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Please Help with Introductions! #1420022
04/11/19 06:00 PM
04/11/19 06:00 PM
Joined: Apr 2019
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NY
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mariad3 Offline OP
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mariad3  Offline OP
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Disclaimer: I understand that some gliders will never get along.

I have two sugar gliders, Crash and Coco, who are both ~3 years old and have been living together since I adopted them. Introducing them was a breeze as they were still joeys. Crash is a neutered male, and Coco is a female. At the end of January, a friend contacted me and told me that she knew someone with a lone glider who needed a new home. Her name is Rue, and she is ~2 years old. Since sugar gliders should not be alone, I agreed to take her. I had Rue in a separate cage away from the other gliders so she could adjust to her new home. She is very sweet and does well with eating, drinking and going to the bathroom. I took all three gliders to the vet and they were tested for parasites; they were all negative, and everyone is healthy.

I placed Rue's cage near Crash and Coco for awhile (but far enough away to prevent anyone being able to reach each other) and I've been pouch/toy/cage swapping. None of the gliders have a problem with sleeping in a pouch with an unfamiliar scent. Crash was certainly interested in Rue's presence (he crawled to the side of his cage adjacent to Rue's) but Coco and Rue seemed indifferent. Crash would chatter/make a clicking noise at her.

At the end of February, I tried introducing the gliders. I first introduced Rue to Coco, as Coco is mild-mannered and submissive compared to Crash. The introduction occurred during the day in a clean tent (they're able to jump out of the bathtub as it is shallow) and it went very smoothly; Coco and Rue sniffed each other a bit, then crawled into my hoodie and went to sleep. I put Coco back into her cage and Crash smelled her all over, but he wasn't aggressive. When I introduced Crash and Rue, Crash chased her and bit her tail, which led to screaming and balling up. I immediately broke up the fight and thankfully no one was injured. I started back at square one (separate cages in the same room) to let things cool down a bit.

A couple weeks ago, I made nest boxes lined with fleece squares that mount to the sides of the cages and are lined up with each other; the "back" of the nesting box, which is the side that is against the cage, is completely open. The cages are placed right next to each other, and I placed vinyl mesh (like bonding pouch mesh) on the adjacent sides of the cage so that no one can reach through the bars. This way, everyone is essentially sleeping next to each other. They can see and smell each other through the vinyl mesh, but Crash and Rue can't actually touch each other. I haven't noticed any crabbing/chattering but I haven't been present for everyone going to sleep (Crash and Coco tend to go to sleep for the day before Rue). Since I can't see inside of the nest boxes very well (the hole is too small for me to get a good look), I can't tell if Crash has taken any interest in Rue or vice versa.


So, these are my questions:
1) Any other suggestions besides pouch/toy/cage swapping and the nest boxes to get Crash used to having Rue around?

2) I feel bad that Rue is still a lone glider. While she and Coco get along, I am apprehensive to put them in a cage together for an extended period of time for a couple reasons. First, I don't want Crash to get upset that his cage mate is gone; he is not used to being alone for long. Second, I don't want Coco to smell so much like Rue that Crash will reject her. Is this a valid concern? Is it possible that letting Coco and Rue sleep together will help show Crash that Rue isn't a threat/intruder to the colony?

Side note: I let Rue and Coco play together in the tent every so often and whenever I put Coco back, Crash smells her all over but he doesn't get aggressive with her.

Again- I understand that Crash may never accept Rue and they may need to be in separate cages indefinitely. I do not want to try to force things and have anyone get hurt. I simply want happy gliders, and I appreciate any advice! Thank you!

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Re: Please Help with Introductions! [Re: mariad3] #1420024
04/11/19 06:38 PM
04/11/19 06:38 PM
Joined: Jan 2008
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Wisconsin
Feather Offline
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Feather  Offline
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I have an article here.
One thing you can try is introducing the two girls and leave the male live alone for a couple weeks. Sometimes they become more amicable to the new glider when they spend some alone time with their thoughts.


