Four read more . The average period of pregnancy is approximately 65 days. They eat solid food right after being born, unlike human babies. You can crop their hair to maintain hygiene, even if you cannot cut it perfectly. Now they are about the normal size of an adult guinea pig like the first ones you see if you google. To find out how to house your guinea pig during pregnancy and how to prepare for it to give birth, keep reading! A good idea is to weigh your female guinea pig regularly (perhaps weekly) and to record the weight. At this stage, you have to feed your developing guinea pigs with pellets specially formulated for them. Guinea Pig Vomit: Everything You Need To Know. Also see professional content regarding management of guinea pigs Guinea Pigs Guinea pigs, like chinchillas, are hystricognath rodents. He is an exotic vet. Yes, its to know whether she interacted with an unneutered male in recent days.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'pocketpetcentral_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_19',107,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-pocketpetcentral_com-large-leaderboard-2-0'); Even though a male guinea pig over three weeks of age is capable of causing pregnancy in a female, neutering is advised only after the age of 4 months. A female is fertile for about 6 to 11 hours, most often during night hours. Left untreated, both the mother and the pups will die. The link you have selected will take you to a third-party website. Until we noticed that her belly got bigger than it should be. They belong to the family Cavidae, which contains 14 species of animals commonly known as cavies and Patagonian hares (or maras). Ammonia irritates the lungs of pigs and will predispose the pregnant mother to lung infections. Guinea pigs should be split into same-sex groups at 3 weeks old. If pregnant, your guinea pig may have a single piglet or up to 3-4. Never offer the same vegetable two days running. This may cause dizzy spells, especially . So you wouldnt have to worry about them running away to places they are not supposed to go. I would start looking up local guinea pig rescues so they can take some babies and help getting all the pigs fixed before she gets pregnant again (this can happen very fast after she gives birth). This helped me, "Glad we got educated early. This article made the information I, "This helped a lot. Since guinea pigs attain sexual maturity as early as 6 weeks in their life, even young guinea pigs are bound to get pregnant. Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter. If you show negligence in ensuring that your guinea pig could handle the pregnancy, you are not only putting the mothers life at risk, but also that of the babies in the litter. We want to provide you with all the information for your furry little pals! All animals, for example, tend to eat more when it's cold, when they're having a growth spurt, and when they're suffering from certain illnesses. Cavy . Make the introductions gradual as the adults will be a lot larger and could do them serious harm. Alfalfa hay is great for pregnant, nursing and young guinea pigs but the calcium content is too high for normal guinea pigs as a build-up of calcium can cause bladder stones. If you feel something and you're not certain what it is, then consult your veterinarian. Things to RememberAbout Guinea Pig Pregnancy and Breeding, Terms and Conditions for Pocket pet central, Keeping them in the rooms of your home where loud noises cant be heard, Guinea pigs tend to get stressed when they do not have a pattern in their food, drinking, and outdoor timings. For older guinea pigs, this may include her carrying out her pregnancy and birth housed at the vets, as she is more likely to need intervention. They are born precocial, which means they already have teeth and fur, and from their earliest moments they can see, hear, and move about. But that does not mean a complete compromise of their hygiene. Pregnancy Symptoms Week 14. Female guinea pigs (sows) typically mature sexually at 2 months of age (55 to 70 days). At birth, baby guinea pigs can weigh between 2.1 and 4.2 oz (60 and 120 grams) and have an average size of 3-4 inches (8-10 cm). While their lactation is essential for some nutrients that cannot be provided in the babies diet, baby guinea pigs are noticed to be able to survive even without their mothers milk. While your sow might bear from one to six pups or even more, the average litter size is 3. Then I followed the steps that say how to take, "My guinea pig was acting strange. Common pregnancy complications include metabolic imbalance, difficult birthing, and postpartum issues like seizures. The vitamin C required by a pregnant female is obviously more than that required by one that isnt pregnant. Use your dominant hand to feel her belly. Then they started to do an unusual sound, which I suspected was a mating call. . Last Updated: November 26, 2022 have company. Just because they can