Hand Feeding - When to stop?

[BooBoo*TheKiddo*]

At what point do you start weaning off hand-feeding or stop hand-feeding?

I've been handfeeding Macy for 15 days now due to gas issues. She's pooping regularly now and normal poops, not the few tiny almost not their poops we were seeing. Eating more hay and pellets on her own between feedings. Weights good.

**NOTE** She still isn't drinking on her own at all, but I'm not sure if this is because she is getting the water she needs from the hand feedings.

However, I'm still giving gas drops and handfeeding CC/Lifeline every 5 hrs (was every 3 hrs, then 4 hrs), and now 5. What I don't know is where do we go from here?

I should also note Macy is 6 yrs old, not a kit.

 

[ticklechin]

I would start the wean since she is eating a bit on her own-IMO when they have the ability to eat meaning they are not malo chins they need to be weaned ASAP. Start by cutting the last feeding of the day, wait a day or so, cut the next feeding, until all feedings are cut.

 

[seachin]

Agree with the above. She isnt drinking because she is getting sufficient fluids from your handfeeding. But I would taper off. Either as above or increase hours/time between handfeedings.

 

[BooBoo*TheKiddo*]

I just wanted to say Thank you both.

She is completely weaned off handfeeding and eating on her own. After a while she started drinking on her own as well.

 

[seachin]

That's great to hear!