In Reply to: Handling Joeys posted by Denis on December 30, 1999 at 03:28:46:

Denis, I agree, it would be good to begin handling them asap. You can use gloves, tight leather ones, to remove them from the parents. This will prevent any further 'piercings'. Once you have them out, remove the gloves so that the joeys can become accustomed to your scent.

I also have just had my first joeys come oop in early December. I did not have a problem with being bitten, but Jackie was/is a bit distressed when I take them out, as are the joeys, who can actually crab at this tiny stage, tho both settle quickly. I handled them just for 5 minutes at a time initially, and they quiet immediately if cuddled into your hand or shirt where it is warm. Breathing on them, at least mine, is highly annoying, at first I could not figure out what disturbed them, then realized that, to them, a breath was a big breeze.

One other thing, the joeys will cling to the parents/side of the pouch, and also to YOU when you attempt to return them to their parents, use steady gentle pressure pulling them loose, if you stop, they will grip tighter.

Enjoy them, mine are a joy indeed.

Lisa

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