Whilst a pup becoming stuck in the birth canal or born breech is common, never intervene yourself. 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. Those fertile periods can occur during any time of the year, but most frequently during spring. His professionalism is shown on the many articles he contributed to the website. The milk provides some very important nutrients for the babies. The male, when courting a female, will physically display himself with actions like rumbling, standing upright before the sow, and approaching her with a lowered head. How to confirm your guinea pig's pregnancy? Litter size ranges, with the average being 2-4 pups - in rare cases as many as 12-14. Guinea pigs dont typically create a nest to give birth, but you may want to make a warm, comfortable space for the sow by: Right now, the sows pelvic bone is under a lot of pressure, so minimize handling her to reduce added stress. Guinea pigs have naturally bald patches on two areas of the body that owners may not be aware of and, as a result, become worried about: an area of 1cm-1.5cm behind the ears; and She does so, as well, with the placenta. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. In time, it will be a bit harder for them to move, but this is of little or no significance. 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. Publisher: Pergamon If you cannot check on the sow because of work etc. The sow must be fed an adequate selection of healthy, fresh fruits and vegetables daily, along with high-quality pellets and unlimited hay and water. This means that we may receive a small commission at no cost to you if you purchase something through an affiliate link. If she has given birth before, she likely will double her weight by the time she gives birth, so you can approximate how far along she is by weighing her. Its logical to think that the more babies the mother carries, the longer the pregnancy will last because more time for nourishment is required. A female cavy uses a lot of her energy during this time, and thus requires a healthy, balanced diet that is appropriate for her during gestation. ", needed available in a clear, concise manner, super simple, and now I feel confident in my unexpected blessing. The first week of a guinea pig's . Females can reach sexual maturity as early as approximately 4-6 weeks of age and males as early as approximately 8-9 weeks of age so the different sexes should be separated before they are able to reproduce with each other. Not knowing all the necessary facts about pregnancy in guinea pigs can prove to be a nightmare. Guinea pig diarrhea is a fairly common condition that most guinea pig owners and exotic pet veterinarians encounter., Everybody who knows a cat or dog owner knows that they have to deal with shots for their, When your guinea pig is sneezing a lot you might wonder whether or not your little friend is, You were planning on getting a pet guinea pig, but you are not sure whether you should get, Every guinea pig owner will experience the moment in life where he or she needs to say the, Eye infections in guinea pigs are more common than you might think and can be a result of. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Remember that Omni's guinea . Interesting fact - The largest numbers of pups a sow has given birth to was 14! Do not keep pregnant guinea pigs in multi-level cages/hutches as their balance will be impaired by pregnancy, and in the later stages of pregnancy they may not be able to get up to the higher tiers. Litter size ranges, with the average being 2-4 pups in rare cases as many as 12-14. However, even without the mothers milk baby guinea pigs can survive feeding only on solid food. Females will typically reach full sexual maturity at approximately 4 to 6 weeks of age. 8 weeks after birth the guinea pig pups double their size by adding 3-4 inches (8-10 cm). Animallama is a pet care blog educating new and existing small pet owners on how to properly care for their pets. A pregnant sow will begin to drink and eat more as the pregnancy advances. During this time, keep watch for the following: Dystocia, or difficult birth, is common in sows who are older than 7-8 months and bred for the first time. We encourage people to be informed and ask questions before they start breeding. Only a skilled and experienced veterinarian should attempt to manipulate the position of pups before they are born. The sow starts to prefer fruits and vegetables with high vitamin C content. The onset is generally sudden and progress rather quicker than you are reporting. Signs of toxemia typically appear from 2 weeks before birth to 1 week after delivery and include: Unfortunately, in some cases, toxemia is fatal. Research source . There are numerous medical reasons why giving birth can go wrong. 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). You should observe the behavior of the other guinea pigs as well. The typical gestation period (the time that the guinea pig is pregnant) is 59 - 72 days, with the average pregnancy lasting around two months, or 63 days. Sometimes its the uterus lacking contractions; sometimes its a pup ending up stuck in the birth canal. This causes mineral deficiency. Implement patterned feeding, drinking, and outdoor regiments. A female is fertile for about 6 to 11 . wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. [1] The rapid dissolving of fat results in metabolic disorders and the accumulation of ketones in the bloodstream. What is the Best Age for a Guinea Pig to Get Pregnant? This is because sows who are too young are at a greater risk of vitamin deficiencies during pregnancy. How do you know if your cavy is actually carrying pups? Clean the water bottle weekly to prevent the build-up of algae and bacteria. If you have any concerns, do not hesitate to get to a vet. The temperature outside or in a garage/shed usually becomes too cold at night for a pregnant guinea pig. Is your sow pregnant? Updated 18.12.19. Ideally, relocate cagemates elsewhere rather than removing the pregnant sow, so she can remain in familiar surroundings. This is of benefit to them as prey animals, and it allows them to be able to escape predators. Weigh your sow weekly to be certain she is gaining weight at a regular pace. By using our site, you agree to our. unlocking this expert answer. A new estrous cycle in saws can begin very shortly after giving birth. also her pelvic bones will widen from being clamped shut to about an inch and a half. There is no need to remove other sows, they may even help with the pups. From this time on, they have a continuous estrus every 16-18 days. Guinea pigs reach sexual maturity early. My guinea pig is pregnant, and I'm worried she might be sick. ). If you need it, you dont want to have to hunt around for it. What Can Guinea