California Dilemma

[stellar8400]

**first of all, sugar gliders are NOT flying squirrels! How annoying!!!! hahahaha**


Hi everyone!

I am new to Pets Hub and I wanted to introduce myself. I have been interested in gliders since '99. I am *finally* ready for a pair. I have a huge cage, feeding supplies, all the toys, snuggle sacks, bonding pouches gallore. Anyway, here is my issue. I live in California. Sacramento area to be exact. I have been on breederlist.com and emailed one person in the bay area. They never got back to me, and I think it is because they aren't really "breeders" (obviously) and probably had a one-time accidental pregnancy. Anyway... I was wondering who here lives in California and has gliders. How did you get them? I noticed one person had SunCoast ship them to Reno. My question is... What happened at the airport? How do you pick them up without giving your information? Any help would be great!

Also, I DO have a vet who sees all sorts of exotics, including gliders. I am aware that they rarely need health treatment, but if mine ever should, I have them taken care of. Thanks everyone!!

Nicole

[glidermom]

Nicole,
I just wanted you to know that Sugar gliders are illegal in California. I didn't know if you knew that. Get in touch with Lisa at Suncost Sugar Gliders, she might ship you one. It is hard to find them in that area. You can also go to Glider Connection.

Hope this helps,
Donna
www.freewebs.com/glidermom

[stellar8400]

yes I know they are illegal here. That is why I have the dilemma. hahaha I was mostly wondering what kind of issues people have run into with having them shipped into reno. Don't they check ID or anything? That's all I was wondering

[Kristal007]

Hmmm, I am not really sure about that. I live in IL, where there is not much that is illegal - as far as animals go. You might have some problems getting a glider. Some breeders will not ship them to states where they are illegal. If anything were to happen and if it came back to the breeder somehow, their license would be revoked, so I've heard from the breeder that I got my gliders from. I guess she shipped a glider to one state, I guess her mother lived in TX, but the person that she sold them to really lived in Cali. The person had about 10 cats and their neighbor reported them, animal control came and found the sugar gliders, and right away took them and asked the lady for all the paperwork on them. I guess it was just a mess for her, but they really couldn't do anything because she was told that they lived in TX. So she still has her license and is not in any trouble. Anyway I know how frustrating this is for you, my BF's mom loves my suggies and wants a pair sooo bad, but she lives in california!! So she just has to love them to death when she comes to visit us. I hope everything works out for you!

[BigSuggieAddict]

hi Stellar8400,
I have 2 suggies that are 11 weeks oop (1 boy, 1 girl)
hand tamed and very adorable. If you are interested, email me at
rhombeusking@hotmail.com
i also have info on the whole reno thing too just to letcha know :)

[whisperfare]

Please be aware that with them being illegal in CA., if it is reported you have a glider or 2, since they are not good being alone, they will take them and often times will put them down. Some states do put illegal animals down. You would need a vet outside of CA, since they are required by law to report illegal animals.

Gliders do have problems since no one really knows a lot about the diet, many problems occur with the liver, HLP, and of course the self mutilators. Many of these can run into hundreds of dollars.

A good site to learn all this is called Glider central. You may be a member there already but if not check it out it is full of info.

Good luck ;)

[fishofury]

Please be aware that with them being illegal in CA., if it is reported you have a glider or 2, since they are not good being alone, they will take them and often times will put them down. Some states do put illegal animals down. You would need a vet outside of CA, since they are required by law to report illegal animals.

Gliders do have problems since no one really knows a lot about the diet, many problems occur with the liver, HLP, and of course the self mutilators. Many of these can run into hundreds of dollars.

A good site to learn all this is called Glider central. You may be a member there already but if not check it out it is full of info.

Good luck ;)

Vets are no longer required to report illegal animals. New laws were established to protect the health of the animal rather than punish it.

[whisperfare]

Thank you I did not know that. I like to tell people to check the laws for them selves also. Then they get it from the source.
Thanks again

[teejay]

I do not want to sound harsh, mate...but I have to say this.

There are reasons why they are illegal in California and other states and that's because they can survive in the conditions of that state without captivity.

If two opposing gendered sugar gliders got out and lost in your state, this would create a devastating problem for California's natural ecosystem.

Now, yeah it would be cool to have sugar gliders climbing about and as common as a squirrel but the case would be sever and chances are, sugar gliders would not carry the friendly characteristics they do in captivity.

They are very versatile as they can glide and move fast which would make for a great predator on nearly extinct beetles in California and damage California fruitstock such as Oranges and what-not.

I would hate to see Sugar Gliders become a threat and not a pleasure. I suggest if you do get a pair, keep an eye on them and do not let them get escape.

I would suggest moving, but that is just a terrible thing to do for a pair of pets. I would do it, but that doesn't mean you would.

Just think about this...a lot of good points have been proven in this thread and I know for a fact what they do to Sugar Gliders in California that are taken away from their owners due to illegal possession...they put them down. They kill them.

I kid you, not.

