In Reply to: BITING posted by LYNDA on October 21, 1999 at 15:33:48:

: I have had Gizmo, our male sugarglider for a year now. We take him out of his cage every day and he still likes to nibble on your fingers. So much so that our daughter, whom we bought him for, has lost interest. Should I get him some company? Any other suggestions? I also would like to know how to control the fowl smell of his urine. Any suggestions there? Thanks...

That your daughter has lost interest because of the animals natural inclication to chew, is a real shame. Evidently, the animal has figured out that biting (or nibbling) makes the human pests leave him be. If you plan to keep Gizmo, you definitely need to get him some company, or he may just get meaner or even die of lonliness. In regard to the "foul smell" -- if it's kinda "skunky", then it's not urine, it's his anal scent gland. The secretion will be evident when he is excited, scared or marking territory. If his urine actually smells, then you need to adjust his diet. He may be getting too many vitamins.

Best Wishes, TammyH

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