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Warmly wrapped up for supervised outdoor time, this Mathieu is displaying bright rainbows as he emerges from his temporary enclosure. The number of people present suggests this is a popular choice of park, however this well-trained and well-socialised Mathieu neatly avoids bumping into them as he makes his way out to go and play.

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This is a Matteo! Primarily aquatic, the Matteo is a popular choice of companion for an aquatic or semi-aquatic Mathieu. Note that a Matteo cannot breathe underwater, however the ability to hold their breath for periods of up to ten minutes makes them formidable hunters. Matteos in the wild have been observed pursuing their prey, chiefly large fish, at depths of up to ninety metres!

Matteos are found in a range of watery climates. A tropical Matteo will require a heated pool, while Matteos stemming from inland seas require a higher salt percentage. Coastal Matteos may also enjoy having a 'beach' style area on which to pull themselves out of the water.

Friendly and fun-loving, Matteos live in pods numbering up to eight individuals. Not everyone can afford to care for so many, but at least two bonded companions are a must. In return the Matteo's loving, loyal nature will soon win your heart. Most Matteos enjoy swimming with their keepers - this is a great way to spend quality time with him - and there have even been reports of wild Matteos saving people who have fallen into the water!

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This Mathieu is enjoying the natural behaviour of rolling around dramatically on the ground! He is pictured in a temporary enclosure, and appears to be playing a game involving keeping one foot with a shoe tied to it off the ground. Simple games such as this can keep your Mathieu entertained for hours, and may be useful distractions to offer in situations where he becomes nervous, such as while waiting to see the vet. Don't forget to give him lots of praise and compliments for his mastery of this new skill!

mathieu van der poel shoe challenge x

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This beautiful fancy Mathieu is showing off his demure and mindful demeanour. Pictured with other riders, he has altered his display patterns to reflect theirs, set off against a crisp white background. It is likely this Mathieu is accustomed to competing in shows, from his neatly turned out feet to how tidily he has lined up. Hopefully after the photo session is over he will be allowed to play or hunt in the pool just behind him!

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It is not clear what the Mathieu above is doing, as he is standing too close to the camera system in his temporary enclosure, but his bright rainbows show that he is enriched and enjoying himself!

This photograph of a true aquatic Mathieu, shown cuddling with a Roxanne while basking, has an unposed and natural quality.

3) Matching accessories

Most Mathieus love to dress up, although this behaviour is particularly strong among fancy Mathieus. Hats, sunglasses, scarves and more can be purchased from the Fancy Mathieu section at any specialised store (including for Mathieus who suffer from wool allergies). Matching accessories for Mathieu and owner will make him feel like the most stylish and proud Mathieu in the park during supervised outdoor time. They may also aid in identifying him from a distance, especially if he is trying to hide while engaging in behaviour he knows he shouldn't! If he has bonded companions, don't forget to include them too.

Other gifts to consider:

Keeping a Mathieu is not cheap, and sometimes the most thoughtful gift can simply be to help with the essentials. Wet food, dry food, and materials for his nesting spot can all add up, and will all doubtless be truly appreciated.

Gifts for the Mathieu in your life:

You raise an important point about the wrapping paper - some wrapping paper can be toxic to a Mathieu if consumed. Most Mathieus have enough sense not to try and eat paper, but better to be safe than a trip to the vet on Christmas day! Any exclusively plant-based paper will be fine, but avoid any containing plastic, glitter, or metal films. Tape should be avoided as much as possible, and removed promptly once he has opened his gift.

The personality of the specific Mathieu involved is important here. A fancy Mathieu may appreciate a new chew-safe mirror or new bedding items, to allow him to re-style his nesting spot. Claw paint can also be a big hit!

Working Mathieus may prefer enrichment toys, such as a few jumps for his enclosure, or a climbing area. Sometimes a gift doesn't need to be a physical item, and working Mathieus may enjoy a trip to a new park, especially if it has challenging terrain ideal for active play.

A harness-trained Mathieu may enjoy a new harness - fancy Mathieus in particular can become shy if they feel the colour of their harness is insufficiently demure and mindful. He will likely signal his preferences with his display patterns, so try to match the shade to these.

It must be mentioned that there will always be Mathieus who get more fun out of playing with the cardboard box that his gift comes in than from the gift itself. Don't let him try to eat it!

