For the past four weeks, Ellie has been feeding her eleven puppies. This is a large litter and requires extra work on both Ellie’s part and mine making sure all the puppies get their fair share of mama’s milk. Ellie has done an amazing job feeding her babies. Over the past few days, Ellie has been nursing her puppies in the standing position which is the sign that she is ready to start weaning her little ones. It is now time to introduce solids to the puppies.
Yesterday we introduced the puppies to solids. We begin the puppies on their first solids at four weeks of age. I make a watery mush from ground kibble puppy food and warm water. The mush will gradually be made thicker and progress to soften kibble and finally to dry kibble by seven weeks of age.
Ellie helps her puppies finish the leftovers. She will continue nursing her puppies and gradually wean them over the next couple of weeks.
After the puppies had finished eating, they came over to explore the water dish. They weren’t too sure if they were to drink it or wash their paws in it – LOL!
After their first solid meal all the puppies went back into their whelping box on their own and settled in for a long nap.
This made me laugh….every puppy for themselves. Even if it means leaning over another’s head.
So sweet cleaning each other’s faces
Another great update!!!!
It was so fun to watch them eating – to funny!