Hi Jason,
As far as preparation, another thing that I do is remove everything
from the tank a few days before the birth -- wood structures, cardboard
boxes, tubes, wheel, ceramic dish, etc. so their is nothing for the pups
to get stuck behind or squashed under. Once the pups are several days
old, I do give the parents something to gnaw on every day -- such as a
toilet paper roll which they gnaw it to nothing in a half hour or so.
I would also suggest having powdered kitten replacement milk/dropper
plus a heat lamp/thermometer (don't heat the tank higher than 80 or so
degrees!) on hand in case as some point the parents temporarily neglect
the pups. See my web page for specifics:
http://www.geocities.com/abcgerbils/mybreeding.html?957997338910
As far as removing the male, by the time you see the pups, the pair
may well have already mated. If the pups are born at night, for
example, the parents will mate right after. And by the time you wake up
in the morning and see the pups the mom is already pregnant. If you saw
the first mating and are sure that the female is pregnant (heavy and
pear shaped), I'd suggest removing the male at day 23.
Very exciting!! Donna A.
GeckoX wrote:
> Hello again GML... My female is due any day now...approximately 3-6
> days. I am just making sure that everything is in check. I have put a
> ton of tissues and cotton into the tank...and the pair are making the
> nest nice and comfy. I was just wondering what other specific things I
> have to do to prepare? I plan on removing the male the minute after I
> see the pups in the nest...but aside from that...are there any dietary
> things I need to know for the female before/after she gives
> birth? Thanks,Jason
