I just wanted to know exactly how to take care of Sugar Gliders and/or Hedgehogs as pets? And also which one would make better pets?
2006-09-06 10:22:17 · 2 answers · asked by Matt G 2 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
I've owned hedgehogs and sugar gliders. Hedgehogs are fairly low maintenance - I recommend buying from a breeder, since they are usually more knowledgeable than pet stores. DO NOT feed these animals packaged hedgehog food, it can be unhealthy and even lethal (items can get stuck in the roof of their mouths). My breeder fed high quality cat food, since it seems to have the perfect ratios. I usually fed chicken soup for the cat lovers soul mixed with another high end food (main ingredient must me meat or poultry, not corn or meal). I sometimes cooked some chicken and fed some veggies/fruit and mealworms. I also got my housing idea from the breeder - a large tupperware bin, I can remember the exact demensions. He had a wheel, a hidey hole, water bottle and food at all times. Usually very mellow and entertaining creatures. The breeder I purchased from is www.hedgiepets.com, or research more at www.hedgehogcentral.com.
On to Sugar gliders: I currently own 4 of these guys. They are a much more involved creature, but very rewarding. They can live to be a whopping 15, as opposed to a hedgehog's 5 years. Same with hedgehogs, do not feed store bought packaged food. There are a few different diets, but I've found the BML diet to be the best for me. It is a precise recipe I make about twice a month to feed all 4 - I blend egg, honey, vitamins, baby food, yogurt and a few other things and freeze it in ice cube trays. They also get a serving of veggies and fruits every night. Gliders need ALOT more attention than hedgehogs, I try and spend a minimum of an hour a day with them, plus I wear them in a pouch for a few hours every day. They can be very bonded to their human :). For an enclosure, the more space the happier they are - I have a 260 gallon reptarium that is taller than I am, but very light and easy to clean (and inexpensive). I learned SO much from this web forum www.sugarglider.net. I would say research for at least a month before you commit to a glider since they are so involved. If you have more questions I'm happy to help, these guys are my passion :) jhessail1@yahoo.com
2006-09-06 11:35:36 · answer #1 · answered by myaddictiontofire 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I love my sugar gliders. I have two and my daughter has five. They are so adorable and fun to watch and play with.
2006-09-06 15:13:53 · answer #2 · answered by Shelia L 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