3050 E. CR 316 CITRA, FL. Page 7 THIS IS THE BEGINNING OF YOUR PUPPY PLEASE READ THIS, IT IS VERY IMPORTANT INFORMATION. THANKS, SNOOKS STORY OF THE RAISING OF PUPPIES HERE AT BUTTERBALL FARM Raising JACK RUSSELLS  is a well thought out process. TEMPERAMENT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT QUALITY OUR DOGS HAVE TO POSSESS. SWEETNESS (FRIENDLY TO A FAULT!},  CALMNESS AND LOTS OF SMARTS. PRETTY IS AS PRETTY DOES.  First to decide which stud to breed to the potential momma.  Conformation, color and coat depends on this matching process. I want the best possible puppies to be born. Personality is already a given as the parents already have been screened and their personalities approved. A visit to the farm will show you the gentleness of our adult dogs and how the mothers welcome you to visit their young.  That done we proceed with the mating and wait for the puppies!  Normally 63 days later we have a birth announcement to make. Nearing the birthing date the Jack Russell mothers are moved to the nursery to give birth to their puppies. This  house is specially kept warm for birthing puppies only.  . Heat is very important during birth and for 10 days after.    The Jack Russell mother stays in the nursery caring for her young while they are nursing. Jack Russell mothers nurse their puppies 99% of the time for the first week or so.  As the puppies  get old enough to wattle around on their legs, they venture out of the whelping box and onto mats on the floor. At this point they start eating soft food. Up to this time the Jack Russell mother is both food dispenser and janitor. When the puppies start eating  solid  food and their stools change form the Jack Russell mother quits her janitorial job and looks to us for clean up services. Then the fun starts. The switch from mom to man usually occurs at 4 1/2 weeks up to 6 weeks and some mothers will still clean after her pups longer. But usually it is at least at 5 weeks.  At this point in their growth they move into the main kennel which originally was an 18 stall horse breeding barn with a 24' isle in the middle. It is huge and was converted several years ago into a kennel for Jack Russell dogs. The new home for mom and the puppies allows the mother to teach the puppy to use a shavings area at the rear of the large kennel and so sets the stage for growth and development. This is the first step in potty training. To distinguish between the living area and bathroom. Once the puppy realizes the difference it is a learned trait for life!  As the puppies grow they play with mom and siblings until the time the mother would rather leave and go to her other life. As this time approaches she will become irritated and bark at them. Time for relief! She then stays out during the day and in at night. This is ok for awhile until she will decide she would rather not be with them.  Then she is finished and motherhood for now is all over. This happening the puppies become independent and their personalities are easier to see. We welcome you to come and visit the kennel and see what we do. Your puppy just was not born by accident. It is a labor of love and a dream come true. Each and every puppy deserves the best home and you deserve a great puppy.
CLICK ONTO THE BASKET  OF  PUPPIES to PAGE 8 FOR MORE INFORMATION!
Please Use The Form Below to Contact Me or Call Anytime! Butterball Farm Citra, FL 32134  "Snooks" (352) 595-4072
Updates by Snooks Copyright © 2001 [ Butterball Farm]. All rights reserved. Last Update: 05/31/08 [Jump to Top of page]