Is mom taking care of the baby

[LoBo]

Hello, I have a first time mother and she only had one baby. The baby is exactly 1 week old today and I want to know if the mother is careing for her. Some times I will look in and the mother will be laying on the baby some times covering it completely and other times you can see the little guys head or *** poping out from under her. Other times the baby will be laying around by its self. Not squeeking or anything just sleeping out in the open. Is this normal? should I let the mother deal with her or should I try to havnd feed it. I really don't want this poor little fella to die so I want to do whats best for it. Please let me know if you have any idea on what I should do.

[LoBo]

also if you know any good sites on raising baby hedgehogs post them so I can read up on it

[pickyhedgies]

LoBo,

Sounds to me like your mom is doing a fine job. I would let her contine, what are you feeding mom in the way of extras?

Are you giving her mealies, or crickets? She should have some extra protien to keep herself up while nursing. If there is only one baby she is probably not getting drained but extras make them feel better.

Hang in there and watch your baby grow.

Hugs
JEanne

[LoBo]

Thanks pickyhedgies you made my day by saying that. I will swing buy the pet store and pick up some extras for her.

[pickyhedgies]

I'm sure she will appreciate that. I would just set them in the cage where she can get to them when she is ready.

Can't wait to see pictures of your baby in a couple of weeks.

Hugs
Jeanne

[LoBo]

I will post pictures next wensday or thursday. I have been reading that you can hold the babys after 2 weeks and at that time they will be 2 weeks.

[pickyhedgies]

Hi LoBo,

Even though it is said quite widely that you can hold the babies when they hit two weeks, use caution. Mom's can still get testy. The best thing to do is take one baby at a time and preferrably when mom is out eating a treat. Don't keep them out long at first, maybe a minute or two and if mom gets to sniffing around to much or carrying the one you picked up, hang back for a few more days.

I am sure you will be ok, I know the excitement of seeing and handling babies can be overwhelming. I have seen lots of babies and each time it practically takes taping my hand behind my back to keep me from picking them up to soon.

Will look forward to those pictures.

Hugs
Jeanne

[LoBo]

I guess I will wate a bit longer to hold them then

[pickyhedgies]

LoBo,
I didn't mean you had to wait longer honey, just feel out your mom and only take one baby at a time so she doesn't notice it as quickly.

If you hold a baby and mom gets testy that tells you that you will have to hang back a while longer, if she doesn't, then go for it.

Hugs
J