Let's go over some basics with our chins/kits ...
I was just going through some pictures and noticed a picture of a kit in a dust bath ... the kit looks almost new born ... this is a big no-no.
1) Momma and kits can NOT have a dust bath until the kits are 10 days old. Momma can not because the dust bath dust can still get inside of her (until she is completely healed) and it can set up an infection. Kits' eyes are not as responsive as they should be and their lungs are not as strong yet ... at under 10 days of age.
2) Daddy chin must be removed from the cage momma and kits are in for at least the first 10 days after the kits are born. Removing him a week prior to her due date is safer. Momma goes back into season shortly after the kits are born and if she gets pregnant while nursing the kits, this would be much to much of a strain on the mom's system and resources. All (momma, the litter she is nursing and the litter she is trying to develop) would suffer.
3) Kits need to be in a cage that has wire that is 1/2" x 1" or less (not 1x1) and is single level. Kits can crawl/fall out of a cage that has wires that are 1/2" x 1" or larger. When kits are born, they are born eyes open, fully furred and usually playing within an hour. Within the first 24 to 48 hours a kit will usually attempt to climb to the top of the cage ... they can climb up, but not down. When they reach the top, they turn loose and fall to the bottom ... if the cage is more than 15" high, the fall can kill the kit.
I am sure there are other things and questions you may have concerning Momma and Daddy Chin and their kits ... please, post them.
Around here, no one will fuss at you or laugh at you ...
There are no dumb questions ...
Only regrets that they were not ask ...
Jo Ann
