Hi Kathryn,
>......should I foster it even though it's doing fine right now?
> Or should I foster some pups to this mom to add to the one?
Fostering to the 3 day old litter or fostering three or four of that litter
to the mom with the single pup would be best.
> One is a litter of 6 that is 7 days old today (however these are in a tank
with TWO males and a female in it).
Nope. The litter is too old. Mom would reject the foster pup.
> The other is a litter of 8 that is 3 days old today.
Perfect for fostering the single pup to, or fostering some of the other
pups to the mom with the lone pup. Both moms would accept the foster pup(s).
> The pup is at least 12 hours old now, and is HUGE compared to all other
newborns I've ever had....he or she looks like a >4-day old at least. It
also has a FULL tummy of milk.
This is great! The pup has obviously gotten mothers first milk with all its
anitbiotics and nutrients. Very important. However, one pup is not enough to
stimulate continued milk production. Fostering is an IMMEDIATE need here. Do
foster somebody somewhere. Like I said the both of the mothers will accept
the new litter mate(s). Take some of the nesting material from the mom who
is to receive the addition(s), and rub down the new one(s) to give them the
same scent she has. Then keep a close eye on them for the next several
hours. Place the cage where you can see it during the course of your day if
needed.
Good luck,
Cinthia A. Dunn-Izquierdo
The Izzy Clan
