when to separate dad before and after birth

[Kat]

Thanks for this fred. Its very useful.

Kat
x

[fuzzymum1]

Nancy was witnessed mating with Norman on day 21. That was around 9-10 weeks ago now. She is gaining weight and I am fairly sure I have seen small movements on her sides like I did with previous goo pregnancies - I will not be allowing Norman any access to her following the birth of these babies (if she is indeed pregnant).

[davx]

Two recent cases here suggest that suppression of the oestrus during lactation may not be as tight as previously thought. The observation of a very tight suppression comes from a large colony at the University of Illinois and there may be differences in the general captive population. Therefore, as a precautionary measure, dad should be separated before the first oestrus after the post-partum one. The shortest cycle observed in adult females is reported to be 17.8 days, so it would seem prudent to separate dad on day 16.

You mean this colony? vetmed.illinois.edu/cb/mahoneylab/index.php

[davx]

Colonies kept in zoological institutes often have a better breeding management, also the people often have the needed knowledge. I wonder if hobby breeds can maintain a sustainable population, especially when they breed certain colours or forms and not random breeding like exotic pet breeders.

[fuzzymum1]

Oct 23, 2011 16:12:06 GMT @fred said:

@fuzzymum Thanks for keeping us updated. I had hoped Nancy wouldn't be pregnant. If she is indeed, she would be the first case of a second oestrum after birth (~ 21days) conception that I could find anywhere. This makes advice really difficult

Well she was definitely pregnant, baby goos arriving as I type. Norman will be going nowhere near her this time, not even briefly as I really don't want any more babies, cute as they are!