In Reply to: Too Much Breeding posted by Dianna on June 07, 1999 at 18:52:04:

: I could really use some advise. I have a very "active" pair of sugar gliders. The male is 3 years old, the female is 2 years old. They have been a mated pair for approx 1 year. It took them awhile to mate the first time, but it has been non stop ever since. The first pair of joeys were two health males. Just as the first set of joeys were about to be weaned, I saw my female give birth to 2 more (It was really a miraculous sight to see!). Since the first set of Joeys were still trying to nurse, I left them with the male and seperated the female. After the next 2 were out of the pouch everything seem normal until the female could venture out of her nest without babies on board. Although they both appeared healthy, she abandoned them and actually ate one. :( The advise I was given by the Vet was that she was too stresssed by not having her mate with her, so she rejected them. Made sense, so after relocating the original 2 babies to new homes, I returned the female to her mate. Sure enough, she became pregnant and had swelling pouches in no time. The 2 newest babies have just within the last 2 days started emerging from the pouch. From what I can tell, they both appear very healthy and have their crabbing is loud and clear. Here is my delima.....the male has already mated with her again!! I know this is not healthy for my female. Also, the current Joeys will not be weaned in the next 18 days should she be pregnant again! If I seperate her from him, she may reject the current joeys.........HELP!!! What should I do?? I have the health of my female, her two current joeys and possible 2 more joeys to consider. Any advise will be helpful. These are the most adorable creatures I've ever come upon and it is so heartbreaking to lose one, let alone two poor little babies. Please give me some advise. Thank you! Dianna

From my point of veiw Mother Nature will do what is best or what it thinks is best for the circumstances.Gliders are supposed to have 6-8 babies per year 1-2 at a time.If they are fed the right diet it should be fairly safe to let them breed.( I often wonder how something as small as a mouse can produce so many so fast without dying in 2-3 months.)
1 option is to have your male torchered(neutered)ugggg.The other is put them side by side in separate cages.I've had mine for years and i dont think they become less prolific with age.
Hope this helps ya

Follow Ups:

• Re: Too Much Breeding Bourbon 02:13:49 6/08/99 (0)