Our New Joeys
Posted on May 28, 2006 by Ching under Babies.
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It’s official. We have joeys. Over the last couple of weeks Brian and I have been anxiously and curiously awaiting their debut.
I checked on the gliders a while ago and couldn’t help but scream with panic. Ginger’s belly was deflated and her pouch opening looked like an outie. Star’s belly was lopsided with only one side being full and the other side seemed empty. Since this is our first litter, I didn’t really know what to expect. I thought Ginger had lost her joeys and so I called out for Brian to help me.
With his help we inspected the tunnel and the sleeping pouch. Both of Ginger’s joeys were in the sleeping pouch. One of Star’s joeys was in the tunnel. We are marking today, May 28, on our calendar are the out of pouch date for three out of four joeys. We are hoping that the other one will emerge not too long after.
Brian and I both have to resist the urge to handle the newborn suggies. It’s not recommended that they be handled until they’ve been out of pouch for at least a week. Even then strict rules have to be followed.
Here’s an excerpt from an article in Glider University:
At 7-10 days out of pouch, the eyes will open and fur will begin to develop on the belly. The joeys may now be handled. The following guidelines should be followed:
1. It is best that one person be chosen to consistently handle the gliders until they are more mature.
2. Joeys should only be handled for 5 minutes at a time, building up as time progresses.
3. Joeys should be handled in a quiet, warm, dark place free from drafts.
4. It is best that the joeys be handled with mother present.
In the next two weeks (14-28 days out of pouch), joeys will open their eyes, develop their sense of hearing, and may even try to jump. They will mimic parents and try what they see their parents do. It is vital that both sugar glider parents be with the joeys at this time, as the father’s role is extremely important in the care and teaching of the joeys. Here, a father looks on as his three week old joey tries to jump:
At 28-42 days out of pouch, the markings are becoming more prominent now, and they are beginning to become even more adventurous and confident. At this time the joeys will also begin sampling some of their parents’ food. There is no need to provide any special food for the captive joey, as mother’s milk provides all the nutrition the joey needs. Thus, it is vital that the joey be with his mother at this time! When the timing is right, the joey will begin to eat foods along with his parents and older siblings.
At 42-70 days out of pouch, the joey’s tail will “fluff out”, and the joeys will learn to urinate and defecate on their own. The joeys will become independent, and will eat solid foods along with their parents.
Based on this information, the joeys have another two to three months before they are ready to be separated from their mommies. Brian and I are both really excited to watch them develop and are doing our best to stay out of their way so as not to hinder the process. As soon as it is safe to take photos of the joeys, we’ll be sure to share them everyone. Stay tuned.
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