Hi Jason,
The mating does take a few hours.
My litters have come so far at exactly 25 days from the mating -- so
mark your calender. When there are still pups from the first litter it
takes longer though, for my gerbil it was 5 weeks (34 days actually).
You can clean the cage anytime up until a few days before the birth.
After the birth, you could upset the Mom and have her temporarily
neglect the pups, getting the place back in order. I wouldn't clean out
the cage until the pups are weaned. If you absolutely have to, just
remove the pile of smelly litter and add some fresh rather litter than a
complete cage cleaning.
How exiciting, and good luck -- Donna A.
Indigo Child wrote:
> 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? 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. Also, what foods contain the following nutrients Fat, Protein,
> Calcium and any other things the female may need? Thanks,Jason P.S.I
> know I asking all of this soon since I just saw them mating...but I
> just want to be precautious :)
