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Flossing or Self-Mutilation?
#1395013
10/14/15 04:15 AM
10/14/15 04:15 AM
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Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 13 OR
GliderMomof2
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New Member
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OP
New Member
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 13
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I have two intact, well- bonded male gliders who are just over 18 months old. In the past month, I have found one of my boys making a long hiss/slight crabby sound with penis fully extended that appeared to be "stuck" outside. While this is happening, he seems to have trouble pooing or peeing (which makes sense since it all comes out of one place) and will lick forcefully at it, licking at the base and across the length. He seeks shelter while doing this, though, either hiding in his tent in the cage or cuddling inside my shirt. I have read about self-mutilation (SM) as well as flossing, and I'm torn about what I'm seeing. He is not hissing when he normally pees and poos so I don't believe he has a UTI (a frequent cause for SM), and I've inspected his body (including cloaca) and have found no sign of injury. I'm concerned that he actually does encounter pain if he's simply flossing because his penis won't readily retract. Any thoughts? If he really is just flossing, will surgery help? Should I just keep KY Jelly handy (as other forums suggest) and put it on if I notice he's having trouble bringing it back in?
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Re: Flossing or Self-Mutilation?
[Re: GliderMomof2]
#1395017
10/14/15 10:35 AM
10/14/15 10:35 AM
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,979 Wisconsin
Feather
Administrator
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Administrator
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,979
Wisconsin
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It is always a good idea to have KY jelly on hand when you have male gliders. Are you planning on getting these boys neutered. If your not going to breed it is a good idea to neuter they boys. It will not only cut down on the odors from intact males, it in some cases stops them from flossing or at least cuts down on the flossing. I would schedule a vet appointment to check for UTIs. Get a wellness visit done on both boys and if your planning on neutering them discuss that with your vet at that time.
Kimberley Feathers-Sweetie, Mister Peanut & Big Mack Fur-Guinan, Mr. Spock, T'Mir, Cho, Toothless, Maverick & Maharet T'Pol, Elizabeth & Curzon TY, TJ, Light Fury, Madison & T'Pring Forever in my heart, Gizmo, Tucker, Khayman and the rest of my babies over the
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Re: Flossing or Self-Mutilation?
[Re: GliderMomof2]
#1395033
10/14/15 04:21 PM
10/14/15 04:21 PM
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,979 Wisconsin
Feather
Administrator
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Administrator
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,979
Wisconsin
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He does that because he is marking his territory. All gliders mark, but intact males mark more.
If he is doing that, he is probably the alpha male in the cage.
You may want to reconsider neutering. Some boys can get quite stinky.
Kimberley Feathers-Sweetie, Mister Peanut & Big Mack Fur-Guinan, Mr. Spock, T'Mir, Cho, Toothless, Maverick & Maharet T'Pol, Elizabeth & Curzon TY, TJ, Light Fury, Madison & T'Pring Forever in my heart, Gizmo, Tucker, Khayman and the rest of my babies over the
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