Lastly, don't forget comfort items. Every Mathieu will have his own preferences, but these are especially important for juveniles and older Mathieus. Favourite treats are also always a winner.

Hopefully the ideas above will give you a starting point, or perhaps spark an idea which will be perfect for your sister's Mathieu. Hope the holidays are good to you, her and her Mathieu - and please do feel free to send in some pictures of the two of them opening their gifts!

my sister got a mathieu this year and i was wondering if you had any ideas for gifts for the mathieu owner in your life (and a gift maybe i could wrap up for her mathieu too? is the paper safe for him?). i hope the holiday season treats you well!

What a thoughtful and timely question! Every Mathieu owner is of course as different as their Mathieu, but here are a few classics which almost everyone will welcome:

1) An in-enclosure camera system

Have you ever wondered what your Mathieu gets up to when you're not there? Found yourself fretting about him while at work? A camera feed could be the answer.

Multiple systems exist, most of which can stream live to your phone, giving you peace of mind that he isn't picking at a sore foot or getting himself stuck in a hide he has grown out of. Do be aware however that camera systems are not Matej-proof, and a sufficiently determined Tadej may also attempt to dismantle one.

Camera systems can also be set to capture only moments of activity - a Mathieu will spend much of his alone time sleeping - and this can lead to some charming candid snaps of him going about his day life. Which leads on to:

2) A professional photography shoot

Every Mathieu owner is proud of their Mathieu's handsome looks, whether he is a fancy Mathieu or a working breed. Most Mathieus are equally proud of their own beauty! Why not capture that forever with a set of professionally taken photographs?

Most specialist stores will offer an in-store photography service, however for a modest additional fee it is usually possible to arrange for the photographer to attend at home, or even during supervised outdoor time. Many Mathieu keepers will choose to have photos taken of their Mathieu's favourite activities, such as hunting, active play, or just snuggling against his trusted handler.

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If you saw that, no you didn't, I hadn't finished!

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This mountain Mathieu is shown hunting in his natural habitat. A Mathieu can leap approximately half his body length vertically, and over twice horizontally. This allows the mountain Mathieu to jump from one rocky crag to another to pursue his prey. This healthy adult is fully focused on the chase and will eat well tonight.

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Pictured at a public park after some vigorous active play, this Mathieu is shown nuzzling happily with a Jasper. The two are probably bonded companions, as the Mathieu is matching his display patterns to those of the Jasper. He also appears to have enjoyed rolling in dry mud, as has the Jasper - not a common activity for the species, but likely done to share this favourite activity of his companion.

🎥 Paris-Roubaix 2023 - Mathieu van der Poel and Alpecin-Deceuninck

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This Mathieu is playing with a ball while socialising in a large indoor enclosure. Others are shown in the background, however he turns immediately to the nearby Freddy, who leans in for a gentle nuzzle. From their affectionate body language, we can deduce that the two are likely mates, and that this Mathieu is enjoying showing off his skills to his appreciative mate.

A ball may be a simple enrichment toy, but enrichment does not have to be complicated! Hand-eye coordination is very important to a Mathieu's ability to hunt, and throwing and catching games will help your Mathieu hone this important skill. Wanting to impress his mate or bonded companions can be a more powerful motivator than even a favourite treat!

📸 realstephens

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My Mathieu has recently returned to vigorous activity and training. I believe being reunited with his companion Jasper has improved his temperment?

Thank you for sending in this lovely photo of your Mathieu with his companion Jasper during supervised outdoor time. Matching his display patterns to those of your Jasper, it is clear that your Mathieu wants the whole world to know how glad he is to be back beside his beloved companion! He has not quite been able to suppress his bright natural rainbows, demonstrating just how happy he is.

Despite not being a social species, Mathieus form deep and loving long-term relationships with their mates and bonded companions. Being separated from them is a difficult and distressing time for any Mathieu, even if done for the most understandable reasons, such as the need to undergo veterinary care. This can result in the temperament of even the most demure and mindful fancy Mathieu changing temporarily.

Some Mathieus will respond with overwhelming sadness - he may become lethargic and uninterested in even favourite enrichment toys or activities - whereas some will respond with aggression. If your Mathieu is a biter, wear gloves while you handle him until he can be reunited with his mate. These will also protect you against his venom.

