I’m a first-time pet owner looking for a small pet that I can train and interact with. I like the idea of a pet that can fly around the room, and since I have enough space in the living room with my roommates, that could work well. I’m currently a vet student and doing some research on which pet would suit me best. I’m based in the UK, and I’m not sure if I need a license for either of these pets.
I’m usually out for the day for lectures and activities, but I’m active at night, which is why I thought a sugar glider might be a good fit since they are nocturnal and need socializing. On the other hand, budgies seem to be a beginner pet and don’t live as long.
Once I graduate, I’m either staying in London or working in Australia, so I’m also wondering how travel-friendly these animals are, especially when it comes to changing ownership. I’d love some tips on how to care for both of these pets and what the annual financial investment would be. Thanks!
Honestly, if you’re not sure you can commit to a pet for its entire life, it might not be the right time. Rehoming animals is difficult, and it can be especially stressful for them. Budgies, for example, get very stressed when rehomed, and sugar gliders are also hard to rehome since they’re less common in the UK. Both animals are social, so you would need to have more than one, even if you’re not home much. This makes rehoming even harder.
Both pets can be expensive, needing large cages, accessories, and specialized diets. Sugar gliders, in particular, are not easy to find in the UK, and their food can be hard to source. Vet bills are also high, as both would require exotic vets, which are not always easy to find. So, you need to consider this before making a decision.
I know you’re probably looking for a pet now, but maybe consider smaller pets like hamsters or mice. Their lifespan is shorter, so there’s less long-term commitment, and they’re easier to care for.
@Rin
I’ve thought about that too. It’s a tough decision, and I really want to make sure I do right by any pet I decide to get. Thanks for being so honest with me.
River said: @Rin
I’ve thought about that too. It’s a tough decision, and I really want to make sure I do right by any pet I decide to get. Thanks for being so honest with me.
No problem at all. I hope everything works out for you soon!
I’ve had sugar gliders for almost six years and have been breeding them for five. I’m also one of the moderators for the sugar glider group on this forum.
I’m not against owning them, but you need to think about your future schedule. Right now, as a student, your schedule is flexible, but what will it look like once you’re working full-time? What happens when you go on vacation? Sugar gliders can’t be left alone for more than two nights.
They also live for about 12-15 years, so if you’re not planning to keep them for their whole life, I wouldn’t recommend them. They get stressed with changes in their environment and even more so when they change owners. Traveling with them is difficult too; they’ll experience extreme stress during flights, especially in the cargo hold with other animals, noises, and unfamiliar smells. Plus, finding an airline that will transport them is a challenge.
In Australia, some areas require permits to own sugar gliders, and they may even be illegal in certain regions. This could make it impossible to take them with you when you travel.
As for starting out with sugar gliders in Europe, there are breeders and vendors in the UK and the EU, but I’m not sure about prices. I recommend joining the ‘Sugar Glider Groupies’ on Facebook, which has some great resources. One of the main UK breeders is a mod for that group, so you’ll find a lot of useful info there.
Sugar gliders are more clingy, so if you’re into that, it’s a good choice. They should always be kept in pairs, so that’s something to keep in mind. Budgies, on the other hand, are easier to care for, especially if you’re not home a lot. But if you’re home often and want a pet that really bonds with you, I’d highly recommend the sugar gliders. You can even get a pouch for them to hang out in while you go about your day.