Newbie question

[Barnacle Bill]

It looks like our first litter is about to be coming into the world shortly What if anything do I do with the Umbilical cord and what about clipping the teeth? anything else I should be doing?

any advise is appreciated, thanks

Bred fish before but new to piggys

 

[sevenmile]

Congrats! Hope it goes well for you!

I have to admit to not having done anything with umbilical cords in the last dozen years. Within a few hours, they're just kind of gone.... but I think that is a bad example and someone else wiser should weigh in on that. I'm sure we did something back in the olden days that I just can't remember.

My routine is to give them a couple of days before I work them over.-- they are sturdier by then, and the majority of losses happen in the first 24 hours. They get their Iron Dextrose shot, ears notched, and teeth clipped. Take it easy with the teeth clipping thing -- kind of do it by feel and just get the tips. I have never had an infection, but it could happen if you cut too low to the gumline. Like so many tried and true animal husbandry practices, teeth clipping is now considered "controversial".....

By the way -- what kind of fish? I had some success with Gouramis, Bettas, and Angels..... lot's of fun!

 

[Barnacle Bill]

Thanks for your reply, unfortunately momma delivered 10 beautiful little piggies and then went nuts and killed all but three that we were able to save. one has a pretty bad bite on the leg and not to sure it will survive. Been a long night/morning. We are bottle feeding right now but any advice would be appreciated.