Socialization & Bonding of Sugar Glider

Some tips:

·         Leave them alone in their cage for a few days and let them adjust.

Gliders really rely on their sense of smell and when everything changes, it can be unsettling to them. They need time to soak it all in. 

·         Wear an old t-shirt to bed for a few nights.

Then, place the shirt over the cage so that the new glider can adjust more quickly to your scent. I have found that this tactic really helps with rescues. You can use bonding blankets (pieces of fleece or fleece strips) in the same sort of way. Tuck a few blankets inside your shirt for several days then put those blankets into your gliders pouch. This will help them adjust to your scent. On the same note, you an tuck a few blankets into your gliders pouch for a few days and when you are ready to handle them, pull out a blanket and use it to make the glider feel more comfortable. 

·         Do not chase your glider around the cage trying to catch it.

That is just terrifying to such a small critter! If you are having problems getting your glider to come out of the cage, wait for the soggy to climb into its cage pouch and then just remove the pouch with the glider inside. When in doubt, use bribes. Gliders absolutely love treats. There is no shame in coaxing a glider over to you with a meal worm or yogurt treat. The best technique for catching a glider on the run if they won’t come to you or let you scoops them up is to drop a piece of fleece over them and scoop them up in the blanket.

"L" Technique

Take your hand and place it palm down in front of you with all fingers touching. Now, stick your thumb out to the side to make an 'L' shape. See it? Okay, now gently place the webbed part of your hand towards your glider's chest and then downward and back towards the rear feet. This motion should encourage your glider to "step up" onto the back of your hand.

·         Remember, it takes PATIENCE.

This is key to bonding with your glider. I have bonded with gliders as quick as one week and it has also taken me up to one year to bond with a glider. I have been on both ends. Each glider is different, so take your time and move slowly. It's worth the wait! Don't get frustrated if your new little friend doesn't reciprocate love from the very first day. Building a relationship takes time. 

·         Carry your glider with you.

Toss on a pouch and let your glider nap in there while you do dishes and laundry or sit online checking out websites! All of that time is great bonding time. My gliders love to lay in their pouch on my chest while I read out loud. This lets them get used to my voice and scent all at once. For you ladies out there, try bra-training your glider. I love carrying a glider or two right down my shirt. I put in one of their tiny blankets (piece of fleece will do fine) and then let them climb in. It's usually a simple process that they take to quickly. I have several bra babies. I think they enjoy the snugness and hearing a heartbeat. 

·         Try to understand your glider.

So you have a bitter. For whatever reason, your glider bites you. Maybe this is an adult rescue or re-homed glider. Maybe this in unsociable joy. Maybe this glider is just terrified. All you know is that your fingers are sore and your heart is broken. There is hope. Try to understand your glider. Experience comes into play here, but any owner can do it. If you can understand why your glider is doing what it is doing, you have a much better chance of changing the behavior. Try to figure out if the aggressive behavior is limited to when the glider is in the pouch or cage. Does the biting all come with crabbing or does this glider just bite to bite? All of these matter. Most biting stems from dominance, fear, aggression, and illness. You are actually not very likely to have an aggressive glider on your hands. Odds are that the glider is afraid or trying to establish dominance by pushing boundaries. 

"Psssst!" Technique - When I have a nippy glider, I have a way of correcting them that speaks their language. I make a sharp "Psssst!" sound at them. It's the same sound another glider would make to yell at a glider for getting too rough. You have to repeat the process...a lot. But it has been a reliable method for me for a long time. 

"Blowing" Technique

·        Gliders need playtime too.

How would you like it if you could NEVER leave your house? No fun, huh? It isn't fun for your suggie either. It doesn't matter how cool that cage is or how big it is. Sugar gliders need playtime. It's crucial to their health and well-being. You are going to have to let them out for at least one hour every single day. I suggest no less than 3-5 hours out of cage time with at least one hour being actual playtime or tent-time. Tent time is the time I spend in a tent with my gliders. It's a wonderful thing to have at home! They are cheap (less than $20) and you and glider can sit inside of it while they play. They have no choice but to use you as a toy/tree! It's great for bonding!