Nipping/Hind Leg Paralysis

Question
Heya Laurie. I have two neutered 5 month old males. They both seem to like jumping on me and hiding in my shirt when I bring them into a tent, but one of them has a habit of biting. I have read that this is more of a curious thing. THey do not do it to attack me, but when i put my hand in the cage, them will sniff me a bit, begin to lick and start nibbling on fingers (or anything sticking up). Is there anyway to break this habit? And will it be a problem if I get a third glider that they may nip at it?

Also, what is the best thing to do to prevent hind leg paralysis? I give them rep cal and vionate supplements mixed with wombaroo on one of their food every night.

Answer
Dear Anthony:

 These boys are still pretty young.  The nibbling could be a phase that they will outgrow once they get to know you, but sugar gliders do explore with their mouths.  You could try licky treats.  Whenever you approach them, come bearing gifts!  Coat your fingers with flavored yogurt or applesauce.  Eventually, they still may nibble once in a while, but they will probably do more licking than biting.

 I would not get a third glider in the same cage unless you have a pretty large cage.  It is hard to say how gliders will react to each other.  Introducing adult gliders can be tricky.  It involves two separate cages, moved closer and closer together over time, switching their pouches every couple of days.  The problem of introducing a third glider is that one of them may accept the other, while the third does not.  There really is no way to predict the outcome.  You may get them together and have 3 fast friends, or you may be stuck with one odd man out and then have a single in a cage and have to look for another glider to accompany that one.  

 The Rep Cal should take care of preventing the hind leg paralysis, which is a symptom of calcium deficiency.  However, Wombaroo is a supplement for joeys and nursing mothers.  They really don't need it if you have a good diet plan.  What do you feed them?  Please research and make sure you have a good diet incorporating a good staple mix, fresh fruits and vegetables and a protein source.

Best of luck,

Laurie