>I just witnessed my pair mating after they were both stomping
their feet for ages :) The >male mounted the female *several*
times and is still doing so as I type this e-mail. Is it >normal
for the male to do this so many times? What is the normal
gesgation period for the >female?...and what special cage
arrangements should be made?
Matings can go on for all day, and will mount several times.
Gestation is 24-28 days, but is almost always on the 25th day. I
usually set new moms in a quiet corner with a sheet draped over
one side of the cage, with lots and lots of tissues of course.
>I wanted to clean the cage tonight because its a bit dirty, but
I was wondering if I should >leave it now that she will probably
be pregnant? Or does this matter? I was thinking I could >clean
it but leave the nest alone.
I usually clean the cage a few days before the mother is due to
give birth, so I don't have to clean it again until the pups have
their eyes open and don't need the nest as much as before. You
can leave the nest alone, but if it's small or quite dirty it's
okay to replace it. >Also, what foods contain the following
nutrients Fat, Protein, Calcium and any other things >the female
may need?
Through the pregnancy and until the pups are about 3 weeks old, I
feed her regular food supplemented with cat food (protein), corn,
carrots, celery and/or cucumber (good nutrition). At 3 weeks the
pupples (*g*) don't use the milk as much. As her next litter
comes closer, I start giving her the vegetables and cat food
along with the seed mix. >P.S.I know I asking all of this soon
since I just saw them mating...but I just want to be >precautious
:)
No problem at all, I used to be a question-asking fanatic ;)
Paige
