isatling-husbandry-guide

[isatling-husbandry-guide]

how to get loopling to forgive me after accidentally dropping it in jar of peanut butter and then having to wash it off. please. it keeps knocking things off shelves.

-definitely not poorlydrawninstarsandtime

two polaris star jellies daily and also your soul

[isatling-husbandry-guide]

do loops & isabeaus get along? is it possible for them to share an enclosure? ive seen conflicting info about it online... >_>

They absolutely get along! You just have to approach it with caution- as you do for any Loop socialization. It takes longer for Loops to acclimate to Isabeaus, while the opposite is true for Isabeaus. Keep watch and make sure your Isabeau is giving them the proper space to accommodate.

Keep them separate, let them observe each other for a while (at first through separate enclosures, then through open space), and wait for one to approach the other. When it comes to Loops, you can’t properly say they’re better socialized until the Loop approaches first.

I assume the conflicting info would be from the fact that, when improperly socialized, Loops will be incredibly tense and hostile. Not enough to actively physically hurt other Isatlings (excluding Siffrins), but definitely grow difficult from stress. Refusal to eat, hiding, refusing to be touched or handled, and avoidance of other species as signs they’ve been improperly socialized.

Isabeaus are friendly and sociable, so your Loop would certainly benefit from having one as a tankmate, especially if you plan to introduce more Isatlings in the future. Some of the coolest designs I’ve seen made by an Isabeau have come from enclosures shared with a Loop!

[isatling-husbandry-guide]

Who's a good tankmate for odile? My dile is asking for more attention from me and while I don't mind reading with her, I'm worried she's getting too lonely when I'm out of the house?

It depends on how invested you’re willing to be in another Isatling.

Bonifaces (Bonnies/Bonlings) are a great choice, but Bonnies will eventually need to have a Petronille in the enclosure with them (and vice versa for Petronilles). If you aren’t prepared or willing to care for two other Isatlings, then this isn’t the option for you.

Thankfully, Odiles are shockingly flexible when it comes to tank mates. Odiles get a bad reputation sometimes as they’re less “loving” than other Isatlings, even though that’s completely untrue. They show love in their own way, and that isn’t enough for some people.

Other options include Siffrins, Isabeaus, Mirabelles, and Euphrasies.

Loops and Claudes can work as well with proper socialization & more specialized enclosures, as these specific species need a lot of personal space that the prior mentioned species require less of (+ the requirement that Loops have a tall enclosure clashing with an Odile’s fear of heights).

[isatling-husbandry-guide]

Hi my Siffrin has been hiding a Bonnie under his cloak, help????? Who's kid is this?????

Ah.. Another unfortunate victim of “i looked away for one second and my Siffrin did/found something strange”…

First step: make sure the Bonnie isn’t hurt. Treat any wounds that you find, and avoid giving digestible medication if possible, as you might not know what allergies the Bonling has. Take them to a vet/speciality clinic if you have more serious concerns.

Second, see if they’re tagged! Some people may put trackers or tags on their isatlings (King species in particular will have them, since people are unfortunately not very willing to call in if they find a supposedly stray King. Same goes for Siffrins, since they tend to escape easily). Check around your area and see if anyone has posted about a missing Bonnie, or post the notice yourself.

If none of the above applies, you may have to accept that you now have a Bonling- there is no conceivable outcome I can think of where your Siffrin will let you remove the little guy from their enclosure. Best of luck!

[isatling-husbandry-guide]

How should I set up a Bonlings enclosure? I know about the cooking shtick they’ll need, but what else? What do I put in to make a Bonling enriched?

Step one: enclosure size!! Despite being one of the smallest species, Bonnies need a lotta room! They like to run around, and burning energy takes space. Enclosures can get as big as you want, but minimum size I suggest a 25 - 30 gallon enclosure. A 15 gallon works for temporary uses such as a space while working on another enclosure setup or when isolating for health treatments. Bonlings need more running room than climbing room, so keep their enclosures longer rather than taller.

Coastal setups are a great standard pick for a Bonnie, as the sea-side provides a space for swimming. A costal setup does mean you’ll need to occasionally change the water to prevent bacteria buildup, which may cause illness or infection.

