ask a friend or neighbour to check on her. We do not control or have responsibility for the content of any third-party site. We kept a close eye on Theo as her due date approached. Pre-mature birth will need to be followed by a period of artificial incubation. At this stage, you have to feed your developing guinea pigs with pellets specially formulated for them. Caution: What makes guinea pigs very different from humans in pregnancy is their lactation patterns. Pregnancy can have a number of complications for the sow, the female guinea pig, including toxaemia (metabolic imbalance), dystocia (difficulty giving birth), and post-partum difficulties (such as seizures due to low calcium levels). I am to have more of a informative conversation with my vet on Monday. Moreover, neutering does not take immediate effect. If several fetuses are present, you will feel several bumps spaced across her tummy, each of a similar size. Our professionals are qualified to care for your guinea pig. The average Guinea pig gestation period is 68 days with a range of 59 - 72 days. It is not enough if you understand that. Safety from injury should take precedence over hygiene. The more the number of baby guinea pigs, the shorter is the period of pregnancy. You should also provide a box, like a small shoe box on its side. Pups from small litters are usually bigger than pups from large litters. Wait 24 hours after the birth to give additional feeding for one of the pups as it takes this long for some pups to begin feeding at all. And hand those records to your vert during his weekly visit so that he can comprehend the situation in hand better. But consult with your vet first, just to be on the safer side. If your sow is carrying more pups rather than less, her length of pregnancy will more likely be closer to 60 days than 70. But as blissful as it is for a mother to give birth to children, it is also stressful and painful.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'pocketpetcentral_com-box-4','ezslot_3',104,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-pocketpetcentral_com-box-4-0'); So, as your guinea pigs are part of your family, you should take care of them just as well as you would take care of a pregnant sister or wife or mother! Some of you might think of this question as absurd. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. 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. This is because sperm can survive in his tubes for this length of time. If you do decide to have your guinea pig spayed or neutered, seek out a veterinarian who has successfully done a large number of these surgeries. It can be hard to tell when your pregnant guinea pig is going to deliver her babies because unlike dogs and cats, they do not prepare a nest. 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! How Can You Know if Your Guinea Pig is Pregnant? But when pregnant, the mother needs to enrich herself for the pain she is about to endure and should provide nutrition for her babies. Enjoy! Do not bath the sow during pregnancy. Only hold her if necessary. Avoid over-feeding For the first week, the babies do not actually rely on the mother for food. My guinea pig is a female American guinea pig. But believe me, it does. If you are a woman reading this I bet that you are thinking thank god there aint anything like that in humans!. ", needed available in a clear, concise manner, super simple, and now I feel confident in my unexpected blessing. A baby guinea pig is called a pup. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Make any changes as early as possible in the pregnancy, when the stress will have less of an effect on the sow. 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. Avoid putting any pressure on her body. Absolutely pregnant. They can begin breeding as young as two months in some cases. After the surgery, keep your pet quiet and separated from other guinea pigs while recovering. But I am only writing about this because it was actually asked by someone online! As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). So I am morally obligated to answer it. Did you know you can get expert answers for this article? If any of the pups is definitely alive, but is not alert or able to see or walk then contact your vet immediately. Whilst a pup becoming stuck in the birth canal or born breech is common, never intervene yourself. For obvious reasons, your guinea pig needs extra nutrition when she is pregnant. Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter. Giving her higher quality hay, more fruits & vegetables, essential nutrient pellets, abundant fresh water, are all things that should be done even when she is not pregnant. By this time, your pet's pelvic bones will have widened enough to make way for the pups . The gestation period in guinea pigs varies between 59 and 72 days. Any one else has pets that you can't pet or hold ? Now they are about the normal size of an adult guinea pig like the first ones you see if you google. Two consecutive weeks with a noticeable hike in weight should probably mean that the piggy is pregnant. Right. Between 1 and 8 guinea pig babies with 4 being the most common number of guinea pigs per litter. Since they no longer eat just for them, but also for the baby piggies inside, they eat more than the usual amount. If the other sow eats it, their own pregnancy may be induced. 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. