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In our wonderful world of Exotic Pets and Supplies we understand that each and every customer has individual needs. That is why we will gladly advise you on any queries you have no matter how big or small. With our down to earth services you will soon be ready to make your own decisions without hesitation and without worry for your exotic pet..



About Us:

Although Shropshire Exotics officially opened on 14th June 2005, we had been caring for a number of unusual and exotic pets and animals in our personal time long before, and felt that establishing premises was naturally the next step. With our growing reputation we are now happy to bring our services online so we can share our knowledge and advice with more people in a convenient way, as well as providing high quality products and services for your exotic pet needs, such as a wide range of imported sugar glider supplies.

Through the years we have come in to contact with many people and establishments with whom we work very closely... The Rare Species Conservation Centre and Gentleshaws bird of prey hospital to name but a few.

We hope it brings comfort to all animal lovers knowing that reputed advice and high quality products and services are close at hand, please feel free to contact us for further queries,

Sincerely,

Marie and Rich



How to find us

8-10 Salters Court, Lower Bar, Newport, Shropshire, TF10 7BE



Directions from M54, Junction 3

Leave the M54 at junction 3 (signposted Wolverhampton West), then at roundabout take the 3rd exit onto Newport Road - A41 (signposted Whitchurch)

Continue forward onto the A41. Entering Tong

At roundabout take the 2nd exit onto the A41 (signposted Whitchurch)

Continue forward onto the A41. Entering Weston Heath

At roundabout take the 1st exit onto the A518 (signposted Telford)

At roundabout take the 3rd exit (signposted Newport)

Continue forward. Entering Newport

Continue forward onto Station Road

Bear right onto Upper Bar

Continue forward onto High Street

At roundabout take the 1st exit onto High Street (signposted Eccleshall, Whitchuch, Shrewsbury)

Continue forward onto Lower Bar for a short way.

Sugar Gliders (Petaurus breviceps).







So you want a Sugar Glider?


You’ve seen pictures of them or your friend has one and your first reaction would be “That is so cute, I want one!!” Well let me just correct you there, one glider will become very unhappy and may start to overgroom or in severe cases self mutilate, you cannot offer one glider the kind of company it really needs.

You’ve read how Gliders make wonderful, friendly, even affectionate pets, but have you read the other threads referring to them as ‘fluffy cobra’s’, have you read how these cute little animals that weigh no more than 150g strike fear into the hearts of full grown men?? Are you still going to want to love and look after an animal that crabs and lunges at you all teeth and claws when you peep into their nest box or pouch?


Housing


Gliders need a large cage, at least 4ft high by 2ft width by 2ft depth - that is the minimum requirement! They need plenty of enrichment and exercise, toys and a Wodent Wheel. For two gliders, two sleeping quarters should be available. They need to be kept between 18-30 degrees celcius and out of draughts.

Many people let their gliders play out of the cage, but to do this you have to be 100% sure they cannot escape, bearing in mind they can squeeze through a 1 inch square gap. How do you plan on getting a fluffy cobra back into the cage after playtime? They’ll urinate and poop anywhere, they’re not fussy, this includes on you, on electrical equipment and on your bed or sofa. They have no control over this so if you’re not poop tolerant don’t even consider this as the ideal pet for you!!!


Diet


Sugar Gliders are exotic pets and they need an exotic diet. Diet is a much debated topic often causing heated arguments between friends and strangers alike. One thing you will notice is that the UK and the US will give you VERY different recommendations. Whilst in the US they feed a Leadbeaters modification, in the UK many people have tried and dismissed this as a suitable diet. But they’re your gliders, so it’s your decision, just bear in mind make the wrong decision and your glider’s health is at risk!!

A healthy diet should contain:
Various fruits (and veg if your gliders will eat them)
A protein source
A calcium source
A staple diet

The supplementation and enrichment part of the diet should contain nectar drinks, bee pollen and acacia gum as well as a general all round vitamin powder.


To breed or not to breed?


Gliders are not an easy way to make fast money! The diet is complicated and they are sensitive animals. A change in the environment (amongst other things) can cause a pregnant mother to reject, kill and/or cannibalise her young. It’s not pleasant finding a little half eaten body that has been thrown out of the nest. But what would you do if the youngster was still alive? Would you have the time and energy to hand rear a joey, bearing in mind a new out of pouch joey needs feeding every 2 hours, and the first few feeds can take upto an hour?

How would you find good homes for the young or would you just put them in an unregulated classified section?

Would you have time to handle the young every night - even when mum and dad are very protective of their baby? Handling is very important to ensure the joey will grow up to be a good pet and not a fluffy cobra!

Responsible people will have either a same sex pair or have their male neutered.


General Health


The main problem we see with gliders is a condition called Hind Leg Paralysis, it is caused mainly by calcium deficiency. It’s very nasty, and if not caught soon enough can be fatal.

Other problems in gliders include, pneumonia, urinary tract infections and blockages, tooth abssess (NOT Lumpy Jaw), and constipation.


THIS IS NOT A CARESHEET, PLEASE READ THE GLIDER PAGES IN THEIR ENTIRITY FOR A BASIC CARE GUIDE.