Now they are back together, the two of them are likely to be utterly inseperable for some time. You may find your Jasper cuddling up to your Mathieu while he is basking, and your Mathieu supervising your work as you clip your Jasper's claws! With time this will ease back into their usual level of attachment. However for the next few weeks do be prepared for anything perceived as an attempt to separate them to cause an instant and furious response.

Whilst this may make caring for the two of them a little more challenging for the moment, it is a clear sign of the strength of the bond between them. This happy pair are clearly delighted to be back in each other's company - and their obvious joy is a testament to your care for them. You're doing a great job!

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My Matej keeps crying, what do I do?

This can be a really distressing situation. There are few things worse than seeing your beloved Matej upset, and not knowing what is wrong! Here are a few suggestions that may help you to pinpoint what is wrong. If you implement them all without success, then it may be something more serious, so consult your veterinarian.

Is your Matej physically uncomfortable?

Matejs take the little and often approach when it comes to basking. Unlike a Mathieu, a Matej may bask as frequently as twenty to thirty times a day, but for short periods only. This helps to keep his body warm, allowing him to power that big brain! Check the heat lamp in his enclosure is working correctly, and spot check readings at both ends of the temperature gradient in there.

A wild Matej will drink plain water, but many Matejs in captivity struggle to stay sufficiently hydrated. This is often due to boredom with the taste. Specialist outlets will offer a range of sugar-free flavourings, but try to offer them on a varied and unpredictable schedule. Matejs love to mimic others, and it may help your Matej if he sees you having a drink at the same time as he is offered one!

Some Matejs can suffer from food intolerances, which may not always be immediately apparent. If your Matej does not seem to be eating well, consider offering different types of prey. If he consumes wet food, a Matej will often enjoy the novelty of eating from the Tadej or Mathieu section! Just remember that a Matej is an obligate carnivore. He may play with the flowers you would feed a Jai, but will not eat them.

2) Does your Matej lack mental stimulation?

Matejs are extremely intelligent! This leads to a strong desire for novelty and mental challenge. If your Matej sees no other sources of enrichment in his enclosure, he will devote all of his brainpower to escaping it. Whilst there has yet to be developed a truly Matej-proof enclosure, a happy Matej will perhaps only undo the lock on his enclosure a couple of times a week. If you find he is doing it more regularly, this is a sign that he needs access to more challenging activities.

Most specialist outlets will offer a range of enrichment toys, however sometimes the best enrichment can be the simplest. Try not to get into a predictable routine with your Matej - he will thrive on the anticipation of trying to outwit you and guess when supervised outdoor time will be! When it is outdoor time, vary your choice of park. Matejs love to explore, and even something as simple as going at a different time of day can add new richness to the experience for him.

3) Does your Matej lack social enrichment?

Matejs are a deeply social species, and should never be kept in captivity alone, however sometimes this is unavoidable for brief periods due to unforeseen events. A Matej will also see you as a member of his colony. Matejs love to do activities together, and you may have already noticed that your Matej loves to take part in whatever you're doing. Try dancing in front of him, and your Matej will likely join in! Most Matejs love music, and exhibit a strong sense of rhythm.

Very few people have the resources to keep a colony of seventy to eighty Matejs. However three to four bonded companions are generally sufficient for a Matej's social wellbeing. If that is not possible for you, ensure that he gets as much time to socialise during supervised outdoor time as possible. For the clever and prosocial Matej, this can be as important to his wellbeing as active play!

Some combination of these factors may be leading to your Matej's unhappiness. Do consult your vet if not, but hopefully you can determine what is wrong, and he will soon be back to his old intrepid and mischievous self!

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A Mathieu is for life, not just for Christmas.

As the holiday season approaches and thoughts turn towards gift giving, it is important to remember that adopting a Mathieu is a big commitment. This is especially true if adopting an infant or juvenile. There is no such thing as a teacup Mathieu! These are in reality simply infants, often taken too soon from the parental nest, who will go on to grow to full adult size.

Always consider: can you provide for a Mathieu for his entire lifespan? Have you included a Mathieu in your own long-term life plans? Too many unwanted Mathieus come into care because these issues have not been sufficiently considered. A Mathieu requires not only a large enclosure, but food, water, play, socialisation, medical care and above all love. All these things have costs in both time and money.

