Many viewers of the 24/7 puppy camera have raised questions, such as what are the pipes running alongside the whelping box. These are called "pig rails" and they are designed to protect the puppies from their mother accidentally lying on them, ensuring the puppies' safety.
Since the puppies are unable to regulate their own body temperature, we use a heat lamp over the whelping box to keep them warm when Tulip is outside the box. However, we turn the heat lamp off when she is nursing the puppies. By 3 to 4 weeks of age, the puppies can regulate their temperature, which should then be in the normal range of 100.5°F to 102.5°F (38°C to 39.3°C).
The most significant event this week is that the puppies' eyes have opened. Mr. Devil's eyes (the one with the red collar) were the first to open. Each puppy followed and within 48 hours they had all opened.
The puppies are now weighing almost 3 lbs, and Tulip provides them nourishment at least every 2 hours, often throughout the night as she prefers to sleep with them. We are still weighing the puppies twice daily to ensure they are all gaining weight. With a large litter, predominantly male, the two female puppies can sometimes get pushed around, so we are making certain everyone has equal access to the "milk bar.
At around 3 weeks old, the puppies will be weaned and begin eating solid food. Their diet will start with pure turkey (meat, bone, organ, and muscle) mixed with fermented goat's milk. We'll gradually increase their feedings, starting with one meal per day, then two meals the next day, and finally three meals per day. By the time they go home, the puppies will be eating approximately 6-7 ounces per meal, for a total of 18-21 ounces of food daily.
Stay tuned....
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