Sugar gliders will always make excellent pocket pets because…. well…. they really can fit and ride in our pockets LOL. This here is my glider in my jeans pocket. But it is not advisable to carry them everywhere in your pocket. The best carrying unit is still the good old bonding pouch.
I find that many newbies or new glider owners often ask me this question after purchasing a joey:
“Why is my glider making so much noise and why it looks like wanna attack me?”
The truth is, when a joey is separated from it’s previous home and owner, it will of course go through a bout of home sickness. This is normally seen when a joey refuse food for the 1st night. Then they get irritated and scared with their new surroundings.
Normally joeys would react out of defense. The new owner is firstly, very new to the joey. My joeys have seen me since they first open their eyes and I handle them often, which makes them comfortable with me. My joeys can sleep in my palm, ride on my shoulder and sleep in my shirt without much hassle. But once it goes to a new home, I’m not there, so they become tense and scared. They react by crabbing at their new owners. Some would even go the extra mile by lifting a hand and act as if it is ready to pounce and bite. Believe me, all these are just intimidating stunts to make you scared of them. This is a born defense drive in them, they would react this way if a cat or a snake was in front of them.
As a new owner, you should never be scared of all these signs. If you act scared, the joey will then understand that you are afraid of noise. The more it crabs, the more you stay away, then you are in big trouble. You must understand, you have to create a bond with your joey.
Your first act would be to touch and handle your joey even while it is crabbing. If it jumps away, just gently grab it back in your hands and handle. Let it walk up your arms and in your palm. Try not to let it hide behind your back or your neck because you want your joey to learn that your hands are safe. After a few attempts, I would say in a day, your joey should have less fear of you. And in a few days time, your joey will enjoy each handling sessions.
So the big lesson here is, never be afraid of the noises and actions a little joey makes, it is all a show to make you leave it alone. Remember, gaining a joeys trust is by making it understand that you are it’s friend. A glider is not like a hamster or a puppy. It is totally different.
When I received Jenny and Russell they were exactly as you described. After seperating them as you suggested and removing the bonding pouch, they really warmed up to us!
Yah, gliders really take time during bonding and the best is always a one to one kinda bonding.
woah..how can my gliders be like yours? soo cute maa.. and very tame!
It’s all patience and commitment.