ASF's couple Q's...

[bobbi]

So my very first litter is comming up to 3 weeks but 2 out of the 20 babies in the tub still havn't opened their eyes. is this normal? all the rest have been caught eating and drinking but i have yet to see these two. they are very active just like thier litter mates, jumping around and chaseing mom for a snack.. lol Does anyone know why they are the only ones without their eyes open? and how soon can i ween the whole group? both moms look to be knocked up again and should drop another litter soon, do i have to wait 4 weeks or is 3 ok? like i said i have seen them eating and drinking (except the two) any advice is helpful Thankx

[Corvid]

I was told that when the open their eyes they're ready to be weaned, and that is what I do.
I would probably hold the two with their eyes closed back for a day or two. Then they'll open them and be ready to go as well!

Personally I like to get the babies away from mom this early because I know another litter is on its way, I want those pinks to get all the food they can. I watch the recently weaned ones for issues, but have yet to see anything major.

[llovelace]

I would pull them at 3 1/2 weeks, leave the 2 in, that still have their eyes closed for another week or so, then pull when they are ready

[littleindiangirl]

I pull about a week after their eyes are open, this is almost always right at 21 days, and mom is ready to have her next litter.

[bobbi]

thankx a bunch everyone!! im going to be rigging up some grow out tubs tonight and all but the two will be weened very shortly i may wait till tuesday though as that will be their 3 week birthday and they have only had their eyes open for about 4-5 days now. Again THANKX

[Mike Cavanaugh]

I am much less careful about this now then I used to be. As soon as most of their eyes are open, I pull all of that group out at once.... even the ones that don't quite have their eyes open.

Usually within a day or two their eyes are open. Don't let the boogers fool you. They are perfectly capable of eating and drinking before their eyes are all the way open. At this age, they are VERY resilient.

[Corvid]

LOL Mike...
I watch these silly things at 2 weeks. I'll pull them out of their hides and put them on the opposite side of the cage and they ALWAYS find their way back home.
I swear they can see at like 1 1/2 - 2 weeks, even with their eyes closed.
Their amazing little creatures, that's for sure!