Michelle Duncan Posted - Aug 30 2017 : 12:45:02 PM
Hey there. I know how frustrating it is when you first start out with gliders. I have more scars from bite marks and claws than most. I know that sounds crazy but trying to bond has been a nightmare. So after 6 months of trying to get them into a bonding pouch I tried the bribery method. They can be bribed with certain snacks. Mine love hard boiled egg pieced chopped fine, yogurt with fruit ( Yoplait, but no more than teaspoon) they like dried papaya and yogurt drops, and their favorite is yellow corn.( I use low sodium sweet canned corn) only a few pieces tho they can be spoiled very quickly and not eat their regular diets. I had more success at snacktime than bonding pouch time with mine. I don't know the ages of my females, they came from 2 different families and I was lucky they bonded together. I named mine cuppy-cake and Lolly-pop. Patience is the key to forming a relationship with your glider/gliders. It's normal for them to feel intimidated by humans,we are huge compared to them.I place my hand in the cage everyday, so they could get use to my smell and see that I was not backing down from bonding with them. It took me 8 months to get lolly to let me reach in and pet her. She lets me pick her up but lightly bites me still. Just to let me know she doesn't fully trust me. I think it's in their wild nature to feel that way. I also give mine a bath every couple of months so they won't smell so pungent. The females that aren't fixed will have a strong scent during mating seasons. Which is quite frequent. I use dawn dish soap on the cage and in their bubble bath. They need the house very warm if you bathe them. No drafts or they could catch cold and die. I also put mine in a hamster ball for exercise when they are fighting and arguing alot over food. Sometimes the females will take food from the other gliders to show dominance. I have cleaned up baby food from the strangest places when I hear them arguing. Mine don't hurt each other but they sure sound like it's a big deal going on in their cage. I thought owning them was easy until I realized you have to spend time with them everyday, talking to them, touching them and letting them explore. When you don't take the time with them they will withdrawal from you and it seems like you have to start all over again with bonding. I let mine bark and call for me when they crab and play the biting game. Now Cuppy comes to the side of the cage and begs to come out and get a snack from my hands. Everything I do with these gliders is a learning experience. I know I love them and they are pets, but then again I know they are still wild animals and will revert back to nature when they are not happy with their human. |
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