10/08/2025
Tidbit Tuesday 🧠 Why You Should Never Buy Sugar Gliders (or Any Pets) from Fairs, Flea Markets, or Pet Stores 🛑
Seeing sugar gliders at a fair, flea market, or pet store might look exciting, but what’s behind the curtain is heartbreaking. Most of these gliders come from mass breeders or companies that buy from random breeders across the country with no care for who they are, what their practices look like, or whether the gliders are sick or in**ed.
If the sellers are breeding themselves, it’s usually in mill breeding environments where gliders are overbred, poorly housed, and given minimal care before being sold to whoever will pay. These gliders are rarely vet checked, are often crammed together spreading illness, and are sold to unsuspecting families who sometimes watch them pass away within days. It’s devastating for everyone involved.
🚫 No vet care – Illnesses and parasites go untreated.
🚫 Terrible husbandry – Poor diets, filthy cages, and overcrowding are the norm.
🚫 No support or education – Once your money is handed over, the seller disappears.
🚫 False information – In some cases, the “education” they provide is completely wrong and designed to serve their own agenda, not the gliders’ wellbeing.
This isn’t to take away from ethical breeders, who do things very differently. Ethical breeders typically sell online or at trade shows, not at fairs, flea markets, or pet stores. They won’t let you leave that day with a sugar glider. Instead, they’ll share proper information, discuss care requirements, and schedule a later date to ensure you’re truly prepared and the joey is a good fit.
That said, use caution when shopping online or at trade shows. Although these are places where ethical breeders operate, they are also used by backyard breeders, flippers, and other unethical sellers. Always ask questions, do your research, and verify who you’re dealing with before bringing any animal home.
People who sell without ethics don’t care who their gliders go to. They’ll happily sell just one and convince you that gliders are fine living alone, which couldn’t be further from the truth. Ethical breeders will only sell a single glider if it’s going to be introduced to others in its new home, because they understand how deeply social these animals are.
Another clear sign that someone shouldn’t be selling sugar gliders is if they use or encourage the use of leashes or harnesses. These are extremely unsafe and can easily cause injury or even death. No reputable breeder or rescue would ever recommend them.
If you think the business you’re considering might be an exception and a legitimate place to purchase gliders, reach out to us. We can help you determine if that’s truly the case. We can also connect you with ethical breeders around the country if you’re specifically interested in joeys rather than adopting from a rescue.
If you come across someone selling sugar gliders at one of these places, take a moment to ask questions, not just for yourself but for the crowd around you. See where the seller’s head is at. Ask questions that any responsible breeder or rescue should easily be able to answer, such as:
• “Do sugar gliders do well living alone?”
→ Gliders do not do well living alone. They are colony animals who rely on companionship. Anyone who allows you to take a lone glider without confirmation that he or she will live with others is not someone you should give your money to.
• “What diet are they currently being fed?”
→ If they suggest something like sprinkling vitamins on an apple and giving some kibble, they’re trying to convince you gliders are “easy.” That kind of diet is dangerous. Ask us about healthy, balanced diets that support their long-term health.
• “How do you regulate their temperature?”
→ If they mention a heating rock or lamp, you already know they don’t know what they’re talking about.
• “What kind of wheels do you recommend?”
→ If it’s not a Raptor or Free Runner, it’s not safe.
• “Do sugar gliders get along with other household pets?”
→ Gliders should never be introduced to any other animals. Anyone suggesting otherwise is someone you should walk away from.
• “Do gliders stink?”
→ Intact males can have a strong scent, and unhealthy gliders can smell too. With proper husbandry, diet, and cage care, the smell is manageable, but it’s inaccurate to say they don’t smell at all. Anyone claiming they have no odor isn’t being truthful.
• “Do gliders bite?”
→ Of course they do — and hard, if they want to. They have teeth, after all. Anyone who downplays this is being deceptive or doesn’t have the experience they claim. Biting is often based on fear or misunderstanding, and with time, trust, and patience, most gliders calm down. But it’s important to go in with realistic expectations.
If the person can’t give proper answers, use the opportunity to educate calmly. Speak to the crowd rather than arguing with the seller. The calmer you are, the more seriously people will take you. You might be the reason someone walks away and chooses not to support an unethical operation.
Before buying any pet, make sure to do your research. It should never be an impulsive decision, especially when it comes to sugar gliders who live for 12–15 years. If you’re unsure, we offer foster to adopt opportunities so you can learn what’s involved before making a long term commitment.
If you want to learn more about sugar gliders and responsible ownership, here are a few trusted educational resources to get you started:
📘 Sugar Gliders Groupies on Facebook — a welcoming community full of knowledgeable owners and accurate guidance.
📺 Sugar Glider Diaries on YouTube — honest, experience-based care videos and tutorials: https://youtube.com/?si=giCn62BaUWhYuqzQ
🌐 Glider Nursery (www.glidernursery.com) — reliable information, care guides, and resources for both new and experienced owners.
💬 As always, you can contact us directly through our Facebook or website at www.sugarhavenrescue.org — we’re happy to answer any questions you have.
Just remember, if there’s ever a question you have about anything sugar glider related, we’re always happy to help. We don’t need you to adopt our gliders. What we need are good owners who are properly caring for their own, so we aren’t constantly inundated with surrender requests.
Please choose compassion over convenience. Support rescues and ethical breeders who put the gliders’ wellbeing first. 💡 Education and ethics save lives