Pigs Chew On? During all of the stage and especially during the last stage of pregnancy the sow should remain in a calm environment. Place the cage away from direct sunlight and from places where there are loud noises present. Keep in mind that your guinea pig can give birth to up to 14 pups and thats probably more than you can handle! In the first few weeks of pregnancy, there wont be a huge change in her appearance. The placenta contains hormones which can trigger contractions. Take a few moments to inform yourself of potential pregnancy problems and why breeding your guinea pigs is not a good idea: For the sake of your guinea pigs, do think twice before breeding them. 2. The birth canals of these animals are very narrow. Keep in mind that not always the mother can naturally deliver the whole litter without any problems. Duration of guinea pig pregnancy depends on the number of pups: the larger the litter the shorter the pregnancy. In this case, the medication oxytocin may be given to stimulate uterine contractions to deliver the pups. A visit to the vet will help determine if your cavy is pregnant. Pregnant guinea pigs tend to eat a lot more since they no longer eat just for one individual. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. To find out how to house your guinea pig during pregnancy and how to prepare for it to give birth, keep reading! However, toxemia is in part a lack of sugar, so keeping sugar levels high is important. This article received 14 testimonials and 88% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. Only this way, serious delivery problems can be avoided. To use the calculator, click on the calendar icon next to the breeding or due date and choose the correct year, month, and day. Newborn guinea pigs have fur and are born with their eyes open. (Know Before Feeding! ", Unlock expert answers by supporting wikiHow, Aiutare un Porcellino d'India in Gravidanza, s'occuper d'un cochon d'Inde durant la priode de gestation. I know there are so many groups out there that don't and its okay. With all this said, don't be surprised if your guinea pig falls pregnant while she still seems young to you. If the female approves of the male, she will signal her acceptance to mate with loud squeaks. Our fuzzy pets have a relatively long lifespan compared to other small pets, and they stay our loyal companions through a significant part of our lives. As a guinea pig lover myself, I created a list of cute and funny gifts for guinea pig lovers that will surely be appreciated by the receiving party. Do not intervene or touch the pups unless you need to. Mood changes due to rise in hormone level, Increase in fatigue, resulting in more sleeping and/or change in sleeping pattern. So, if you're collecting items in preparation for the guinea pig babies, you may have only two months to get it all done! The pups are born with open eyes and covered in fur. How Big of a Cage for Two Guinea Pigs? Week 1. During this period the mothers double her body weight and get a lot bigger. During pregnancy, you will notice your guinea pig will be more reluctant to interact with you, so avoid too much petting or lifting. A typical guinea pig pup weighs between 60 and 115 grams and measures close to 3 to 5 inches long. Female guinea pigs usually have a smooth swelling over their genital area. However, a caesarean surgery may be required. Duration of guinea pig pregnancy depends on the number of pups: the larger the litter the shorter the pregnancy. The average period of pregnancy is approximately 65 days. We begin with week 4, which is when the pregnancy is most likely to be confirmed. Depression Incoming! Critical Care or a similar product as it is likely you will need it for at least one pup. The gestation period in guinea pigs could be anywhere between 59-72 days. What most people don't know is that the number of babies affects the length of the pregnancy. To prevent high stress levels, which can lead to disease, keep your guinea pig away from direct sunlight. You need to find out whether she is with babies earlier to provide the appropriate level of care for each stage of the pregnancy. Mother strains for 15 minutes without producing a pup. Note that she may chew the cardboard, so have extra boxes or use a wicker or thick-plastic box. Male guinea pigs as young as 3 weeks old can impregnate a female, and a female guinea pig as young as a month old, can get pregnant. :)", understand just in case for the future as well, thanks so much for the info. Female guinea pigs sexually mature as early as 2 months of age. Are you still deciding whether to breed your female cavy? With our guinea pig pregnancy calculator, you can easily estimate the day a guinea pig will give birth to little pups. The gestation period in guinea pigs varies between 59 and 72 days. A List of Safe, Healthy Chewables for your Cavies, Guinea Pig Nail Care: Advice For Trimming & Cutting Guinea Pig Nails, Fleece Bedding for Guinea Pigs: Pros and Cons & How to Use It, 15 Things to Know Before Adopting Guinea Pigs. If so then this video will help answer all of your questions. This is to prepare for the birth to come! They are able to see, hear and move around once they are born. Well with guinea pigs its the opposite. If your pregnant guinea pig does not meet the age requirements, talk to your vet about a pregnancy plan. Though the front half of her body wont change shape much, the back half of the sow will look adorably huge. Males take a little longer and are typically sexually mature by 8 to 9 weeks of age. Much like other Rodentia and those of the Lagomorpha species, guinea pigs have pearly whites that will grow without end in sight something that can be a serious health problem, Read More What Can Guinea Pigs Chew On? If there is not an out-of-hours vet in your area, discuss this with your vet to come up with a plan. 6,530 Pregnancy Week By Week Premium High Res Photos Browse 6,530 pregnancy week by week photos and images available, or search for stages of pregnancy week by week to find more great photos and pictures. The guinea pigs won't need to make a nest to give birth. Signal her acceptance to mate with loud squeaks familiar surroundings fur and are typically sexually mature by to! Very important nutrients for the info your pregnant guinea pigs in fatigue, resulting in more sleeping and/or in. Born with their eyes open about pregnancy in guinea pigs usually have a swelling! 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When the pregnancy fruits and vegetables with high vitamin C content front half of her body wont change shape,. Of these animals are very narrow up stuck in the bloodstream it allows them be! Was 14 and/or change in sleeping pattern open eyes and covered in fur the sow remain...

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