We had two local visits today from Toni & Mary-Ellen… and then a less conventional puppy visit over FaceTime with Linda in Newfoundland.
Their pen was switched up today with Giant Panda occupying a different corner and a revamped puppy mobile launched way back when Peaches was a puppy. I only caught Peter Parker enjoying it so far though I am sure they all will in good time. We also have some electronic noise makers and some stability equipment moved in as they’re demonstrating some interest in climbing.
These li’l Superheroes aren’t so little anymore! They have tipped the scales >2kg! What does it take for 40lb Peaches to still be responsible for the lion’s share of their caloric intake? Peaches is eating 9-10 small meals a day starting at 6am and ending around 11pm. In that timeframe she eats “Dog Soup” comprised of 2 litres of homemade bone broth, 2 litres of water and 30oz of homemade raw diet (meat/fat/bones/organs). At various times through the day I add various accoutrements including homemade kefir, yogurt, cottage cheese, and sometimes som vanilla ice cram. My estimate is that she’s taking in about 300% of her normal caloric intake to keep these kids nursing.
Their teeth have finally cut through their gums so I am curious how much longer Peaches will continue to nurse. I don’t usually force wean — the moms know when they are done. It’s at this time that we do supplement Peaches’ efforts with puppy chow slurry (raw puppy diet with warmed goat’s milk) at lunchtime which has been met with positive reviews. At this point though they still prefer Mama’s milk to my concoction. She has made it through three weeks of nursing now (my bare minimum goal), so anything from now on is a bonus.