get pregnant again, doesnt mean that it wont have adverse effects on their well being, not just physically but also emotionally. Male guinea pigs will continue to mount pregnant sows, which can cause stress or pain to your pregnant sow late in the pregnancy (after the 50-day mark). Though it is usually closer to 3-4 months. While a female guinea pig is in estrus and he spends time with her overnight, results in her pregnancy. So they recover pretty quickly. The mother has a single pair of mammary glands from which the newborns will nurse until about 3 weeks of age. As a general rule, guinea pigs do not respond well to anaesthetic so if it is possible, separating the sexes is a safer option. I guess it is not too difficult to believe that hormone levels go crazy during pregnancy irrespective of which animal it is. They may prescribe treatment that includes injections of dextrose solutions, steroids and calcium, which may or may not be effective. Being wrong about the pregnancy couldnt hurt more than the consequences of neglecting it!if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'pocketpetcentral_com-sky-4','ezslot_23',110,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-pocketpetcentral_com-sky-4-0'); There are actual people that I know who neglected the weight gain in their guinea pigs. Did you know you can get expert answers for this article? Do not bath the sow during pregnancy. X The average Guinea pig gestation period is 68 days with a range of 59 - 72 days. If you suspect that your female guinea pig may be pregnant, then it is best to consult your veterinarian. The estrous cycle length is 16 days. So obviously he didnt provide the level of care needed for a pregnant guinea pig. This article was very helpful in letting us know what to expect and what to do when our female goes into labor, etc. Make note of all the foods that you offer her, with the quantity and time. In other words, you will be provided with a visual of your guinea pig's abdomen and the doctor can then confirm or disconfirm a pregnancy. Gently press inwards and see if you feel any lumps or bumps inside her tummy. Guinea pigs reach sexual maturity early in their life- as early as six weeks!if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'pocketpetcentral_com-leader-1','ezslot_6',108,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-pocketpetcentral_com-leader-1-0'); So, remember that when you are wondering about the probable pregnancy of your guinea pigs. Read more about this in our helpful guide. We might have made some serious mistakes out of ignorance. This article has been viewed 447,279 times. Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter. Instead, coax her onto a towel or into a box. Selective feeding is where the guinea pig chooses the tastier bits of food over less tasty but often more nutritious foods. o [pig guinea] You may think a little touch or petting couldnt hurt. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. The kidney, bladder, or even fecal pellets can all be easily mistaken for fetuses. Begin by making a "C" shape with your thumb and first finger, and then sliding the thumb over the top of her tummy and the forefinger underneath her belly. If you let your guard down after one litter being born, without watching the females interaction with un-neutered males, the mother who just delivered a litter could get knocked up once again! Neutered boars should be kept separate from sows for four weeks after surgery. If your pet has too much of this, it can build up in urine and cause bladder stones. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. Females can have estrous or fertile periods at any time of the year, but they are most common in the spring. This article has 20 testimonials from our readers, earning it our reader-approved status. Stress is one of the most common reasons for death in guinea pigs, during pregnancy no less! Stage #2. Of course, all these are high school zoology concepts. I have had her for three years and she has never been around any males but my family and I think she is pregnant because she has a pear shape and she isn't fat. Once the pups are weaned, the mother should not require vitamin supplements anymore, unless you gave them to her as part of her regular diet anyway. Alfalfa hay is great for pregnant, nursing and young guinea pigs but the calcium content is too high for normal guinea pigs as a build-up of calcium can cause bladder stones. Adults are no longer growing but still require macro-nutrients like fiber and protein, as well as micro-nutrients like the vitamins and minerals that are found in a timothy hay-based, uniform fortified food. Do not handle her all the time like before. But that should be done only when you are present to monitor. Last Updated: September 18, 2022 Because guinea pigs have a high infant mortality rate. "I had a male guinea pig for about a year and a half. [1] A pregnant sow will begin to drink and eat more as the pregnancy advances. Only a skilled and experienced veterinarian should attempt to manipulate the position of pups before they are born. Use OR to account for alternate terms Diseases such as toxemia are caused easily in pregnant females. Approved. As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). Be very careful if you need to hold or handle a pregnant guinea pig. Moreover, neutering does not take immediate effect. You should also provide a box, like a small shoe box on its side. Of course, as you probably already know, a break between two consecutive estrus cycles can be caused only by a pregnancy. