Hi everyone
Not had a lot of time to get on here very much lately as you can imagine, but just wanted to update you on how pups are doing and get a little advice.  Pups and mum are doing really well all have put on lots of weight with all but two over 1kg now, two small ones but I'm doing my best to get them in the best position at the milk bar and a few times I managed to get them a sneaky extra meal.  Mum has lots of milk but doesn't seem as keen to get in the whelping box that often.  I trim nails at least twice a week more often if needed but can understand mum not being too keen sometimes it's like a free for all!!! I have been taking the bigger ones away for the first 10 minutes so the smaller ones can get a fair meal and then let the bigger ones join in, am I doing this right??

On another note it's lovely to see them start to interact with each other now, eyes are well open and yesterday two of them started a sort of play - lovely - oh and that puppy breath!!

A couple more questions, although I'm trying to keep them as clean as possible some of them do need a bit of a freshening up - would a damp cloth or even a baby wipe be ok?

Next question weaning - as they are a large litter 11, should I start the weaning a little earlier, mum has coped very well up to now I haven't had to top up but am thinking that perhaps now (or by the end of the week) I could take a bit of pressure off of her.  Any advice?

Thanks again

A very tired, zombie like, but oh so grateful  Jan

Jan,

glad you are getting there ........... try having a go at weaning them ... they will show no interest if you are too early!   mine are only day 19 today and I have started them on weaning porridge and they love it!!!

Jan

glad all doing well

yep you can use baby wipe or even a little bath but keep them warm id go with the baby wipes for a while

you can try them eating if they are not ready they will refuse :)

I cant offer any first hand advice I am afraid, but I just wanted to say that it sounds like you are doing a wonderful job,well done!!

Hi jan sounds like mum is doing great :) i had to start weaning mine at 2 1/2 weeks old and she only had 4 !! thay were so hungery all the time , like others have said give it a try some may enjoy now and some may later ...all mine went at the weekend :( ...i feel lost but im off to see 2 of them friday :) so i carnt wait !! xx

I started mine today on weaning. They are 18 days old, 2 took to it straight away and the other said no thanks...tried him again tonight and he actually lapped. My goodness what a mess or am I doing it wrong? Now the fun part really starts!!!

Thanks everyone, I think I might start offering them something tomorrow and see how it goes. For the first time last night they were really crying alot as mum just wouldn't stay in the box for very long, so when she does they all go mad!!!  Pups have all had a really good feed from mum this morning so might get myself ready to try tomorrow, I'll let you know how I get on!

Jan

you are doing it right ...always lots of mess!!

ooo the mess lol ,its great :) !

Yayyyyy...all the pups lapping and actually enjoying it...mum likes cleaning them up aswell.