Hello everyone, I am new to the website and new to sugar gliders. They are actually my daughters.
We bought them from a breeder, but they were not tame, they were suppose to be by the time we got them.
One is biting and is teaching the other one to do the same. We have tried holding them with gloves on and the one keeps biting, the other doesn't really bite. I also think one is a boy and one is a girl, they were suppose to be both girls. does anyone have suggestions on what to do. should I send them back to the breeder, or try to keep the one that is friendly and get another companion for him. Please help they are already 3 months old.

That's really sad and I'm sure someone on here would like to know the breeders name and where they are located.

How long have you had them? 3 months is BARELY old enough to be separated from the parents as they are still learning life skills. Holding them with gloves on is a bad idea because hey can't smell your hands and therefore won't get used to your scent. When it bites just make a loud PSSST sound and eventually they stop. But you have to take the bite. Right now they are probably scared and don't want you near them, so they know if they bite you back away. Also, does one have a pom? A ballsack if you will. If not then it's a girl. If you have a lot of trouble telling I'd take it to a vet to see. If it turns out one is a boy, then you'd have to get him fixed if you decide to keep him because he'll eventually try to mate with the girl.

Even if you get "tame" gliders from breeders that doesn't necessarily mean anything. They bond with the breeders if cared for correctly and they will be wary and scared of you. You have to start the bonding process all over.

Sugar gliders need time and handling by their new owners to warm up to them. You should get a screened bonding pouch and carry them in it whenever possible, offering "licky treats" like yogurt or honey on your finger whenever possible. Some gliders are just naturally more nippy than others, too. Please, try to work it out with these babies before returning them. They are living creatures with emotions and feelings, too. They are not defective just because they are scared. They may have been perfectly bonded to the breeder, but if you all have not been working with them, they will revert back to their natural tendencies!

Please do a Gliderpedia search on bonding to get more ideas on working with your gliders. There's a ton of great information on this forum about bonding and building trust!

P.S.: Welcome to Glider Gossip!

Hello! I'm not a frequent poster but I am a member.

Congratulations on your new babies! I remember when we got our boys, my two daughters were SO excited to get them but when we got them all they did was hide from us and crab at us if we came anywhere near them. We left them alone for a good four days before I even tried to handle them. It's soooo important to let them bond with you on their own terms. On the fourth day I brought their pouch into the bathroom with me late at night and let them hop around on me while I played on the computer or read a book. I made no attempt to catch them or hold them, I just let them jump around and get to know my smell. after a few days of this they actually sought me out and enjoyed the attention I gave them (Petting, sweet licky treats from my finger and talking to them).

About the biting, I know it's intimidating but you need to take the bite. Do not be scared of holding them or handling them. They can tell if you are nervous and they may in turn get scared of you. Try to be calm, do not yelp or shout if they scratch you or nip at you.

We have had our boys for 6 months and we LOVE them!!! They are the most loving, cuddly, sweet little guys you can imagine. We give them lots of attention in the early morning and late at night, we give them lots of snuggles during the day while they are sleeping. It takes patience to bond with sugar gliders but it's SO worth it! It's so cute when they come running to you when they get a little nervous.

oh and one more thing, do not seperate your gilders, they are bonded, they need eachother. If one if a boy you need to get him fixed.

I just got my 2 gliders on Friday from a girl on here. I'm sure they were well bonded to her since she had them from the time they were little joeys. One of them is very sweet and she has warmed up to us very quickly (she'll come out of her pouch and if you stick your hand in the cage she'll jump right on). But the other one is a little timid. She has bitten me twice and actually drew blood from my boyfriend. Shes just scared though and I understand that. I think that yours are just going through the same thing. They are just babies and they probably miss their mom and the breeder that took care of them before. You are a stranger to them right now so it'll take some time to have them trust you. Have you tried sleeping with a small piece of fleece and then putting it in their pouch? They can get used to your scent and maybe won't be so quick to bite when you put your hand near them. Just don't pull away when they bite because that teaches them that if they bite you'll go away. I've got a sore finger but it will be worth it in the end once we are bonded. Congrats on the gliders :)