Advice on bulking up thin pups

[beachbumgerbils]

I have a litter of 6 that was born to a mother that didn't get great care during most of gestation. One pup only made it 3 days. The remaining 5 pups are about 3 weeks old now. Their eyes are opened, they are very active and starting to test solid food.

3 days ago a couple of them started breathing faster with a snicking noise. The whole litter is now on antibiotics and all are breathing well. The 2 pups that has the worst symptoms are also the smallest and lost a couple of grams. They are a little thin.

Any advice on improving their body condition?

[Shooting Star]

My trick for poorly weanling pups is plain cooked from-scratch oatmeal made with milk replacer instead of water/milk. Just put plain rolled ("old fashioned") oats and liquid milk replacer (I prefer goat's milk esbilac) in a bowl and microwave for a minute or two.

[beachbumgerbils]

That sounds like a fabulously useful recipe, thank you! Esbilac is my favorite milk replacer for pretty much any species.

Do you separate the babies and offer it or just put it down for everybody?

[Shooting Star]

You can give it to the pups separately if you're worried they won't get enough-- because adults love it too! In theory, there's some question of whether adults can properly digest the lactose, but I've never seen problems with it. I use it for seniors too, especially ones with tooth issues who can't handle regular seeds and grains.