Feeding the Pregnant Syrian?

Holly · 03-07-2008, 03:02 AM

Smartie is now Day 11 of her pregnancy and I'm having problems getting her to take any milky foods or lactol

I have just given her some shreddies soaked in lactol (I've been feeding her twice a day for the past few days) and she's eaten two of them, she'll also take bread soaked in lactol but only in small amounts - is this enough? I'm also giving her extra protein each day in the form of egg, porridge or chicken and also giving a few extra seeds plus her usual fresh veggies.

I remember Caramel eating a lot extra by this stage and I also remember her looking decidedly pregnant at this stage - though she did have 11 babies. I'll stick my neck out and say I don't think Smartie will have as many though I do think she's pregnant - her behaviour is diffent and she seems more wary of me (this is our tame baby from our own litter) so I'm being cautious and just letting her out when she obviously wants to come out and not disturbing her other than for feeding.

Does it sound like she's eating enough? Any other ideas what I can give her if she's only taking minimal milky foods?

**Spuds Mum** · 03-07-2008, 03:14 AM

Bronte isn't eating much extra either Julie. Just little bits, and has a huge store of food, so I am thinking that I am feeding her too much.

She has also become a little more skitty about being handled too. I'm sure Smartie will be fine and will be getting the nutrients she needs.

Mollz · 03-07-2008, 03:44 AM

I'm sure Smartie will be eating what she needs - after all, she knows best!
Is she eating the protein you are giving her? If so, then she's probably getting all she needs.

You said she had been putting on wight too didn't you? So that's a good sign.

Basia · 03-07-2008, 04:37 AM

I must be an awful owner, I just put stuff in and I never worry if they don't eat it.

I never pick them up once they have been mated either so have no idea whether they are gaining weight.
I would think Smartie would eat the things if she felt she needed to. I remember that Berry only really started eating after the babies were born and she was feeding them.
About the only thing Truffle will eat is her lactose porridge (yes, I finally bought some lactose).

**Spuds Mum** · 03-07-2008, 04:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Basia

I must be an awful owner, I just put stuff in and I never worry if they don't eat it.

That's the last thing you are Gill, and you know it. I am only aware of what Bronte is eating because I have noticed, since putting her in her bin cage that she has filled three corners with beds and huge piles of food, and that is in a couple of days, so I know that I have been probably going overboard feeding her!

Holly · 03-07-2008, 04:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Basia

I must be an awful owner, I just put stuff in and I never worry if they don't eat it.

Definitely not that - it's the best way to be anyway as I can't actually do anything about what's Smarts is or isn't eating anyway! It's also a good idea to minimise handling in pregnant girls anyway so you are doing that right too! (I just can't bear not to get her out if she seems desparate so she hops into her ball to come out then sits on my lap - she's definitely less keen on doing that so I think you've got the right idea there as well

). I think maybe all your rabbit experience makes you more laid back about the whole breeding thing - this is all new to me

I'm going to make the effort not to worry about it - I was a nervous wreck when Cazza was preggers, I can't be like that again

Basia · 03-07-2008, 04:56 AM

The trouble is they are all different so it is easy to start worrying if one doesn't do something another one did. Caramel did eat a lot more if I remember rightly and I can remember at the time thinking why isn't Berry eating more then.
I think having had so many rabbit litters and worrying such a lot at the beginning but finding out that no two do the same thing, I have learnt to just let them get on with it.
I don't blame you for worrying about Smartie, it just makes me wonder if I am lacking because I don't worry so much.
I'm certainly worrying now, in case she is ill.

Matty Day · 03-07-2008, 09:05 AM

Athena is actually eating more she is eating everything i give her she’s eating /hoarding all the cheese ,ham and other foods I give her I am quite sure that she is pregnant as she is eating way more than her sister.

though i am going to try another mating tonight just to make sure

and I am cleaning up the perfecto ready for 2 Wednesdays time

her diet includes Harry hamster eating all but the bits she hates
cheese, ham, roast meat (an added extra about her pregnancy as we are eating more roast meal s as a consequence

)

can anyone recommend some other foods i could try as there are tonnes of other foods in the fridge

Basia · 03-07-2008, 12:10 PM

That sounds very promising Matty. Fingers crossed you will soon have some babies.

souffle · 03-07-2008, 02:49 PM

Nature knows best and Smartie will eat what she needs Holly. I know you are offering her all the right stuff and she will be taking in more that you think I expect. It is easy to worry but there is really nothing you can do. When I was pregant with PH I was sick as a parrot, on a drip for 6weeks then ate nothing but peppermint aeros and cannelloni for 8months yet she was still 7lbs, healthy and not at all green from the peppmint