Hi,Firstly I forgot to mention that I wormed them at 2 and 4 weeks and will do again at 6 weeks,they have took to their puppy food ike a dream,especially this morning after a dose of worming tonic made them expell loads of big worms yesterday.
As for weights,Sooty is just over 2lb,and Minnie and Max are just under. They are active little things,they play with each other and toys so I have no worries about them. They bark when I come down stairs in a morning,so cute! Ill definatly leave Meg to it and keep them that bit longer. She hardly goes in to them now,only to feed them. She isnt a playful dog,never has been so they dont get a chance to play with her. Do you think I should let Paddy play with them? He adores them and plays so well with them but only when I get them out on the floor and let him. Im just a little concerned about Sooty when he goes to his new home as she gives her dogs stuff you guys say dont. Paddys mummy died after a litter of pups she had after Paddys, she feeds them milk and stuff to "perk them up" but Pddys mum died of gastroentritis (sp) and I remember at the time someone said probably due to diet,she died when her pups were 6 days old. Am I right to be worried or do you think they will be ok especially if I keep them till 12 weeks.

Worms came out of your pups? I'd take them to the vet asap and have them get a thorough check-up. Your mamma must have them also. She needs to be seen by the vet at the same time. Worms pull the nutrition from the animal and they may be lacking in very important vitamins and nutrition. If they are that young and the worms are that big, then the pups have had them for some time. Again, I'd get them to the vet asap.

They all came out I think,theres been no more since,wormed Meg at the same time and they came out of her too. Wormed Paddy with a normal wormer and he does not appear to have them. Megs got to go to the vets tomorow anyway,shes got a limp,cant put her front foot down. Ill take them all for a check up.

Oh....please don't let your babies go before 12 wks of age. Not only is it too young to leave mom prior to that (socialization), you will miss so much of their growth and development as well.;)

Weaning is tough but we never keep mom "completely" away from her babies ever even up into their 3-4 month range. (my yorkies are very protective mommy's and wouldn't go for that in the first place, lol) I can suggest you pour a little puppy milk or goat milk over their kibble to begin to get them off mom for good. Never give them cow's milk...it is not so good for them and is totally different from their mom's milk. Once your pups are eating a solid diet, Mom will dry up and she will discourage nursing all together. But always let them have their mommy in their life up until the day they leave your home for their new homes. Good luck to you!

Yes...what she said. if you SAW worms, get them to a vet and make sure you receive enough medication for mom too because if they have them, it's pretty much a given she does too. Best wishes,

weaning
 

Regarding the weaning, I saw on www.debbiejensen.com that around 4-5 weeks is a good time to wean them. Better for the mom.

Unless there is a reason, I would let the pups continue nursing until they are 8 to 10 weeks old. About that time they will be emotionally and physically strong enough so that they will no longer need the food or comfort. My Chizzie's pups were completely weaned at 10 weeks and they are incredibly healthy, happy and well adjusted puppies.

I cant believe I dragged Paddy away from his mum so early, (I say dragged, if I didnt get him someone else would have) These babies still need their mum and they are nearing Paddys age when I got him. Im definatly leaving it to Meg now,shes the boss!!!