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I've never bottle raised any kitten younger than 2 weeks, however some things stay the same regardless of age.
If the kittens are crying alot it either means:
1) They are too warm
2) They are too cold
3) They are hungry
4) They have to potty
5) Their formula is too warm or cold
Kittens only cry alot when something isn't right, normally they just sleep alot. Hard part is to find out what's wrong.
A heating pad under a box lined with blankets is good, but remember kittens at this age can't crawl so if it's too warm or too cold they can't rearrange themselves to get more comfy until they are about 2 weeks old. You'd have to look up online, or ask someone here, because I can't remember the temperature they prefer, I'm thinking like 80-85 degrees farenheit?
Kittens that age are VERY messy to feed, but keep trying. Don't feed too much formula at once so they don't choke, just a few drops at a time if they can't suck. If they can suck, a bottle with a small nipple on it is best. Make sure to feed them laying on their stomachs, NOT on their backs like a human baby, otherwise they could choke.
Potty them after every 2 hour feeding.
I don't know much about homeade formulas, I've always used commercial ones, however I do know the formula has to be warmed. NEVER feed a kitten that is cold (they can't digest food when they are chilled), and NEVER feed cold formula. The formula has to be warmed just like a human baby, not too hot, not too cold. And if you microwave the formula, be sure to STIR it up good because nuking it can cause hot and cold pockets in the formula which the kittens won't like. Always test the temperature of the formula before feeding, and with multiple kittens make sure the formula hasn't cooled to much between kittens.
If you have, or can borrow a food scale, weigh the kittens every day. They need to gain weight every day. IF they are losing weight or not gaining, then something is wrong. Don't weight them right after feeding, otherwise you're also weighing their meal.
Just remember sometimes with ones that little, even if you do everything 100% right, sometimes they don't make it, don't beat yourself up over it should that happen.
Yup the joy of bottle raising! I sooooo well remember the total lack of sleep, wearing alot of formula, kittens wearing alot of formula, little scratches all over my hands from over-eager paws grabbing for the bottle, stumbling around the kitchen from lack of sleep at 3 a.m. trying to mix formula, and trying to feed/potty 3 kittens at the same time! lol It's hard work but so worth it!!
From this....
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l1...11/fosters.jpg
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l1...y711/Josh1.jpg
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l1...711/middle.jpg
To this....
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l1...1/IMG_6719.jpg
Good luck!
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Thans for all the info everyone, and especially catladay. I finally slept for a whole 2 hours (after a strait 28 without...can you say zombie?) Snow is showing some interest!!! She is laying with them, under the cabinet. They are having a hard time finding the nipples since she is shaved they keep crawling up her chest where the hair is. A couple have latched on for a bit. Now for weather they are getting something, I guess I will figure it out soon enough. I dont want to disturb her by trying to express any milk as of now. She is getting aquainted. Im SO GLAD, and hope it works out. Silver baby (I still cant sex that one... they are tiny babies) Its still up and down. He does well laying with the babies now, he dont get chilled so easy anymore, still weak though. I will have to watch and see if Snow pushes it away. I now I will still have to feed that one regardless until he improves more. Its in no shape to nurse yet. I think the stimulation from the other crawling on him is actually beneful to keeping him pretty stimulated so he dont give up. Now if I can find some batteries for my camera... Not sure about that, but I will try.