Adopting a Mathieu is not a decision to be taken lightly, or on the spur of the moment. It is highly recommended that you talk with multiple Mathieu owners before making the decision to adopt. Every Mathieu is different! A fancy Mathieu may be the perfect choice for one family, whereas for another a working breed may be ideal. Don't forget to consider the climate where you live - a Mathieu requires regular supervised outdoor time, and it is generally simplest to adopt a species adapted to your local area.

Do your research first, and try to spend hands-on time interacting with a variety of Mathieus. Shelters are always grateful for volunteers to help care for rescued Mathieus. This might consist of cuddling and feeding infants, helping juveniles learn how to use their venom, or providing gentle active play for an older Mathieu with joint issues.

Even if the circumstances aren't right for you to adopt then and there, you will be helping bring joy into the lives of Mathieus who have likely known very little of it. When the time is right, there will still be plenty of Mathieus in search of a loving forever home!

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What exciting news for this Mathieu! Shown basking in his cosy nesting spot, we can see he has already begun to prepare his nest for the infants to come.

Most Mathieus will require diet supplementation during pregnancy, to ensure sufficient calcium intake for eggshell formation. This can be difficult to achieve through prey consumption alone, so make sure to give a pregnancy supplement, available from any specialist outlet.

Although this is a special time in your Mathieu's life, he may also experience considerable nervousness, especially if it will be his first clutch. Expect to see more snuggling with his mate or bonded companions than usual, and a hesitation about activities he was previously comfortable with. This is all completely normal! As his trusted handler, your Mathieu will also look to you for comfort. Pet him gently and often, but try to avoid the sensitive skin across his abdomen if possible.

During pregnancy a Mathieu's skin will soften and become more elastic, leading to the so called 'pregnancy glow'. His display patterns will become more vibrant, to the point that working breeds may be mistaken for a fancy Mathieu, at least at first glance.

If your Mathieu primarily hunts live prey, then it is important to begin transitioning him on to wet or dry food during pregnancy. Gestation lasts for around four months, but the eggs need to be incubated for approximately three months before the infants will hatch. Not until they do will your Mathieu leave the nest, making hunting impractical.

A licence is required to breed captive Mathieus. This should only be done for the purposes of improving the breed, usually of fancy Mathieus. Not only will the process of acquiring a licence teach you how to support your pregnant Mathieu, but it will also equip you with the skills needed to care for the infants. An infant Mathieu will consume his entire bodyweight in prey every few days!

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This juvenile fancy Mathieu is enjoying rolling dramatically in the mud during supervised outdoor time. Most parks will offer a designated muddy area, with both dry and wet mud available. This Mathieu's vibrant display patterns show he is enjoying the chance to engage in this natural behaviour! If your Mathieu prefers to roll in wet mud, consider bringing Mathieu-safe wet wipes to help clean him off afterwards. Gently towel him dry, and return him immediately to his travel enclosure so he is able to bask.

well, yes!

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This happy French golden Mathieu is enjoying dressing up. Every Mathieu is different, but each one deserves to feel beautiful in whichever way he enjoys best! Specialist outlets will offer a range of accessories - ask for the Fancy Mathieu section if your Mathieu suffers from skin issues - all of which have been thoroughly safety-tested by clever trained Mathieus. From hats to cute bows, there is something out there for every Mathieu. Don't forget to compliment his handsome looks!

My brain today sorryyyyy

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This Mathieu is actively basking, as can be seen from his dark display patterns. However his wistful expression and softly flushed skin suggest he may be thinking about and longing for his mate.

It is sometimes necessary to separate a Mathieu from his mate or any bonded companions for a few days, such as after a medical procedure. If your Mathieu requires a cone to stop him touching a healing wound, these are not remotely proof against a Matej, and even a sufficiently determined Tadej is capable of removing one.

Separation can be a distressing experience for both parties! Always follow your veterinarian's advice as to when your Mathieu can safely be returned to his usual space. Until then, set up his travel enclosure immediately beside the regular enclosure. This should allow him to see, hear and smell his mate, and vice versa.

