I’m a new suggie owner, just got my lil one four days ago. He’s 5 months old and shy. He crabs often but not when I put my hand in his cage. I put my hand in with the back of my hand to him first so he sniff me ( btw I rubbed fleece on my skin and put it in his sleeping pouch and bonding pouch.) I’ve gotten the taste bite and made sure not to pull away from him. He takes treats from me, hold with my fingers and now out of my palm. Now my question is after he takes the treat instead of climbing on my hand he goes back to sleeping pouch at first I thought he did this because he was scared so I leave him alone. Then he comes back out not long after and looks like as to say “where did you go”. Is he scared of me and hiding or playing like hide n seek or trying to tell me he wants in the bonding pouch? Another thing I’ve noticed that’s new when I put my hand in back first he sniffs then goes down in his cage to wear he can sniff the bottom of my shirt. Is that normal?

Hi! And welcome to Glider Central. Sorry it took so long to answer back, but I wasn't sure what you were asking.

Here is a very long , but good read. It will help you understand more of the glider perspective. It was composed by Bourbon ( creator of the BML diet), who has helped me through some bonding issues.

http://www.glidercentral.net/ubbthr...relationship-with-your-glider#Post922929

Dawn has given you some very good advice. If you have further questions after reading the article, please do not hesitate to ask. Again, apologies for the late response.

Welcome to Glider CENTRAL!

I find the best way to identify wariness/fear is to watch the glider’s body language, particularly the ears.

I have to agree on this... Our Dot let's us know when she has had enough handling. Her ears are always up and straight forward while in the cage. When she was a Joey, she would attack my hand while I was changing out her food dishes.

When i need to handle her at all, I repeat "It's OK" and speak softly to her.

I can then pick her up or ask her to climb on my arm.

Nail trimming day has gone from a furry fight to her sitting on a pouch rolled down with mealies for a distraction. But by watching her ears and position of her head, I know when she's had enough. She lays her ears back slightly and then brings them back up. Her head position changes and I know she's giving me a warning that she's had enough and about to bite. She's 6 years old.

Trying not to flinch is a good idea. Mine don't catch me off guard very often anymore.

Soft speaking helps, or singing tender songs or lullabies help. They grow accustomed to you voice and tone. In the early days, I also used to read to them. Just sit next to their cage and spend time with them....

Almost forgot in my rambling... I've learned that making a fist will tighten your skin and they can't get a good bite. They usually give up after awhile.

There is also the glider language of " TSS! Or SSSHHH!" It means I don't like what you are doing. It doesn't always work, but it let them know you don't like it.

I hope this helps and I would love to hear from you how it's going.

Well I got him in his pouch today and the other day, not putting him in it every day so he don’t get too stressed out. He isn’t crabbing like he was only here and there when moved to fast. As for the biting I’ve got to the point of not flinching and telling him no bite when he does nip me. Also when he does take a yogurt drop from my hand, I started petting him. I rub his head and down his back. He’s doing good...like everyone says it takes time. Another note we have a vet appointment Friday morning, to talk about having him neutered. I do plan on getting him a cage mate but I want a little girl. Only way that can happen is if she’s a year old or he’s neutered, because he is mature since he does have his spot on his head.

One thing that has cut down on crabbing for my colony is talking whenever I am in the room and they are not immediately aware of me. Then if I bump the cage or move stuff they do not panic because eventually they learned it was me. Occasionally the glider on watch will pop their head out, see me, and go back.

Well like I said I’m trying out all yall’s tips. Just today I tried the tip of offering him some licky treat on my finger and when I noticed he was opening his mouth wider like he was going to bite, I said “No bite” took my finger away a little and moved it back with the treat still on it. He licked until gone and went back into his pouch. I think we are making progress but baby steps.

Also what is yall’s thoughts on neutering making males calmer? Have yall noticed a difference in neutered and non neutered males that you’ve have or had?