In Reply to: Re: Irishcream?? posted by Jo on May 04, 1999 at 21:54:52:

I have noticed that from a back view that the joeys seem to have moved a little to the side (I guess for more room?).
And that 'mom' is always fussing with the pouch opening, as if to situate them comfortably.
The actual pouch opening is a bit spread, so that I can see the lil'ones are there.
And about 2-3 days before the are OOP, I can see their little legs and rear ends slipping out of the pouch...
Like I mentioned, I can also hear them fuss softly from within the pouch...

You could always try bribing 'mom' to the front of the cage with a mealworm... and look for movement in the pouch.
Or if 'mom' is not cooperative (one of mine 'grabs & runs' with it) you could take her out onto the kitchen counter, give her the mealie, gently wrap your fingers around her upper body and lift her onto her hind legs... and peek quickly! The counter is smooth so if she trys to run, she's not going far... but watch out for the bite. It comes quickly after she realises shes not going to be able to run from you.
I know, this may sound kinda cruel to do to a loved one... but a dead joey in her pouch can cause major health problems if she doesnt expel it ASAP.

Are you sure it is her killing them? Sometimes they just dont make it full term and the 'mom' has to pull them out of the pouch...
From what Ive learned, it is believed that the actual nipple swells in the joeys mouth preventing in from becoming detached too soon. If 'mom' does something too strenuous, misses a landing and jars herself, a male tries to breed with her again (which is rough), or anything of the such... the joey could become dislodged from the nipple. If the nipple is swollen, the little one cannot 'latch' back on and therefore will die from malnutrition.
This is only one of many things that could happen during the pouch term... I only mention it because it happened to me once... she didnt pull it out until (I think she knew) it was too late... and we lost her. :(

Good luck with youre expected...
Vickie

Follow Ups:

• Re: some changes... somewhat long post :) JO 08:06:43 5/05/99 (3)
  • hmmm.... IrishCreme 20:58:50 5/05/99 (2)
    • Re: hmmm.... Bourbon 15:37:52 5/18/99 (0)
    • Oh well... Jo 22:37:59 5/05/99 (0)