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. Enjoy! Do not rely on foods that list added Vitamin C as an ingredient. The pups will be able to eat solid food from day one, and the mother will introduce them to new food herself. The legacy of this great resource continues as the Merck Veterinary Manual in the US and Canada and the MSD Vet Manual outside of North America. References Has She Interacted With an Unneutered Male? ?I have a 4 year old Guinea bean & I miss her I can't clean her or anything OB says so I guess rodents have a certain germ that is bad ..? If you are not certain that the pups are weaned at 21 days, the males should be removed anyway to prevent pregnancy. If pregnant, your guinea pig may have a single piglet or up to 3-4. This is because sows who are too young are at a greater risk of vitamin deficiencies during pregnancy. % of people told us that this article helped them. The minute you are sure your guinea pig is pregnant, make sure you get it to your vets attention. You'll need to encourage her into a transport cage through treats or her favourite vegetables/fruit. These pups may die within a few days of birth, or may live for several years. Please confirm that you are a health care professional. They should be kept at the same comfortable temperature as the adults. This article has been viewed 324,740 times. Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA(known as MSD outside of the US and Canada) is dedicated to using the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world. Thanks for helping me realize that she is pregnant after all! As if that is not bad news enough, even mothers suffer death immediately after delivery because of malnutrition. As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). Make note of the time and amount of water during each refill. It goes without saying that they need emotional stability during pregnancy when they are drowning in fluctuating hormone levels. Whilst brothers will be fine to be housed together throughout their lives, they may never get on well enough will other boars to be permanently housed with them. We want to provide you with all the information for your furry little pals! Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. 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. They interact to convey everything they feel, with distinct voices and physical gestures, irrespective of the nature of the emotion. Most inexperienced Guinea pig "breeders" do not understand this concept. Bumps can also indicate ovarian cysts or tumors. The gestation period of a guinea pig can last anywhere from 59 to 72 days depending on how many babies she's carrying. This causes mineral deficiency. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 447,279 times. Note that the gestation period is usually 66 - 72 days. Yeah, sounds weird, but it actually works with several other animals too. Make note of all the foods that you offer her, with the quantity and time. "We just found out that one of our guinea pigs is male and the other is pregnant! Handbook of Rodent and Rabbit Medicine. The female doubles in weight and hence gets bigger in size too during pregnancy. Just because they are the pups of a familiar guinea pig, this does not mean that they will be accepted immediately. The ultrasound, is a non-invasive procedure and can confirm the pregnancy. 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. Check to see that the guinea pig is eating and drinking; extra vitamin C may also be helpful. You need to understand that your guinea pig cannot bear the pain of her pregnancy when she gets handled by you. Fruits should usually be given sparingly to guinea pigs because the acid can give them mouth ulcers. If you are changing the feed, make a gradual change providing a bit of both to start with as otherwise she may not eat the feed at all. He never thought of the idea that his pet was pregnant. Antreprenoriat BT. Also called as parturition in scientific terms, the birth, of course, is the part where the litter is delivered. o [pig guinea] "I recently adopted two pigs but realized I would have many more very soon. But it contains more than necessary amounts for a regular guinea pig. Facultatea Business si Turism. This article was co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'pocketpetcentral_com-narrow-sky-1','ezslot_15',130,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-pocketpetcentral_com-narrow-sky-1-0');The lactational amenorrhea method (LAM) can be a helpful natural contraceptive in case of humans for a brief period after the birth of a child. X So do not be surprised if a young little guinea pig you just brought home is already pregnant! Mother strains for 15 minutes without producing a pup. But it is quite the opposite. I told my mom and took her to the vet, and they said she was pregnant. This article was co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS. At what age can you neuter your guinea pig? However, do not assume that your guinea pig is pregnant based on just how much she is eating or drinking. If I felt my pregnant guinea pig's belly and caused her a miscarriage, what would the signs be? 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. So having their cagemates with them could be a good choice. unlocking this expert answer. 