From what I have seen when the cord is still very thick and attached to the yolk sack, and the veins in the sack are still red it seems the baby is still supporting the sack with its blood. This seems to really weaken the babys, I assume from lack of enough blood to support itself and the sac. What I have found succesful in this case is to leave the sac alone for about 6-12 hours to allow them a chance to absourb the sac, then cut the cord regardless. In my last litter this year I had a baby born that was abouut 1/4 the size of the other babys she had not even gotten her color in yet, I thought she was anery. I cut the cord and keep her moist, she started moving around after about 5 days and since she was so thin I offered her food at day 10 and she ate a f/t pinky. She got her colors about 2 weeks in. She still hasen't shed yet, and she is 2 months old. She is very small but doing great. I think the cord will kill them if you don't cut it in these cases. Hope this helps Vinnie

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