Husky mom keeps leaving pups

Question

Sara and her pups   QUESTION: Hi, I have a Siberian Husky that just had a litter of 4 puppies last week. They are one week old today. The first four days mom would not leave them. Now, she doesn't stay in with them. She's protective if anyone goes near them, but won't stay in there very long. They still seem to be warm, but sometimes they are sprawled all over the pen. And last night we found one in the kitchen, one in the living room and the other two outside the pen. Not sure if she is moving them or they are moving themselves. I've added a heating pad to the pen to keep the warm when mom's not there and I close the door to the room so mom has to stay in. I tried trapping her in, but she moves the "walls" and won't stay in there while we are at work. Is this normal? Should I be worried? I'm at work all day and don't want to come home to a dead puppy because mom didn't keep them warm. I also tried to add a box for them to crawl into but they won't go near it. I know this is really long question, but I'm concerned about keeping them warm enough. Thanks so much

ANSWER: Hi Christina.  Wow, sounds like you have a bunch of little "roamers" on your hands (lol)

I suggest that you find a smaller area for your mommy and her little ones.  Possibly you could put them in a guest bathroom, laundry room, etc with a child gate in the doorway to prevent them from getting out.

I use a professional whelping box, but I know a lot of people who use a child's plastic wading pool that works well as a whelping area.  The sides are low enough for the mother to come and go, but high enough to keep the puppy inside.  It's easy to clean and doesn't cost much to purchase - however, it might be hard to find one this time of year.

Yes, it is normal for the puppies to "root" around and get lost if given too large an area.

Good luck, and please do not hesitate to contact me if you have additional questions.  I also want to apologize for the delay in replying to your question.  I am having some work done at my home, and somehow the cable to my internet was cut.

Sincerely,
Penny DiLoreto
www.puppies-dot-com.com

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for the advice! I tried to find a baby pool, but near impossible this time of year! In any case, I used one of those plastic cube shelves and made walls so now the puppies are in there and mom can come in and out, but i also closed the door to the room that she's in and this seems to help. With less visuals of our other two dogs, she's less likely to get distracted...

They are 10 days today, and they won't stay near the heating pad. Actually there is usually one in each corner of the box. Does this mean they are too hot? I have my heat set at 75 degrees F, and it's been about 32 degrees outside. I'm sweating, but I want to make sure they are okay. When can I drop the temp back down to 70? I'm afraid to see my heating bill this month! LOL

But I was also wondering, I put down a bath mat, pee pads, and then a blanket over that and she keeps digging, I'm afraid that she's going to dig a hole through the carpet, or that the puppies will get lost in the "folds" she's creating. Is this normal behavior? I thought they only did this when they were getting ready to whelp. This is our first and last litter.

We can't wait till their eyes open, we're at day 10 so I'm hoping real soon! I'll have to send you a picture when they do!

Thank you for all of your help, and no worries about the late response. I'm just really glad for your answers. I've found lots of info on whelping, but very little on the first few weeks of newborn care. She's a good Mommy, but I just worry a lot.

Thanks again, and have a wonderful day!

Answer
Hi Christina.  Not to worry, if the puppies won't stay on the heating pad, then they are warm enough and probably don't need it.  Also, it is perfectly normal for the mother to dig (or nest) in her blankets.  The puppies might get lost for a moment, but mommy will uncover them when it's feeding time.

Good luck, and please do  not hesitate to contact me if you have additional questions.  

You might also want to read some of my past answers to other people who have asked questions concerning new litters. Possibly you might find some of my answers helpful.  : )

Sincerely,
Penny Diloreto