I do some fostering for a local rescue, and recently got in one mom and two babies. Mom originally had four, but she lost two before she came to us, and then lost another just last night. They were born Sunday and I got them that same day, so the remaining survivor is 5 days old.
Mom is... Not super into the babies. Won't nest them, won't touch them, won't feed them, generally just ignored them. I was feeding them since they got to me, and they were both great eaters; the one baby that died was kind of struggling since the beginning and I didn't really expect it to make it. Sad, but life is life I guess.
Right now the arrangement I have for feeding means the baby stays in one spot all day, but next week I'm hoping I'll be able to bring baby in to work with me so I can keep feeding it on breaks.
So what I need is a way to make a portable incubator that will stay at 100 degrees during my 20 min ride to and from work, and be able to fit in a cat carrier. Current plan is to house baby in the break room so I'd have access to plugs and such for heat pads or lamps. There's also a fridge for formula, and a microwave so I can heat it up for baby.
Right now baby is nested under a heat lamp with a remote thermometer giving me the temp in the nest. I had a heat pad I had bought a while ago, but the damn thing doesn't get past 93 degrees. Had a devil of a time getting the temp right as it is.
I have until Monday to get it all worked out. Anyone have any brand recommendations for heat pads/packs/lamps? Might have hot water bottles for the ride, and then be able to set up a pad or lamp once I get to work. I'm just not sure what exactly to get.
It needs to be easy to set up, I can't be constantly checking in and readjusting; my boss is fine letting me feed the little dude but I don't think he'd be happy if I start neglecting my actual, you know, job.
Mom is... Not super into the babies. Won't nest them, won't touch them, won't feed them, generally just ignored them. I was feeding them since they got to me, and they were both great eaters; the one baby that died was kind of struggling since the beginning and I didn't really expect it to make it. Sad, but life is life I guess.
Right now the arrangement I have for feeding means the baby stays in one spot all day, but next week I'm hoping I'll be able to bring baby in to work with me so I can keep feeding it on breaks.
So what I need is a way to make a portable incubator that will stay at 100 degrees during my 20 min ride to and from work, and be able to fit in a cat carrier. Current plan is to house baby in the break room so I'd have access to plugs and such for heat pads or lamps. There's also a fridge for formula, and a microwave so I can heat it up for baby.
Right now baby is nested under a heat lamp with a remote thermometer giving me the temp in the nest. I had a heat pad I had bought a while ago, but the damn thing doesn't get past 93 degrees. Had a devil of a time getting the temp right as it is.
I have until Monday to get it all worked out. Anyone have any brand recommendations for heat pads/packs/lamps? Might have hot water bottles for the ride, and then be able to set up a pad or lamp once I get to work. I'm just not sure what exactly to get.
It needs to be easy to set up, I can't be constantly checking in and readjusting; my boss is fine letting me feed the little dude but I don't think he'd be happy if I start neglecting my actual, you know, job.