So we've had our two guys for over a month now. They were both just over a year old when we got them. They seemed somewhat use to humans, but hadn't bonded to anyone before. We're at the point where they easily come up to us, from the cage, for treats. But they're still pretty skittish of us. When we let them out for play time, they'll climb on us, but run away from any perceived hand movement. My question is how do we move forward from here? We're pretty much staying at the point of them taking treats from us, but wanting nothing more to really do with us. And we've been here for about three weeks. How do we move along the bonding process? Because to me it's looking like it might not progress from here unless things are helped along.

We do have the gliders in a pouch with us pretty regularly. Not every day, but pretty constantly. And when we do have them with us, it's generally for pretty long periods of time. We feed them food/treats in their pouch, etc. And they do really well in pouch (though getting them in pouch is another matter, haha). I've tried putting one glider in my shirt, but that didn't seem to go too well. So I'm just trying to figure out what I can do to move the bonding process along.

One of the gliders is super calm and sweet but way more timid. I think he'll be such a cuddle bug, but I just don't know how to make him feel safe. I don't know how to get them to associate any "safety" with me. If they're on me at all, they'd just run away. And I don't want them to been terrified by me trying to force them to stay on me, etc.

I know most people will say that they just need more time and I agree. But things have been like this since I first got them. They were pretty socialized from previous experiences, but never bonded to anyone. And that seems to be where they are at and have been since they came home. I guess my question is how do you go from them feeling safe around you, to being safe with you? The process just feels a bit in a rut, and I'm unsure what is needed here. First time glider mommy here! Thanks!

Have you tried tent time? Or Bathroom time?

A lot of people get a popup screen tent that fits in the living room or bedroom and they zip themselves in with treats and toys. Gliders love feather toys, such as cat toys. Just make sure there is no catnip.

I am sure more people will chime in.

Also read the article at the top of this forum by Bourbon, it is a good read.

Yes, we do have time with them being out. Usually in the bathroom or a glider safe room. Good to know about feathers! We will have to try that.

Sleepovers.
Take naps with them by putting your hand in the pouch.

If you put your hand in their sleeping pouch, make a fist first, then gradually open it and scoot your hand palm up under them.

You may want to handle them with a large piece of fleece over tour hand. It keeps them from associating your hand with having to hold them. They learn to tolerate being held. I use fleece to clip their nails, transfer to a bonding pouch, catch them when they get loose. That way they don't associate your hands with stress .

During the day, I have also tucked one of them in the hem of my shirt, rolled up over them and held them when I'm sitting for awhile.

Try petting them while they are eating a treat. A scratch under the chin after a while.

Realizing I didn't reply after I read these. I appreciate the advice on how to transition them to getting use to being held. That's the part I'm trying to figure out most. So far I'm getting them use to walking into my hand by baiting them with honey. So far they're doing pretty well with it, though still a bit shaky. I'm trying to figure out the best way to get them use to being hand held without 1. Getting bitten too badly and 2. Without scaring them.

They do eventually give up biting. Especially if they are being corrected with a ssst or tsk.

I get occasional bites while trimming nails from Fiona. It's usually one good hard pinch to let me know she is not happy.

Hm....
I still get chewed on all the time. :-(
Must have a taste for blood now.

Hand-in-pouch is the number one way to their hearts.
If they give your grief getting into the pouch with them, you can also sneak in there while they are asleep. It's not as good as getting into the pouch at bedtime, but it's a good start.
Regular sessions of this and they will be snuggle-buckets in no time.

Thanks again for all your tips. They definitely have been doing pretty well with us, and are not biting, but we haven't been trying to handle them as much. I've been struggling to figure out how to transition to cuddle times, so all this advice is really helpful. They're getting use to us, hardly ever crab, but are still scared of us.