Glider inroduction

Question
I have a bonded m/f pair, and recently rescued a single f. My pair are apox. 8-9 months oop, the new f is aprox. 7 months oop. After a lot of internet reading, I am just wondering if they will actually bond or if they may be too old. Currently they are in seperate cages, next to each other, and I have noticed they have tried to squabble through the cages. They do seem to be curious about each other at the same time, though (hanging out right next to each other, with enough distance not to touch. They make weird noises too). When would be a good time to introduce them safely, and how do I tell if they are fighting or just establishing territory and dominance.

Answer
Shasta,

Your gliders are the perfect age for introductions.  Read my article about introductions to see how it is done.  You should be able to move through the steps pretty quickly.  Good luck, please let me know how it goes.

Glider introductions can be simple or difficult, depending on the individual gliders.  Generally, the younger the better.  Two young females will bond easily, as will a young male and female. The only way to successfully bond two males is if they are siblings and have grown up together.  Introducing older gliders can be tricky, as their personalities and preferences are already set.  

Begin by putting the cages together and letting the gliders smell each other for several days.  Switch bonding pouches every day so their scents will blend together.  During the day, have them sleep in a single pouch or purse with two compartments, or have two pouches right next to each other. Keep them with you, petting them frequently to mix and mingle all three scents (yours, and the two gliders).


When you are ready to see if they can get along, take both pouches into the bathroom.  Glider-proof the room and hang up some towels, pouches, etc. to provide extra hiding places.  Have a hand towel ready to toss over them in case they start to fight.

Put some vanilla extract on the back of their necks (like perfume).  Put both pouches in the bathtub or sink, with the openings facing each other.   At this point one or both of them will come out to see what's going on.  Just leave them alone, unless they make a fighting furball, in which case you'll need to separate them with the towel and try again another time.  They will sniff at each other, fuss, crab, and probably chase one another. Be patient.  Hopefully they will settle down together. If not, then you'll have to repeat the previous steps.  It takes a lot of time and patience, but, hopefully, it can be done.

Betty