California of all states these critters are illegal is the suitable for them to live and flourish, that is why they take these precautions. Harsh, but equally harsh to all the animal that in which would die as they are not as fit as a glider to get the food that the gliders would if they became a natural population.

Think carefully. Sugar gliders are wonderful companions but do you really want to endanger them?

[lalapine]

I'm in the northern Bay Area, and I have two adult male gliders that are a bit crabby. They need someone who has time to give them lots of attention. I feel bad because between work and school, I just haven't been able to make that extra effort. And with 2 cats, and too many potential hiding places, I'm afraid to let them out of their cage. I paid $350 for them a year ago, and have since added a lot of goodies for them. So I'm looking for about that price but am willing to negotiate to the right home. Please e-mail me if interested and tell me why you want gliders and what experience/knowledge you have. Thanks! lalapine@aol.com

[Jennie]

No reputable breeder will sell you a glider knowing that you live in an illegal state, sorry to burst your bubble. Maybe you should find another pet or wait till you move to a state where they are legal. If you get caught they will be put to sleep. And that risk should make you change your mind. For the good of any glider that may happen to be for sale, DONT DO IT.

[dzikonski]

For one thing Gerbils are illegal in california and people sell and own them in california there is no reason why they are illegal i have been researching it for a while now and they give no explenation. About the vet issue vets do not need to report an illegal animal and they can treat the animal without putting their license in danger you would just have to talk to a small animal vet before purchasing to make sure you do have a vet that has experience and will treat your little buddy hopefully we will soon be able to legalize owning sugar gliders gerbils and ferrets but right now they are illegal but usually when they are found they are sent to an animal reserve that is what i have found in my research.

[Chocolatekisses]

Hey, as long as you know your rights and you envoke them shortly after your sugar glider is taken, you can have them transported outside of the state. California has a lot of animals on their banned list and for no proven reason. Basically almost nothing is allowed outside of cats, dogs, birds, reptiles, rodents, and potbellied pigs. Plus, depending on the county certain reptiles or potbellied pigs may not be allowed. I use to have a sugar gilder in california that a purchased from a local breeder (south california) but I can't refer him because he turned out to be a sleazeball and he sold the sugar glider way too young. My room mate bonded with the ferret as well and when she moved out of state I just let her take him with her. But good luck to you stellar on your search.

[esty7]

I have received rescued gliders that were confiscated in CA by the local authorities. By the time I get them they are usually (but not always) in bad health. They are ALL stressed, it is hard on these poor babies.
Many do not make it to me, many are probably (though I can't say for a fact) put to sleep.

I understand your desire to own a sugar glider, they are wonderful little creatures.

If you want to do something productive FOR THE GLIDERS contact your local Senate and Mayor, ask what YOU can do to change the laws.

I know there are several petitions online, do a Google search for them and sign them.

Until the laws change please focus your desire on helping to change that law, it does work, perfect example...
Veterinaries can not treat exotics without being required to report them, that is a BIG step in the right direction.

Good Luck!!!!
If you ever move out of CA contact me, I will help you find a good breeder or a sweet rescue to add to your family.

[esty7]

By the way, the reason for animals such as gerbils, sugar gliders, and ferrets being illegal is because they could easily over populate, carry disease, and cause great havoc if let lose in CA, the climate, mass population, and city sewer system is a prime breeding ground.
I asked the local game warden and project wildlife, both gave the same reasoning.

[Chocolatekisses]

LOL...esty, California has one of the largest populations of ferret owners in the nation and I've never seen one walking down the street before. lol...but for real studies estimate that california (which has the largest population of people in the nation) also boost the most ferrets, do to the overwhelming amount of illegal owners. And there hasn't been a group of feral ferrets in the U.S EVER and that fact is listed in Ferret for Dummies and all over the web.

Besides, most pet ferrets are on a diet of kibble. Once they imprint on that as food as a kit, they won't recongize something such as a mouse as food. A lot of runaway ferrets are simply killed in the wild. Since they are so domesticated. The fact is most ferrets are neutered and descented prior to arriving at pet stores. So it's mostly impossible that a feral group of ferrets would survive in California or anywhere in the us. Besides, their cousins that live in the U.S. didn't populate California. They lived in prarie Dog terrorities since they were their main source of food and prarie dogs are NOT in California. So if that was a reasonable excuse for not allowing ferrets than most of the states in the midwest would have the same law. Oboviously ferrets would be able to survive in the same states their relatives could survive, right? Most of the reasons fish and game list as ferrets being illegal are simply not true and many studies support that fact. Just search the web for all of the misinformation they list as banning these animals.

I don't know about sugar gliders, but there is a bill out now to allow ferrets. It has a very good chance of getting past since the last bill in Nov made it through to the Gov who veto'd it. He didn't like some of the riders associated with the bill, but this new one doesn't include any of them.

[esty7]

I don't agree with the law, at all, I think it is ridiculous as well. I just feel for the gliders caught in the middle.
I am hoping the law changes and soon.
I agree with what you say about the ferrets and diet, gliders would be the same, I believe.

