Pups are now nearly 4 weeks old and cry alot of the time, im feeding them on beta puppy food 3 times a day but they still want there mum every 2/3 hours for about 15/20 mins even throug the night, is this ok? what can i do to stop them crying? there was 8 in the litter and the biggest on is 6lb and the smallest is 4lb, any help will be so greatfull im at my wits end not knowing what to do, i've had litters before (first time for this bitch) and they have not been like this. Imthinking of giving them some pedigree puppie food in with the beta to see if that helps, thanks mandy

How does their weight compare with previous litter of a similar number of pups?  Are they too hot?  How is Mum?  Is she fretful?  I am assuming she has free access to them, if not why not?  Let mother dictate the rearing, and only keep her away from them when they have meals, and let her back in to finish off and top them up as she wishes.

i would put them on 4 feeds a day, and mix it with some goats milk this may keep them off mum for the 20mins, they may only need a few mins on her then, i wouldnt put them on the ped food, it may give them the runs, and put a spoon of natural yogurt in there meal it is good for them.

Sorry I hadn't notice they wer only on 3 meals a day.  Depending on breed they should be on at least 4 and some peopl find five suits theirs better until about 7 weeks when they can drop to 4.

Don't know what breed it is but most are 4 feeds sometimes 5 feed a day at this age.

Crying is generally cold, hungry or need the loo..

Is mum stimulating them all properly to go to the toilet?constipation can often make puppies cry and and suckle more for comfort.

If they are only nearly 4 weeks old they are still tiny babies.  I feed my lot about 6 times a day.  Once when I first get up, around 8, lunchtime, around 3, 6 and finally 9 to ensure a peaceful nights sleep.  I have never fed mine on dried food as tiny babies they usually have fresh meat and scrambled eggs, rice pudding and milky foods at this age.  Tigger didnt stop feed hers during the night until they were around 5 weeks nearly 6 just before she had her operation.