quote:
I got him a new buddy three days ago, his name is Jackson (or Jax), who is 5 months too. They are both still intact. I want to get them neutered at the same time but want them to get the process of them getting to know each other started. I have slowly been moving their cage closer to one another, switching their pouches, and letting them sniff each other.
First - SLOW DOWN
The new glider needs to have several days just to get used to being in your new home. His ENTIRE WORLD just changed - many new sights, sounds and smells for him to be come comfortable with.
It is generally recommended that a glider new to your home be allowed to just chill out in his cage to settle in and get used to the new world around him. You can sit by his cage and talk to him to help him get used to your voice. Put some fleece squares (3-4 inch) that you have either kept tucked in your clothes, or slept with in your pillow case over night, into his sleeping pouch to help him get used to YOUR scent. Offer treats to get him comfortable with your hands and to begin to trust YOU.
You have already skipped one important step which would have been to quarantine the new glider - housing him in a separate room and no contact with your first glider - for 30 days to prevent sharing of any illness or parasite issues he may have.
BOTH gliders should have a well check up with a glider experienced vet and fecal testing before you begin introductions. A follow up fecal testing on both gliders after 30 days should be done to ensure any parasites were not in a dormant phase at the time of the first test. If EITHER glider tests positive for parasites, you will need to medicate both gliders to eliminate the problem since you have already traded pouches and attempted introductions.
Since they are both 5 months old and beginning to mature - I would have them neutered before you try face to face introductions again. They can still be done on the same day - just make sure you take them to the vet in separate pouches and let the vet know they are not yet cagemates.
After they have had a few days to heal, THEN begin pouch swapping to get them used to each other's scent before trying to do face to face introductions.
Introductions are more successful when done during the daytime while both gliders are sleepy. If they are willing to go into a clean pouch together to sleep, they can be put into a freshly Cleaned cage together. If they will sleep together they will most likely be fine together in the evening when they wake up.