To make the beach, put down a solid layer for the sand to sit on top. Fine gravel or stones work well as a base, and don’t rot like wood chips do. Then, pour sand or a similar low-porosity substrate overtop the base layer, up to the desired height. Make sure the sand mound has a gentle slope rather than a steep one. Pour water afterwards (freshwater is highly suggested, but saltwater can be fine with low-levels of salinity). Add a bubbler to the bottom of the water so the water isn’t still.

You can also do a freshwater-style setup, using a Lake or Stream.

pictured: a bonling by a stream side in a forest style enclosure.

Ensure that your enclosure has adequate airflow. Provide your Bonnie with a cooking station, or at least the means to make a station, and make sure they have ingredients. You can provide your Bonnie with a food bowl, but they prefer to cook meals on their own. Make sure they also have a fresh water supply! A water dish works just fine.

From here you can decorate as you see fit! Get decorations that promote activity: play structures, trees for climbing, loose toys, etc. Hides are also important to have, and you can get them in basically any style. Decorate however you like!

Enrichment wise, your Bonling needs attention! Play with them, cook with them, take them on trips, etc etc. Bonnies also should have a Petronille with them, or at least another Isatling to accompany them. They’re very social, and can’t stand being alone.

[isatling-husbandry-guide]

did some blog housekeeping!! all posts now have species specific tags, making posts easier to sort by tag.

posts related to all species are marked #isatling general , while species specific tags are “name + isat” (ex: #siffrin isat”).

[isatling-husbandry-guide]

Hello my i request the life cycle and expectancy of a loop

I am not sure i would be able to have one with my circumstances but i like learning about them

I can enjoy them from a distance right?

This is a much harder question to answer than you may expect?

Loops are odd varieties to obtain. They stem off from Siffrins in a few different ways. Some are found in Siffrin clutches- though it should be noted that they were not there when the clutch was first obtained. They sort of just?? Appear in clutches??

The other way is that, when a Siffrin is experiencing immense isolation and distress, they will on occasion just turn into one? These are rare occurrences, as more often than not a Siffrin in the condition to become a Loop is a state of (typically life-threatening) mental distress. It’s more-so observed in strays, but does still occur for caretakers- particularly for Siffrins without tankmates who are left isolated for too long.

The method to this isn’t fully understood at the moment, but from what we know it’s theorized that an underlying gene exists which presents itself in these stressful situations, and sets off a type of sudden body Craft for protection? Some researchers theorize about “old styles of craft” or “divine interventions”, but little work has been published surrounding these ideas. I’m sure there’s a Planeterium worker out there who knows much more than me.

A sign your Loop egg is going to hatch is increased light emitting from within the egg. Loops will explode the egg open from the inside, resulting in a blinding light as they exit. This also sends shell fragments flying around the nearby area, so make sure to keep a nearly-hatching Loop egg away from anything puncturable, especially other eggs.

Upon hatching, a Loop will appear as a smaller version of an adult Loop. A Loop that hatches in a clutch will have no cloak, hat, or dagger. Its head will have a softer feel & texture than that of an adult, but will be burning hot to the touch (handle with caution & gloves!)

pictured: newly hatched loop. click for better quality

A loop will get gradually taller (should exceed the hight of a Siffrin) as it ages. Its head will grow colder & will appear more pointed, and by adulthood should be warm like a sunbeam. A tail may grow steadily from the base of the spine around where the coccyx would lie. Loops can have a variety of different tails. Typically, they occur as thin cartilage with a bright appendage at the end.

pictured: common tail shapes

From here their growth is linear and ametabolic.

[isatling-husbandry-guide]

I've been thinking of adopting a Siffrin, is there anything I should know beforehand?

For starters, get a good understanding of their life cycle. Siffrins are a lower maintenance species, but that doesn’t mean they’re easy to ignore or let be completely self-sufficient. They need a lot of love and attention, or else they’ll get stressed enough to cause health issues (and in many cases die). They’re very affectionate, it just takes time to see it.

Siffrins are incredibly shy at first, and take a lot of effort to connect with. They’re skittish and nimble, requiring a lot of hiding places. Leave them alone for a day when you first get them, then begin to get them used to your presence & touch. This is much easier for younger Siffrins, who are much more curious.

