Mentor gone - Puppies coming! - Page 2

Sadly, there is no other breeder locally.  Not being exclusively inexperienced in whelping, I'm fairly comfortable with the process (it's just been a while ;)  ).  However, I don't remember any of ours nesting this early or changing their eating habits prior to day 58-59 and we never had any deliver prior to 60 days.  ( and i've never had to cut the cord or remove the sac - yet. haha!)  feathering, however, IS new to me...

usually my shepherds temps drop to 98 degrees..   she could stay at 99 for days..  and bounce back up to 100 and back down to 98..  so I would be looking for 98 to 98.4..   and then figure in the next 24 hours she should begin.

some bitches start nesting days ahead of time..  and they will slow down eating since there is no room for food.. so feed small , little meals,  3 or 4 times a day.. 

Sorry OP I forgot your earlier posts made it clear you were not a

novice at this !    But I do think these things are worth saying for

general education of readers, including Kim's list ( + sterilised

scissors ! ) - there is at least one other current thred where the

poster has less experience and would probably find this sort of

thred useful.

What is feathering ?

I've used this before and has produced worked as well as oxi. There is a "sweet spot" that is stimulated will produce a very strong contraction. I prefer to use this first and if it doesn't work, only then call my vet as give details for his ok for using oxi. Of course if both of these don't work, then we're packing everything up and going to ER vet.

Feathering

To assist the bitch in delivery, a helper will feather her. This stimulates stronger contractions to encourage labor. Feathering is done by wearing a latex glove with lubricant (e.g. K-Y jelly) on one finger, gently inserting the finger into her vulva and tickling or "feathering" the top of her vagina.

 

 

Bunch,

Get the list mentioned and have on hand. At this stage, I would focus on the temp drop. When you see 98, not 99.2 but a solid 98. Be on puppy watch, they're on their way usually within 12 hours. Typically at night but be prepared. Anyone with experience can be of assistance. When you encounter a situation where you don't know what to do and you have no one to ask. I generally side on; let nature take it's course. Just food for thought and good luck.

Thanks everyone.  She ate a little better today but nesting has really increased.  Her temp keeps dropping today - 99.7 this morning, and 99.5 mid-day.  She's shortnened her outside potty breaks time too.  I have to keep the door closed to keep her from going back inside so she can do her business - out of character to her so i foresee something happening in the coming days.  Hoping she holds off for a few more days.  Going to read up on feathering a bit more - that one is still new to me.  Hopefully will have some pics to post in the coming days.  :)

How ridicules, feathering..WTF are you kidding me.WHO DOES THIS???

THAT is one of the mist absurd things I ever heard!!!

LOL@kitkat 

If you've ever been ten days past your due date, a little tickle (or more!  ) is what you'll get.

I am gonna be very careful with my comment on  feathering but it is not a new thing.

We humans do the same thing in another fashion and for other reasons.

It works also. A lot of breeders use Red Raspberry leaf drops before the breeding and even in last month . It helps the colostridium in milk and is high in vitamin c AND HAS properties to aid in easy whelp. Use only in healthy bitches and in small doses. Consult some older breeders advise who have experience on the positive side of usage.

There is negative in any health supplement or any med we use. Err on the side of  Nature takes its coarse and has been doing fine from the beginning of time ..

YR