I have been wanting some gliders for 2 years and I am a junior in high school but I want to know what everyone thinks, I love animals and give each and everyone care and attention but I do not want to not be able to give them ample attention

Glider are a huge responsibility, and thus are not recommended as a pet for children.

Do you have money for two gliders, a large cages, toys, pouches, cage sets, a wheel? What about money to buy food for their specific dietary needs? Vet visits?

Are you going to be able to play with them at night while they are up? Are they going to be kept in your room, and probably keep you awake?

There's a lot of things to consider.

I think it is GREAT that you are taking your time to think about them before you get some.

If you are not sure you will be able to give them ample attention, see if there is someone near you who has gliders that will let you visit several times to see exactly what owning gliders is all about. You'll have a better idea what kind of time it will take to give them the attention they need.

Im going on 22 but looking back at myself as a junior in highschool and having a glider now I could honestly say I would have been able to properly care for my glider back at that age as well, so I cant say age is too much of an issue.
It really depends on you, if you have the time to spend with the glider(they require a TON of time to bond properly not to mention they are up all night which can be noisy and keep you awake), if you have a vet near by that is experienced with gliders, and money to provide proper nutrition Ive quickly learned that glider diets are NOT cheap. They are pretty amazing pets but they require alot more then the usual cat or dog

Gliders are alot of responsibilty.

Do you know what you are going to be doing through the 15 years they are with you?
What about collage?
There are so many things to consider.

~Erica~

<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"><i>Originally posted by fox0r</i>
<br />Glider are a huge responsibility, and thus are not recommended as a pet for children.
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That's unfair.

If you have a job and can afford it, go for it. It's not about age, its about being responsible. Don't make your parents pay for everything though they might get sick of it and stop. When I was a junior, I had no school work. But if you are going to go away to college, don't get any just yet. Most campuses don't allow animals and if they do, I'm pretty sure your roommate will get upset at a glider barking at night. They are a big responsibility, you'll have to have money for vets, cages, pouches. good luck. I wish you the best, if you feel its right don't let anyone put you off about it.

I agree, I think it's more important to consider responsibility than age. I know some high school juniors and seniors who are ALOT more responsible and capable than some 20-30 year olds. It's important to consider carefully what you will be doing after high school as a previous poster mentioned, since it's likely they will not be able to go to college with you if you are considering college. They are a lot of money as well so you will need to have a good income to support their diet (whichever you choose) and vet visits, etc.

We actually received 2 of ours from a young lady who had not thought far enough in advance and was in college (staying at home), but was leaving the country to travel after college. And her parents were not willing to take over care. So I'm just saying, when you are young it's sometimes hard to consider the long-term future. But if you are considering gliders, you have to.

It might be unfair, but it doesn't make it any less true. Children tend to lose interest in things quickly, are irresponsible, and tend to have short attention spans. And let's not forget money. It is very unlikely you'll find a child that has a couple grand saved up to get gliders, and have an emergency vet fund.

If you don't like that, then that's fine. I'm not saying there aren't exceptions to the rule, cause there are. But if OP needed to come on here to ask that question in the first place, she probably already knows the answer.

It all depends on your level of commitment. I really hate that every time a young adult (teenager) asks if they should get gliders the answer is always "No, you don't have what it takes." Maybe you do, and we can't answer that for you. Like I've said here before, when I was a junior in high school, I bought a HORSE...knowing full well I'd be going to college in a few years. I took that time and made preparations to take that horse to college with me. Yes, it affected my decision on where to go, and looking back on it I wouldn't change a thing. 16 years later, I still have her, and again, every decision I make is based on my ability to provide for my animals first.

I do agree on both sides its alot more difficult for someone underage to provide for an animal with such high needs but it depends on the teen/child level of commitment and plans for the future. I myself have grown up with animals all of my life and I was taught that if you are to get an animal you make 100% sure you know what you are gettng into and plan for a future with that animal as long as it lives, animals are not toys and can not be pawned off. I think that if a young person has a mindset to properly care for that animal for as long as it is to live then go for it but if you have any doubts that you can care for your glider for up to 15 years then Id say wait till you know you can.

