Message:

Subject: Re: Handling Babies
Posted by Betsycc on June 04, 1998 at 09:17:10:

In Reply to: Re: Handling Babies posted by Robert/Wanda Slade on June 01, 1998 at 20:41:33:

Hello Do we just go in the nest box and get them out ? Do we wait until the mom and
dad come out first.We are new at this we don't won't to hurt them. Robert/Wanda
Slade

You have a couple of options here . . .
If the parents are very tame you may be able to just reach in and take them out anytime. If the parents are not tame, wait until they leave the babies to eat. I lift the whole pouch or nest box out of the cage. Usually the babies will "skunk" you the first few times you handle them. They may also cry out for their mom (which may alarm mom). Your babies are aprox. two weeks oop. Their eyes should be open by now or within a day or two. Twins sometimes are smaller and a tad behind a single baby. I suggest you begin handling them for 10 -15 minutes everyday. Twice a day if your schedule will allow.
You may have to offer mom her most favorite treat in the whole world both before you take the babies and after you put them back. She will then have good memories associated with the experience. She may not take the treat the first time. But after she sees that the babies are okay, she will relax some.
Best of luck!
The only thing neater than sugar glider babies is the look they give you when you have won their love and trust.

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