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[eringoesmoo]

For kits to be eating pellet food, timothy hay, and alfalfa cubes at 4 DAYS OLD? I've never had this happen.

They're not only trying, but they're actually eating it..quite odd.

[Jo Ann]

   I have never seen that.  Usually when an animal does things that are out of the ordinary, there is a problem somewhere.

The first thing that I would think is that they are not getting the needed nourishment from their mother.  This normally happens when she may not have enough milk or her milk may not be of good quality.

If they were here with me, I would try some goat's milk as a supplement for them.  You can put 1 or 2 ounces in a bottle and hang it on the side of the cage (if momma drinks some, that's OK, too) or you can feed them with an eye dropper.  Room temperature is usually best.  Do not heat in a microwave ... place some in a small container and set the container in a cup or bowl of hot water to heat the goat's milk.  Keep unused milk in a glass container in the refrigerator or a plastic container in the freezer and take out only the amount needed.

   Jo Ann

[eringoesmoo]

Thanks Jo Ann! I decided to keep an eye on it and they seem to have stopped doing that and they are all gaining well. It's weird though, one of the babies weighs 25 grams more than the others, but they're all very healthy.

[Jo Ann]

   At a week old there should not be that much difference in weight.  You may have a case of superfoetation, or one kit just got more nourishment in the womb, or allot more nourishment since birth. 

Was their that much difference in weight at birth? 

What did each one weigh at birth and now?

I would make sure the smaller kit gets some extra time alone with mom several times a day.

   Jo Ann

Below is a picture of a brother and sister born in the same litter ... this is what kind of difference you would see in superfoetation.

[Summer]

Actually I have found that for some kits they are copying mom. Some just start earlier than others. The ones that did start early I just left them mom and no supplementing did just fine. I have seen many litters do this and good. Just keep an eye on their weights, as long they keep gaining they should be fine! 

[ABC Chinchillas]

I have seen many kits nibbling on food almost immediatly. I do not worry unless they are losing weight or not nursing. They tend to mimic the adults in the cage.