Biting Issue

Question
I have recently become the mum to 2 sugar gliders who are approximate 1 year or so old. I got them the beginning of January.  I did not do the bonding exercises that was listed in using the bonding pouches. Although I do have one available.  I decided to let them do all the work with the bonding.  Both boys are very intuitive to me when they are out and are on a routine and schedule, but recently, the more dominant of the 2 brothers will jump on me and bite me.  I mean intentionally, bite.  If I am wearing a robe, one will just jump on and play, eat snacks and generally want to be in my company.  The dominant one recently will jumped on with his brother and is more interested in biting. One morning, I couldn't get him off the robe because of his biting so I let the robe slide on the floor, and then he started scenting it.  Now, I can be in any shirt and if his brother is playing on my back, he will come over and attempt to bite but not as aggressive as when I have on the robe. It's as though he knows the robe is thicker.  He is trained not to bite fingers and toes on command. His bonding has taken more time.  He will come on command and sound for his treats during his time out.  If neutering is done on the boys, do you think this will calm some of his aggressiveness?  He is a joy with his roughness and I am aware each animal is different.  I use to foster aggressive ferts for over 5 years.  So, this is not a real concern, but I would like advice in changing this behavior with him. I feel if I keep giving him treats of such when he is acting rotten :), he will continue to behave this way.  They are moving at their own speed in allowing me to touch/pet when they are out.  We still have a long way to go.  I want them to be able to run and have fun when they are out and expend as much energy as they need too.  

Please advise of anything I can do to curve his aggressive biting.  Could he be doing this because his brother is enjoying himself with me and he has a problem with it?  Both boys do play together and run the floor together.  Any assistance would be helpful

Answer
Hello Benita.

As you know, Sugar Gliders are complicated critters with individual personalities.  Without observing them for myself, it is difficult to determine what the problem could be.

There are many things that can impact the behavior of gliders.  Biting is usually the result of fear, but this doesn't seem to be the case in your situation.  It is likely that the aggressive one doesn't completely trust you.  He could have an issue with his brother being on you.  He might be trying to protect his brother.  

The bonding process that I describe on my website nc.sugar.gliders.googlepages.com really does work.  It is not likely that your aggressive glider will just bond naturally.  Why should he become friends with a huge monster when he will get fed and be able to run around anyway?  Bonding takes a lot of time, but the results are usually very good. I would bond with both gliders at the same time.

Gliders are very scent oriented.  If you are like me, your robe probably does not get washed very often, and smells heavily like you.  His scenting is a sign that he wants to "own" you, which can be good or bad, depending on the situation.  

Yes, neutering will help with the aggression issues, if the aggression is dominance related.  If it is just a bonding issue, he might still bite when neutered.

Is there some reason you don't want to go through the bonding process?  You will have your gliders for a very long time.  Please take the time to comfort your aggressive glider and convince him that you are trustworthy and fun.

Good luck.  Please keep me informed.

Betty