Message:

Subject: Re: Curious
Posted by Terry on October 29, 1997 at 15:15:56:

In Reply to: Curious posted by melissa on October 26, 1997 at 04:11:52:

: I bought a male glider a year ago and spent at least 2 hrs.
: every late night playing with him. This summer, I thought
: it would be healthier for the both of us if I bought
: another glider for company. However, I did not want to end
: up with a breeding pair, esp. without a license. So after
: several calls, I was discouraged to buy another male (I was
: told me two males may kill one another). Therefore, a
: female was my only choice. I have called every vet in town
: trying to get my male nuetered, and no one performs them.
: Now I am faced with several questions, please help if you
: can. Do you know any information on nuetering gliders, is
: it harmful, has it been done, etc? How many babies per
: year do gliders produce? Should female gliders be placed
: on special diets while prenant? At what age can the babies
: be handled by humans? What age is best to give babies
: away? Any information would be greatly appriciated.
: Thanks

Gliders are so much more like people than any animal I have come across. They naturally live in groups. A male glider can and will get used to another male glider and will eventually enjoy the company over being alone. You just must approach it with caution. Best thing is to get them used to each other from different cages or a cage seperated in half by mesh. That way they can get used to each other's smells and presence and will not attack when put together. It is also good to swap their nesting places without cleaning so they will be forced to get used to each others scent.
I do not know anything about neutering males as of yet.
AS far as babies, I have found that as soon as the baby sticks his head out of the pouch, it can be handled. That is based on a good relationship between me and the mother however. I could see where the mother might hate humans and would not want her baby back, but I also dont see it happening in reality. Gliders are 'little humans' and they miss their babies and want them back. My female almost seemed to enjoy when I took the baby from her for periods. She could take a break and do her own thing. As soon as I put the baby back into the nest or on her back, she would take it to the nest and make sure it was ok and keep on going...
I have heard of people giving babies away too early. I would say wait as long as possible and make sure that the baby is visually eating what the parents eat and is drinking and not in need of momma. The stress of a new environment for a young glider could set it back to looking for momma for food, and then it could die.

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