GliderCENTRAL

Older Gliders bonding with multiple People

Posted By: TxSuggies

Older Gliders bonding with multiple People - 04/09/12 08:10 PM

So, I have two boy gliders. One is father and one is son. The older one is around 2 years old and the younger is now about 10 months old and we've had them a bit over a month now. They have both been super sweet always; with the exception of the random, non-aggressive biting the father does sometimes - but I don't think it is meanness, I think he just likes to bite things sometimes and sometimes it happens to be me.

Anyhow; both gliders are happy to get on me or my son, who is 9, and climb around. They let us pet them. They never, ever have crabbed or lunged at either of us.

I don't think that either glider is especially bonded to either of us. I think the younger one is starting to bond to me. The older one might be - but I'm just not sure.

Is it confusing for them to have two people handle them and try to bond with them? Can they bond with two people?

The thing is, they are my babies. I love my son dearly - but these little guys are mine. I don't think he is ready to be responsible for them on his own at all yet. He loves them and is VERY good with them, thankfully as my hubby is a bit scared of them and I've needed help sometimes. Even our vet mentioned how great my kiddo was with them (made me glad to she thought so). BUT....if they are going to bond with only one person I need and want it to be me. (Is that selfish?)

He wants to hold them sometimes when they are in the bonding pouch and I usually say no unless I'm cleaning the cage or something and don't want them on me. I say no b/c I don't want to confuse the babies. Am I wrong in doing so? (also, just to mention, my son is never left alone with the gliders as he is JUST 9 and while he is good with them...he is 9...and well, 9 year old boys sometimes seem to have their brains turn off for a second or two now and then....and I know he'd never forgive himself if anything happened and neither would I)

So - bottom line, can gliders - especially ones that aren't babies anymore, bond with more than one person at a time?
Posted By: DCMuffin

Re: Older Gliders bonding with multiple People - 04/09/12 11:27 PM

There is absolutely no reason at all that your son can't also have time with the gliders, I think this is a fine idea. If you assume the majority of responsibilities, the gliders will know that. And clearly they already do, if they allow you to do the things they do. And honestly, having others spend some time with your gliders, play with them, hold them - only serves to help socialize them and get them used to others. I think it's great. smile
Posted By: TxSuggies

Re: Older Gliders bonding with multiple People - 04/10/12 02:04 AM

Ok, good. I just didn't want to confuse issues at all with them. smile
Posted By: MamaBird

Re: Older Gliders bonding with multiple People - 04/10/12 03:44 AM

I feel they should bond with the whole family. Mine definitely know I'm Mama, but are bonding well with my husband, 4.5 y/o son, the nanny, and 2 of my friends who visit regularly.
They have the strongest bond with me, but I feel since in the wild they would live in colonies of as many 16, that they can and will bond with multiple people.
I personally want them to be well socialized so other people can see them and handle them a bit, but, like so many things with gliders, I think it's your choice and what works for you!
Posted By: EJB17

Re: Older Gliders bonding with multiple People - 04/10/12 04:31 AM

I think that even though gliders can really strongly bond with just one person, they still can get to know and like other people.. which I would say is a form of bonding. All my gliders know and like my boyfriend and will let him handle them, although if something "scary" happens like a big noise or sound, they will hop over onto me to hide.. I don't think allowing him to handle them will confuse them, it will just open their horizons if you know what I mean.
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