vanderpollo

Part 3 of cycling post because I am full of greed

except last two

Kadens live in loosely-knit family groups, the composition of which will vary widely over the course of a year. Adults raising infants (known as kadelings) establish a family burrow, then remain there until the last infant has departed. Unmated adults and juveniles will make 'circuits' around a region during the course of a year, staying at first one burrow and then another. This mingling and the resulting mating helps keep the gene pool so diverse!

Thanks to the size of Australia, Kadens from different areas have notably different 'accents,' although not to the point of mutual incomprehensibility. Those commonly found in captivity outside Australia stem from a variant found in Queensland, and have a distinct "churr," as opposed to the "hu-urr-rr" or even "uh-urr" found in other parts of the continent. Similarly to the rumbling of a Wout, Kadens churr when they are happy and contented, although it is a much softer sound.

Unlike a Mathieu, Kadens are feathered, although they have entirely adapted to a flightless lifestyle. As well as hunting on land, they are extremely accomplished divers, although unlike true aquatic species such as the Matteo, they will hunt at depths no greater than 15m.

In captivity, a Kaden's enclosure should have both wet and dry areas, in a roughly 60:30 ratio. He will also need sufficient depth to be able to dig himself a spacious burrow (three to four body-lengths of depth is plenty). Kadens are obligate carnivores, however if it is not possible for your Kaden to hunt live prey, wet food is available at all specialist stores. Kadens cannot consume dry food.

Socialising is a must, and Kadens will enjoy a variety of excursions, in order to mimic the 'circuit' of visits made by an unmated Kaden. Both outdoor parks and water parks are popular destinations, and many will offer specific hunting sessions, with a social feeding afterwards.

The unhappy Kaden shown in the picture at the top had sadly indeed been abandoned, and left on the streets to attempt to scavenge prey. He was thankfully found after a member of the public heard him churring miserably to himself, in an attempt to self-soothe. Adopting a companion is a long-term committement. If circumstances change such that you are no longer able to provide a home for your companion, always reach out to a local rescue. It is heartbreaking to think of what this Kaden may have endured, including the loss of a family he presumably thought loved him.