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Subject: To Tanis - biting
Posted by Tiffany on August 21, 1998 at 23:31:58:

Hi! I was afraid you might not see my message down below the other posts. Be sure to read Bourbon's advice - also W responded to you but it's down under a survey post, at least on my computer. If your babies aren't crabbing at you, I think maybe they are teething (like someone else said) or wanting a snack. I know other people may feel differently, but I don't like the idea of tapping your glider on the nose or thwacking it. To me, that seems cruel. Also, the breeder I got E from said NEVER put her head under water. Gliders don't know to hold thier breath, and they can aspirate water, get pneumonia and die! If you use gloves, they will not get used to you holding them - it will block your scent. Also, they will think its okay to bite you. Try not pulling away and giving treats - I think this will stop when their teeth/jaws are fully formed and you are bonded. Eos did this to me a lot at first, but she never bites now (even when I cut her nails and she's really mad) I never punished her - I just kept holding my finger near her when she bit so she knew it wouldn't work. Also, you might try some of the bonding advice in the archives to speed the relationship - Also, check under links on this site and go to Outback Pets - there is a great page on bonding that talks about biting. It has worked for everyone I know...
Good luck! Hope some of my rambling helped.
Tiffany

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