[kitten323]

Also ferrets dont do well in hot/humid climates. So they would most likely die due to dehydration as well as starvation.

[Chocolatekisses]

You got that right Kitten. Hey I forgot all about that. There's no way they could survive here. They're really not comfortable after 80 degrees and it's very common in the summer when it reaches 90+. California isn't that humid, but still...I really doubt a ferret would last outside of air conditioning in the month of August.

[esty7]

Same goes for a sugar glider, too hot, too dry.

[Chocolatekisses]

Well, it really shows that the reasons the game warden advised you off (not to mention all of fish and game) really don't apply. There's no truth to them which is why many groups are working to get these laws overturned.

[AndyP]

Twitch is an adorable little guy we've had for a couple of years. He belongs to my son, Dan, who is at college in Chico. He's coming home for the summer and won't be able to take care of Twitch in his new place.

Anybody want a cute and well behaved neutered male? He's a sweetheart. We lost his buddy last year, but Twitch is doing very well.

[sugarglidermom]

I am looking to sell my two males. They are 7 months old. I am in Central California. Let me know if you are interested.

[WestCoastGlidn]

If you are still looking, I have babies available, but they're in So. Cal

[Aoli]

I too am looking for Sugar Gliders joeys in SoCal. I really don't want to do the drive to Vegas "thing."

Odd thing is all the ppl that say they have them, don't allow private msg... so PM me...thanks.

[Susan51]

[QUOTE=AndyP]Twitch is an adorable little guy we've had for a couple of years. He belongs to my son, Dan, who is at college in Chico. He's coming home for the summer and won't be able to take care of Twitch in his new place.

Anybody want a cute and well behaved neutered male? He's a sweetheart. We lost his buddy last year, but Twitch is doing very well.[/QUOTE


Hi if you havent found a home for Twitch i live in Merced and would love to have him.We have 4 so he would have friends....thankyou
Susan

[GlidinBy]

I doubt they are still available, as that was posted over a year ago.

[horsbirdchiwawa]

Anybody have sugargliders still?

[karmabum]

Hey,

I'm sorry to have to say this, but - with my husband and I both working full time now - we simply don't have the time or energy to devote to our gliders any more, and we can't keep the hours they need, being nocturnal and all.

We're living in Southern California, which admittedly makes finding new homes for them difficult.

They are both females, about 2 years OOP, and very pleasant. They have not been handled as much as they should have been for the past couple of months, but prior to that were handled regularly and were very pleasant. They are bonded to each other very strongly, so I am not willing to separate them.

They have a large cage and toys that would go with them. One is a dark gray / black female (Marranyin, aka Mara), and the other is a cinnamon / red female (Marrinyin, aka Mary).

We live in the Lancaster/Palmdale area, so - if you are interested in adopting these two and live within driving distance - please feel free to contact me. If you live more than 90miles away and are willing to travel to them, we will let them go with no charge. If you live locally, we're asking $100 for the whole set-up - the cage, the pair of gliders, and all their toys (just so we can be sure someone who takes them will at least WANT them and be prepared to look after them).

You can get in touch with me at karmabummer @ gmail . com (remove the spaces, obviously).

Thank you.

[squealingkiddos]

Hey,

I'm sorry to have to say this, but - with my husband and I both working full time now - we simply don't have the time or energy to devote to our gliders any more, and we can't keep the hours they need, being nocturnal and all.

We're living in Southern California, which admittedly makes finding new homes for them difficult.

They are both females, about 2 years OOP, and very pleasant. They have not been handled as much as they should have been for the past couple of months, but prior to that were handled regularly and were very pleasant. They are bonded to each other very strongly, so I am not willing to separate them.

They have a large cage and toys that would go with them. One is a dark gray / black female (Marranyin, aka Mara), and the other is a cinnamon / red female (Marrinyin, aka Mary).

We live in the Lancaster/Palmdale area, so - if you are interested in adopting these two and live within driving distance - please feel free to contact me. If you live more than 90miles away and are willing to travel to them, we will let them go with no charge. If you live locally, we're asking $100 for the whole set-up - the cage, the pair of gliders, and all their toys (just so we can be sure someone who takes them will at least WANT them and be prepared to look after them).

You can get in touch with me at karmabummer @ gmail . com (remove the spaces, obviously).

Thank you.


Oh- so tempting, though I live near Sacramento, but I have family in Southern Cali. But I don't think my dad cares for more animals, especially illegal ones... since we already have the cavies. ;) Very great price for them though.

[melissabigler]

i have had this conversation with cal agriculture dept they wont budge so i wouldnt move back to cali they dont allow them becuase there wildlife animals an they havent tested the effects if they did get loose as well as they dont want people to steal them from wild in austraila an ship them here.

[michago]

To own a glider in California, you need to have a wild animal permit.

[FemaleCheetah]

michago - this is from july 2004 so PLEASE dont bring up old posts! Its pointless!