Don't forget that with that many you will probably need to supplement feedings. Would probably be a good idea to get some feeding supplies and a supply of milk replacer before the birth so you have all ready when/if needed. I'm sure the great people menotring/helping you have mentioned that but I thought I would just in case they hadn't, since the 11 number is a new development. Waiting anxiously for you as well! Good luck.
The wait is getting nerve wracking!
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JulieM
Boxer Insane
This just came across another list I'm on, and I thought it was fantastic advice. I've added some comments of my own in the (**....) sections.
You probably don't have time to stock all of this at this point
but it might give you some ideas. I would definitely formulate a plan for milk replacer - especially at this time of year, when snow and ice can make getting to the store impossible.
Also, Dr. Hutchison recommends for bottles that you get the *premie* nursing bottles (human type), particularly the ones with the collapsing bags, so there is no swallowed air. He emphasized *don't* use the bottles available at pet stores. Try to find human premie bottles at a large pharmacy near a hospital.
You probably don't have time to stock all of this at this point
but it might give you some ideas. I would definitely formulate a plan for milk replacer - especially at this time of year, when snow and ice can make getting to the store impossible.Also, Dr. Hutchison recommends for bottles that you get the *premie* nursing bottles (human type), particularly the ones with the collapsing bags, so there is no swallowed air. He emphasized *don't* use the bottles available at pet stores. Try to find human premie bottles at a large pharmacy near a hospital.
Thanks everyone!
It is exciting. I thought I was pretty well prepared (for 8) then I went into shock for a little while (11!), now I'm feeling better again.
We did breedings over several days and we think she is probably going to go later than Wed. since she isn't that big for having 11 puppies in there. They did seem to be pretty uniform in size, there weren't any noticeably bigger or smaller so that was encouraging.
I was laying in bed with her this morning and they looked like little aliens in there moving all over the place. This is the first time I could see them instead of just feeling them.
Amber
It is exciting. I thought I was pretty well prepared (for 8) then I went into shock for a little while (11!), now I'm feeling better again.
We did breedings over several days and we think she is probably going to go later than Wed. since she isn't that big for having 11 puppies in there. They did seem to be pretty uniform in size, there weren't any noticeably bigger or smaller so that was encouraging.
I was laying in bed with her this morning and they looked like little aliens in there moving all over the place. This is the first time I could see them instead of just feeling them.
Amber
Draymia
BW Adviser<br><img src="/forums/images/modpaw.gif"
I just love watching the gymnastic meet going on in the bitches tummy. :D
Everything everyone has told you is great info.
Here are few other ideas.
I like to get pedialyte available for the bitch to drink during delivery. It replaces valuable electrolytes. I don't supplement with any calcium during pregnancy, but do start a couple of days before delivery.
I have used goats milk to supplement and even raise puppies on for almost 20 years. I like it so much better than anything else I have used. You can get it fresh frozen from goat breeders or by concentrated cans at the grocery store. I dilute the canned with pedialyte for the first couple of days and then water afterwards.
The premie bottle is a great idea, and I have found even the smallest pup can take a standard baby bottle with nipple. I use a hot needle to put a couple of extra holes in it. And of course, don't forget you have to burp the baby. I keep the room temp around 78 for the first week and then begin dropping it slowly. I don't like heat lamps or heating pads. To keep the babies warm during delivery (I like to separate many pups during actual delivery) I use a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel. If for any reason you have to take Mom and pups to the vet, take an extra gallon jug with hot water with you to keep babies warm. Gallon jugs will hold the warmth for hours.
Will be waiting to hear how everything goes. She will probably be very tired, so I would definitely get the drops and Fasttrack. Also I would get some Nutri type gel. I don't remember the exact name, but something for your girls energy level in the middle of delivery.
Everything everyone has told you is great info.
Here are few other ideas.
I like to get pedialyte available for the bitch to drink during delivery. It replaces valuable electrolytes. I don't supplement with any calcium during pregnancy, but do start a couple of days before delivery.
I have used goats milk to supplement and even raise puppies on for almost 20 years. I like it so much better than anything else I have used. You can get it fresh frozen from goat breeders or by concentrated cans at the grocery store. I dilute the canned with pedialyte for the first couple of days and then water afterwards.