Like most species, they thrive with other Isatlings in their enclosure. Siffrins, however, practically require a tankmate. While they can survive on their own, their quality of life will be greatly lessened than when given a properly socialized tankmate.

Siffrins are omnivorous, have a particular love for fish/seafood. They’re also of the Islander variety, and respond well to Islander-specific brand foods (so long as it does more contain Bromelain).

Play-behaviors for a Siffrin include ‘hunting’ and play-fighting (be mindful of their dagger, those things can cause genuine damage). They like giving gifts, either in the form of food, carvings, flowers, or items in their enclosure they’d like you to observe. Stray Siffrins have been known to cause sanitation issues in urban areas with their hunting habits (bad for city cleanup, but good for any avid bone-collecting hobbyists).

[isatling-husbandry-guide]

what!!!!!!!!!!!

[isatling-husbandry-guide]

Talked to a friend today who has an Odile, and realized that not a lot of people in my area know that Odiles can have enclosures that aren’t strictly Ka-Bue styled? And that maybe other people ALSO don’t know this??

For context, I live in the costal Poteria region. Odiles aren’t the most common here, as most people prefer Islander species like Siffrins or Loops due to their uses in theater and their striking/unique appearance being a big draw for us- along with Poterian species as well, of course. Odiles aren’t very common in my area, so it didn’t shock me too much, but: woah!! Odiles are so cool and allow so much enclosure variety- what do you mean you’re worried about mixing up her tank??? Have fun with it!! It’s healthy!!

Odiles are a much more flexible species than most people believe. Their reputation as “unloving” or “avoidant” couldn’t be further from true: it’s just that they’re less likely to express affection through physical means or gift-giving.

Enclosure wise, an Odile can have so much variety and freedom in their environment decor. Ka Bue styled enclosures are definitely a good option, and some of them can get perfectly elaborate! It’s an understandably popular style to go for, but there’s somehow still a misconception that it’s the only allowed style. In truth, an Odile can be placed in any style enclosure as well and still thrive (it can be noted that they actually benefit just as much, sometimes even more, in Vaugardian styled ones or with Change-cycling decor methods, meaning things in the enclosure are shifted around every so often). An Odile needs an environment that interests her: if there is nothing to observe, she’ll get bored and irritated. This leaves SO MUCH room for creativity and personality for an Odile enclosure! Please use it!!!

Really, there’s no perfect enclosure for an Odile (beyond making sure it isn’t incredibly tall). Instead, you’ll find your Odile is happier with tankmates (yes, multiple) of nearly any sort.

[isatling-husbandry-guide]

^^^ this!!!

I’d also like to add to this, since I didn’t touch on it in my initial post! For environments, you can also get a hide similar to an observatory* or any similar structure with a skylight.

Other enclosure environments also include Islander styled enclosures! This means black sand, rocks, and “space” iconography.

For those in a light polluted area, try taking your King to see real stars when you can. In general, it’s very beneficial to take your King outside of his enclosure and into fresher air. Pick a night, get a mesh carrier bag or harness for carrying, and head out to a clearing or beachside! It’s great for their well being, and helps you bond with your King.

* an islander device theorized for use in observing “solar systems and stars”

So my cousine bought a "Siffrin" or what they assumed was a Siffrin...It was a King who had it's hair cut, it was in very distressed and after I told him that it was a King he dropped it on me. (The shelters nearby were either full or refused to take him...)

So now I have a vet visit planned since this is my first time owning a King and I pressume that havinf a King with shorthair is very bad. If anyone could give me more advice that would be very helpfull thanks.

While a King does need occasional trimming, it should never have short enough hair that they can be mistaken for a Siffrin. The hair of a King is vital for temperature regulation, and a King with hair shorter than shoulder length is likely to experience immense distress as hair often acts as an object of comfort for Kings, both emotionally and physically.

