If she's that big I would say not any DAY, not ANY SECOND!!! She's huge. If she's building her nest it could be any time, and man I would plan on her having at least 7.


Sorry I didn't get back to you sooner YLL, but I have been working all day and just got home.


Make sure that the mom is getting plenty of extra foods, like chicken, kitten food (good ones are Nutro, Innova and Authority). Any extra fat and protein will do her very good. I would feed her as much as she wants to eat until her babies are about 3 weeks old, when they start sampling food on their own. Try to include some fresh salad greens, pears, apples etc. at least three times a week. Pregnant and lactating does also enjoy bread soaked in warm soy milk, it's my does favorite treat and it makes sure they have enough calcium. I also give Nutrical as well, or some crushed up Total Ceral mixed into a little bit of molasses, not honey.


I have only had one doe who lost a little weight while nursing and that was with my current litter whom I just weaned. She was way too young to be pregnant, about 6 weeks.

I would watch for signs of complications, such as no babies with a labor lasting more than 4 hours. Bleeding, especially if she is young. Young inexperienced does may need help with cleaning and cutting the cord, so I always have a pair of little scissors handy just in case. If she doesn't care for them, which she probably will, give her a few hours without any interaction. Keep her in a dark room with fairly low noise, and make sure she has lots of nesting material. I have noticed that most does who make nests make better mothers.

Socialization is very important. I hold babies the night their born to check their milk bands and make sure they are present and thick, and also check whiskers, ears and other fun things like checking sexes. Males and female can be easily distinguised at this age. If your mom does not feel comfortable handling the babies, which could be risky since you have had the doe only a few days, then I would suggest starting at around 1 week, when their a little bigger but young enough for daily handling to really make a difference. I usually start with five minutes sessions, then fifteen, and then at about a week and a half I keep them out for about 45 minutes. After their eyes are open I take them out for about an hour in the morn and an hour in the evening. At three weeks I start "tub time", where I let them all play in the tub for a few hours, and I include some toys as well.

I am sure she will be fine, they usually are. However I would see if you can have a vet set up just in case you need to take her in for an emegency C-section. Again, not likely but it's good to be prepared. I don't know if I am forgetting anything.

OOOh yes! If the mom nipps, I take a towell to cover her and than take out the babies. I have had two nippy girls when they had babies, but they get over it when the babies turn about two weeks old, and then the mom pretty much begs you to take them out.