Weaning pups

[Judyh0311]

I have an odd question. I lost my pet Yorkie three weeks ago due to complications from a C-section. I have been bottle feeding her 4 beautiful babies every 4 hours and all are doing exceptionally well. They opened their eyes this past weekend. My question is how soon can I start trying to wean them from the bottle? I realize they shouldn't be weaned from the milk until they are around 6 weeks but I was wondering if they would be able to possibly drink from a small bowl as opposed to the bottle. I certainly will not rush them into this but was curious as to when would be a good time to start trying. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[MissDolittle]

I would start with just having a bowl of dry food and water available at all
times and once they are eating good, start watering down the milk a bit and
feed every six hours, then every 8 until you are down to 2 times a day with
a 1/2 formula and 1/2 water. After a while cut it down to one bottle a day and
feed them that as long as they want to, even if it takes up to 5 months.

Do you have pictures of the Yorkies? Sorry to hear about the mom :(.

[Judyh0311]

I do have a picture I will send to you. Would you start that process at about 4 weeks or later?

[MissDolittle]

They are absolutely adorable! Good job!

Just put some food out and let them decide when they become interested in
that. I always put food as soon as the teeth are in.

http://www.petsandwildlifeforum.com/images/yorkies.jpg

[Judyh0311]

Thank you so much. You sure get attached when you get up every 4 hours 24/7 with the little darlings. They are all so very sweet.

[MissDolittle]

You shouldn't have to do any night feedings anymore. I stop those once
the eyes are open. Every six hours, latest 10 pm and they should be fine
until 8 am.

They probably will eat more then, but that's the way it's supposed to be.
Less feedings but larger portions, that helps the digestive system to mature.

[Judyh0311]

Wow. Thank you. I'll let them go a little longer tonight and see how they do and if they act like they are just too hungry to go 5 or 6 hours I will of course just go ahead and feed them and try to stretch it out a little at a time. I'm just thankful they are such good eaters and have done so well considering they never nursed once from their mom. I also am going to start letting them out a little now that their eyes are open. I had kept them confined in a little tub on a heating pad since birth to keep them very warm but now that their eyes are open they need to learn to stand up a little better and get the hang of walking around.

[MissDolittle]

Yes, that's a good idea! The sunlight will also strengthen their imune system!

[WingedCat]

Awwwww What adorable babies!

I'm so sorry to hear about their mom. You did a wonderful job filling the role.

[Judyh0311]

Thank you so much. :oops: