How much can i do?

Question
QUESTION: I'm still pretty new at the sugar glider thing, having had mine for about a month, and i was wondering how far can you go when handling them? As of right now he's bitten me once only when i first got him, and i'm still nervous about doing anything other then petting his head and back! Is it a trial and error thing? Thanks for any info! -Bree

ANSWER: Dear Bree:

Congratulations on your new pet.  You can do as much as he will tolerate.  It is kind of a trial and error, so far you have done well only being bitten once.  Is he a baby or an adult?  

You can try this during the day while he's a little groggy - slip your hand inside his pouch very slowly and see if he tolerates your hand in his pouch.  If you do get bitten, remove your hand as slowly as you can and do not drop the pouch.  If he does not bite, see if he will go to sleep in your hand.  

If he bit, try using a bonding tent.  You can pick up a small 2-person tent at Walmart for about $25.  In the evening you take his pouch, a toy and some treats into the tent with you and let him out of the pouch.  The idea is for him to come to you in his own pace without the distractions in a room.

Other hints are to wear an old t-shirt for a couple of nights in a row and then put that in his cage, you can even put it over his pouch.  That way he will sleep with your scent.  

Another tip is to always approach his pouch bearing treats, mealworms, licky treats like apple sauce or blueberry non-fat yogurt are favorites here.  

Best of luck with your new baby.

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

QUESTION: Thanks a ton!!! I will definitley try them! He is about three years old, i recieved him a a present but it was a well researched present.Are fruity cheerios okay as an occasional snack, my Mom doesn't think so, but he seems to like them.

Answer
Dear Bree:

You're so welcome.  I hope it helps.  Regular Cheerios are okay.  I would stay away from anything frosted or with lots of sugar.  I'm not familiar with fruity Cheerios.  If they have more sugar than regular Cheerios, I wouldn't give them.  If you gave him one, though, I would not worry about it, but try to stick to natural, unprocessed treats without a lot of added salt and/or sugars.