Make sure you’re managing their hair! Keep track of how long your King’s hair has grown by measuring it every few days and writing down the new measurement. Consistent growth is indicative of a content and healthy King. To avoid breakage, brush the King’s hair and tie it back- preferably in a braid. For a new King that’s not very trusting, I suggest braiding their hair during baths or feedings, and wear paper type Craft gloves (both to avoid any rock attacks, and because your King might bite. If any of these occur, leave the King alone temporarily to calm down). Don’t over-shampoo, as it can damage the hair more than help it. Shampoo at most once a week, or whenever absolutely necessary. And, I cannot stress this enough: Invest in good hair and shell oil. I recommend ShinePlux or Bright-Specialty Products. Avoid charcoal hair products: they risk staining the hair, which is an absolute no no for Kings. Keep your King’s armor blindingly shiny and his hair utterly darkless!!!

Take note of any hair loss or thinning, as it can indicate health problems and abnormal stress. A healthy King should have long darkless hair that doesn’t tangle when brushed (this applies to any variant of a King, regardless of hair texture) and is shiny- not greasy- in appearance.

Kings are also a much larger species than Siffrins, so it’s possible that your King may be in its childhood stage? Despite their later size, a King starts out relatively small, and grows to a taller height later in its life through a sudden stage of rapid moltings. Keep an eye out for any pre-molt behaviors like diminished appetite, fatigue, and distancing.

Definitely reach out to any Planetarium Houses for advice! Since Kings of the Islander variety, these specialized Houses are often very informed about them, and tend to have one of their own.

[isatling-husbandry-guide]

Hey there, I saw an an adoption offer online for a Siffrin & Loop as in toghether as tankmates and I wanted to double check with people who have owned (or do own) Siffrins & Loops if that is safe? I've heard that a lot of Loops react negativly if not agressivly towards other islander type Isatlings

Ask the lister about the two’s history- how they did their socialization, and any issues faced during or after it. Not having a listed history for them is a major red flag, and indicates that they may not be properly introduced. If you can, meet with the lister first to observe the Isatlings before you move forward with adoption. Loops will be very aggressive and hostile to a Siffrin if not adequately introduced, more than they would be to any other species.

Do not be discouraged though: Siffrins and Loops can be excellent together if properly socialized! They can keep up with the other’s rougher play-style (though be mindful to stop any behaviors that could lead to actual fighting or injury). Their enclosure requirements mix well, since Loops require a tall tree or tree-like enclosure, which Siffrins can also thrive in. I’ll keep saying it, but they are really just little cats. I can’t describe it any better (literally; every single article I’ve found uses the exact same comparison!!!???).

[isatling-husbandry-guide]

Oh, thank stars i found this blog. Hello, im in need of some advice! my Siffrin had a bad run-in with a King, and though we thankfully managed to resolve things, i fear it may have caused something to happen to my Siffrin. they started becoming lethargic and discolored like they were preparing to shed, which was a bit odd as it wasn't yet time, but he hasnt shed and appears very distressed. I've been trying my best to care for him, but i dont know what's happening or what to do! I've asked some friends, but they dont know either.

My best guess could be that your Siffrin is “freezing” (also referred to as Total Cryoplegia). It’s a common occurrence for King encounters where, after droplet exposure to a King’s tears, the Isatling will slowly begin to “freeze”. This is characterized by slow movements, progressive paralysis, paranoia, greatly lowered body temperature, and a lightless overtaking the body. The condition isn’t immediately fatal, but becomes more difficult to treat as time goes on.

My suggestion: BRING HIM TO A VET / SPECIALIST. Treatment for this illness is performed through a complicated Craft spell, and performing it without proper certification can make things worse.

[isatling-husbandry-guide]

Any tips on introducing isatlings to each other? I have an Isabeau and a Siffrin, both juveniles. They're both very shy and I don't want to stress them out too much :(

I would like to preface that juvenile Isabeaus are not the best age to socialize, however it is in no way an absolute ban, especially if their tankmate is a compatible species such as Siffrins, Mirabelles, or Euphrasies.

Keep their enclosures next to each other, and bring them both out into a small space for an hour or two a day so they can get used to each other. Do this daily for around three weeks, or until the two are comfortable around each other. “Comfort” entails not hiding when seeing the other, eating near or with them, and playing (for juvenile Siffrins this includes wresting, hunting/gift giving, and “fighting” behaviors- a lot like a kitten, basically. For juvenile Isabeaus, this includes seeking out the other to share hobbies with- reading to the other being a common occurrence).