Oh, one thing I didn't mention -- a lot of breeders have contracts. Minors can't enter into contracts. Something else to think about.

Since You asked for opinions..
I would wait..
At this stage of your life, the responsibility would be very consuming..and would take a bite out of your social life.
And MUCH MORE importantly..I hope You are considering college..It is near impossible to have them in the same room, and get good sleep..so even if You could take them w/ You?..a room-mate would be out of the question.
Just a thought..You have plenty of time, when you're making your own living, to have gliders.

I'm 12 and hopefully soon will be getting a pair of gliders. But if you want opinions here is what I have to say.
Age has nothing to do with it, it is your interest and level of responsibility that matters. Also you will need the finances for them, I've added up the initial cost of just their stuff and it will cost hundreds. Also with finances I would recommend at LEAST $1,000 saved up as an emergency vet fund. Also as was mentioned before you will be going to college soon and you will have to plan for that. I've done the math, mine will end up in college with me as well.

Thank you for at least researching and asking before you got the gliders, not after, that is admirable.

~Emma~

My personal opinion, is it comes down to the owner. If at 17 you are able to commit to a 15 year responsiblity, which by the way is the life span of our fuzzies, then go for it.

The fact that you are asking here for advice means you have the smarts to get advice, which is a huge plus in your favor. But I would give this thought as you would about having a child now. To be honest, to most of us Gliders are just that, they are a kid. We usually put them before us, they eat better than us, thier housing is better than ours... I mean we sacrifice for them.

Chris and I spend lots of weekends dealing with 600 lb cats, which people got the itch to own one day. They thought it was a good idea and next thing we know, we have a new tiger that needs a home. Due to that experience, I have stronger opinions when people want animals. All I would want, is the owner to really do thier homework, educate themselves and realize what it means. Be honest with yourself, the gliders deserve it.

Well I think it all depends on your priorities now and your plans for the future. In all honesty there is at least a whole day worth of glider chores every two weeks minimum. Every night you also need to feed them and try to play with them at least 2 hours at night 3-4 days a week. So really we should be asking you questions :]

Do you go to clubs or sporting events after school?
Do you hangout with friends on the weekends?
Are you often staying over at their houses?
Do you have a glider safe play zone?
Are you planning on going to college full time?
While in college will you be working also?
Will you still be hanging out with friends during this tight schedule?
If by chance you will be busy during your college career but you do not want to relocate part of your family [the gliders], do your parents completely oppose the idea of taking care of them?
Are you sure you are going to like sugar gliders in 10 years still?
Will you be moving to a dorm or apartment, most do not allow gliders?

Just think about, if your parents would support you, you have the time, your future plans are figured out, and you have the knowledge/patience then age is not that important but instead the answers to all these questions.

I have had my gliders since I was 15, if you have any questions just send me a private message.

In regards to the age thing, I don't think it matters. Chances are your parents are the ones that will help out money wise, as long as they are prepared to do that then you should be fine.

As for the whole college thing, some people stay at home for college, some don't go at all. So it depends on the person.

I'd say there were actually more adults who end up rehoming their gliders. They often lose interest more quickly that a young person would, have more responsibility to other things to give the gliders enough time. They move house, have children, therefore taking up time, money and space.

