Hello, possums! The new pet that's simply flying off the shelves

Sugar gliders, you see, like to spread their wings, if you can call them that.

A species of possum native to Australia and New Guinea, they have a stretchy membrane across their backs that lets them launch themselves and glide for up to 200ft.

Winging ways: A sugar glider takes a leap from the top of a household plant

And they are flying off the pet shop shelves. With soft brown eyes, fluffy fur and their amusing acrobatics, they are seen as ideal pets.

But breeder Sian Bailey, from Southern Sugar Gliders in Southampton, is worried that some owners might not know what they are in for.

'They are very cute, however they do require a lot of care and attention – far more than a cat or dog,' she said.

Leap of faith: Sian Bailey with her sugar glider

Owners should start out carrying their pet around their neck in a makeshift pouch to 'bond' with it, she said.

Gliders eat fruit, vegetables and leadbeaters – a mix of warm water, honey, boiled eggs, baby cereal and vitamin supplements, and can live up to ten years in captivity.

'Sugar gliders need to be kept in a large cage similar to an aviary filled with tubes and places to hide,' said Miss Bailey.

'They are nocturnal creatures so I let mine out every night for a few hours so they can glide.'

Sweet: A mother sugar glider and her baby

Bonding: A baby clutches Sian's thumb