I’m thinking about getting a small, furry exotic pet, like a sugar glider. I want something that’s legal in the US and easy to take care of. I’m looking for a pet I can love and give proper care to.
What pets have you had before? Do you have vets around who can care for exotic pets? It’s a good idea to have at least $1,000 saved for emergency vet care, especially for exotic animals. Some pets can be super expensive to care for, and the worst thing that can happen is getting an exotic pet and realizing there’s no vet nearby who knows how to treat them.
You also need to think about where you live and whether you can get the proper food for your pet. Some exotic animals need food that’s hard to find at pet stores.
It’s also important to think about your other pets. Some exotic animals don’t get along with dogs or cats, and they can get stressed out.
Lastly, keep in mind that some animals need a certain temperature or humidity level, and you’ll need a special space to keep them comfortable. I’m not trying to scare you away, but these are things to think about when getting an exotic pet.
Adding on to that, sugar gliders can make great pets but they need very specific care.
I’d suggest you join Sugar Glider Groupies on Facebook. It’s one of the best groups for information on how to care for them.
I’ve had gliders for almost 5 years, and while they can be amazing pets, they can also be a handful if not cared for properly. Finding a vet who knows how to treat them is a big challenge, and the vet bills can add up. I’ve had to travel hours to get a proper diagnosis for mine.
Sugar gliders need to live in pairs, and without another glider, they can become depressed and even stop eating. Their cage needs to be big and safe for them, which can be hard to find at regular stores.
Their diet is also very specialized. You can’t just feed them fruits and vegetables. They need a specific diet that’s been tested to ensure they stay healthy.
They live a long time, up to 15-18 years, so it’s a big commitment. If you can care for them properly, they are wonderful pets, but if not, they can be a nightmare.
I’ve had hermit crabs and cats, but that’s about it.
The other commenter made some great points about the challenges of exotic pets. But here are some animal suggestions.
Degus and chinchillas are great choices. They’re easy to find, inexpensive, and easy to care for. As rodents, it’s also easy to find vets who are comfortable treating them. These animals are perfect for someone who wants an exotic pet but doesn’t want a huge commitment.
They are a bit less cuddly than sugar gliders, but they are still enjoyable to have around. If you’re looking for something more affectionate, ferrets or prairie dogs might be good options. Just do your research, as both need special care. Prairie dogs need to be socialized from a young age, and ferrets have some unique health concerns.
Ferrets are definitely social animals and should be kept in pairs. If you can’t spend a lot of time with them, it’s best to have two. Otherwise, they’ll get depressed and might develop behavioral issues.
That’s true, most mammals are social. Ferrets are great because they love company, which makes them great pets.
If you can’t spend most of your day with your ferret, I strongly recommend getting two. Otherwise, they’ll get really lonely and might show signs of depression or act out.
The Beast Master had 2 ferrets!
I’ve had sugar gliders, and while they are great, they need a lot of attention. They eat dry food, protein, fruit, nectar, and need water. You must keep at least two gliders. I had mine in a big birdcage, but one of my female gliders kept escaping. We had to add extra chicken wire because her head was small enough to squeeze out.
They played all night and then I would play with them for a couple of hours. If you don’t want something that requires so much care, hedgehogs might be a better option.
Check your state laws first. I have a woodchuck, and my son has a chinchilla.