I currently have 6 suggies, 3 cages of pairs. The first pair were a gift from my husband, 2 males. The second pair are a set of females I rehomed with the intent to breed. One female was pregnant and had twin males, my third set. I decided not to breed, as I could not part with the babies, so what would be the point? So now I have 6 gliders that are happy. They are warm, clean, and on an approved diet, but I feel like I'm having a little trouble juggling enough time for them. I work about 32 hours a week, and have a few other pets. I really don't want to rehome anyone, but would love to hear from the other members who have 6 or more gliders how much time they spend with every pair and maybe some tips to ensure multiple glider happiness:-)

I think you just need to evaluate your schedule and see where you can squeeze in a few extra minutes for them. If you are able to give them each the love they deserve, and some out of cage time, then it should be just fine.

Are you able to at least spend an hour with them? Maybe you could spend 20 minutes with each cage doing tent time? Then they all get out of cage time, time with you, and you can still enjoy them all. Everyone would be happy.

Hi Anne-Marie!

I'm going to assume now that since you decided not to breed, that all your males are neutered. IF this is the case...have you thought about doing introductions and creating one large colony? If this worked for you and they get along, it would make them tremendously happy and would also allow you to have playtime with 6 rather than 2 at a time. I have four monkeys, all together and they're just SO much fun!

No, no one is neutered, that's why I have three cages going. Your right though, that would help. I have wanted to get at least the twins done and reunite them with Momma and her cage mate, they have a huge cage and that would make tent time easier. Now that Christmas is out of the way, I will try to make that a bigger priority (just so darn expensive for the little cuties!).

I probably do spend about 20 mins a night with them, I just didn't know if that was enough...I know it's not ideal, but at least I know that they are being fed correctly and clean and healthy. I wouldn't know that if I rehomed anyone, so I just can't let them go.

Yep! 20 minutes is better than nothing and if you have them on a good diet and they're healthy, then you're doing what you can! I highly recommend having the males neutered and trying to form one colony! You'd see a tremendous difference in your gliders!

I have two cages right now. My little girls are still new to me, so, they get the bulk of bonding and play time. That's ok with me though. Gliders kinda like cats I have noticed, in that, when they are young like kittens, they want to play ALL THE TIME! I can't just slip food in the cage, they mob me and demand my whole attention. Not just at night for feeding time! If I go by the cage in the morning, they are still up and about and playing. I've gotten in the habit of letting them run all over me in the morning when I get ready for work. It takes me about 15-20 min to do hair and make-up anyway, so if they want to play on me while I do mascara I'm ok with it. Everything make-up wise is sealed unless it's the item I'm actually handling, so they don't get into anything they shouldn't. Although, I did lose a perfectly good blush case when someone knocked it off the counter! LOL.

My other cage is both older gliders, and they are little pouch potatoes. Skittles likes to chill in the pouch but Oreo comes out when I make dinner, so he supervises me while I wash dishes, measure portions, or his favorite, making BML. I think he is a little stinker for it! But he loves to lick out the baby food jars, just to make sure it's all gone. Sometimes I feed the little girls, and put Skittles portion in, and then Oreo and I sit in the living room with his food dish for a little while.

Skittles favorite time with me is in the morning for mealies. I have to go get her pouch out, and sit with her, and then as soon as I open the mealie drawer she is climbing out and on me. She and Oreo are not big on toys. They have plenty of them, of course, but beign older re-homes I just don't think they had them before. So they don't know what to do with them, and I have to actively engage them. Sometimes, if I don't have time to take anyone out of their cage, I just go drag a feather or small fluttery piece of fleece across a side of the cage for them to chase and attack through the mesh.

I say that whole novel, to say that yes, balancing cage time can be difficult. If you count in all the different 5 min times here or there, you might see you really are spending more time with them than you think. Don't give up! And yes, if you can neuter the boys and put them back with their parents I think that will make a big difference for you.

I can't guarantee I spend time EVERYDAY with either cages as in out of cage time, but I most certainly try! I work ABOUT 45 hours per week, so obviously I'm busy.

I do try to do an every other day type thing, which doesn't ALWAYS work. So say.. Monday I'll spend with the trio, Tuesday I'll spend with the duo, Wednesday trio, etc etc.

Saturdays I can spend with both, and Sundays are hit or miss.

Have you thought about neutering the males (if they aren't already) and trying to get down to at least 2 cages?

I thank everyone for your reply's. A lot of good idea's, and you're right 10-15 mins here and there does add up. Staying up late with them has been harder for me, so I am going to try to get up earlier to squeeze in some extra time, I will see how Harley does with a blush brush!

But mostly thanks for the support and not making me feel like the worst Suggie mom ever:-) I love my babies!