Hello,

I have two sugar gliders named Marci and Mable, and I have had them for two years. They have been an interesting pet to care for to say the least, but I do love them. I guess my biggest concern with them now is how I can stop aggressive grooming behaviors?

I know my gliders are bonded to me because they purr when I pet their pouch, hey always jump on me, and they purr when they are near me; but anytime they try to get on me they will draw blood, and/or try to pull my hair out. Mable is much more gentle about it, but Marci will literally starting grooming, and then start to pull my hair. She will also lick me, and then start to to scrape my skin. I tried blowing at her to stop, but now she will try to get to my skin as fast as she can to scrape and bite at it. She will even latch on to my head to try and pull my hair out before I can take her off. I know it’s not malicious because she does purr while she is doing it, but it REALLY hurts.This morning she drew a little blood on the side of my hand. She also seems to like the taste of my blood.

I am able to prevent it about 70% of the time, but they go through these periods of grooming me aggressively. I don’t mind the grooming, I just want it to be a lot more gentle. What should I do?

I would wear a hat to keep them away from your head, long sleeves to protect your arms. Try to keep them away from their target areas.

Try using unscented soap and shampoo. You might smell tasty.

Also "Tsk, sht" them it's glider language for I don't like what you're doing. I have from time to time followed that with a firm no.

You could also try to push them away from the area with a toy. Let them bite it. If you offer food, it becomes a learned behavior to bite.