I need help

Question
QUESTION: I have 2 male sugar gliders. Boomer was born sometime in november and Joey was born sometime in January.  I bought them off of a breeder in May.  Joey was born a twin, however, the breeder refused to sell his twin to me.  I dont know exactly what to do but they hiss a lot at each other and sometimes fight really bad-from what i hear, because i havent actually seen them fight.  So i have two questions...I guess...=S b/c im in desperate need of help.
Joey began to self mutilate himself by biting the tip of his  tail...it's becoming more n more serious. What can i do to stop this? And 2: Do you know if anyone is willing to swap for a female?

ANSWER: Hi Stephanie,

I'm afraid you have a real problem.  The breeder should never have sold you two males, unless they were pouch mates.  Males are territorial, and will not tolerate another male in their territory.  Your boys are almost of breeding age, making the situation worse. You need to separate them immediately.  You can get a large dog travel case at a pet store to use as a temporary cage.  They are quite inexpensive.

Was Joey's twin a female?  That could be why the breeder wouldn't sell it to you.  

Since Joey is the younger male, he would be the one being hurt.  Are you sure his tale wasn't attacked by Boomer?  When gliders fight, they tend to go for the eyes, between the shoulder blades, and the tail if they can't get the body.  Please put some antibiotic ointment on Joey's tail.  

Neutering both gliders might help, but I am not sure.  You are better off finding someone willing to trade with you.  I don't know anyone, but there are several websites with classifieds.  I'll see if I can find one for you.  Where do you live?

Keep in touch,

Betty


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

QUESTION: Joeys twin was actually another male. And to be honest i dont know  if his tail was attacked by Boomer.  That was my first assumption until i started reading the self mutilation sites for sugar gliders and it said something about being separated   and what not.  I dont knwow what kind of antibiotic ointment to put on Joey's tail or where i could get it, i'm trying to look for a vet near my area that looks after sugar gliders.  If you can help me find 2 females for no more than $400 dollars that would be great! I live in toronto but im willing to go around Ontario if necessary.
Thank you

Answer
Hello Stephanie,

What a shame the breeder did not keep the brothers together.  That is about the only way to successfully keep two males.  

I have had gliders for years, and have never experienced self-mutilation.    It is more likely that Joey was running from Boomer and was bitten on the tail as he ran.

You can use Neosporin or any other topical antibiotic ointment.  It can be found in a grocery store or drug store.  Dab a little on the wound and rub it as best you can.  If the wound gets pussy or discolored, go to a vet.

I found two females for you, but they were not in Canada.  I'll see what I can do, but you are in a better position to find them close to you.  Just do a search for "sugar glider classified."

Have you separated the boys yet?  Do they sleep well together?  Maybe you could keep them together during the day, but separate them during their awake times.

Later,

Betty