Kimberley
Feathers-Sweetie, Mister Peanut & Big Mack
Fur-Guinan, Mr. Spock, T'Mir, Cho, Toothless, Maverick & Maharet :bb: T'Pol, Elizabeth & Curzon :wfb: TY, TJ, Light Fury, Madison & T'Pring :rtmo:
Forever in my heart, Gizmo, Tucker, Khayman and the rest of my babies over the :rbridge:

Re: Please Help with Introductions! [Re: mariad3] #1420026
04/11/19 06:46 PM
04/11/19 06:46 PM
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DFW, TX
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I would second Feather’s suggestion. A little alone time might help and then reintroduce Crash to both atthe same time. Keep their sleeping arrangements close if you want and maybe give Crash and Coco some playtime but I would stop that a couple of days before the intros so hopefully Crash is go grateful to see Coco that it will be easier to accept Rui.

But I am no expert. My four got together more through luck and probably shared exasperation at my incompetence during the intro.


Dobby :grey: Elric :wfb: Arwen :plat: Eilonwy :leu:
Re: Please Help with Introductions! [Re: Feather] #1420027
04/11/19 06:48 PM
04/11/19 06:48 PM
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NY
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mariad3 Offline OP
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mariad3  Offline OP
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I came across your article previously, thank you smile I think I will try that, the females get along very well. My male isn't used to being alone but if there's a chance that he may be more accepting after being alone, I am willing to try it. I have a long weekend next week so I think I will do it then and make sure Crash does okay since I'll be home with him for awhile. Thank you again!

Re: Please Help with Introductions! [Re: Feather] #1420217
04/28/19 08:58 PM
04/28/19 08:58 PM
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NY
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mariad3 Offline OP
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I have the two females together at the moment and the male has been alone for a couple weeks. I have the cages nearby each other. When it comes time to introducing everyone, who should I introduce first? Crash and Coco (the original female-male duo) or Crash and Rue (Rue is the new female)?

Re: Please Help with Introductions! [Re: mariad3] #1420219
04/28/19 10:30 PM
04/28/19 10:30 PM
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,979
Wisconsin
Feather Offline
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Feather  Offline
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The new female. He will probably remember his girl.


Kimberley
Feathers-Sweetie, Mister Peanut & Big Mack
Fur-Guinan, Mr. Spock, T'Mir, Cho, Toothless, Maverick & Maharet :bb: T'Pol, Elizabeth & Curzon :wfb: TY, TJ, Light Fury, Madison & T'Pring :rtmo:
Forever in my heart, Gizmo, Tucker, Khayman and the rest of my babies over the :rbridge:

Re: Please Help with Introductions! [Re: mariad3] #1420222
04/29/19 01:26 AM
04/29/19 01:26 AM
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DFW, TX
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I would put him with the new glider and then, if they get along, add the other after about 30-45 minutes. I doubt the second arrival will ruin the intro since they already know each other.


Dobby :grey: Elric :wfb: Arwen :plat: Eilonwy :leu:
Re: Please Help with Introductions! [Re: mariad3] #1420458
05/26/19 04:26 PM
05/26/19 04:26 PM
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NY
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mariad3 Offline OP
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I just wanted to update this thread to say that I left the male alone for about a month. I introduced him to the new female yesterday and thankfully it went very smoothly- a little bit of crabbing from the female, but no balling up! I left them alone to sleep in a neutral pouch for a bit and then I added the original female to the mix, which also went well with no problems. They spent the night together and are now sleeping peacefully as a group smile Thank you again for your suggestions!

Re: Please Help with Introductions! [Re: mariad3] #1420460
05/26/19 07:32 PM
05/26/19 07:32 PM
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 4,305
SW Missouri USA
Ladymagyver Offline
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I'm glad it worked!!! clap

Just keep an eye on them and listen for a few days. Watch how they interact at dinnertime.


Dawn

Be patient,
and
Trust your journey....

Grace :bb:

Ruby :grey:

Mom :grey:

Dad :grey:




Fiona, Dot and Stewie :rbridge: wish I could turn back time... Miss you

Re: Please Help with Introductions! [Re: mariad3] #1420464
05/26/19 11:18 PM
05/26/19 11:18 PM
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,979
Wisconsin
Feather Offline
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Feather  Offline
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Posts: 13,979
Wisconsin
clap


Kimberley
Feathers-Sweetie, Mister Peanut & Big Mack
Fur-Guinan, Mr. Spock, T'Mir, Cho, Toothless, Maverick & Maharet :bb: T'Pol, Elizabeth & Curzon :wfb: TY, TJ, Light Fury, Madison & T'Pring :rtmo:
Forever in my heart, Gizmo, Tucker, Khayman and the rest of my babies over the :rbridge:

Re: Please Help with Introductions! [Re: mariad3] #1420487
05/28/19 10:40 PM
05/28/19 10:40 PM
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 379
Ada OK
Claralice Offline
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Claralice  Offline
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Posts: 379
Ada OK
Well mine cant even share tent time without balling up! Grrr! Many months later, still changing pouches and cages next to each other and no amigo!


