Do you know how much sugar gliders cost? If not, you are at the right place. It is important for you to understand the pricing of sugar gliders before making a decision. We are here with a complete guide on how much sugar gliders cost, how they are, is it ok to pet them? etc. If you wish to own this exotic pet, you must have a heavy pocket.
Sugar gliders are native to Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and Australia. They are highly desirable as pets in these places. However, you must do proper research before getting a sugar glider as a pet. This guide will definitely help you to make decisions.
The Cost Of Owning A Sugar Glider
An adult Sugar glider costs between $100 to $200. Similarly, an infant costs $200-$500. This price may vary from location to location.
7 different types of sugar gliders and their respective prices:
- Normal baby sugar glider – These sugar gliders are aged 12 months and below. They are in higher demand as they are very easy to train. Hence, a common baby sugar glider costs between $200 & $500.
- Normal adult sugar glider – These sugar gliders are aged 1 year and above. They have less demand than baby sugar gliders. Therefore, their price is less and between $100 & $150.
- White-faced sugar glider – They do not have a different colour as many of us think. Instead, they have strips around the face. They do not have a black line below the ears. Also, these sugar gliders have lighter eye-rings. White-faced sugar gliders cost around $300-$600.
- Leucistic sugar glider – These types of sugar gliders have pure white fur without strips at the ears. They are usually considered as black-eyed while. Leucistic sugar glider costs between $1,500 & $2,500.
- Albino sugar glider – These sugar gliders are different from Leucistic sugar gliders. They have dark eyes and pure white fur. Hence, Albion sugar gliders are very rare and cost around $5,000.
- Mosaic sugar glider – These gliders have white patches all over the body. Mosaic sugar gliders cost between $2,000 & $3,000.
- Red series sugar glider – This category includes 4 colours: lion, red cinnamon, chocolate, and buttercream. It is evident that these are different shades of red. Red series sugar gliders cost between $400 & $2,000.
Factors influencing the price
- Domesticated behaviour
- Rarity
- Demand
- Exotic animal
Sugar Glider Breakdown of Expenses
As sugar gliders are exotic pets, they are hard to get. You can get them for between $100 & $5,000 depending on the type. Apart from this price, there are different expenses that you have to make. This includes some basic, one-time products, food, grooming items, etc.
Transporting cost – If you wish to travel with your sugar glider, you will need a pouch to carry him. An 8 x 7.5-inch pouch will be enough. It must be made from polar fleece with a vinyl-coated oyster window. This cost will go up to $19.
It’s better to buy them online so that you can grab discounts and get different varieties.
Cage cost – the natural behavior of sugar gliders includes climbing up and gliding down. Hence, it is better to have a taller cage to make them feel comfortable. It should be a minimum of 20 x 20 x 30 inches with a metal bar or wire mesh.
If you wish to save money, then you can buy second-hand bird cages. A heavy cage with dimensions 28 x 24 x 66 inches costs around $240.
Sugar gliders are nocturnal, hence they need a hiding area for sleeping time. A plastic hamster house can be a good option to fulfill this need. A 14 x 6-inch nesting pouch costs around $11.
Accessory cost – a 3-inch diameter bowl costs around $10. It is better to choose a heavy bowl so that the glider cannot move it easily.
You can make bedding from recycled paper, wood shavings, or plain paper. These things will collect the food, urine, and droppings at the bottom of the cage. Else, you can buy a 3-pack set of paper bedding that costs around $100. Smaller packs can cost around $5-$20.
Supplement and food cost – Sugar gliders eat vegetables, fruits, and insects. If you plan to feed them commercial food, just make sure it is 100% natural.
A pre-mix of veggies, fruits, and protein costs around $24 and this lasts for around 3-4 weeks. Mealworms are really good for sugar gliders. 1000 live mealworms costs around $18.
Multivitamin with calcium supplement and probiotics costs around $55.
Medical Expenses -sugar gliders do not need vaccinations. Only the wellness check-up once a year costs around $50(if they are fit). If you see signs like eyes half shut, droopy ears, balding patches, cracked fur, etc then rush to the vet.
The emergency vet visit can become a burden for you. Therefore, it is better to have some savings for this situation. Also, you can choose pet insurance that costs around $30 per month.
Neutering prevents unwanted pregnancies. Hence, it will be great if you spay/neuter your pet. This process costs $40 – $350.
Hygiene cost – you need to clean the cage frequently. You can simply use vinegar with hot water. You will save a lot of money in terms of grooming. Sugar gliders do not require a bath.
If you feel their claws are getting worse, just trim them with pet nail scissors. This costs around $8.
Permits and license cost – Sugar gliders are banned in some states of the US. Some states allow them but you will need a special permit to have the animal. This permit costs around $10 per year.
Toys – The toy costs depend on what you want to buy. An 11-inch wooden wheel and 24-inch stretch rope cost around $32.
How much do sugar gliders cost at PetSmart?
Unfortunately, PetSmart does not keep sugar gliders for sale. Wherever they are sold, the price depends on training, color, and age. The most unique one is the most expensive.
PetSmart restricts itself from selling sugar gliders because these exotic animals are banned in many states in the US. Hence it will be a troublesome situation for PetSmart if they keep, breed, and sell sugar gliders.
Also, the risk of overpopulation of exotic animals arises when more shelters and stores start selling them openly.
Do sugar gliders make good pets?
Sugar gliders are good pets. Their goodness depends on how capable you are of taking care of them. Being nocturnal animals, sugar gliders are full of energy. This is the reason, they are very active at night. Therefore, you must be ready for these situations.
Also, sugar gliders have a long lifespan. They can live for more than 10 years in a constricted place. So, you must support them emotionally and financially to keep them well.
10 reasons why not to keep sugar gliders as pets
- Sugar gliders have a constricted diet. They cannot eat anything.
- They are smelly and messy.
- These little creatures require special care.
- Their treatment is very difficult.
- They require a lot of space.
- You cannot leave them with anyone.
- There exist some legal problems with owning them.
- They can get easily injured if proper care is not taken.
- Sugar gliders are expensive.
- Many are bred from cruelty.
Conclusion
I really hope you got your answer and made a decision to buy this exotic pet or not. Sugar gliders are expensive and owning the cost of two sugar gliders is more than owning a dog or cat.
Despite being expensive, they are lovable creatures. Glider owners just love their pets and do not care about expenses. You need to understand one thing that commitment is the key here. You will have to be committed to your pet. Sugar gliders are high-maintenance animals.
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