So! Kiwi is a 3 month old suggie, just seperated from mommy and daddy a week or so ago.. I got her last thursday... and I'm a little worried and stressed being a new suggie owner.

I know they don't like to come out unless it's dark and quiet.. or so I hear.. but Kiwi tends to only come out when it's dark and I have the tv on, or music playing.. and even now at 1:30 in the morning she's still in her pouch! Last night I finally eased her out of her pouch and onto one of her hammocks.. and she explored her cage some more.... and then went to town on her wheel and toys.. I'm not sure if I should have forced her out.. but I think it did her some good to realize her cage isn't going to eat her :D

Also.. has anyone ever had skin problems after handling their suggie?

Last night we stepped up our bonding (Yay!) and she let me put my hand in her cage without running away and hiding.. she was playing on her wheel and my hand was next to it.. she'd stop every 30 seconds to a minute and sniff my hand, then nibble (not bite..) at my fingers or knuckles.. then finally she crawled out of the wheel and over my hand some!..... however.. shortly after that my skin became red and itchy.. as far as I know I don't have allergies to anything.. and it -could- be a dry skin issue just irritated by her claws.. (I don't want to use lotion before handling her or even touching anything she might..)

Just kind of curious..

As far as allergies, it could be. Did you get welts where it was itchy, or was it just red? My skin gets welts and red marks because my skin is so dry. Let us know! Sounds like bonding is getting better!

Welcome Ahrrie & Kiwi!
The bonding process can be very different from glider to glider. If Kiwi was active and happy after taking her out, I would not worry much. But if she never comes out on her own, I would watch her carefully the next week or so.

she is probably just getting acclimated to her new environment. A few things you can do to make things go smoothly for her...

1. Talk to her outside of the cage. Maybe read her a book, or just let her know you are there, and get her used to the sound of your voice
2. Carry her around in a bonding pouch. Keep touching the outside of the pouch, and let her know that you are not a stranger, and it is OK for you to be near her pouch
3. Do things at her pace. Let her set the standards.
4. Please schedule her a well visit w/ your vet. This will help alleviate any questions of health, and have her established w/ an exotic vet if there are ever any emergencies.
5. Lastly, do you intent on getting her a buddy? (besides yourself). Sugar Gliders are colony animals, and usually do best with another suggie.

Welcome to Glider Gossip and lets see pics of Kiwi when she gets braver

Everything Sariyappa has said sounds great! As for irritated skin I have seen a member on here from time to time that has said they think they are allergic to their glider that could be what it is.

Personally I think it could be that her nails are sharp and they just scratched your skin. If it was inflammed and swollen afterwards, this is a sing of an allergic reaction. I can't say for sure though! Best of luck to the bonding, and it is true that every glider is different, but I am sure Kiwi will be hiding under your shirt in no time!

It was just itchy and red, not swollen and no welts. Even if I was allergic I'd take a page out of my roommate's book (who is allergic to cats and own two) and go ahead and keep her ;)

Kiwi came out on her own last night! It was almost 3 in the morning but she was playing till almost 9 this morning. We do spend quite a bit of time together, and I usually have her on me from the time I wake up to the time I either have to leave the house or it is time for her to eat. I'm even allowed to pet her head from time to time :) (But only after I bring offerings of meal worms....)

First of all, Congrats on the new baby! We're glad to have you join us :D Also that's great that she came out on her own. You're slowly gaining her trust and she'll be your little munchkin in no time. Also you might want to look into getting her a little glider friend. Sugar gliders are colony animals and don't do well on their own. I have proof of that from my little peanzie.
As for the itchy red skin. When their nails are sharp I get red and itchy as well. Trimming the nails always helps with that for sure. Get her nails cut and see if you still have the same problem, if so, you could be allergic or something. But let's hope not!

I do plan on getting her a little suggie buddy... but I'm in an area where there's only really one woman who has them (Which is the woman who owns Kiwi's parents) the good news is that her Mommy is pregnant again :) maybe with twins... and hopefully one will be a little girl! I know they don't do well on their own.. but I do have a -lot- of free time to spend with her so she isn't wanting for attention or a playmate! As for her nails.... I looked at them this morning and a couple are a little long. Her wheel has nail trimming tracks in it, and she's just starting to use it.. so I'm going to wait a couple of days and see how that plays out before I try trimming them myself or taking her anywhere to do it.

:) She's hangin out in her bonding pouch right now.. crabbing when I move because she's warm, cozy, and comfy against my stomach. Brat.