Originally Posted by Yorkiemom1 (Post 4386305)

When I first started doing this, I learned that not all bitches are "textbook"....I had one that never went off food, never had a temperature drop, never did the nesting behavior....she ran around at my feet, and then just disappeared and had a puppy.....then she came back to my feet, ran around awhile, and went to another area and had another puppy....when I heard the first one whimpering, I was frantic, trying to find that baby! So I decided then, I was not doing it THIS way ever again! Fortunately, all the ladies I now breed, are very even tempered and they are used to whelping in this manner. They are crated within view of me and so they dont feel abandoned or left unattended....they seem to appreciate the quiet and not dealing with the activity and drama that goes on with a houseful of dogs! Oh....then there was the little lady, a maiden, that kept trying to move her babies to the den, to her bed where she usually spent her day......she was NOT adjusting at all to this new area, she wanted to go to her familiar bed in the den, and it took several days before she stopped carrying her babies around in the whelping box, trying to get to the den!!!...that was why I decided I would let them get used to the whelping crate so they were comfortable pre-whelp in that crate, and would not be trying to adjust to a new area they were unfamiliar with after having the litter. It works best for all of us....ladies are comfortable with it, and I know where everyone is, at every minute, and I can watch/monitor momma constantly without having to locate her, worry about babies being delivered in multiple places, etc. My lady Rosie taught me not all these ladies are textbook cases, and you could very easily miss something you need to be aware of, waiting and watching for "textbook signs" to occur!

Originally Posted by bjh (Post 4386465)

I totally agree that there is just no set of rules that apply to all. Some can really fool you and not act like they are in labor at all and just pop out a pup while others dig, pant and act crazy when they go into labor. I agree it is best to keep them separated when it is near their due date but if it stresses them out to much then it is best to just watch them close and don't let them out of you sight.

Originally Posted by xBilliex (Post 4386544)

Hi BJH..

She weighed 6 1/2lb before pregnancy. She hasn't been for an x-Ray but has had a scan. She doesn't like car journeys so the scanner come to me. She gets really stressed and sick constantly.

The scan confirmed 2/3 pups but they were small so could of easily missed 1. I asked for a re-scan but the lady didn't think it was necessary?

She'll eat every so often when I feed her in my hands. She's not got much of an appetite though. Little and often seems to be doing the trick & boiled chicken is her fave ATM! She refuses to eat herself unless I'm feeding her?

Kind Regards

Originally Posted by xBilliex (Post 4386236)

Her temp is now 38.6?

Kind Regards

Originally Posted by xBilliex (Post 4386533)

Hi 'Dawn27'

Thanks for the site. I've just had a look and stage 1 is as follows:-

Stage 1

Temperature will drop to 98 degrees or so...
Eyes will dilate
She will stare at you and want you near
Refusal to eat
Hide under your bed or a dark place
Laying on her side but can't seem to get comfortable
Mucus Discharge

She has all of those above so referring to that site I believe she is in stage 1! How long until stage 2? I just hope she can hold on for a few more days at least.

Thank you once again! :-)