Message:

Subject: Re: Poll:: Did you choose your glider?
Posted by Tammy H on December 23, 1998 at 09:04:40:

In Reply to: Poll:: Did you choose your glider? posted by Bourbon on December 23, 1998 at 00:04:23:

: I want to ask all people out here..a couple of questions.

: 1. Did you choose your glider or did it choose you, or did you buy it sight unseen?

We chose each other (1/98). I had never heard of a sugarglider. While browsing a pet store getting a "puppy fix"
I noticed a pulsating gray fur ball, and asked to see what kind of animal it was. The lady dumped the creature in
my hand, and I fell in LOVE. He was quiet and still, which the lady said was unusual for him. Although I put him back
after a few minutes, I could still feel him in my hand the rest of the evening. So I did a little research about this
creature, and was determined to get one, but I wanted a female. My parents wanted to see what it was I wanted so bad,
so I took them to the same pet store for a look. The only animal left, coincidentally, was the male I had first held,
and my father, upon seeing how well we got along, offered to buy him for me. After some mental deliberation (I wanted
a female, but this little guy and I really hit it off), I took my dad up on his offer.

: 2. Did you get a tight bond with your glider?

Yes, and it grows every day. He even comes to his name now.

: 3. How long was the bonding process?

About two days. But Busy went EVERYWHERE with us.

: 4. What did you go through crabbing, biting, etc..at the beginning?

The only time Busy has ever crabbed was during those first two days.
Biting, however, it a whole other story. He's always been a biter,
but, I think, only in play. He's not (until recently) intentionally
drawn blood. Busy has a female companion, and we recently acquired
another male, who Busy hates with a passion. If I handle the other
glider, and then handle Busy I loose blood. Thank Goodness for
Tetnis shots.

: 5. was any of the subsequent gliders as tight a bond as the first?

No. Belle (2nd SG)when purchased (2/98) had been mistreated by previous owners
and was to old for a strong bond. But she and Busy get along. However,
after alot TLC and patients, she now allows me and my husband to handle
her (breifly), and doesnt crab anymore (unless we surprise her).

Beau (3rd SG) was purchased (10/98) from a family that had no business having
him. They even thought he was female (which was the main reason I bought him).
He, also, has been mishandled and is too old for a strong bond. But has
now stopped crabbing, and let's us handle him. He's pretty laid back as well as
behaved (for a male SG) and has started to come to his name. This little guy has
potential. I just wish I had as much time to spend with his as I did with Busy.

Brie (4th SG) was purchased (12/98), mainly as a companion for Beau. She too had
exceeded what the breeder felt was a "prime bonding" age, and was destined to be a
breeder animal. However, upon handling the little darling we got along ok, so I
bought her. We are still working on the bonding process. She is a real fuss budgit,
but she and Beau get along great (and that was the idea). I dont think her bond with
me and my husband will be as strong as Busy's is.

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