Hi,
We have a new baby neutered male glider named Rocky. I have been putting him the bonding pouch since we bought him about 3 weeks ago. I have a terminal illness so my husband has been doing the process of bonding right now. Rocky has bit my husband 15 times. Fifteen times, my husband has used the method suggested by the video we received of putting his thumb in Rocky's mouth for 5 minutes each time he bites. Rocky still bites.

My husband otherwise is very gentle with him, talks softly to him, strokes him, etc. Rocky almost always constantly chatters. The other night there was a short period of time when he stopped chattering but last night he was chattering all the time when my husband was holding him.

He did seem to like being under my husband's shirt better. At night when he is in his cage, he rarely makes a sound. I am up late at night and I see him running around but he rarely chatters.

When he is in his cage, if my husband walks by or he says anything when he is in close range of the cage Rocky chatters. If me or my caregiver walk by the cage or say anything he is silent.

I was wondering if there is anything we can do to help him settle down and stop chattering and biting so much.

M.

i don't like the thumb in the mouth method of breaking them of biting. they are sensitive to smells. if mine smell somebody different, or something they don't like they crab. they're exotics, they bite. you have to bond on their terms. some come around quick, some don't. my best bonded glider was getting his nails trimmed last week, the vet tech wore gloves (they normally don't) he didn't like the smell and i was holding him and he bit me. he's 9 months OOP and i've been holding him since 3 days OOP. the first time he ever bit. now, he nibbles on occasion when he's grooming me. just be patient. they're scared. offer him licky treats or yogurt drops. they seem to be more receptive if they know they're gonna get treats or goodies from you, not a thumb in the mouth.

In my opinion, the best solution to biting is to make a loud PSSST! noise. This is the sound gliders make to each other that means "Stop it!" It really works. I've had a biter for over a year, and he's now down to the occasional nip; and very rarely breaks the skin -- only if I try to pick him up when he's not ready, and even then I can usually do it. He used to bite me every chance he got.

bitter apple. I bought an all natural at the pet store. one bite and ugh stopped. also offer something to chew on when biting, food redirects their attention, kinda like a puppy teething LOL. hope this helps.

I bought that when I first got mine also and they LOVED it LOL. They would even lick the bottle. So gross!