Hand rearing Orphaned Pups

STEP 1 – RE-HIDRATE:

The first step of hand rearing orphaned pups is to make sure that they are hydrated. If they were without milk for several hours they will become dehydrated and their organs shuts down. Even if you feed the pups milk, nutrients are not absorbed and they eventually die after 2-3 days. .

They will need electrolytes but are too small to administer fluids under the skin.

Mix one cup (250 ml) of pre boiled and cooled water with ¾ teaspoon sugar and ¼ teaspoon salt. Stir until dissolved and give to the pups the first few feedings. Discard after 6 hours.

STEP 2 - FEEDING MILK:

You may either use kitten milk (I prefer Kyron), goats milk or human baby formula to feed pups. Mix formula and give to pups at or just above room temperature using an ear bud. It is difficult to know how much you are giving, I therefore feed pinkies until I can see a white milk band. Weigh older pups daily to determine if they are gaining daily and therefore getting enough milk. Feed pups every 3-4 hours and continue throughout the night. If you only manage to feed a little bit of milk at a time, feed pups more regularly.

Dilute the milk in the beginning and gradually add more milk powder.

I usually add a pro-biotic (Protexin) at least once a day as well.

Add raw rolled oats and seeds to furred pups’ nest, even if their eyes are still closed. They will start to nibble on solid foods.

As soon as the pups’ eyes open, give them solid foods and a protein source like scrambled or boiled egg, white chicken meat and Ensure daily. Keep on feeding milk formula and/or water until they can drink on their own. Add pro-biotics to their wet food daily.

Besides feeding, pups also need their bowls stimulated by gently rubbing their tummies in the direction of the anus after feeding. This is similar to the mother rat licking and cleaning her pups.

They will also need to be kept warm as small pups can’t regulate their own body temperature. Be careful not to overheat the pup and cause dehydration. Rather supply newspaper and fleece as bedding and keep the temperature of the room constant than placing them on a heating pad. They are too small to move away on their own if they get too hot.

Further reading on hand rearing:

http://www.afrma.org/orphanrm.htm

http://www.ratfanclub.org/orphans.html

http://www.rathelp.org/FosteringYoung.html

#handrear #foster #orphan #milk #hydrate