Which is a better pet, a ferret or a sugar glider?
I already have a tortoise and a Chinchilla, so I know how to care for semi-exotic animals. I've done tons of research on both, (plus many other potential pets) and was wondering which makes a better pet for a thirteen year old boy who goes to school and who sometimes has baseball/football in the evening (if my schedule affects the answer).
Sugar gliders are not good pets for children or teenagers, in my opinion.
A few reasons.
1. They're nocturnal. Some do not even wake up till after midnight, and then they're back in bed by 7am.
2. They require exotic vet care. Who would pay for the vet?
3. They are very stress prone, which can result in self mutilation. This is not all that common, but it does happen. If it does, are you prepared to handle it? Financially AND emotionally?
4. They have a long lifespan -- 15 years in captivity. What will you do when you go off to college in a few years? They will not be able to come with you, as most dorms do not allow sugar gliders (in fact, I do not know of any that do).
5. They are a commitment. At 13, you're not at a place in your life that you can make a commitment to something for 15 years.
6. They have specialized diets that need to be mixed up by you at home. Are you able to do this? The diets are not expensive, but they're not cheap either. And they're time consuming to make.
7. They make a loud, high-pitched crabbing noise when they're scared. This is the first sound that new owners often hear, and it's often terrifying. For many new owners, this can result in them simply ignoring the sugar gliders, and assuming that "they're mean!".. this is especially common in younger owners.
If you DO decide that sugar gliders are for you, remember they must be kept in pairs.
Personally -- I don't recommend it.
Glidercentral.net
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