Heather,
On mom's first litter, I usually wait until after the eyes are open,
after that I pick them up from birth. I am sure you know how you look
for the white in their tummies when they are way tiny to see if they
are getting fed (the white is mom's milk). For the first week or so I
just examine them to make sure all parts are there, they are getting
nourishment, etc. After that, they start to move a bit, so I just
hold them in one hand a couple of inches up in their cage and pet
them for about 30 seconds each. I increase this time as the weeks go
on and by the time they are 3-4 weeks old I lock the cats up and take
them out of the cage and let them run on my arms etc. NEVER
underestimate how fast these little ones can move. I made the mistake
once of not locking the cats up and when the little guy jumped and
ran, it was me vs. cats. I won, but I learned to do it in a
controlled environment, sans cats. Lately I have been taking a bath
sheet (big towel) putting it in the tub, getting in their with them
and taking all of them out and letting them run. They seem to really
like this and they cannot go far (I take mom and dad too.)I also take
a few seeds in their and hand feed them. It's funny how quick they
learn...today I did not take seeds in with my 5 week old DEH's (6 of
them) and they all ran towards my hands like "Mom, where's my treat?"
Since I am relatively new at this, I have kept many offspring and
since they are so tame to begin with, have handled their babies (even
on first litter) from day one. I think because they already know me
and my scent, they feel ok with me in there.
God luck,
Cindy
--
Kokopellis Kritters
Red Desert Rodent's
**The Anasazi Clan**