As long as you are prepared for the responsibility (and sleepless nights if they will be living in your room!!) then research as much as you can until you are ready, make sure your parents are on board as you will need them and when you feel you are ready, go for it x

Yeah it definitely depends on the person. I'd say if you have poor time management then maybe these animals arent right for you. If you have a busy life (friends, school, sports etc.) and you can find a few hours in between to care for your gliders then go for it. If not, then its probably not a good idea. I'm a college student, and hey, i dont have tons of money. But i have enough to support myself and my gliders. I ALWAYS find time for them (my 4 gliders), whether its sitting with them while i study - staying up late and waking up early for my morning classes - sometimes im very tired and the gliders start barking in the night, which is a pain. But, i wouldnt trade my babies for anything and i always make sure i have the money, time, and love for all of them. That's all there is to it. Many people are in this situation and everything works out fine!

So much good advice. I am now fostering my daughters sugies due to unforeseen circumstances. You just never know what might happen in your life that could cause the little sweeties to be a burden, whether financially or due to time constraints. It was fortunate that I was already bonded with them, so they didn't have to go through the stress of a new home and new humans.

Please consider everyone's posts.

Where do you people get your information? Seriously. Gliders are one of the most cost effective animals and they don't need regular vet check ups. The Humane Society of America estimates the average annual cost of owning a sugar glider is $98. As a comparison, they estimate the annual cost of owning a dog is $960 and cat is $635. Just take a look at my breeders information below:


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<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"><i>Originally posted by BayGliders</i>
<br />Where do you people get your information? Seriously. Gliders are one of the most cost effective animals and they don't need regular vet check ups. The Humane Society of America estimates the average annual cost of owning a sugar glider is $98. As a comparison, they estimate the annual cost of owning a dog is $960 and cat is $635. Just take a look at my breeders information below:


granitestategliders.com/sugar-glider-costs/
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Honey, your "breeder" is an idiot if they don't think that they don't need regular vet checks. I've spent thousands upon thousands at the vet over the past few years.

<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"><i>Originally posted by BayGliders</i>
<br />Where do you people get your information? Seriously. Gliders are one of the most cost effective animals and they don't need regular vet check ups. The Humane Society of America estimates the average annual cost of owning a sugar glider is $98. As a comparison, they estimate the annual cost of owning a dog is $960 and cat is $635. Just take a look at my breeders information below:


granitestategliders.com/sugar-glider-costs/
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I just looked at the financeworks on my checking account, and I've spent over $3,000 on my gliders since August 2011. And that does not include the purchase price of the gliders themselves, or groceries, or anything I've bought for them at Wal-Mart.....or anywhere else that I purchased something with another purchase that I didn't categorize as a pet expense. I do have 4 gliders, and I may be on the extreme side, but still. $98 a year??? By my calculations just Instant-HPW powder alone costs me over $50 per glider per year after using a 10% coupon, and purchasing in the 10# bag.

<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"><i>Originally posted by BayGliders</i>
<br />Where do you people get your information? Seriously. Gliders are one of the most cost effective animals and they don't need regular vet check ups. The Humane Society of America estimates the average annual cost of owning a sugar glider is $98. As a comparison, they estimate the annual cost of owning a dog is $960 and cat is $635. Just take a look at my breeders information below:


granitestategliders.com/sugar-glider-costs/
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Waiting on the USDA and FDA to respond to my emails and calls, but they are always very interested to learn when people have improper packaging with pet foods. There's another thing your "breeder" got wrong. And, she sells unsafe toys and wheels. Maybe you should find a better source of information before giving out improper info to new people.

Guys, this is a new person....ONE POST....TROLL MAYBE?????


This person OBVIOUSLY doesn't own gliders or they would know that is one big FAT lie! Any of us can take information from ONE source and state it as fact.... when this person attaches multiple RELIABLE sources that state how inexpensive gliders are, then maybe we should all rethink what in the heck we're doing wrong cuz I know it most certainly doesn't cost me that little!

Heck, ONE vet visit nearly runs that much FOR ONE GLIDER!

Fresh food costs more than that and lets not even talk about all the food we waste because they won't eat it!

I guess if you didn't take your glider to a vet, fed them cheap ass hamster food and gave them an old sock to sleep in and kept them in a bird cage....yeah, I could see it maybe costing about that much.

