Platypus

Platypus 
 * Mating occurs during spring – initiated in the water by the female
 * During breeding season, the female occupies the burrow
 * The interval between fertilisation and egg-laying is unknown, but has been suggested between 12-14 days, with a further 10-12 days before the egg hatches
 * Usually two soft, whitish eggs are laid. No bigger than sparrow eggs, they are usually stuck together. The female may curl around them or lie on her back to incubate the eggs on her abdomen. The newly hatched platypuses are 2.5cm long, blind and have no fur.
 * Female platypus has a pair of ovaries, but only the left on is functional
 * Eggs develop for about 28 days in the uterus
 * When the platypus’ are born they are 2.5cm long, blind and furless, so therefore the female uses its tail to guide the young’s way to the mother’s abdomen


 * Survival of the embryo and the young after birth: **
 * The young stay with the mother until they are around 5 weeks old when the mother then starts to leave the babies to fend for themselves more.
 * After hatching, the mother platypus feeds her young on milk secreted from glands, rather than from teats
 * As the mother leaves the burrow for food, she makes several thin plugs made of soil along the length of burrow; this helps to protect the young from predators which would enter the burrow during the mother's absence.
 * When returning she will push past these plugs and force any water out to keep the burrow dry
 * At 4 months the platypups are able to survive on their own and leave the burrow to fend for themselves as individuals.
 * At 1 year of age, the platypups are fully grown.
 * The father has no role in raising the embryos.

 Perry the platypus