I've had a male and female glider for a few weeks now. Just recently the male has started hissing while I hold him in the pouch. He's also staying in his pouch a lot lately. He comes out to eat and if I play with them he'l run around and climb stuff but as soon as its time to go back in the cage he's right back in the pouch. All his other behaviour seems normal but I'm worried because he didn't do that when I first brought them home. What could be wrong?

You've only had him for a few weeks so he may just be a little scared. He's in a whole new invironment now. Give it a little more time. Continue to play with him. He may come come out of his shell "or pouch" a little at a time. Give him plenty of treats and toys. I'm still new so there will be more people with more experience and advice. But for now give your furbaby lots of love.

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He comes out to eat and if I play with them he'l run around and climb stuff but as soon as its time to go back in the cage he's right back in the pouch.

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What time of day are you playing with your gliders? What is the lighting in the room?

If you are playing with them during the day time - you are interrupting their sleep and he is heading back to his pouch to get the rest he needs.

If you are playing with them in the evening and the lights are on in the room when you return him to the cage - he is just seeking a safe place out of the light.

Even at night, gliders often Eat, Play and Nap off and on all night long. He may just be ready for a nap when you put him in the cage.

One of my males doesn't care for anyone but my daughter.I've read that Sugar Gliders are more likely to bond with one main person (still friendly with others) but is "happiest" when he's being handled/ played with by her. I don't believe that it HAS to be dark, not during the day,etc.to handle,play,show friends your gliders.My boys bark to be held,get a treat etc all times of the day or night! I guess like people, every glider is different: ) Does he have a mate? Or is he biting/ nipping at you? I worked in a pet store, and my husbands mother is a Vet Tec for a animal hospital so I in no way claim to be an expert, but I have had the privilege to get to be around/ take care of these little guys more than most: ) You can ALWAYS message me if you got a question that I might be able to help!

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Originally posted by Candy

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He comes out to eat and if I play with them he'l run around and climb stuff but as soon as its time to go back in the cage he's right back in the pouch.

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What time of day are you playing with your gliders? What is the lighting in the room?

If you are playing with them during the day time - you are interrupting their sleep and he is heading back to his pouch to get the rest he needs.

If you are playing with them in the evening and the lights are on in the room when you return him to the cage - he is just seeking a safe place out of the light.

Even at night, gliders often Eat, Play and Nap off and on all night long. He may just be ready for a nap when you put him in the cage.

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I'm still in the bonding process with them so I'm taking baby steps, I take them out (still in the pouch) sometimes in the middle of the day just to give a couple treats and let them get more accustomed to me. If I take them out for actual play time then it's at night when they are active. The lighting in our house is dim, to say the least. But maybe he's just extra sensitive? Like I said, he didn't act like this a week ago. That's why I'm worried "/

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Originally posted by Kaydee

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Originally posted by Candy

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He comes out to eat and if I play with them he'l run around and climb stuff but as soon as its time to go back in the cage he's right back in the pouch.

---

What time of day are you playing with your gliders? What is the lighting in the room?

If you are playing with them during the day time - you are interrupting their sleep and he is heading back to his pouch to get the rest he needs.

If you are playing with them in the evening and the lights are on in the room when you return him to the cage - he is just seeking a safe place out of the light.

Even at night, gliders often Eat, Play and Nap off and on all night long. He may just be ready for a nap when you put him in the cage.

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I'm still in the bonding process with them so I'm taking baby steps, I take them out (still in the pouch) sometimes in the middle of the day just to give a couple treats and let them get more accustomed to me. If I take them out for actual play time then it's at night when they are active. The lighting in our house is dim, to say the least. But maybe he's just extra sensitive? Like I said, he didn't act like this a week ago. That's why I'm worried "/

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He does have a mate, both of them nip at me. The female more than the male. But they'll climb on me, jump on me, let me pet them, etc. Idk why the female especially just loves to nip. I blow on her to stop but then she starts again. The previous owner did tell me that the male bonded with him so maybe he's just missing his buddy :( it's strange though because he wasn't acting like this about a week ago.

How long has he been doing this? And does he hiss at any other time?

Many gliders go through a somewhat rebellious stage where they tend to bite and test their limits with their owners. I is often referred to the glider 'terrible twos'.

For the nipping - a Ptsssst sound when you see your glider looking like it may be getting ready to bite will often stop it before the bite happens. Be consistent and your glider will learn that it is not acceptable behavior. If you do get nipped a sharp (not loud) NO or even an "Oww" will let your glider know you do not like the biting.

Another suggestion - if your gliders are new to you and have not yet had a well check up with a glider experienced vet you may want to take them to make sure there are no health issues or parasites that need to be dealt with. Sometimes gliders that have sudden behavioral changes are experiencing some health issue and do not feel well.

It is always good to establish your gliders as a patient with a vet in case they need immediate or emergency care in the future.