Artemis in the morning
Yesterday morning my younger daughter was up at 5:50 with a blood sugar level of 62
! That wakes us up quick, but it was Artemis to the rescue! Elise sat next to the tank with her juice and 1st breakfast (she has meals like a hobbit) and loved watching him. When the same thing happened Sunday morning, she commented that Artemis didn't know how to play "follow the hand" yet. Yesterday he seemed to figure it out. He is to the point where when you put your hand on the glass he'll come over and sit still against it for a moment.
D, you mentioned something about a paper on octo play or socialization? I can say I've noticed this trend in behavior with the social octos I've had (all 3). First, coming to the front of the tank as we sit near. Next, playing "follow the hand," where the animal mirrors your hand movements- at a distance at first then gradually closer. Then, sitting still on the glass against your hand, comfortable and relaxed in coloration. Finally (not with Artemis, yet), actual contact inside the tank. Artemis is showing interest in contact, but since we don't see him everyday, I'm going slow.
Speaking of being social, we didn't see him today. Another thing I've noticed about him. He will stay out until 8:30 or so, but only if you catch him out in time, AND pay attention to him. I make one of the girls eat breakfast near the tank to keep him out until I can play! This morning we didn't roll out of bed until 7:20, by then he'd gone to bed.
The lighting schedule I decided on was day lights from 9 am- 6 pm, red lights overlapping by 15 min on both ends. There is morning sun that falls on the tank and doesn't seem to disturb him. In fact, this is when I get the best pictures, as he walks the glass in the sunshine.
He's still not eating a lot that I can see. Elise is normal because I obsess about the animals in place of diabetes. It's a good thing octos don't have pancreases (if they do dont tell me!). I'll be ordering some fiddler crabs or something.