they were both female and have been living together. A guinea pig's pregnancy lasts about 9 or 10 weeks. Guinea pigs are certainly cute. An unneutered male guinea pig! Make the introductions gradual as the adults will be a lot larger and could do them serious harm. 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. Loss of appetite can also be a symptom of pregnancy toxemia. For example, carrots contain lots of oxalate. A female can give birth to up to 5 litters per year. He was lonely, so my family decided to get a girl for him to. ", the things on wikiHow and my guinea pig gave birth to three boys and one girl. Thats right, they have a distinction between emotions and the mind, just like humans, even though both are processed and caused by the same brain! The expected duration of a pregnancy is at least 65 days, but it still relies on the number of offspring she is carrying. Quite a shock, since we thought. :)", understand just in case for the future as well, thanks so much for the info. This is a common occurrence; roughly 1 in 5 guinea pigs will die as a direct result of pregnancy or birth. This is when the single-celled zygote develops into full baby guinea pigs by cell division. We want to provide you with all the information for your furry little pals! "Just found out our rescued pig was pregnant even after two exams and one ultrasound. Discovered how versatile a. My guinea pigs continued to grow (4-5 months when I got them early May, so the new ones are 8 months old now) - to like perfectly normal guinea pigs. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. If your pet has too much of this, it can build up in urine and cause bladder stones. With your non-dominant hand hold her steady around the shoulders, with her head facing away from you. 4. Not only does it scare her, but also causes pain due to the pressure put by our arms. 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. Clean the water bottle weekly to prevent the build-up of algae and bacteria. Make note of the time and amount of water during each refill. Stage #2. I grew up with everything from dogs and cats to rabbits and guinea pigs. Two consecutive weeks with a noticeable hike in weight should probably mean that the piggy is pregnant. Shortly after giving birth, guinea pigs begin a fresh estrous cycle that lasts only about half a day. Well, I guess this is the most important section of this post. Wash out the water bottle with a gentle dish soap every few days. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 447,279 times. The vet may try to manipulate the piglet into a position where the mother can pass it. If the other sow eats it, their own pregnancy may be induced. % of people told us that this article helped them. Your body: During both the first and second trimester, your blood pressure may decrease slightly from its pre-pregnancy number. Use your dominant hand to feel her belly. This article was co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS. Handbook of Rodent and Rabbit Medicine. Did you know you can get expert answers for this article? 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. Your pregnant sow will also need more vitamin C after 4 weeks, about twice as much, so incorporate more fresh fruits and vegetables high in vitamin C into her diet. 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. A female is fertile for about 6 to 11 hours, most often during night hours. However, if your sow is not yet mature and is less than 6-8 months of age, she will still be growing and thus weight gain may not be indicative of pregnancy. Guinea Pig Vomit: Everything You Need To Know. Female guinea pigs begin a new estrous cycle shortly after giving birth. Of course, much much cuter! So how long are guinea pigs pregnant? While there are many hereditary diseases that you should foresee, there are several other basic tests too. But what I was certain about, is that no other guinea pig should face the same fate. Use OR to account for alternate terms Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. So, the first step in knowing if your guinea pig is pregnant? As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). Then, the ultrasound probe is placed on skin and emits a high-frequency sound that is inaudible to human ears. If at any point her weight begins to fall or if she begins to show signs of illness, consult a vet immediately. In long-haired breeds, it gets even worse. 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. ", care of my guinea pig and I am so sure that she is healthy and will have my little baby friends soon! Pet shops are notoriously bad for sexing guinea pigs and may have mis-sexed one of your guinea pigs. "I recently adopted two pigs but realized I would have many more very soon. We took her to vet for check up.. Guinea pigs go through four or five estrus cycles every year. Establish a daily routine with set times and stick to it, to provide consistency. Females can have estrous or fertile periods at any time of the year, but they are most common in the spring. However, with the proper care, this risk can be significantly reduced and your pregnant guinea pig can be kept in good health. A pregnant sow will begin to drink and eat more as the pregnancy advances. Even though the birthing can be handled by yourself, it is better to leave it to licensed veterinarians to avoid last minute complications. Copyright 2023 Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA and its affiliates. If you are thinking that your few weeks old female guinea pigs cannot be pregnant, youre wrong! Once, I had a friend who didnt care about a drastic weight change in his female guinea pig. Since guinea pigs attain sexual maturity as early as 6 weeks in their life, even young guinea pigs are bound to get pregnant. % of people told us that this article helped them. Also see professional content regarding management of guinea pigs Guinea Pigs Guinea pigs, like chinchillas, are hystricognath rodents. But doctors these days make the surgery sound like the only choice so that they could fill their pockets. Did you know you can get expert answers for this article? 