[Suze225]

I apologize for the title, probably have people very confused, but just wasn't sure how to word this properly. I have a couple of questions for those of you who have used a lactating girl to foster pups from another girls litter.

My Bella has a litter of 2 pups who are just about 7 weeks old, they still nurse about 2-3 times per day, and are of course receiving appropriate puppy supplementation. (I don't wean my pups completely until they decide they are done on their own, about 10-11 weeks give or take.)

My parti girl T Bell is about 43 days pg with her first litter. I believe we are in for a nice big litter. Heart beats show 5 maybe 6 pups. (The girls in this line do produce 4-6 pups on average.) Would it be common, or ok, to let Bella nurse a couple of the pups if T. Bells milk doesn't come in or if she for some reason doesn't produce enough milk for all of her pups? Sounds much simpler than bottle or tube feeding, and since Mamas milk is of course best......does this seem to be an option I would have, if the need arises?? Of course I would let all the pups nurse off of T Bell too to get that much needed colostrum! (I have heard of this being done, but wanted 'expert' opinions!) I of course supplement my nursing girls with Excel calcium for dogs after whelp.

Thanks in advance!