Good kids pets?

[Marie]

Do Sugar Gliders make good pets for children? 

In my opinion no as they're high maintenance, have a 'complicated' diet (compared to filling up a hamster bowl), they can be quite scary when they crab and lunge (even to adults), they can be nippy, the bonding issue, the fact they don't have to scratch aggressively to leave scratches, then there's always the allergy thing ... when they walk on skin they leave red welts where you have sensitive skin (like on your back) and if you're not used to them.

So what do you lot think? 

[tillie]

I had someone ask me the same question the other day and to me its generally a no.  Dont get me wrong there are some kids that would be great but on the whole they are not suitable as some gliders get up really late which is no good for kids and they can live for 15 years ish which is a huge commitment.  Thats apart from what you have already said.

[Marie]

Ah yes, the nocturnal thing!

[roxyandboys]

generally i'd say no but there are always exceptions.  best small animal for kids are rats or mice, possible syrian hamsters

[Amalthea]

I always suggest a couple rats as childrens' pets.  Generally, gliders are not the right critter for a small child for all the reasons already stated, but of course, there are exceptions

[Don]

My 12 & 14 year old are very good with the Gliders, they help me take care of them and are always asking questions, they've braved the bonding, the "fluffy Cobras" and even cope with the piddles and poops
But, they don't spend that much time with them as they're often in bed when the little guys get really lively and the real fun begins


I'd agree, generally no, there's always exceptions though.

I've had a few of their teenage friends show an interest in our Joeys, but it's all about the cute factor, generally their eyes glaze over and you know they are not taking any of the reality in nope


They just don't know what they're missing

[roxyandboys]

yeah - i think the right teenager can make good glider carers, there are always exceptions when it comes to kids and animals - i think Amalthea was dead young when she first got hers and she'd a good glider mummy.

[Amalthea]

Was 10