Advice for fostering a nursing mama and 5 puppies

[addevo]

We are expecting a new Yorkie family to foster within the next week. This will be our first experience fostering a whole family. I've only seen two photos of them. The mother appears to be a purebred Yorkie, and is about 10 lbs. The puppies are three weeks old. A couple of them appear to be a solid tan color so they are probably a mix. I've got a list of questions for the rescue, but was hoping I might get some advice from the many experts on this forum in advance.

What should I feed the mother? Any recommendations on brands? Dry or canned or a combination? Will she need any supplements?

When should I start offering the puppies solid food?

I'm planning on keeping them in an ex-pen lined with disposable pads. In the past, I've used produce boxes from Costco as beds when overnighting litters of puppies. They are higher on 3 sides and one has a lower edge so that mama can come and go, but puppies can't get out. But would those be safe to use for these tiny little ones? Or should I use the bottom half of a hard sided plastic crate? Something else?

Thanks in advance for any advice you can offer.

[Jkpal]

I can't offer any advice, but want to thank you for taking in this little family. What a wonderful way for these pups to start out and their sweet little mama will obviously be receiving excellent care. I have nothing but respect, admiration and the deepest appreciation for you!!

[matese]

I can't offer any suggestion either, just want to say thank you for taking on this big task with lots of work, but puppies are so well worth it. You are a fantastic foster mom.