The premie bottle is a great idea, and I have found even the smallest pup can take a standard baby bottle with nipple. I use a hot needle to put a couple of extra holes in it. And of course, don't forget you have to burp the baby.
I keep the room temp around 78 for the first week and then begin dropping it slowly. I don't like heat lamps or heating pads. To keep the babies warm during delivery (I like to separate many pups during actual delivery) I use a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel. If for any reason you have to take Mom and pups to the vet, take an extra gallon jug with hot water with you to keep babies warm. Gallon jugs will hold the warmth for hours.Will be waiting to hear how everything goes. She will probably be very tired, so I would definitely get the drops and Fasttrack. Also I would get some Nutri type gel. I don't remember the exact name, but something for your girls energy level in the middle of delivery.
Rough night
Well, Chloe was up and down ALL night long. Her sides are as hard as brick, she won't eat (which I said she'd be dead before she passed on her food), and she is just downright miserable.
Her Temp is 99.4 this morning, but I just started taking it yesterday and it was low then too. She is laying in the whelping box and I'm trying to be calm.
amber
Well, Chloe was up and down ALL night long. Her sides are as hard as brick, she won't eat (which I said she'd be dead before she passed on her food), and she is just downright miserable.
Her Temp is 99.4 this morning, but I just started taking it yesterday and it was low then too. She is laying in the whelping box and I'm trying to be calm.
amber
We are in the same boat Amber!
Hi Amber, my girl is due on the 9th of January, so we will have litters close to one another. I had an xray and she is having 11 pups too! Gee is it the moon, water or what? We also bred her three times over the course of a week. She does not look that big either, bottom heavy yes, but not as big as I thought she would be with 11 pups inside. I did all the testing and this is her first litter. I hope to show this pup as I did her mother, I hope the pup I keep has at least half of her mothers looks and half of her daddies. I believe the two of them should have something to complement the others weaknesses and enhance the strengths. (both dam and sire are a credit to the breed standard), but like everyone knows we can always improve something. For much of the pregnancy she did not even look pregnant but the last 3 weeks she has blossomed! If I were to add anything that you might need for your upcoming litter would be to get a digital postage scale to be able to weigh the pups daily and at birth and keep a record of the weights, this will help you determine if any pup needs supplemental feeding. Good luck with your litter Amber! Your surrounded by one of the best resources on the web here, this forum with your mentors should offer you the support you will need in the days ahead!
Hi Amber, my girl is due on the 9th of January, so we will have litters close to one another. I had an xray and she is having 11 pups too! Gee is it the moon, water or what? We also bred her three times over the course of a week. She does not look that big either, bottom heavy yes, but not as big as I thought she would be with 11 pups inside. I did all the testing and this is her first litter. I hope to show this pup as I did her mother, I hope the pup I keep has at least half of her mothers looks and half of her daddies. I believe the two of them should have something to complement the others weaknesses and enhance the strengths. (both dam and sire are a credit to the breed standard), but like everyone knows we can always improve something. For much of the pregnancy she did not even look pregnant but the last 3 weeks she has blossomed! If I were to add anything that you might need for your upcoming litter would be to get a digital postage scale to be able to weigh the pups daily and at birth and keep a record of the weights, this will help you determine if any pup needs supplemental feeding. Good luck with your litter Amber! Your surrounded by one of the best resources on the web here, this forum with your mentors should offer you the support you will need in the days ahead!
leah mallu
Boxer Pal
Good Luck with those Pups!!
Calybos and Judge came from a litter of 10, and all was healthy and lived. I'm sure your girls are going to do great!! Sounds like you have your back up plan in order and from what I hear that is of the utmost importance. We will be sending some ((((((healthy baby vibes)))))) your way, and Mommas' to. Remember stay as calm as possible we all know they know what we are feeling!!! And stay positive!! Good luck all!!
BoxerBrosCalybos&Judge
Leah
Calybos and Judge came from a litter of 10, and all was healthy and lived. I'm sure your girls are going to do great!! Sounds like you have your back up plan in order and from what I hear that is of the utmost importance. We will be sending some ((((((healthy baby vibes)))))) your way, and Mommas' to. Remember stay as calm as possible we all know they know what we are feeling!!! And stay positive!! Good luck all!!
BoxerBrosCalybos&Judge
Leah
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