galvanized wire}.Food dishes 5$, perches 15$, toys (innumerable) 20$, water bottle 5$, carrying pouch 8$, sleeping pouch 12$, cover shirts for yourself 8$ each(walmart?), Caroline MacPherson's Book 7$, and a well stocked refridgerator of tempting licky bonding treats and leadbeaters ingredients 30$-45$.

Then, Vet bills. Fuzzy has seen the vet twice in 18months to a total of 100$ This is a pretty good record. Some never have to go to the vet, some go every month. Initial visit, 50$, followup 25$. Emergency visit 65$ and normal visits run 35$. A begining vet budget of 200$ should be sufficient.

Hidden costs, are just that hidden, they can be anything from having to pay someone to take care of him while you are away or having to pay an extra 50$ one way to carry him on a plane! Plus then you discover Betsy's page and you can spend oodles on advertising yourself as a Glider Lover. But that cost is the best kind!

I don't want to dissuade you from wanting to purchase a Glider. It just breaks my heart every time their is a rescue glider, or a newbie rashly buys a glider without knowing a thing about them, or someone rushes to breed them before they are even adults, we have an overflow of glider breeders with no knowledge who undercut the hateful "market" lowering the price and making it that much easier for someone to afford the glider but without realising all the costs ahead of time. I hope this gives you a realistic idea of the costs involved in owning a glider. The good news is after the initial investment the maintanence costs are minimal {comparitively} they just need lots of love, care and attention. Ashjan.

If anyone comes up with more please add to the ongoing list above.

Follow Ups:

• Re: money Cynthia 20:59:59 12/18/99 (1)
  • Definitely Always with the Gliders best interests at heart!!! n/m Ashjan 21:31:48 12/19/99 (0)