Sorry, I just don't have the patience for ignorance today!

JazzNZoeysmom I was thinking troll too, they just here to cause trouble and upset people.

~Erica~

Thanks for all of your fantastic input and I think you have cleared some of my doubts , thank you thank you thank you

I will have to agree with xxAshleighannxx, While they are a huge responsibility, it depends on the maturity of the individual who gets them. My daughter got hers at 18 and took really good care of them for about a year. Now, basically, upkeep and care has fallen onto my shoulders. I don't mind too much as I love the little critters but she is not mature enough now at 20 to care for anything for any length of time. About being up at night to play with your glider. We don't. Thats why you get two. Sure, we'll take them out every so often in the evening to let them climb on the curtains or us but not nightly. Cages can be made as can pouches. As long as you have funds for an exotic vet, I see no problem. The diets aren't terribly expensive. Maybe feeding monthly is what $20. Yea, I doubt dorms will allow gliders. Unless you plan on living off campus or at home. You'd still need the okay from an apartment manager if you lived off campus. Parents? It's up to them. Like Ashleigh ann said, go for it. <blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"><i>Originally posted by xxashleighannxx</i>
<br /><blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"><i>Originally posted by fox0r</i>
<br />Glider are a huge responsibility, and thus are not recommended as a pet for children.
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That's unfair.

If you have a job and can afford it, go for it. It's not about age, its about being responsible. Don't make your parents pay for everything though they might get sick of it and stop. When I was a junior, I had no school work. But if you are going to go away to college, don't get any just yet. Most campuses don't allow animals and if they do, I'm pretty sure your roommate will get upset at a glider barking at night. They are a big responsibility, you'll have to have money for vets, cages, pouches. good luck. I wish you the best, if you feel its right don't let anyone put you off about it.
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<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"><i>Originally posted by BayGliders</i>
<br />Where do you people get your information? Seriously. Gliders are one of the most cost effective animals and they don't need regular vet check ups. The Humane Society of America estimates the average annual cost of owning a sugar glider is $98. As a comparison, they estimate the annual cost of owning a dog is $960 and cat is $635. Just take a look at my breeders information below:


granitestategliders.com/sugar-glider-costs/
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LOL i say troll, idiot people. if not....
my neuter alone was $125.
my cost of food per month is at least $80
my 1 cage, $190
my toys, probably $100
wheels, $30 each
my emerg vet bill, uhmmm like $200 total for my poor zucker man :(

I personally think it all depends on your maturity level. You could be twelve and hey, you might actually take better care of a sugar glider(s) than an adult! I think the level of commitment is a big part also. You could be thirty and only took care of your sugar glider(s) for a few months and then got bored of it! But this happens at all ages, not just adults but children too. So I return to my statement it all depends on how far you are willing to commit, how much time and money you are willing to put aside for your sugar glider(s) and how much you research. You should definitely research for at least two months ( or that's just my opinion)if you are really serious about getting a sugar glider(s) you would wait and do research and wouldn't mind waiting. So if you are serious about this, know you will have the money and time to take care of your sugar glider(s), I say age is not important and you should not give up on getting a sugar glider(s).

U need to get them they r great pets.They r very good with children.If anyone who says that they r awful pets plz dont listen to them because they r wonderful.

<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"><i>Originally posted by suggielover3</i>
<br />U need to get them they r great pets.They r very good with children.If anyone who says that they r awful pets plz dont listen to them because they r wonderful.
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As much as I love my guys I'm gona disagree with this.
Until they are bonded they aren't 'very good' with anybody. They can be awful pets for somebody who doesn't realise how much work is involved in looking after them. I wouldn't suggest to any of my friend they get gliders. If they were to ask me about them i'd tell them the good AND bad points, but I would never suggest them as a pet to somebody who didn't know how to look after them x

Well what i said was just my opinion.I mean everyone has there opinion