Message:
Subject: Re: Breeding
Posted by Cynthia on January 18, 1999 at 12:38:06:
In Reply to: Breeding posted by Debbie on January 18, 1999 at 07:10:11:
: My gliders were breeding Dec. 28th & 29th. ( At first I thought they were fighting. DUH!)
: 1. When will I be able to tell if she is with joey?
Gestation is 16 days, then the baby makes its' way into the pouch where it will finish developement. You should see one or two tiny bumps where the pouch is and they may be about pea size. If they continue to grow you have babies in pouch.
: 2. How long is a female in estrus?
: 3. The book says they cycle every 29 days. True?
Marsupials go through embryonic diapause. The rebreed the day of or the day after giving birth. The new embryo(s), go into a state of stasis until the mother is finished nursing the ones in pouch, then they begin their 16 day gestation cycle.
: 4. The female (Juliet) is a very highstrung, untamed glider. Any taming hints appreciated. The male, Romeo, has come around nicely.
Just time and patience and the use of all the taming techniques that you will find most anywhere. I like the idea of the bonding pouch the most but you don't want to do anything to stress her out right now. They do not handle stress very well and she may distroy the babies.
: 5. Assuming Juliet is with Joey, any special care?
My vet recommends adding just a little extra calcium and protein to the diet for pregnant and lactating females.
: Thanx,
: Deb