Reintroduce cage mates

Question
QUESTION: I have a male glider that I adopted 3 weeks ago, he had been living with a female glider, who has a male baby that has been OOP for 1-2 weeks now.  

I have been given the opportunity to adopt the momma and the baby, they have been apart from the daddy for 3 weeks now, how do you suggest that I re-introduce the 3 gliders?

ANSWER: Hello Peter,

I have been trying to figure out how long gliders' sense of scent identification lasts.  I think after three weeks they should still recognize one another.  However, the father has not "met" his baby.  You need to be cautious with the re-introduction, especially with the joey.  Start simple, then see the reaction.  If it doesn't go well, then you'll need to back up and do formal introduction techniques.  

I'm guessing that the mother doesn't leave the joey yet, so be very careful.  The mother will be protective.  Hold one of the gliders in your hand and have another person hold the other glider.  Put them nose to nose and see their reaction.  If they seem to recognize each other and act in a nurturing way, then allow them to be together, but watch them very carefully, being prepared to separate them if there is a problem.  Don't leave them alone together until you are certain that everything is okay.  

If they fuss or snarl at each other, you'll need to introduce them all over again.  Follow these steps:

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.  

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 all 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.  

I hope all goes well.  Sugar Glider families are wonderful.  They work together as a team to care for the joeys.  Please let me know how it goes.  Thanks.

Betty




---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Here goes . . . The Daddy and Mommy are getting along just fine no issues.  On intruduction of Daddy and baby I need some advise . . . We intruduced them on top of the cage so I could keep a close eye on them.  The dady got up close not sure if cuddled or about to get into a fur ball fight. But the baby started to squark so I quickly seperated them.  I didn't see any bite marks or scratches so I am not sure . . . What do you think I should do?  I hate to put them in the bathroom as the baby seems to think she can cling onto anythingincluding the wall and has fell to the floor trying a few times.

Answer
Squark..I love that word!  You have an interesting problem.  You still don't know if papa welcomes the joey or not.  It would be good to know.  You need to get joey accustomed to papa's scent.  Do some pouch switches, so that mama and papa's scents blend.  Let me know if that seems to help.  Good luck,

Betty