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New Births / First time chin mom gave birth to 4 babies.
« on: April 12, 2009, 08:23:40 PM »
This morning/early afternoon my female chinchilla Roaxanne gave birth to four beautiful baby kits. I am a little stressed out because this is my first litter of kits. I was prepared for two kits. I figured with two kits she wouldn't have a problem nursing. I have done some research and it all says that chinchillas normally have a small liter the first time. However with this being her first liter I am worried maybe she won't be able to nurse all her kits. I have a scale and I know the weigh them to make sure they are gaining weight. I read some information about how to nurse baby kits. I guess my question for everyone who has experience with kits and bottle feeding is this information correct.
NOTE: Kitten replacer formula is safe and an excellent product this is what I prefer to use
Recipe: 1 cup dry milk
1/3 cup Gerber mixed baby cereal
Mix these two ingredients and place them in an airtight container
NOTE: nutrical or dyne should be added to the wet mix for extra calories and vitamins by the ½ teaspoon.
When ready to feed your baby take 1 teaspoon of mix, 2 teaspoons of filtered water heated to very warm (do not use hot tap water this may contain lead) feed through a dropper by the drop. Baby chins chew their food for the first few days. Be patient so the baby doesn't choke on the milk. The tummy should feel full and the chin will refuse any more when it is full. You must keep the milk warm while feeding. I use a coffee cup hot pad. I also check the milk as I am feeding to be sure it is neither to hot or cold. I fill up the dropper and hold it up to my lip to test the temp. For the first week feed the baby 5-6 times daily. Then for the next three weeks 4-5x daily. For the next two to three weeks feed 4x daily. The baby will eat larger amounts at each feeding and wont need to have as many smaller feedings. Beware some babies will over eat-don't let them! If you notice constipation or diarrhea offer the chin some plain yogurt (no artificial sweeteners) Usually they eat it right up.
I have included a picture of my beautiful kits. Please if any one has any tips I would gladly accept them. Thank you everyone.
Hope you and your families had a wonderful Easter.
XOXO
Jenn
NOTE: Kitten replacer formula is safe and an excellent product this is what I prefer to use
Recipe: 1 cup dry milk
1/3 cup Gerber mixed baby cereal
Mix these two ingredients and place them in an airtight container
NOTE: nutrical or dyne should be added to the wet mix for extra calories and vitamins by the ½ teaspoon.
When ready to feed your baby take 1 teaspoon of mix, 2 teaspoons of filtered water heated to very warm (do not use hot tap water this may contain lead) feed through a dropper by the drop. Baby chins chew their food for the first few days. Be patient so the baby doesn't choke on the milk. The tummy should feel full and the chin will refuse any more when it is full. You must keep the milk warm while feeding. I use a coffee cup hot pad. I also check the milk as I am feeding to be sure it is neither to hot or cold. I fill up the dropper and hold it up to my lip to test the temp. For the first week feed the baby 5-6 times daily. Then for the next three weeks 4-5x daily. For the next two to three weeks feed 4x daily. The baby will eat larger amounts at each feeding and wont need to have as many smaller feedings. Beware some babies will over eat-don't let them! If you notice constipation or diarrhea offer the chin some plain yogurt (no artificial sweeteners) Usually they eat it right up.
I have included a picture of my beautiful kits. Please if any one has any tips I would gladly accept them. Thank you everyone.
Hope you and your families had a wonderful Easter.
XOXO
Jenn