I had both of them out the other day, at first that wasn't happening, between me worrying and them being scared it was a task to get one out. After only a week with them I can't get their food bowl out at night without them climbing on my shoulders (I take it out in the morning when THEY'RE tired).

SO>>> I was letting them play, which they love to crawl around on my back, Never been a problem, as they don't bite there, or my ears. (Still they bite the fingers, but generally only when I smell fruity).

ANYWAY>>>> Appa got on my shoulder and was sniffing my hair and ears. Then I started feeling him scratching? or something. It ended when he grabbed or bit my ear and I had to get him in the cage. (No skin broken, so I assume he grabbed, but I can't see that far.)

THE QUESTION>>>>> What was he actually doing and why?

IF>>>>>> He's grooming me, does this mean he loves me like I love him?

Sounds like grooming to me.

And yes, we all want our gliders to love us but in reality they are an animal so they don't feel that emotion. He does appear to be accepting you and treating you as a colony member...which translated to "glider" is about as close to love as we human can get with them.

You're definately on the right track.

quote:

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Originally posted by JazzNZoeysmom

Sounds like grooming to me.

And yes, we all want our gliders to love us but in reality they are an animal so they don't feel that emotion. He does appear to be accepting you and treating you as a colony member...which translated to "glider" is about as close to love as we human can get with them.

You're definately on the right track.

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Totally agree...sounds like grooming. Grooming from your glider is their way of showing acceptance and that is awesome!! It can hurt sometimes, but boy is it worth it knowing that your glider is finally accepting you!

Hurts more considering raptor claws. I'm glad they're accepting me, means I'll be able to remove the sharpness from their little hands.