My Sugar Bear is Pregnant!.. What do I do now?

    
   
 
Fortunately, the answer to this question is NOTHING. Sugar Bears instinctively are excellent parents, and the only thing you have to do is make sure they have plenty of:

1) Food,
2) Water,
3) Safe Treats
4) LOVE

They will literally take care of everything else. Also, since you are a part of their “family” you will be amazed at how easily you can handle the babies from the day they open their eyes without the parents putting up a fuss. Watching these little guys grow is a fun – and educational – experience… So just sit back… let the parents do all the work… and enjoy!


WHAT TO EXPECT:

1: GESTATION:

Generally speaking, Sugar Bears are capable of having an average of 2 litters per year. Just like humans, they are capable of having twins, and the average mother has 2-3 babies per year.

Once the female is pregnant, the gestation period inside the womb is only 15-17 days. When the baby is “birthed,” it is about the size of a grain of rice. Prior to giving birth, the mother will lick a “trail” of saliva from the uterus to her pouch – and the baby instinctively will follow it.

Once inside the pouch, the baby will attach itself to the nipple, and stay there for the
next 8-10 weeks.

2: IN THE POUCH (ITP):

During this time, you will begin to notice a small, growing “bump” on the mother’s belly (or 2 bumps if she has twins). Right from the start, you can handle the mother just as you normally would without any consequences to the babies. As the babies mature, from time to time you can even see inside the pouch and watch the babies grow.

3: OUT OF POUCH (OOP):

After being in the pouch for about 8-10 weeks, the Sugar Bear baby(ies) will start venturing out for short periods of time. The first day you see them outside of the pouch is considered their “birthday” – so mark it on a calendar.

Once they have been OOP for about 14-17 days, their eyes will open. Generally, you want to avoid holding the babies for extended periods of time until their eyes open. Before that, petting them is fine.

From 2-4 weeks OOP, the baby’s fur will begin to cover their entire body – and their tail will go from being slick and flat… to full and fluffy.

At 5 weeks OOP, you will begin to notice an increase in activity levels, and their ears will begin to perk up.

Babies are typically fully-weaned by 6-8 weeks OOP - and are eating solid food on their own. At this point they are ready to leave their mom & dad – and go start their own family.

4: OFF INTO THE “REAL-WORLD”! :

Once they are weaned, you can take them away from their parents at any time.

If you choose to keep them together, you should neuter all the Sugar Bear males anytime after 10 weeks of age. Females reach sexual maturity at 8-12 months OOP – and males at 12-15 months.

Generally speaking , the earlier a male is neutered, the “sweeter” it will be. Males neutered at between 8-16 weeks OOP typically maintain the fun-loving, affectionate mentality of a “kid” their entire adult lives, and often make the best family pets.