Message:

Subject: Re: New Sugar Gliders
Posted by Diana on August 19, 1998 at 23:29:49:

In Reply to: New Sugar Gliders posted by Breanna on August 19, 1998 at 19:20:16:

: Hi
: I'm going to get my first pair of Sugar Gliders one is an 8 week old boy and a 12 week old girl sugar glider. I am still in school and I was wondering if it's ok for them to be alone from 7:45 to 3:00. I have done alot of research and I know how to take care of them. I just wanted to know if they wake up while I'm gone that they'll be OK. Also, the place where I'm getting them is an hour away how should I transport them?

: Breanna

Breanna, yours are anything like mine they will sleep a lot at first. I take it that you mean 7:45 am to 3:00 pm. The usual school hours. They should be totally zonked out until around between 7pm and 9pm. Mine only woke up to go out of their sleeping bag to do business, then crawl back in for another snooze. Also, if you only live an hour away from the breeder, I'd suggest that you go get them your-self. It'd would cut down the stress these guys will go through. Just make sure that you have something to take them home in that they can't escape from with breathing holes. It would be a good start to the bonding procces if you put in it a piece of cloth (like polar fleece washed) that you had worn for a few hours. Put the container in the cage with them, without the lid. Make sure there is fresh water ( I use bottled but that's me) and some chow. I'd cover the cage also to make them feel more secure. Resist the urge to play with them for a bit. When they are awake, let them smell your fingers through the cage if they respond well, go ahead and put your hand in, maybe with a treat. If they get frightened, back off and let them be for a bit. It's a scary thing to be taken from the home you know and have a big person try to cuddle them. Trust me I know how much you'll want to hold them and play with them but be patient. Let them tell you when to move a baby step closer. Your bond will be stronger if they trust you. Atleast this is what others have said and it worked for me. Griz was very unhappy when I first got him but my patience has been rewarded and he loves me and runs to me for protection not away from me. I know tis is long, put it down to caring about gliders and their new parents. Glider love and nibbles, Diana

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