Glider dont like the pouch

Question
Hi, I got my gliders about 5 days ago and the female is very sweet but does not like my "bonding" pouch I havnt tried with the male yet beacause he keeps biting me. What should I do?

Thank you
Alex Westerlund

Answer
Dear Alex:

First, I want to make sure that you are using the bonding pouch during the right time of the day.  Because sugar gliders are nocturnal, they sleep during the day.  This is the time that you want to put them in the bonding pouch.  You should not keep your sugar gliders in the pouch at night.  Once they wake up for the evening, they are ready to eat and play and do not like being confined.  

If they have never been in the pouch before, it is likely that they have to get used to the bonding pouch.  I am assuming that you have them caged together.  Whether they seem to like it or not, put them both in the bonding pouch together.  It will not seem as scary if they have each other.  Eventually, they will fall asleep and will get used to being carried around.  

If your boy is biting you, take the cage pouch he is in and put the opening of that pouch into the opening of the bonding pouch, like you were going to pour him in.  You may then have to gently squeeze the cage pouch until he climbs into the bonding pouch.  You should be able to do this without getting bitten.  If the female is in the bonding pouch first, it might make it a little easier.  

I hope this helps.

Laurie