[Gpdd] BREEDING: Not in my plans, but..............

[rmalsberg at comcast.net]

So Carmen and Sharpless live divided by the 38th Parallel, aka Home Depot linen shelving, which they gnaw constantly, so that the white cladding is coming off and it gives the bars this irregularly rusted, derelict look of a southern prison of the 1930's or so, like in the movies.  When I see them lifting weights and making homemade tatoos, I will really start to worry.

Pregnant Carmen went to the vet, accompanied by a tearful mom, and Dr. Barten, who has seen all our pigs from Taffy on, examined her and advised against surgery.  He is conservative, and says the risks are too great.  He consulted with a friend of his who teaches small animal exotic medicine at the University of Pennsylvania vet school, and she confirmed this.  She added to make sure Carmen is getting good nutrition and recommended baby bird food, dark leafy greens, alfalfa, and carrots.  

I gave Carmen the baby bird food and at first she was enthusiastic, but the next day's batch was almost untouched.  She eats hay and veggies but has slowed down somewhat on pellets (piggy food) and hardly touched the alfalfa cube.

If anyone has any tips about the baby bird food (I know some of us are "cross petted" - OK, that doesn't sound like what I meant it to sound like, but you know what I mean) or thinks I should syringe her instead of just presenting it in a bowl, (as Dr. Barten and friend advised) let me know.

So we are just sweating her out, hoping and praying that when her time comes, she can pass safely.  She is at least 2 years old, my elderly primagravida.

--
Wheeks, 

Rayna, Carmen and Sharpless 
Taffy, Sundae and Tosca in mem