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My son wants a sugar glider for Christmas. Do they make good house pets for teenagers?

B.B., Rexburg, Idaho

Native to Australia, Indonesia, and New Guinea, these marsupials earn their name by gliding from tree to tree in search of sweet eucalyptus sap (flaps of skin that extend from their wrists to their ankles function like parachutes). Increasingly popular as pets, the tiny critters--which weigh just five ounces when fully grown--make for good, relatively low-maintenance companions; a responsible teenager should have no trouble caring for them. Before contacting a breeder, however, check local ordinances to confirm that gliders are legal in your area. As with other nonnative species, some states and cities outlaw the pets.

If you get the green light, purchase an 18-by-24-inch cage and outfit it with climbing branches and toys for entertainment. Also make sure your son understands that these sociable creatures crave interaction and can become depressed when they don't get enough. I'd suggest buying a same-sex pair who can keep each other company. Once they bond with your child, the munchkins will be perfectly content to hang out on his shoulder or in his shirt pocket while he does homework or watches TV.

In terms of nutrition, you'll need to provide sugar-glider pellets and a vitamin-mineral supplement (available at most exotic-pet stores), as well as fresh fruits and vegetables. To learn more, visit, the Association of Sugar Glider Veterinarians' informative website, which features more than a dozen videos designed to help new owners keep these pets happy and healthy.

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