Is she still lactating?

[naturestee]

I noticed last week that Jazzy didn't feel like she had much milk in her. I wasn't sure if maybe she had just fed the babies though. Last night and this morning her belly felt pretty much flat except for the nipples. Is it possible she's done lactating already? The babies will be 5 weeks old on Thursday. Isn't this really early? Could this be because she was so skinny when she had the babies? Is there a way to actually tell?

Also, if she really is done lactating would she be happier being left with the babies or brought back to the shelter? She seems so worn out, maybe she needs a break? I've hardly gotten anywhere with socializing her though.:?

 

[pamnock]

Lactation can continue well after the babies are weaned, so there's no way to tell if the doe is completely "dried up".

However, lactation does begin to decrease by day 21, so weaning the 5 week old babies is fine, especially if mom is not in peak condition.

In most cases, the doe will continue to be stimulated to produce milk as long as the babies are nursing.

Pam