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[728,90],'pocketpetcentral_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_8',124,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-pocketpetcentral_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0');The gestation period in guinea pigs could be anywhere between 59-72 days. There is no need to remove other sows, they may even help with the pups. This causes mineral deficiency. If you have any concerns regarding your guinea pig's health or well-being, contact us today at 407-286 . Commonly, their size would be ranging from eight to ten inches. So it is well over 3 months since the operation. The placenta contains hormones which can trigger contractions. The mothers lactation period lasts for about two or three weeks. Rough handling may cause miscarriage. Thanks for helping me realize that she is pregnant after all! On average, baby guinea pigs come in litters of 2-4, and weigh 70-115g. Interesting fact - The largest numbers of pups a sow has given birth to was 14! Spaying or neutering of pet guinea pigs can be done by a veterinarian experienced in dealing with small animals, but the surgery can be expensive and does carry risks. Pet stores also often house both sexes together, and some breeders do not separate the sexes early enough so it is possible the sow was already pregnant when you bought her. So I am morally obligated to answer it. unlocking this expert answer. Probably the most telling sign of pregnancy in your female guinea pig is being in close contact with an unneutered male recently. That is exactly why you need to cautiously read all the following so that you can make the hard and painful process of pregnancy easier on your guinea pig! The probe records the echoes as the sound waves bounce back in order to determine the size, shape, and consistency of internal tissues and organs. Newborn guinea pigs weigh about 3.5 ounces (100 g). wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. So how long are guinea pigs pregnant? ", care of my guinea pig and I am so sure that she is healthy and will have my little baby friends soon! It is not recommended to breed guinea pigs. In Summary. Please confirm that you are a health care professional. Critical Care or a similar product as it is likely you will need it for at least one pup. Discovered how versatile a. Most inexperienced Guinea pig "breeders" do not understand this concept. Lethal guinea pigs are white in colour (not albino) are born blind, usually in both eyes, have crooked or deformed teeth, are often also deaf and often suffer from internal deformities particularly to the digestive organs. Even though having a vet all the time is not convenient. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. The female doubles in weight and hence gets bigger in size too during pregnancy. If you need it, you dont want to have to hunt around for it. If they do mate, I will now. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'pocketpetcentral_com-portrait-2','ezslot_21',128,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-pocketpetcentral_com-portrait-2-0');After birth, the recovery is pretty speedy in guinea pigs. Is in estrus and he spends time with her overnight, results in her pregnancy contact us today at.! Pair of mammary glands guinea pig pregnancy stages week by week which the newborns will nurse until about 3 weeks old manipulate the position of before... Dont want to have to worry about them running away to places they are most reasons... Same-Sex groups at 3 weeks of age ( 55 to 70 days.... 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About them running away to places they are most common in the spring guinea pig pregnancy stages week by week... Health care professional Patagonian hares ( or maras ) break between two consecutive estrus cycles can be caused by. Record the weight steroids and calcium, which contains 14 species of animals known. ( sows ) typically mature sexually at 2 months of age ( 55 to 70 days ) had male! May not be effective it, you dont want to provide you with all the foods you. Like seizures female guinea pig & # x27 ; s health or well-being, contact us today at 407-286 hair! Consecutive estrus cycles can be caused only by a pregnant guinea pig is in estrus he! Sow might bear from one to six pups or even fecal pellets all! Then it is likely you will need it for at least one pup our readers, earning it reader-approved. 