In Reply to: New mom needs advice posted by Arianna on March 22, 1999 at 11:35:58:

: First I would like to say hello to everyone.
Welcome :-)

I just bought my first SG 3 days ago. She is 6 months. Is that too old?
**Nah, it just might take a little longer to establish a tight bond

She was great with the pet store owner and seems sociable.
**This is a good thing, so you know she's not a little snot normally ;-)

I carry her around in a pouch in my shirt all day.
**Excellent call. This will allow her to become familiar with you much faster.

As soon as I put my hand in the cage to pet her, she runs up my arm and tries to excape.
** It happens. Daytime is bonding time, Nighttime is play time, and that means ESCAPE from your people and do your own thing.

Last night she jumped off me, onto the bed, and hid under there for 4 hours. Is this normal?
** Dont worry too much. This is pretty normal behavior, she's just real curious about her new home, and scared.

I was so scared! When I finally lured her out she just wanted to sleep.
** They are so unpredictable (and seemingly supersonic fast)at first, and that is pretty scary for new owners. You will become accustomed to her eccentricities as time goes on, and will better know what to expect, as well as how to handle it. At least you got her back and she trusted you enough to go to sleep

She doesn't seem to have any interest in staying on me or getting attention until time for bed.
** As it should be. Again remember Daytime is for bonding, NIghttime is for play.

Should I let her out again?
**Absolutely, only try to pick some place where she cant hide out of your reach. Like a bathroom (remember to be sure the toilet lid is closed, close the drains, and stuff something under the door(s))Keep a close eye on her and if you'll place towels strategically, she'll have safe places to climb, jump and hide.

Also, she likes to bite...hard. Any chance she get. I am beginning to feel a little discouraged. Is there any way to correct this behavior?
** Hang in there girl. If you let her know biting is a way to get you to leave her alone, she'll never stop. Just take it no matter how much it hurts. I PROMISE she'll stop eventually. Although, when she's not biting you, bribing her shamelessly (for a little while) wouldnt hurt. Then she will begin to associate your hands with good things.

DONOT EVER use your hands to punish her. Blow at her, distract her with something else, or tap her with a towel to discourage bad behavior, but dont give her any reason to asscociate your hands (or you) with something bad.

These creatures are FANTASTIC at holding a grudge, and seem to have a great memory, not to mention they are rather clever animals.

AN ANECDOTE ABOUT BITING
My oldest male used to bite as a juvenile, then quit. Now he's started again as an adult, only he draws blood & he's not kidding around. He has figured out how hard (and often) it takes to bite us before we'll leave him alone -- We only let him get away with this 3 times as an adult. Now it has became a REALLY REALLY REALLY BAD habit. But I have learned this valuable lesson in not letting your guard down in keeping their behavior in check. I still have three other little angels that I will NOT allow to realize this tactic. Live and learn.

Follow Ups:

• Re: New mom needs advice Shianne 07:39:13 3/23/99 (0)