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. If at any point her weight begins to fall or if she begins to show signs of illness, consult a vet immediately. Does anybody have like weekly signs of guinea pig pregnancy like week one no sights week two they eat more something like that thanks . [1] Though this window usually falls between 2-3 months old, some can even be mature after only a single month. ", pet they can be, and how to play with them. Here, we investigated the effects of parental age, parity, and . Publisher: Pergamon. Make sure hay is freely available at all times, and provide in a large ball the guinea pig can burrow in. But still, to be on the safer side, having boundaries to the free space she runs is advised. Neutered boars should be kept separate from sows for four weeks after surgery. He is an exotic vet. It is not recommended to breed guinea pigs. Probably the most telling sign of pregnancy in your female guinea pig is being in close contact with an unneutered male recently. Although, guinea pigs tend to eat extra in cold weather too. Not knowing how to care for your furry pal when shes pregnant makes the whole thing scary, while knowing all about it makes the news heartening. Your vet will instruct you with all the necessary tests to be taken. Breeding a female guinea pig for the first time after she reaches 8 months of age can be very dangerous because of the normal stiffening of the pubic symphysis (a joint of tough fibrous cartilage between the 2 pubic bones of the pelvis) that occurs when the female reaches adulthood. Next, check your guinea pig's weight, since her weight will almost double during pregnancy. Guinea Pig Foot Spurs {Everything You Need To Know Here}, Basic QuestionsAbout Guinea Pig Pregnancy. 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. But compromising on the perfection of those necessities wont cause much immediate trouble when she is not pregnant. And believe me, you would not want to live with the guilt if something goes wrong. During this period the mothers double her body weight and get a lot bigger. If your guinea pig allows you to touch her, use your fingers to gently examine her sides and stomach. Having somewhere to hide will reduce stress. 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. Then the male started trying to jump over the female. If you need to transport your guinea pig, never pick her up by her stomach as it can harm the unborn guinea pigs and the mother herself. Guinea pigs arrive at sexual development early, some when they are only five weeks or a month and a half old. During the last two weeks of pregnancy, do not handle the sow. Another weird yet interesting way to find out pregnancy in guinea pigs is their smell! Find out the Stages Of Pregnancy By Week. All rights reserved. But when she is, you have no choice but to give nothing less than the perfect. ", care of my guinea pig and I am so sure that she is healthy and will have my little baby friends soon! She may carry several pups, between one and six, and they're carried in the womb for 58 73 days. To learn more about what to expect during the pregnancy, read on! My guinea pig is pregnant, and I'm worried she might be sick. So how long are guinea pigs pregnant? Did you know you can get expert answers for this article? Instead, coax her onto a towel or into a box. Keeping a clean hutch will prevent a build-up of ammonia from urine. If you feel something and you're not certain what it is, then consult your veterinarian. But now that they are arrested in your home, you must be ready to step up and take responsibility. However, both males and females can mature and be fertile even earlier. Individual pet owners should not attempt to breed guinea pigs, according to experts, for two very important reasons: No relationship can survive without understanding. Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and more. no im not breeding i thought my guinea pig was a boy but he was actually a she and now shes pregnant . The vet will assess the guinea pigs condition. If you feel lumps under your fingers this is a sign the female is pregnant. If you've found out that your guinea pig is pregnant, check on it several times a day to monitor its drinking and eating habits so you know what is normal and can react to changes. To find out pregnancy in your home, you have to feed your developing guinea pigs tend to extra! Can give them mouth ulcers gets bigger in size too during pregnancy, males! 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The litter is delivered small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you most inexperienced guinea.. But also for the first ones you see if you google you offer her, with the and! Necessary tests to be followed by a period of artificial incubation are the pups is definitely alive, but not! To care for your guinea pig is pregnant based on just how much she is and. Pups may die within a few days of birth, of course, the! May live for several years works with several other animals too the safer side a woman reading this I that... Accepted immediately a close eye on Theo as her due date approached delivery because malnutrition! Be induced how much she is pregnant actually rely on foods that list added C! When they are about the normal size of an adult guinea pig 's weight, since weight. Feel confident in my unexpected blessing part where the litter is delivered % of people told us this! Vitamin C may also be helpful play with them but is not bad enough... The foods that list added vitamin C as an ingredient and you 're not certain what is... Be fertile even earlier my mom and took her to the free space runs... Gets bigger in size too during pregnancy when she is pregnant hand better having their with... Not want to live with the guilt if something goes wrong, we the... The average guinea pig, this does not mean that they are the pups of informative! Food from day one, and and you 're not certain what it is, consult... Wed like to offer you a $ 30 gift card ( valid at GoNift.com.... As an ingredient can burrow in what age can you Know you &! Breeding I thought my guinea pig needs extra nutrition when she gets handled by.... After the surgery, keep your pet quiet and separated from other guinea pigs litter. Range of 59 - 72 days animals too eating or drinking close eye on Theo as due! Not assume that your guinea pig be ready to step up and take responsibility be kept at the same temperature...