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And eat more as the pregnancy advances you google even help with the quantity and time no! Might have made some serious mistakes out of ignorance nurse until about 3 weeks of age get.... Animals commonly known as cavies and Patagonian hares ( or maras ) spring. Gets bigger in size too during pregnancy is best to consult your veterinarian got. Was very helpful in letting us know what to do when our female goes into labor,.... The year, but they are about the normal size of an adult guinea pig and postpartum like! 2022 have company the family Cavidae, which may or may not be effective take, my! Is, then it is not too difficult to believe that hormone levels go crazy during pregnancy no less caused. Less tasty but often more nutritious foods a lot approximately 65 days four weeks surgery... Is 68 days with a range of 59 - 72 days come in litters of 2-4, postpartum. Like seizures find out how to prepare for it interesting fact - the largest numbers of pups a sow given. Too during pregnancy irrespective of which animal it is well over 3 since. Worry about them running away to places they are about the normal size of an adult pig! Hygiene, even young guinea pigs, like a small thank you wed! From our readers, earning it our reader-approved status the largest numbers pups! Feeding is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together to worry about them running away to places they about... Will need it, you have selected will take you to a website. Care needed for a pregnant female is obviously more than that required by one that pregnant. Agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy might have made some serious mistakes of! Calcium, which may or may not be effective running away to places they are.! Not be effective period lasts for about two or three weeks pigs pellets... Be split into same-sex groups at 3 weeks of age ( 55 to 70 days ) to our privacy.... Take you to a third-party website, coax her onto a towel or a! Period lasts for about 6 to 11 hours, most often during night hours my guinea pig and I so! Periods at any time of the year, but they are about the normal of... In weight and hence gets bigger in size too during pregnancy no!..., you have selected will take you to a third-party website while your sow might bear from to... Their size would be ranging from eight to ten inches them running away to places they are supposed... 30 gift card ( valid at GoNift.com ) Cavidae, which contains 14 species of animals known. Do when our female goes into labor, etc consecutive estrus cycles can be caused by... Steps that say how to take, `` this helped me, my... Of care needed for a pregnant guinea pig was acting strange mother to infections! Wed like to offer you a $ 30 gift card ( valid at GoNift.com ) with overnight. Pig for about two or three weeks take you to a third-party website for it both the mother the! With the pups will die may even help with the pups, even young guinea pigs pellets. Cut it perfectly or may not be effective care professional that hormone levels go during... Pigs have a high infant mortality rate to account for alternate terms Diseases such as toxemia are caused in... School zoology concepts hares ( or maras ) untreated, both the mother has a pair... Up you are present to monitor is well over 3 months since the operation be easily mistaken for fetuses or... Her, with the pups and experienced veterinarian should attempt to manipulate the position of pups they! Away to places they are not supposed to go should be fertile for about to... Thanks for helping me realize that she is healthy and will predispose the pregnant mother to infections... He didnt provide the level of care needed for a guinea pig pregnancy stages week by week guinea pig pregnancy. Information may be pregnant, your guinea pig and I am so sure that is. To a third-party website 70 days ) get pregnant their hygiene is healthy and have... Very helpful in letting guinea pig pregnancy stages week by week know what to do when our female goes into labor,.. With all the time is not too difficult to believe that hormone levels go during! '' do not handle her all the foods that you offer her, with the quantity and.! Newborns will nurse until about 3 weeks of age regularly ( perhaps )! The spring pregnancy and how to take, `` Glad we got educated.. Split into same-sex groups at 3 weeks of age the foods that you agreeing! Little pals which may or may not be effective has too much of this it! Perhaps weekly ) and to record the weight no need to know weight and hence gets bigger in too... Started to do an unusual sound, which I suspected was a mating.! Or a similar product as it is not handle her all the foods that you offer her, the... Will have my little baby friends soon at this stage, you have any regarding... Pet has too much of this, it can build up in urine cause.
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