Freddie and Barnabus Caramel neutered males
Re: Please Help with Introductions! [Re: Claralice] #1420493
05/28/19 11:17 PM
05/28/19 11:17 PM
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 4,305
SW Missouri USA
Ladymagyver Offline
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Ladymagyver  Offline
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SW Missouri USA
Originally Posted by Claralice
Well mine cant even share tent time without balling up! Grrr! Many months later, still changing pouches and cages next to each other and no amigo!



Are you trying intros in the morning?

Do you happen to have 2 bonding bags, or a double bag? You could try wearing them next to each other too.


Dawn

Be patient,
and
Trust your journey....

Grace :bb:

Ruby :grey:

Mom :grey:

Dad :grey:




Fiona, Dot and Stewie :rbridge: wish I could turn back time... Miss you

Re: Please Help with Introductions! [Re: mariad3] #1420499
05/29/19 09:28 PM
05/29/19 09:28 PM
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 379
Ada OK
Claralice Offline
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Claralice  Offline
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Ada OK
I have multiples of everything! I wear together, try to get in the tent together. I have both double bags and singles.


Freddie and Barnabus Caramel neutered males
Re: Please Help with Introductions! [Re: Claralice] #1420585
06/09/19 03:14 PM
06/09/19 03:14 PM
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 14
NY
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mariad3 Offline OP
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mariad3  Offline OP
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Joined: Apr 2019
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NY
Are your gliders currently living alone? If they have buddies, maybe you can try having them stay alone for a couple weeks. I was convinced that my little guy would never accept a new glider after pouch/cage/toy swapping for a couple months and failed intros, but all it took was some time alone for him to be nice. He was so aggressive towards her before and defensive over his original cage mate, I couldn't believe that it worked. They are all best friends now.

When you wear them in bonding pouches together, are they able to calm down and go to sleep? Do they try to fight through the fleece?

Also, your play tent might not be an ideal neutral ground for them to be introduced if everyone's scents are on it. Before introducing them (in the morning) I would clean the tent with plain dish soap or disinfecting wipes- make sure it's thoroughly rinsed as well before using it.

Re: Please Help with Introductions! [Re: mariad3] #1420586
06/10/19 10:16 AM
06/10/19 10:16 AM
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 4,305
SW Missouri USA
Ladymagyver Offline
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SW Missouri USA
This usually works if he's willing or wanting friends.

The bathtub in the bathroom with toilet lid down and door shut is usually the most neutral place the put them together. Tents do take on their scents. And a neutral/clean pouch is a must.


Dawn

Be patient,
and
Trust your journey....

Grace :bb:

Ruby :grey:

Mom :grey:

Dad :grey:




Fiona, Dot and Stewie :rbridge: wish I could turn back time... Miss you

Re: Please Help with Introductions! [Re: mariad3] #1420594
06/11/19 11:17 AM
06/11/19 11:17 AM
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 14
NY
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mariad3 Offline OP
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mariad3  Offline OP
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NY
I agree, Dawn- a bathtub is definitely the most neutral place. I'm not sure if others have the same problem as I did but my tub was too shallow for intros- everyone just jumped out and climbed onto me instead of paying attention to each other!

Re: Please Help with Introductions! [Re: mariad3] #1420604
06/12/19 04:15 PM
06/12/19 04:15 PM
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 158
DFW, TX
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Xeno Offline
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Yeah, mine jumped out of the bathtub during intros too. Luckily it seemed like they bonded over running away and stressing me out with their escape antics.

If I had to do it again I would use my enclosed shower and make sure not to accidentally turn the water on like my first intro attempt (as you can probably guess it went poorly).


Dobby :grey: Elric :wfb: Arwen :plat: Eilonwy :leu:

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