My largest litter has been 5 pups out of my female (Biewer Terrier) who's normal weight is 6 1/2 - 7 lbs. She's got long legs & torso and could probably carry an even larger litter.
You are doing right by supplementing the tiny ones and/or also give them their own time to suckle from mom (if they are able) alone without the others pushing them off. Check their weights daily to ensure they are maintaining or gaining. I found that the 5 pups in my last litter did not gain as quickly compared to our litters of 4.
Give the mama all the food that she wants; have it available to her 24/7. I also use the whelping pudding recipe found as a "sticky" at the top of the Breeder Talk section for at least 2 weeks after the pups are born, putting a little in with her food a couple of times a day. Also Doc Roy's Healthy Bones calcium tablets every day until she is no longer nursing. You can find it on Revivalanimal.com.
Wishing you good luck & health for your pups & the new mama!! |