biting and diet

Question
Hi Betty,
My husband bought me two male (i believe) suggies for Christmas. I'm not sure of their age, but they do not have bald spots on their heads yet if that helps. I did do a lot of research before I got them, but STILL IS NOT ENOUGH!!! My main concern is diet, as they came from a pet store with a crappy diet. I've been trying to feed them better (I found your recipe on your website and will make it tonight), but they are very very picky. Cannot find a veggie they like, fresh, frozen or babyfood. My question is, if I make your receipe, and they don't seem to like it at first, how long should I "force" it upon them before trying something new. So far they only like mealworms,peaches, yougert and pears. Should I hold back on these items for a few days so they will try other foods, or will these stubbern boys soon starve to death? Very nervous about that.
Also I am concerned about the biting. I understand that I have only had them 10 days and it could take months before they LOVE me. I am trying to be very patient, when they nibble, I don't pull away, but each bite gets harder and harder to the point I do have to pull away. Last night one actually bit a piece of skin off my husband and ate it. REALLY freaked me out! Please tell me your first baby was this mean and everything will be ok. They rarely do it during the day, but at night during tent time, they are crazy!
Thanks in advance for your time,
Anne-Marie

Answer
Hello Anne-Marie,

First, let me tell you that it took nearly four months for me to get my first glider to love me!  I was the first human to handle him, and he did NOT want to be around me.  Now he is the most loving of the bunch.

Please read my article on my website about bonding with (taming) Sugar Gliders.  nc.sugar.gliders.googlepages.com  Don't let them out of the cage until you can handle them without them putting up a fuss.  Don't chase them when they are in the cage.  If they can avoid you by running away, they will.  Besides, that makes you even more scary to them.  The best time to get them out for bonding is during the day when they are sleepy.  Speak softly and handle them gently.  You want them to trust you.

Feed your gliders only BML in their food dish, and save the other stuff for bonding time.  That way, if they want treats, they will have to be nice to you.  As long as they are eating BML, don't worry too much about the other stuff.  

Don't worry about them starving to death, besides, they usually like BML.  Have you tried fresh squash, carrots, or green beans?  Those are favorites of my gliders.

If they are eating mealworms, but do not have a bald spot yet, I would guess that they are about 5 or 6 months OOP.  You can check for a little furball underneath them to confirm that they are male.

I hope this helps.  Please let me know how it goes.

Betty