Newborn Yorkies

Question
Thank you for answering my previous questions regarding my new born puppies.  The puppies were born on August 30th, they are now 16 days old.  They just started opening their eyes.  I was wondering if I still need to make sure they are very warm as it seems to bother the mother to stay with them on the warm heating pad?  Also, how do I know if the puppies are getting enough milk from the mother or if I should be feeding them once/twice a day myself?  My vet had me give the mother two tums per day for calcium as the puppies (6 in the litter, three did not make it) depleated her calcium.  Should I still continue to give the tums? Can you also estimate as to what the weight range should be at 14 days? Thanks again for your help.

Answer
Hi Denise,
I am glad that the three remaining babies are doing well. You haven't told me yet what you are feeding the mom. That is very important. If she is getting Science Diet Puppy Growth you can probably stop giving the tums every day and give them to her maybe once a week. She will be getting plenty of calcium and other nutrients IF she is being fed this food freely while she is nursing.

If they seem to be thriving and gaining weight I don't think you need to supplement them with anything. Just make sure Mom is on the Puppy Growth. This is the only puppy food that will give her the complete nutrition she needs to nurse and sustain herself. Any other brand just won't cut it. I have seen the difference so I know first hand.

I have no idea what a Yorkie would weigh at 16 days but I am going to guess around 5-10 oz? They are small breeds so I could be way off. I have never raised them myself.

I know when they are born they weigh at the most 1-3 oz so I am guessing that at 16 days they should be at least 6 oz. You might want to ask your vet.

As far as keeping them warm, if they are in a warm room with Mom all the time, you can leave the heating pad off during the day and only turn it on at night in case it gets chilly and Mom isn't right next to them. Make sure it's on low and is covered with blankets or towels.
A heating lamp kept about three feet above them would work too during the night. Make sure you can barely feel the heat when you put your hand near the puppies. That way you wont get it too close.

Thanks for the update and let me know about the food and how they are doing later.