GliderCENTRAL

Bonding Update!

Posted By: Alan

Bonding Update! - 04/20/17 08:15 PM

So I ordered the tent about a week ago and was very worried about how they would react. We had done a very short (like 5 minute) fist time and while there was no biting, there was immediate crabbing for most of it. They had tried to nip in the past so I was a bit scared. I slowly rolled the bag down and brought them out with my sleeve covered hand, and they jumped all over. They are still very wary, but jump on me a few times and wander around or sometimes jump on my arm when offered.
I'm trying to think of more ways to get them used to my hands. They haven't nipped and when I offered my fingers or hands for inspection they don't run away or lunge or crab. Does this seem normal and should I just continue this way? I have tried offering treats but they seem much more interested in running around the tent and so I keep a few pieces but mostly just let them roam. I have thought maybe yogurt or applesauce but if they are already ok with sniffing and small petting moments should I worry or change anything?

I'm excited that they seem to be acclimating to me pretty quickly, especially with the whole medicine at beginning thing for Giardia. Any hints or tricks moving forward? I'm enjoying the time with them and they seem to recognize me even if they aren't coming to the cage front when I come to it, they still look up and just go back to what they were doing so they are comfy, and almost no crabbing except to each other.
Posted By: Hutch

Re: Bonding Update! - 04/20/17 08:33 PM

You're doing all the right things already. The hands take time. It sounds like they're very active out the gate, what time of day are you bringing them out? Before their normal wake-up time or right before they head to the pouch to sleep for the day will have them at lower energy levels.

In general, I'd recommend letting them have their run of the tent & come to you on their terms. Mine started gradually using me as a quick springboard, but eventually came around to wanting more 'tree time' on me. Keep the treats handy & only give them when they come to you would be my best tip as you want them to associate the action of being on you with the treat, not just you being around.
Posted By: Alan

Re: Bonding Update! - 04/20/17 09:01 PM

That's a good idea on the treats! I don't try to force them onto me, but sometimes they stop in one spot for a while, almost like surveying their kingdom, so I put my arm out to see if they want to jump on it. Sometimes they do and sometimes they don't. I've been wearing the same clothes so they get accustomed to the scent of them and of me.
I usually take them out before their normal wake up time. Usually 7/7:30. The first nights when I didn't take them out to let them get used to the new cage they get up around 9pm. So I usually get them up, they crab crab crab, open the pouch, after a minute or so they scurry out quickly and then start jumping and sniffing and crawling around me then slowly either scurry up the wall or on my leg and then jump.
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