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Forced Bonding? #1065592
02/03/11 02:24 AM
02/03/11 02:24 AM

S
sedor
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sedor
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I recently got a new female glider named Fiona who at the moment is quite crabby whenever I get close to her. I've only had her a period of about 4 days now, and each day we make very small steps forward but I still haven't gotten to the point where i've been able to remove her from her cage. At first she wanted nothing to do with me...still she doesn't want a whole lot and retreats to her pouch when I am near, but at least I have her taking treats from my fingers between the bars.

My question is should I be forcing her to move forward by removing her from the cage and letting her play in the bathroom with me etc etc? Should I be reaching into the cage trying to handle her a bit even though that would mean taking a couple bites?

Instinct tells me to move slow...once shes willingly coming to the bars to take treats without acting hesitant then maybe its time to start reaching into the cage and petting her a bit, then once shes willing to climb onto my arm its time to do some out of cage time...Only problem with this in my mind is what if this process takes weeks, maybe a month or longer. Is it really ok to have her never leave her cage (aside from being in the bonding pouch of course which we do daily) until she is totally comfortable doing so?

Re: Forced Bonding? [Re: ] #1065599
02/03/11 02:45 AM
02/03/11 02:45 AM
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 13,454
South Africa
G
Gizmogirl Offline
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Gizmogirl  Offline
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Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 13,454
South Africa
It's only been 4 days and she may need to have a bit more time to settle in. Being crabby is her way of defending herself and means that she is probably scared, understandably so.

It is wonderful that you are recognizing the baby steps of progress, and to have her take licky treats from you already is a big milestone in my opinion. hug2 It clearly shows your dedication and love for this little one.

Her pouch is her safe haven right now, and this is exactly why she retreats to it.

I don't necessarily think you will force her to move forward with the bonding by going forward one step, however, I would suggest that you take her out of the cage while in the bonding pouch, and keep the bonding pouch under you shirt while talking or singing to her. Pet the pouch from the outside until she is comfortable with that, then try to offer her licky treats inside the pouch. Then I think it would be appropriate to move on to playtime.

When you do playtime, don't take her out of the pouch, put the pouch down on your lap, and put a treat out in front of the pouch, this may take a night or two before she comes out on her own. You don't have to take any bites, only nibbles.

I think you are doing wonderful Ryan, you know your girl best, go on her time and terms. Go with your instinct, it's usually spot on. thumb


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:grey:Gizzy, Boesman, Muchu, Kiamon, Sky & Boog:grey:
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Re: Forced Bonding? [Re: ] #1065600
02/03/11 02:47 AM
02/03/11 02:47 AM
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 13,748
Vincennes, IN, USA
suggiemom1980 Offline
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suggiemom1980  Offline
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 13,748
Vincennes, IN, USA
Originally Posted By: sedor


Instinct tells me to move slow...once shes willingly coming to the bars to take treats without acting hesitant then maybe its time to start reaching into the cage and petting her a bit, then once shes willing to climb onto my arm its time to do some out of cage time...Only problem with this in my mind is what if this process takes weeks, maybe a month or longer. Is it really ok to have her never leave her cage (aside from being in the bonding pouch of course which we do daily) until she is totally comfortable doing so?

You have perfect instincts. Trust and follow them. If gliders are treated with respect and caring, they'll learn so much faster, that we can be trusted with their lives. smile


Connie

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Re: Forced Bonding? [Re: ] #1065620
02/03/11 03:55 AM
02/03/11 03:55 AM
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 7,748
New Jersey
JillMarie Offline
Serious Glideritis
JillMarie  Offline
Serious Glideritis

Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 7,748
New Jersey
Totally agree! You need to take it slow. Forcing any animal only backfires. You want her to trust you and CHOOSE you.
Go slow, take your time, the reward is sweeter.


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Remember that God Loves You!
Re: Forced Bonding? [Re: ] #1065731
02/03/11 10:35 AM
02/03/11 10:35 AM
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 28,219
Washington D.C. Metro Area
DCMuffin Offline
Glideritis Anonymous
DCMuffin  Offline
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 28,219
Washington D.C. Metro Area
I agree with Gizmogirl, in that you should try to have her in a bonding pouch, on you, as much as you're able so she can learn that you are okay and will keep her safe. She'll slowly learn your movements, you voice, your smell.

In the meantime, use those good instincts! I rescued Penny three months ago and although she has made great strides, she's still got a long way to go. She loves the cage - she's safe there. When I open the door for the others to come out - she hangs out and watches them from inside. She's more than able to come out if she wants and finally, she's beginning to stick her nose out every so often, just to test the waters. It takes time...it used to be that she wouldn't come NEAR the door. Now...she's the first one out of the pouch for mealies and I think, in time, she'll be out and about playing with the others every night! So...although it may take time, use that time in a positive way to get her to trust you implicitly. You'll reap the rewards later. smile


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