Since I got so many emails asking questions on bonding, I have decided to redo this section. Here are some of the questions I was asked and my replies. The previous information can be found at the Outback Pets link at the bottom of the page as well as additional information links.
My glider is somewhat tame, but he won't return to me. What should I do?
Not all gliders will return to their owners no matter how bonded they are.
Every glider has a different personality. Some are content to stay on you, some
prefer to play and explore only returning occasionally to make sure you are still
there. Get a bonding pouch (a fanny pack would work, but make sure he gets
enough air) or put him in your pocket during the day when he is sleepy. They will
usually go right back to sleep. If he wakes up pet his head, rub under his chin
and let him lick you. This usually calms them and they go back to sleep. He will learn your scent and come
to consider you a favorite place to be.
Our sugar gliders have started to bite. Is this normal? What can we do to discourage this?
You shouldn't be alarmed by this. Even completely bonded gliders will bite or gnaw on you.
No one is completely sure why they do it, but
it might be that they are trying to tell you they are hungry or bored. Mine used
to do this a lot, but they seemed to have grown out of it. The male was real bad
about it, he would get on the back of my hand and bite my knuckles. They will
still nibble a little, but not as hard or long. Some people have had some
success by saying NO! or blowing on them when they try to bite. You could also distract them with a
treat. This should help if they are trying to tell you they are hungry.
I have read you shouldn't disturb gliders while they are sleeping, but I can't stay up late enough to play with them. How do I get them to bond with me?
During the day gliders can be carried around in a pocket or bonding
pouch. You don't have to wake them up, just gently scoop them out of their
bed one at a time and place them both in your bonding pouch. They will be a
little dazed, but should go right back to sleep.
You can wake them up early if it is at the same time everyday. Let them exercise in a glider proofed room until it's time for you to go to bed.
Our sugar glider just had babies. How soon can they be handled and how should we bond with them?
You can hold them as soon as they open their eyes at about 10
days out of pouch. Hold and pet them for 5 minutes at first once or twice
a day, then return them to their mother. It's easier to do this during the day,
when the mother is sleeping. Gradually work up to where you can keep them in your pocket all day.
Bonding Info From Outback Pets
ISGA CareSheet - Bonding
Sugar Glider FAQ - Bonding
About Sugar Gliders: Bonding
Glider-Proofing
