KMR and orphaned pups

[Sarah Conte]

Hey all: I know that this subject has been hashed about as nauseum, but I haven't paid too much attention as it hasn't affected me before, so I'll open it again. Just about an hour ago, I was at my local pet store considering starting another breeding pair and looking for the most interesting looking gerbils I could come up with.  I saw a lovely DEH sprawled leisurely alone in the corner of one of the tanks and got excited.  I'd been wanting one for quite awhile.  However, when I roused it, I noticed two beautiful little 3-week old agouti pups beneath it.  Those of you who have seen _The Crying Game_ can understand my confusion when I picked my little friend up and noticed that she was a he.  I talked to the manager, who guessed that the mother had accidentally been sold.  I talked him into selling me the male anyway, along with some KMR and told him I'd be happy to try to hand-rear the pups.  They are semi-listless and get cold pretty quickly, but he does sit on them to keep them warm.  A little while ago, I got them to take about 1 CC between the two of them.  They were eating with a little gusto, which makes me feel a bit better.  Any help, advice, or even moral support would be greatly appreciated. I'll keep you all up to date. Thanks :) Sarah The Classic Theatrical Struggle: The Show Must Go On vs. This Is Stupid, I'm Going Home!