puppy countdown
It's getting closer and closer to puppies!
Nel and Gabby were bred on the same day on opposite coasts and are due the same day. I am really hoping that they do NOT have their pups on the same day but that's not up to me. Day 60 is next Tuesday and the dogs usually whelp on day 61 or 62 from the first breeding. I will start taking their temperature on Monday.
They both go on Monday to the vet to do an "xray for puppies" so we can get a semi accurate count of how many puppies to prepare for.
I am anticipating having to supplement puppies in the next few weeks so there is a new addition on the ranch. Her name is "Fudge" and she's a black and white La Mancha milk goat. She produces about 3 quarts or more of prime yummy (for the puppies) goats milk daily. She arrived yesterday and Andres milked her last night and got about 1/2 of 6 quart bucket. I have the assorted "milking supplies" on order - stainless bucket, strainer, udder wipes and mastitis spray. Lucky for me Andres (our ranch hand) is experienced at many things one of them is milking goats. So Fudge will be providing fresh, natural goats milk to any puppies that need it.
We have a new set up for whelping - we picked up 3 dog run/kennels from a doggy day care center that went out of business. They are top of the line veterinary grade, plastic and stainless 4x6' kennel runs with 5' high sides and back and a clear front door. On the side panels there is about 2' of stainless wire at the top to allow airflow. The girls aren't quite sure of the clear glass door or the plastic raised floor but I started getting them used to it today. They should be very easy to keep clean. I'll be working on the puppy cam set up and a heat lamp, light and fan for each kennel as well as the "puppy rails" in the next couple of days. I'll take some photos when I get a chance. I also have new fangled disinfectant mats on order that you can fill with disinfectant and then step on and it disinfects your shoes. The solution is supposed to last 1 week in the mat.