Why does everybody think that sugar gliders are flying squirrels?

[boots]

I do not own one, and I have never owned one. But sugar glider owners have to be the most pompous pet owners I have ever come across. Now, This is a generalization, and I dont know any personally. But since I have begun reasearching sugargliders, and looking to obtain one, the people that I have been in contact with have all acted like if you have never owned a sugar glider, you shouldnt get one, you probably cant handle it.... they are just too hard to take care of.
Granted, i am of the school that if you do not know what your getting into, you should take baby steps. Research it, talk to people that do it, and make an educated decision. Which leads me to my point I know that not every one here thinks that sugar gliders are flying squirrels. Because anyone who has done there research would know that they are actually a flying opossum. But the title of the sugar glider forum says "I'm a flying squirrel..Yay " or yipee, or somthing like that. Why?
I guess I am just bitter because a person that could "no longer take care of" her sugar glider, refused to sell it to me because i had no previous experience with them. Even though I explained to her that I had done all of the necessary research, my vet is experienced with sugargliders, and I have several other exotic animals. Still nothing. So whats probably going to happen is she is going to sell it to some one who killed their suggie by not caring for it properly, or sell it to someone who lies about having owned one before. I am ranting I know and if you find yourself offended by anything that i said then chances are people like you are who this was directed to. I am sure this is not a proper way to introduce myself, nor is it a good first impression. And I do not intend to come off as if I think that I know everything there is to know about sugar gliders. But I am confident that I have done suffecient research to know that I could handle the responsability of owning one. Hello, I am Boots. :)

[GliderBlowout]

Most gliders needing to be rehomed have not been handled in awhile, if ever and also will most likely need lots of medical treatment. This is why most would like glider experienced homes, as mean gliders are not well sutied for new owners and 99.99% of the time end up being rehomed yet again because the new owner is not ready for a mean glider and ALL the work it entails.

[m0usey]

Wow boots I must say that even though I guess it hasn't struck me as strongly as it has struck you, I realize that I have thought the exact same things you have.

But GliderBlowout has a point too. Scan the Glider Forums. More than 3/4 of the posts are people who need to rehome their gliders...'personal reasons' is one I've seen a lot. More likely it is that they weren't prepared. But I do agree that if you feel you're prepared, have enough time and money, and are completely ready, go for it :).

No one should be judged just because they haven't tried something before. I hate it when people say "Well this isn't a good pet for people who haven't owned them before." My immediate reaction is usually, "And may I ask, how did you get started owning them?" If you haven't owned them before, that's no reason not to try...or else the species will die out because no one who hasn't had one before is allowed to own one apparently! I've seen that attitude with a few different pets...

[HandcuffedAngel]

I plan to own gliders but I'm not rescuing my first ones because I don't think I'd be ready.

[m0usey]

I'll hopefully be rescuing my first hedgehog...rescue doesn't mean anything more than it doesn't have a home anymore :). Not all rescues were abused or have special needs.

[HandcuffedAngel]

Perhaps ... but gliders are a lot different than most every other pet.

[m0usey]

They are different in many many ways, but I still think that most gliders available aren't abused or anything...not even treated very badly...I'd say mostly just not well interacted with and stuff because people don't realize the commitment.

Don't mean to turn this into a big argument of course...after all I am no expert on gliders :p .

[HandcuffedAngel]

I'm not arguing. But a lot of these people do love their gliders and are very attached because a lot of time and money are invested into these animals.

I don't think the O.P. would be a bad glider mother to a rescue at all, but they're super picky about who they sell/give their gliders to. A lot of breeders make potential buyers take advanced tests on glider care. I had to take one once.

So I'm not surprised this person was anal over who took the gliders. I'm not saying it was right, I'm just saying why that was.

If she really wants gliders, a licensed breeder will be happy to sell her some, I'm sure.

[2SugaKids]

When I bought Starr and Apollo I was asked 120 questions all about them.

[GliderBlowout]

Also, people looking to rehome their gliders are having to be pickier and stricter and even charge adoption fees because there are unethical people around who are getting these free or inexpensive gliders just to breed them, or turn around and sell them at a VERY high profit. For instnace, I am rehoming my gliders because I have a terminal illness. (we wont go into that right now) For my babies, depending on color and age, I ask $100 and up and it includes everything I have for them. You also must have gliders for a while or pass my glider knowledge test and sign an agreement that they are not to be used for breeding (the older ones) and if you must give them up, I have first choice who they go to.

[boots]

...I know that not every one here thinks that sugar gliders are flying squirrels. Because anyone who has done there research would know that they are actually a flying opossum. But the title of the sugar glider forum says "I'm a flying squirrel..Yay " or yipee, or somthing like that. Why?...
???????????

[m0usey]

I dunno...probably that's all they could think of. Maybe they didn't know it wasn't a flying squirrel. Or maybe they were just going off the fact that most people think they're flying squirrels.

[michago]

i think its wrong for people not to sell to expierienced owners. I've got two sugar gliders for sale right now that i'd sell to anyone that i think would make a good owner.

[HandcuffedAngel]

A woman is selling to me and she knows I have never owned gliders before. Of course, she also knows I have been doing extensive research, she knows what site I got all my information from, she knows which diet I'll be feeding them and she knows which vet clinic I'll be taking them to. ^_^

They need to understand that you know what you're talking about. Of course, some people are just anal. I saw an ad up for suggies yesterday that said if you have never owned gliders before to not ask that person to sell to you because they wouldn't, which I think is rude and judgemental.

[2SugaKids]

Some gliders do need experianced owners because of special needs or are just difficult. I think that joeys would be the best for first time owners so that you can shape them into the perfect glider for you. My 2 were 8 months old when i got them. (not joeys) My Starr is definatly a lot to handle since she preferrs men. My Apollo is a sweetheart.

[HandcuffedAngel]

Some gliders do need experianced owners because of special needs or are just difficult. I think that joeys would be the best for first time owners so that you can shape them into the perfect glider for you. My 2 were 8 months old when i got them. (not joeys) My Starr is definatly a lot to handle since she preferrs men. My Apollo is a sweetheart.

Right, but if nothing about special needs is spoken of in the ad or by the seller then what are you supposed to assume?

I'm glad I'm getting older girls because they are already bonded and are very people-friendly which I'm quite happy about. I'm excited to get them.

[2SugaKids]

My Starr and Apollo i dont think was around different knid of people at all. I dont think they were handled much either. More like let out to run and then back in the cage. (not much handling) Starr like i said is my extremely difficult one. I cant cut her nails even with mealies and shes worse pregnant! She'll bite the crap out of me if i try to hold her still. Shes a little better for my bf though.
But yeah like you said... I dont know. Thats just weird!

[2SugaKids]

BTW... thats Starr in my avitar!