My name is Amanda Tiedeman. I am twenty-seven years old, have been married nearly eight years (as of November 25th) and work for the local health authority in Michigan where I live. Furthermore, anyone who knows me even remotely well, could probably tell you (without a doubt) what day today, 3/28/08 happens to be.
Today is the day my husband Troy and I went to pick up our first pair of Sugar Gliders - ever!
For those of you who are unfamiliar with the concept of a sugar glider, please allow me to break it down. Sugar Gliders are a small, marsupial native to locations such as Australia and Popa New Guinea They are a nocturnal creature that rather resemble a flying squirrel, however, unlike squirrels, these little guys carry their still-developing young in pouches near their belly - yes, just like a kangaroo! They are soft and very social animals (hence the reason we got two). Partial to sweet foods, gliders will also eat a variety of insects, worms, fruits and even small birds or lizards.
Sugar Gliders 101 complete, though I have by no means touched on all areas of interest. I`m sure any avid glider enthusiast will agree to that. Then again, the principal of this blog was not necessarily based on excessive fact nor intended for educational purposes. I began this diary in order to document what is sure to be a long and rewarding relationship between us and our first glider companions.
This is their life.
Day 1: The babies come home
After a three-hour road trip to Ohio (and three hours more to get back), the babies have finally arrived at their new home! A little boy and a little girl: Tank and Mocha (Troy helped me pick out the names)! They crabbed on and off during the trip - me holding both in a pouch the breeder had given us, however I found the noise to be more endearing than a blatant show of their displeasure. Troy took a turn holding them as well, but eventually gave them back when we made a quick pit stop to pee! lol As you can imagine, we were more than relieved to get home.
After setting up their cage on a little table next to my computer desk - equip with wodent wheel, several pouches (for sleeping/snuggling), dishes and water bottles and a variety of different foods - I carefully guided the little cuties out into their new abode. For reference sake, Tank`s OOP date (Out of pouch) was Jan 31 and Mocha`s was Feb 11, making Tank the older of the two.
They weren`t much for exploring at first, and actually, Tank is something of a grump at the moment. He crabs at me, he crabs at Troy - he even crabs at poor Mocha! It`s harmless of course, but you truly feel sorry for her. After we have a chance to work with him some more, he should mellow right out though.
As the afternoon wore on, both babies began to check things out in their cage; Mocha particularly
interested in the water bottle and food dish I set out for them prior. Tank was more involved with sleeping, keeping in mind that our day - is their night, and both Gliders had been up on and off since we picked them up earlier that morning. Now that the transition is done though, they should be able to get into a more stable routine.
At present, both gliders are passed out cold. Being that it`s nearly 8:30pm, I fully anticipate activity soon. I plan to take additional pictures once they become more comfortable in their new home, but for now, this will have to do.
-Cheers
Today is the day my husband Troy and I went to pick up our first pair of Sugar Gliders - ever!
For those of you who are unfamiliar with the concept of a sugar glider, please allow me to break it down. Sugar Gliders are a small, marsupial native to locations such as Australia and Popa New Guinea They are a nocturnal creature that rather resemble a flying squirrel, however, unlike squirrels, these little guys carry their still-developing young in pouches near their belly - yes, just like a kangaroo! They are soft and very social animals (hence the reason we got two). Partial to sweet foods, gliders will also eat a variety of insects, worms, fruits and even small birds or lizards.
Sugar Gliders 101 complete, though I have by no means touched on all areas of interest. I`m sure any avid glider enthusiast will agree to that. Then again, the principal of this blog was not necessarily based on excessive fact nor intended for educational purposes. I began this diary in order to document what is sure to be a long and rewarding relationship between us and our first glider companions.
This is their life.
Day 1: The babies come home
After a three-hour road trip to Ohio (and three hours more to get back), the babies have finally arrived at their new home! A little boy and a little girl: Tank and Mocha (Troy helped me pick out the names)! They crabbed on and off during the trip - me holding both in a pouch the breeder had given us, however I found the noise to be more endearing than a blatant show of their displeasure. Troy took a turn holding them as well, but eventually gave them back when we made a quick pit stop to pee! lol As you can imagine, we were more than relieved to get home.
After setting up their cage on a little table next to my computer desk - equip with wodent wheel, several pouches (for sleeping/snuggling), dishes and water bottles and a variety of different foods - I carefully guided the little cuties out into their new abode. For reference sake, Tank`s OOP date (Out of pouch) was Jan 31 and Mocha`s was Feb 11, making Tank the older of the two.
They weren`t much for exploring at first, and actually, Tank is something of a grump at the moment. He crabs at me, he crabs at Troy - he even crabs at poor Mocha! It`s harmless of course, but you truly feel sorry for her. After we have a chance to work with him some more, he should mellow right out though.
As the afternoon wore on, both babies began to check things out in their cage; Mocha particularly
interested in the water bottle and food dish I set out for them prior. Tank was more involved with sleeping, keeping in mind that our day - is their night, and both Gliders had been up on and off since we picked them up earlier that morning. Now that the transition is done though, they should be able to get into a more stable routine.At present, both gliders are passed out cold. Being that it`s nearly 8:30pm, I fully anticipate activity soon. I plan to take additional pictures once they become more comfortable in their new home, but for now, this will have to do.
-Cheers