Over the next few days your Mathieu and his mate are both likely to be more clingy, so set aside some extra time to spend with each, and offer lots of praise for their bravery! They will soon enough be back together, and happily enjoying their reunion.

...and Mathieu is wishing he could be there with him...

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Do you have any advice about how to maintain a mathieus dental hygiene? my juvenile mathieu has been exhibiting spitting behaviours when i try and introduce him to a soft bristled toothbrush. I don't want to cause him more distress but i also worry about long term staining from his (decaf) coffee play! i have been offering dental chews in the mean time while i try to work out a longer term solution but he seems uninterested in them :( thank you so much <3

Thank you for including this beautiful picture of your Mathieu! This golden juvenile's big smile and vibrant display shows he is enriched and living a happy life, and at a glance no serious dental issues appear to be present.

Unwillingness to use a toothbrush can be a common problem, especially for rescued Mathieus who may have experienced a difficult upbringing. Please do not feel that either you or your Mathieu are at fault! There are several issues which may be at play here, so here are some suggestions to consider and steps to take which may help:

Is he willing to chew on other items?

Chewing is a natural behaviour for Mathieus. You mention that he is uninterested in dental chews, however this may be due to a texture or mouthfeel issue. Offer a rubber tyre or similar chew toy, which may provide a more familiar experience for him. If he is unwilling to chew at all, seek veterinary attention immediately.

If your Mathieu enjoys chew toys, consider applying a very small amount of toothpaste to his favourite. Even if he only chews on it briefly, offer lots of praise and petting afterwards, along with a favourite treat. Repeat once a day, and once he has grown accustomed to this, the amount of toothpaste can be increased. This will help maintain his dental hygiene until he is ready to proceed to later steps.

2. Does your Mathieu attempt to bite anything placed near his mouth?

This is a learned defensive behaviour, likely the result of previous negative experiences. As above, the way to help your Mathieu build his tolerance is through gentleness. It may help to hand-feed your Mathieu for a while (always wear gloves, some Mathieus will not make any distiction between wet food and their keeper's fingers), so that he learns to associate your hand being near to his mouth with something good.

While your Mathieu is eating, pet him gently from the top of his head and down his back, to help him realise that this is not a stressful experience. Some days he will likely tolerate more than on others, but the important thing is that both you and your Mathieu have a relaxing experience. Once he is regularly and willingly eating from your hand, offer a chew toy at a time when he is not hungry. The aim is to gently reassure your Mathieu that when you bring an object near his mouth, he can trust that he will be safe.

3. Is he responding defensively to a perceived attack?

Mathieus do not generally use their venom offensively, but as a defence mechanism. It may be that your Mathieu is feeling threatened by the toothbrush, perhaps due to unfamiliarity. (Rescued Mathieus can have stress reactions to very ordinary objects, as a result of neglect and lack of care.) Do not leave a toothbrush in his enclosure - this is your Mathieu's territory and should always be a safe place for him - but consider placing one on the ground before letting him out of his enclosure during supervised outdoor time.

It may take time before your Mathieu is willing to investigate, and when he does he is likely to spit at it repeatedly until he is sure the toothbrush has been subdued. This is a natural behaviour and should be allowed! Offer a favourite treat, and lots of praise for his bravery. Over time and repeated sessions his natural curiosity is likely to lead him back to the toothbrush, and it is not uncommon for a Mathieu to eventually pick it up and attempt to use it! Once he is comfortable with the idea that a toothbrush is not a threat, you can then proceed to adding a little toothpaste.

4. Is it a texture issue?

Some Mathieus can have sensitive mouths, especially fancy Mathieus. A soft-bristled toothbrush is an excellent general starting point, however it may be something as simple as the material of the handle that your Mathieu does not like. Consider trying toothbrushes of various materials, such as a bamboo brush with natural bristles, or even an electric toothbrush. Some Mathieus will find the very idea of a vibrating toothbrush acutely threatening, but others may find them different enough from the Scary Toothbrush to be acceptable.

If your Mathieu does not respond to any of the suggestions above, then consult your veterinarian. From the picture above no serious dental issues are obvious, but something more subtle may be less apparent. However for most Mathieus, patience and a gentle approach will help him build the confidence to tackle even the scariest toothbrush. Best wishes to you and your Mathieu, and hopefully he will soon be past this issue!