Do be mindful that socializing a juvenile Isabeau does mean your Siffrin will need to be removed from the enclosure during your Isabeau’s Change period. This can be stressful for them, but is ultimately best for the health of a Changing Isabeau to avoid the possibility of the Siffrin damaging the cocoon.

[isatling-husbandry-guide]

Do you have any advice for winning over a King. My elderly neighbor has one that feels the need to come over and growl at me then stomp back over to his owner while she is gardening. His owner finds it amusing because he doesn't feel the need to acknowledge their other neighbors at all.

One: this is the silliest mental image I have ever had of a King stomping over, going “I hate you”, and walking away to a senior. Thank you so much for sharing I am smiling ear to ear right now.

Two: start growing dandelions in your yard. Kings like them, and it may make him more calm while he’s on your lawn. Maybe even put out treats for him (but definitely ask your neighbor first, to make sure they don’t mind & that their King doesn’t have any allergies). Bribery, basically, is how you win this.

[isatling-husbandry-guide]

Can a city Beau and a country Frin ever fall in love…. (A theatrical teardrop runs down my face)..

I apologize for all the gifts you keep having to clean up. If you receive any flowers, though, definitely bring them in!

There's a stray siffrin that keeps sniffing around my Isabeau when ever I take him out for outside time.

They aren't aggressive thankfully but should I be worried about this? Or things and behaviors I should look out for ?

This is normal behavior- Siffrins are just like that, especially to Isabeaus. If anything, I would worry more about the safety of the Siffrin rather than their behaviors, especially if you live in a more urban area where they may be at risk (poor living conditions, cars, limited nature areas/trees for resting, etc).

Siffrins are a very curious species, however it’s uncommon for them to approach a living being directly unless they’ve observed the being over time. Despite this, they are notably drawn to Isabeaus, and seem to disregard this wariness to some degree. Still though, direct approach takes time. Siffrins who are curious yet still too afraid to directly approach will sniff around instead, a behavior meant to show interest. Most likely, the Siffrin will approach after a little while. Keep some treat on hand for him, maybe!

Siffrins are the ideal tankmate for Isabeaus. They socialize very quickly and have a positive effect on each other, to the point it’s suggested that rescue Siffrins be introduced to an Isabeau for support. I introduced my Siffrin to my Isabeau while he was having some trouble post-Change, and saw improvements in his mood and energy + they are so stinking cute and there’s no way I can separate them ever. I swear there’s some old tale I read once where they’re compared to “the sun and the moon” or something along those lines, but I haven’t been able to find it again.

Simple answer: Very normal! Siffrins are famously weird little fellas. Very curious yet very cautious. Congratulations to your Isabeau for the stray Siffrin he ran into on the street: They will not go away.

[isatling-husbandry-guide]

There's a stray siffrin that keeps sniffing around my Isabeau when ever I take him out for outside time.

They aren't aggressive thankfully but should I be worried about this? Or things and behaviors I should look out for ?

This is normal behavior- Siffrins are just like that, especially to Isabeaus. If anything, I would worry more about the safety of the Siffrin rather than their behaviors, especially if you live in a more urban area where they may be at risk (poor living conditions, cars, limited nature areas/trees for resting, etc).

Siffrins are a very curious species, however it’s uncommon for them to approach a living being directly unless they’ve observed the being over time. Despite this, they are notably drawn to Isabeaus, and seem to disregard this wariness to some degree. Still though, direct approach takes time. Siffrins who are curious yet still too afraid to directly approach will sniff around instead, a behavior meant to show interest. Most likely, the Siffrin will approach after a little while. Keep some treat on hand for him, maybe!

Siffrins are the ideal tankmate for Isabeaus. They socialize very quickly and have a positive effect on each other, to the point it’s suggested that rescue Siffrins be introduced to an Isabeau for support. I introduced my Siffrin to my Isabeau while he was having some trouble post-Change, and saw improvements in his mood and energy + they are so stinking cute and there’s no way I can separate them ever. I swear there’s some old tale I read once where they’re compared to “the sun and the moon” or something along those lines, but I haven’t been able to find it again.

Simple answer: Very normal! Siffrins are famously weird little fellas. Very curious yet very cautious. Congratulations to your Isabeau for the stray Siffrin he ran into on the street: They will not go away.