Bonding with your sugar glider can be a rough road, although
once you get there, it is worth the trip. Gliders are very social
animals, and bond fairly easy. The more time you spend with your glider,
the stronger your bond will be. There are a few tips that can help make
this process easier on you and your new sugar glider.
- When you first bring your glider home, try not to have their
cage filled with toys. Sugar gliders are very interactive, but if
they have too much fun in their cage, they may not be interested in
bonding with you.
- Sugar gliders are capable of identifying members of their
"family" by scent. Use a small cloth and wear it close to your skin
for a day or so. (some people use an old shirt) Then place it where
your glider sleeps. This will get your glider used to your scent,
with out you physically being involved. However, make sure you
aren't wearing perfumes, as they can be harmful to the glider.
- Use a bonding pouch, (a fabric pouch worn around the neck) this
will familiarize your glider with your voice, routine, everyday
noises, as well as your scent.
- Try pocket training your sugar glider, wear a tee-shirt with a
pocket all day and night, in the morning, remove all pouches and
nest boxes, and replace them with your tee-shirt. This will
ultimately serve the same purpose as a bonding pouch.
- Move slowly and deliberately around your sugar glider. Fast and
sudden movements might frighten your sugar glider. Fast motion could
trigger their instinct to defend themselves against a predator
attack.
- Speak to your sugar glider frequently using a soft and
comforting voice, as this will help you gain their trust. Never
raise your voice or use a negative tone, as this will set back the
bonding process.
- Use a small room that has been glider proofed, or tent to let
your glider out for play time, this will allow the glider to get
used to your presence, and greatly aid in the bonding process.
- Always handle your sugar glider with care, just as you would a
human baby. Don't grab your sugar glider, or chase him around their
cage, as this could scare the glider, and make him less likely to
trust you.
- Place your hands in your gliders cage often, offering finger
treats, such as applesauce on the tip of your finger, or try
offering a mealworm. Stoke your glider gently as often as it will
allow.
- Avoid looking directly down in the sugar gliders pouch, or
reaching your hands in the pouch. Let the pouch be a "safe" zone for
the sugar glider. Cox your glider out using a treat, or gently nudge
them out of the pouch from the outside of the pouch.
- Patience is the most important thing in bonding. It will not
happen over night, and will take some time
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