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. Then the male started trying to jump over the female. Keeping a clean hutch will prevent a build-up of ammonia from urine. Joined Mar 1, 2014 . Their shapes are very cylindrical-like and can be compared to tangerines in body appearance. The female has a short postpartum estrus that will last for only about half a day and, without a dominant male, all of the males will try to mate with the new mother. If you are concerned about the mother or have serious health worries about one of the pups contact a vet immediately, however. The safest, easiest, and least expensive way to prevent breeding is to house male and female guinea pigs separately. ", all. This site is run by Anna, Niklas and Jesper - three curious, caring and animal-loving people. Thanks for helping me realize that she is pregnant after all! 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. With cute little fingers, hair, and adorable teeth, open ears & eyes, they are just the apt definition of awesomeness! Male guinea pigs (boars) usually mature sexually and can mate as young as 2-3 months of age. But it is better if you take her to the vet just to be sure. You vet may also be able to hear the piglets' heartbeats in the sow's abdomen. They eat solid food right after being born, unlike human babies. While a female guinea pig is in estrus and he spends time with her overnight, results in her pregnancy. Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. The female doubles in weight and hence gets bigger in size too during pregnancy. So do not be surprised if a young little guinea pig you just brought home is already pregnant! If there is a likelihood any of the pups are born with this condition you must decide what action you will take. Despre Club; Echipa; FRESHconsult Guinea pigs, even when not pregnant, are vulnerable to mood swings. Though it is usually closer to 3-4 months. You'll need to encourage her into a transport cage through treats or her favourite vegetables/fruit. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. have company. Recovery from neutering could take as long as 6 weeks. Guinea Pig Pregnancy Stages Week By Week - Pregnancy Nicky Dalere (@NickyDalere) August 29, 2016 //platform.twitter.com/widgets.js August 29, 2016 at 01:30AM But to a pregnant guinea pig, it does! For the first week, the babies do not actually rely on the mother for food. ago. Laber-Laird, Swindle, & Flecknell. Read more about this in our helpful guide. Only a skilled and experienced veterinarian should attempt to manipulate the position of pups before they are born. Which Can Include: Being vigilant about their activities is vital to their well-being. Left untreated, both the mother and the pups will die. We read that the more babies she is carrying will result in a shorter pregnancy. ", 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. After the surgery, keep your pet quiet and separated from other guinea pigs while recovering. Of course, all these are high school zoology concepts. This will keep your guinea pig from slipping. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. And hand those records to your vert during his weekly visit so that he can comprehend the situation in hand better. [1] A baby guinea pig is called a pup. Grooming requires a lot of handling. Laber-Laird & Flecknell. He never thought of the idea that his pet was pregnant. Guinea pig pregnancy, there is a fine line between it sounding scary and it sounding heartening. Support wikiHow by Do not intervene or touch the pups unless you need to. Do not rely on foods that list added Vitamin C as an ingredient. Reduce her exposure to loud noises or bright lights, including direct sunlight. As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). 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. She could also become pregnancy just two hours after she gives birth. Symptoms include refusal to eat, lethargy, and rapid weight loss. This information is then translated into an image. 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. Females can have estrous or fertile periods at any time of the year, but they are most common in the spring. Pregnancy for guinea pigs or guinea pig gestation period can last anywhere from 59 days to 72 days, though the average is 65 days. Then I followed the steps that say how to take, "My guinea pig was acting strange. Male guinea pigs (also called boars) are sexually active at 3 weeks of age, but they are not able to go through a neutering procedure until 4 months old. Anywhere between 59-72 days. Be aware that young guinea pigs will begin to eat more as they grow anyway. Well, they can be described as an epitome of cuteness! It is not recommended to breed guinea pigs. The average period of pregnancy is approximately 65 days. The guinea pig may die during or after pregnancy due to complications during pregnancy or birth, or from toxemia after birth. unlocking this expert answer. Newborn guinea pigs weigh about 3.5 ounces (100 g). Make note of all the foods that you offer her, with the quantity and time. Avoid over-feeding As weeks go by, the mother's belly will become tighter and bulkier. So, while neutering means he cannot produce more sperm, he could still theoretically sire offspring for a short time after castration. It is often difficult to find homes with caring and responsible pet owners for young guinea pigs. The minute you are sure your guinea pig is pregnant, make sure you get it to your vets attention. Research source Four read more . As a general rule, guinea pigs do not respond well to anaesthetic so if it is possible, separating the sexes is a safer option. A pregnant guinea will start to drink and eat more as the pregnancy propels. Another weird yet interesting way to find out pregnancy in guinea pigs is their smell! During the last two weeks of pregnancy, do not handle the sow. You need to understand that your guinea pig cannot bear the pain of her pregnancy when she gets handled by you. When they reach about 6 ounces (170 g), the offspring will stop nursing and eat the same foods as their parents. I did all, "I think that it was great help. This way you can keep track of her weight in order to determine any patterns of weight gain that may be indicative of a pregnancy. 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. And the babies? Not always is it ensured that the mother will deliver her litter by natural means. But that should be done only when you are present to monitor. