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Ozark - the Australian Wildlife Carer's Information & Communications Network

Thu - Mar 11
2010

Ozark - the Australian Wildlife Carer's Information & Communications Network


SURROGATE BRUSHTAIL POSSUM

By Lana Allcroft

Well, my blind BT mum's baby boy has been spending a lot more time as a backrider now and only pops his head in the pouch for a feed every now and then, so when a little boy of about 150gm and about a third smaller than her Joey came in, I thought I would give the surrogacy thing a try.

Its working perfectly. The new lad went straight into the pouch, he exactly where he wanted to be and Stevie didn't flinch. We checked every half hour or so and everything looked to be fine. In the morning I took the new boy out of the pouch and he had a full tummy. Stevie roused at me and was concerned when he cried out. I took him away for a couple of hours so that her boy could have a feed if he wanted and that's what we've been doing twice a day. Stevie is okay with us taking him and gives him a big lick when he is returned. She doesn't seem extra stressed by having one on the back and one in the front. (We gave her possum lollies when first introducing the surrogate). And big brother doesn't care at all (except when a little tail wraps around his leg).

So we will keep going as we are and hopefully will be able to release two fully independent, naturally reared boys in a couple of months time.

Lana
Townsville.



Blind brushtail with joey adopts orphaned joey
Blind brushtail with joey adopts orphaned joey Blind brushtail with joey adopts orphaned joey
Blind brushtail with joey adopts orphaned joey Blind brushtail with joey adopts orphaned joey
Blind brushtail with joey adopts orphaned joey Blind brushtail with joey adopts orphaned joey
Blind brushtail with joey adopts orphaned joey Blind brushtail with joey adopts orphaned joey
Blind brushtail with joey adopts orphaned joey Blind brushtail with joey adopts orphaned joey
Blind brushtail with joey adopts orphaned joey
Blind brushtail with joey adopts orphaned joey





February 2010 - An update on my brushtail adoption.  As you can see its been a great success.
Each of the lads have their own personalities and are very, very wild!!   Lana.
Blind brushtail possum as surrogate mum









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