This is just my experience and opinion... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
Little Frodo
sounds like to me that he is doing pretty normal as far as
bonding goes for some. You say he seemed friendlier the first day than he does now.... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Alot of times its not so much that their friendlier at first and get not-so friendly... its that at first, they are extremely scared and nervous... after getting over the initial brand new shock of the first few hours or days.... they become a little more brave. More likely to let you know if your doing something they dont like. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> Or to try to tell you they are the boss and 'dont mess with me!'. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />
Crabbing during the day... he'll get over it. (although a few will always crab if disturbed during sleeping hours... they just dont like their sleep disturbed.) Dont think giving him treats during the day is going to stress him out too bad. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> It might make him nervous to take treats at first, but that will go away.
Carry him with you... talk to him often, pet his bag... crabbing or not.
When you offer treats... be patient and let him come to you. Hold the treats/finger several inches from the top of his bag and let him come to you to get it. (also, besides licky treats... offering a solid item he can grab from you, helps him learn that your being nice and 'giving' him something and will not take it away... helps build trust.) While your offering licky treats... see if you cant gently rub the top of his head while he eats... if not, fine, but keep trying to touch him.
When hes in a deep sleep, see if you cant work on sitting with him and slowly working your way into his bag to rub him... (if not fine, but keep trying.)
If he crabs or lunges when you try to touch him or be around him, 'Freeze'. Just stop what your doing and freeze... (he may bite, but alot of times they dont, or will just lunge and sort of 'bump' you with their nose.) When you freeze like this and keep your hands where they are....he learns your not coming after him to hurt him or your not trying to 'get him'... but he also learns your not going away either.
The most important things I feel is getting the glider used to your scent/hands/ and mannerisms. Continue to do your thing... let him get used to the
sounds and movements, etc... he will learn everythings ok.
This may sound strange... I have had very good success with this... When your little one is in his cage at night... go over and sit with your hands in the cage. Offer him a treat, but Dont mess with him. Just calmly pick up one of his
toys or something and move it around in your hands and act as though your having a really good time with it. (try not to pay too much attention to what hes doing.) Talk gently while your doing it or sing. Eventually he may just get too curious about what you have or are doing that seems so interesting (they are extremely curious animals)... he may come over and have to check it out. If he does, slowly offer him a small hand toy... see if he'll take it.
Just keep doing this and keep having as much interaction with him and your hands as possible day and night. (If he nips or bites, dont pull back (hard sometimes), 'freeze'.)
The most important thing with
bonding I think is making them feel as if everything is their choice. To trust each other. Let them know your really not a big scary giant, but a nice friendly giant that can be lots of fun and be a safe place. They will learn. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />
Love, understanding, and lots of patience! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/heartpump.gif" alt="" />
With your husband... (this is only my opinion/experience again)
If he wants to go into the tent and you dont mind...let him. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
Dont change up your routine or whatever very much because of Frodo... you want him to get used to you the way everything is... let him get used to you and your husbands mannerisms. The sooner he learns everything is going to be allright, the better and actually less stressful.
As long as you are his main caregiver and are with him the most and give him the treats, etc... hes going to consider you his safe place. (hehe! Maybe if your husband gets in there and likes it...he might want one of his very own! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> ) My husband just got his own recently after years of being around mine. (although dont tell him I stole his 'baby' away already. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> )
All my 'kids' come here and rest and get used to new scents and
sounds for the first few days while I care for them...then I slowly start introducing them to the family... Ive found that the more you gently socialize a Glider, the more safe and comfortable they feel. (or most anyways) (Now, if you dont want your husband in there cause you feel he might 'steal' your baby...lol...dont tell him any of that part I said. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> )
I think youll do great!
Good luck with little Frodo! I cant wait to hear all about how the
bonding is going and all the cute stories about him! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />
(Sorry this was so long...)