Young joeys are handled for at least 30 minutes 3-4 times a day once their eyes are opened.  This teaches the babies that being handled by large giants (you and I) is ok.

Another great tool is to have sweet mom and dad with great personalities.  Since the parents are not afraid of us, the babies have nothing to be afraid of either.

Every now and then you get a rebellious youngster.  These take some more work.  Bonding pouches used for a few hours a day can help.  Another useful bonding technique is to wear a t-shirt with a long sleeve button up t-shirt over it.  You will place the glider on the inside of the long-sleeved shirt.  Make sure to tie or tuck in the bottom of the shirt so the glider can not escape.  Just walk around the house doing regular chores and speaking softly to the glider.  A great trusting game you can play with your gliders is to offer licky treats several times a day, everyday on a set schedule. 

Yogurt, applesauce, and even tapioca pudding works well.  For gliders we rescue, tapioca pudding works the best.  Tapioca has little pieces that cause the glider to stop being aggressive to eat what is in their mouths.  We have not found a glider of any age that we could not tame down.  Please do not over feed this licky treat, remember it is a treat not food supply.  The best advice offered is to be gentle, consist in everything you do, patient, and loving.  If by chance you have a biting/aggressive glider use the tapioca trick.    Do not pull away if the glider bites.  They will try to tame you with their routine.  Remember if you allow your glider to train you they will do so.  It has always been who will break whom in first.

Some gliders bond fast some just need time to adjust.

The rebellious glider just needs allot of TLC and patience.  These little guys can sense your feelings.  Do not get too worried if the glider takes more time to bond- just know in the end they will be the best they can be, and be your best buddy. Moving slowly around the glider works well also. They will not get jumpy if you do not get jumpy.  Licky treats for bonding purposes work well.  Rub a paper towel on your face and neck and include it in the pouch.  This will give them your scent.  Just remember that time is what it is all about.  You must remember the little joey is experiencing a new home,  new smells, no more mom or dad, and lots of new noises.  Key to it all is as followed: Slow, Time, Patience, and extra extra love.

PLEASE NOTE:

DO NOT CHASE YOUR GLIDER AROUND THE CAGE!!! THIS WILL PUT FEAR INTO YOUR GLIDER AND IT WILL BE EVEN HARDER TO BREAK THAT FEAR. Wait till the glider is in his/her pouch and take the whole pouch out of the cage. Try not to force the bonding. Time is what you and your glider need.

For more information or to share your stories on bonding please contact us.