Welcome - Tillys new mates Snausage, Maverick & Pipsqueak + ADVICE needed

[zac-tilly-moss]

Maverick, male, 3 years old, Snausage,male 1½ years old and Pipsqueak, female...... my new suggies and mates for Tilly.  I am so happy, i promised Vicky i will look after them all and any questions i will ask her, keep her updated and come on here for advice.  We absolutely adore them already and are getting to know the different personalities, they are so gorgeous - still havent sussed how to put photos on here yet (know i use photobucket) i keep doing it wrong.  Cant wait to post some piccies, im so proud i want to show them off lol .

Drove to Manchester to collect these three last Sunday, I have their cages side by side and am letting them out at different times at the moment.  Tilly cheered up and became her old self, running around cage more and wanting to play within a couple of days, she has totally changed already, she is eating better as well.

The new arrivals are full of it, one of the older males seems to think that it is Tilly that is new to the house, and seems to have taken the role of 'sussing' Tilly out, is constantly running around her cage and nosying at her, she has been really friendly and comes to see him, sniffs him, she seems to want to make friends but he grabs at her then they start to squabble, no injuries, it does not seem like a fight (inbetween the bars - i have not let them all out of their cages at the same time yet), then she goes back to bed and he will keep going back to the cage to watch her.  All three of the new arrivals have settled in well and seem happy and are eating well.

Just wanted to ask you experts  How long do i keep them side by side in their cages When should i try and see if they ok out at the same time? 

Or do i just put Tilly in the cage with the three newies???

Not sure what to do and certainly wont do anything until i get advice

Please help    The only thing i know that i have to do it to make sure the cage i put them all into is cleaned of smells and all beds are washed etc.

Advice please


Jayne xx

[Usha77]

Congratulations and good luck!  I'd give it a few weeks, maybe.  Swap scented items between the cages like pouches and blankies and even toys to get them used to each others' scents.  I would also introduce them in a neutral environment where you can separate easily with a piece of fleece if they ball up.  A little spat or crabbing is normal while they establish dominance between the group, but balling up can be bad. 

[Marie]

Woohoo!  Good news for Tilly!  As Brenda has said, swap pouches and toys for a couple of weeks, and introduce them in a neutral environment.  Some people use the bathroom, but any small room that none of them a used to will do, a small tent would be even better, that way the intros are in an enclosed space so it's easier to keep an eye on things and intervene if necessary.  I take it the 2 males are together already?  I'd definately look at getting the males neutered just to minimise the risk of territorial behaviour and joeys, especially as you're new to gliders.

[Marie]

Oh, forgot to mention, the guy that hosts the forum is going to look at the picture uploader for me as soon as he gets chance!  I'll keep you posted

[zac-tilly-moss]

Hi Marie

the boys are already neutured and the third suggie is a girl..... Tillie seems happy with things so far , like i say it is the boys that seem to be stutting their stuff around, and on 'tilly's' cage as well lol..... 

taken advice and am swapping toys and things so they get used to each others smells, will try the bathroom with them all when they've been here a little longer

Thanks

Jayne xx

[hday]

ah glad it worked out for you (although boo it wasnt my guys lol!)
have fun