04/26/2021
*****Trigger Warning*****Long Post Warning*****
As few know, I took in a pair of rescue gliders about 2weeks ago. The owners had not been willing in getting them, but they had them. They knew nothing about Sugar Gliders and had done what they thought was best. But they had an unfixed male w/a female and told me they believe they were brother and sister. Needless to say, when I got them, she had a baby IP. When they came to my home, I changed their diet to a proper diet, ensured their pouches were glider friendly ones, and am in process of getting the male fixed, as he should have been before, especially since it is believed he was with his sister. We had a good couple of weeks, she was doing awesome and baby was growing.
Yesterday I heard her singing, and not knowing how far along she was for sure, I was attentive. But I saw no baby earlier in the day. While doing nightly checks, I found the joey. Cold in the bottom of the pouch, way too early for him to be out of the pouch. He was severely dehydrated and fading. I, of course, did my best to try and nurse him, warm him up. But he passed shortly after, curled up in my hand. This is a heartbreaking experience for anyone, and it is made worse that it could have been avoided. If he had been fixed when they got them or before, this most likely would not have happened. This joey would not have been born and would not have had to suffer to die.
Glider’s will reject a joey for many reasons, but given the other factors, it is probable that the joey had mutations, where I could not see them on the outside, female gliders have a way of knowing if something is wrong on the inside where we cannot see.
This is a prime example of making sure to do your research, prior to any pet. And if you are unwilling in getting an animal, either try to find them a good home; and/or do your research. If you know you have an unfixed male in with a female, get him fixed. This will avoid babies, which should not be created 1.) because you do not know 2.) prevents these exact situations from happening.
Breeding is not all smiles and rainbows with babies everywhere, this is one of the bitter, heartbreaking moments. There is a lot of work that goes into it, both ahead of time, and as you continue to breed. You will continue to learn and adapt as you go.
If you have questions, please feel free to reach out. I’m more than happy to answer any questions, and if I do not know the answer; I will reach out to find the answer for you!