gestation period question

[schnell]

It's been awhile since I've participated in the forum - (went back to school after my previous job evaporated). It's good to be back!

I have some questions about how long the pregnancy for a bluetick usually is.

My two blue dogs coupled last night and again this morning. The female was a week to 10 days into her heat, which should have been just about optimum. She is about 4 or 5 years old now and this will be her first litter.

When do you think I should mark the calendar?
When do you think I should start dietary enrichment? Any suggestions on this topic?
When should I consider limiting her physical activity?

Thanks in advance.
Aaron

[Big Horn Posse]

63 days is the gestation period... give or take a few days depending on when she actually takes. As far as dietary enrichment I always just add a little bacon grease or egg yolks to the bitches food about halfway through, but it is really not necessary of you are feeding a good meat based food. As far as limiting her excercise, I would hunt mine until about a week or so before they are due then give them the week off before to rest and nest. They really do not need to be pampered too much unless they have troubles. Best of luck

[liontracker]

Start counting the 63 days from the day of the first breeding.
About a week before she is due, take her temp am and pm, to establish a baseline. When her temp drops 1 degree or more, she will deliver within 24 hrs.
Two weeks before she is due I start feeding her puppy chow and give calcium tablet supplements. As far as limiting physical exercise, it depends on the bitch and how big she swells up. Just as a note, the vast majority of bitches will ovulate and then stand for a male from 10-19 days from the day she first starts bleeding. I just had an old bitch take at day 4, so it does vary, even from year to year on the same bitch. Good luck.

[doghunter]

62-65 days

and if you dont know the exact day once you think her milk comes in and she looks like she cant get any bigger it will still be at least 2 weeks

[schnell]

Many thanks for the replies!

Somewhere around September 13th I should be expecting a significant pack increase.