#laurens sweeck

[roglaert]

📸 ucicyclocrossworldcup

[is-this-mathieu-enriched]

Do Thibaus usually get along well with Mathieus? My friend is leaving for a business trip soon and would like to entrust her Thibau with me. Any tips to introduce him to my Mathieu? Many thanks!

Thank you for being such a thoughtful friend! It's always hard to go away while worrying about your beloved companion, and knowing her Thibau is well looked after will definitely allow your friend to make the most of her business trip.

Thibaus are a delightful species, historically often overlooked but becoming increasingly popular in modern times. Like a Mathieu, a Thibau is a powerful hunter dependent on sudden bursts of speed to take down his prey. Smaller and more lightly built than a Mathieu, a Thibau is approximately the size of a Primož, and will require a similar enclosure. Your friend's Thibau will likely have his own list of favourite foods, but in general a Thibau will happily eat the same kinds of wet or dry food as a Remco or Marc.

Unlike a Mathieu, a Thibau's display patterns will settle as he reaches adulthood, and become fixed. It is speculated that this is reflective of some aspect of the individual Thibau's personality, but research is still ongoing in this area.

Personality wise, Thibaus and Mathieus are generally compatible. Both species enjoy high-energy active play, with a love of fun and a competitive nature. This can sometimes cause friction between Thibaus and Mathieus of a similar age - expect to see plenty of play-fighting and wrestling. If your Mathieu begins to spit or attempts to bite, then separate them until they have both cooled off!

Introduction between the two species should be done slowly - your friend's Thibau will be naturally wary, as he enters a space he will perceive as your Mathieu's territory. Place his travel enclosure near to your Mathieu's enclosure, and give the two time to adapt to each other's scents. If there is threatening behaviour from either side (a defensively posturing Thibau will produce a series of sharp yaps, much like an angry Remco), allow this to settle before letting either of them out of their enclosure.

Before long there should be some interested chirruping from your Mathieu, as he anticipates all the fun of having a new playmate. Assuming your friend's Thibau responds in kind (rather than a chirrup, a happy Thibau will purr), then you have the all-clear to let them interact! Your Mathieu will likely want to show off all his favourite enrichment toys to your friend's Thibau, and there are likely to be a good deal of excited zoomies aound his enclosure. Sit back and enjoy watching them play together!

[23mco]

📸 rhode_photo

[tiramisubrownie]

[mont-ventoux]

Herentals + Namur CX, no. 2

[mvdam]

[photogal777]

I like this course--not sure if it's as wild as Namur seemed to be, but it seems difficult and fast. Impressed by Sweek ("Sandman"?! Do the comms just call him that, or is that his team nickname?), I'm also cheering for Cam Mason--just because. He's such a go-getter...and super cute as well (Very Important).

The Roodhoofts are well-represented this weekend; and on lap 2 of this race, at least, as well.

[vacancy90]