What do you think went wrong??

I didnt notice that one of my females was prego but last night I found 15 pinkys all dead. They were not eaten or any visible damage to them at all??
It almost looks like she dropped the litter and left them there to fend for themselves. They were all in a little pile under one of the hides. Is it possible that my females are to young to have maternal instincts??? Is there anything I could have done to prevent this? They were not there two days ago so I dont know what happened. 15 babies is just a lot of food to loose.:mad:

I don't know what caused it but I'm sorry to hear that. Hope the next litter goes better.

possible your hide killed them somehow?

I don't use hides.

My guess would be that they were all dead before they were born. Shame. :(

First time mothers, this happens sometimes

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by llovelace

First time mothers, this happens sometimes

---

So is there anything I can do different or should I just let nature take its course till she gets it right?
I know I am going to start checking more regularly but they were not happy with me removing the bodies!!! I have hand fed all 6 of them and they actually went after my hand!! Like jumping up and down and squeeking so I used my feeding tongs to get them.
The male really watches over the girls, even when I am changing water or feeding he is usually in between me and them.

Your set up is 1.5?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by llovelace

Your set up is 1.5?

---

Yes, and I was just looking them over and I think 2 more females are a little on the "fat" side so I am going to start checking on them a couple times a day
(one male and five females all young and from the same colony)

What size tank are they in?

I would say a bad mom or all dead b4 being born, either way if the same mom does it again I'd replace her. Its really good to have really good moms, I have 2 moms taking care of 3 litters(one of the moms wasnt taking care of any)...with a total of ~35 babies and havnt lost any yet! So yeah, I support replacing bad mothers. :gj:

55gal for now but will be moving to 20 longs as I get more enclosures built

If you start more breeding groups try a 1.3 ratio

Happens with most rodents. My mice, rats and asf will do this.

I keep my asf in 2.3 so if one isnt doing the job the other will.

Im almost certain those babies were stillborn. Pinkies can go up to 1-2 days after being born without nursing. So i dont see them being born live and dieing same day.

now a stupid question: should I take the wheel out? My male really likes to run on it

All mine have Wheels and dont harm anything. Keeps them occupied and away from chewing

the girls will get on 2 or 3 at a time but the boy runs his little butt off:cool: