Super Large Litter-Need Advice My female Yorkie gave birth yesterday to EIGHT Yorkie puppies. All are doing well although I am having to supplement the two considerably smallest and weakest of the litter. I would appreciate any advice from those who have faced a large litter situation as far as what is best for the welfare of the puppies and the best interest of the needs of the mother. FYI, mother's prepregnany weight is 6 lbs. and the father's weight is 5 lbs. Thank you in advance. |
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!! |
Last year I had a female that had a litter of eight. The mom did get eclampsia but after increasing her calcium intake she and the pups did very well. The most important thing is to make sure the mom eats lots of food. I made sure my mom ate 4 big meals a day. My vet said to give her two calcium pills a day. I was using the Doc Roy's calcium pills from Revival. I did have to help supplement a couple of the smaller pups in the beginning but once the moms milk came in she had plenty for all. My female was a little bigger though, she weighs about 8 lbs. Good luck with your litter. |
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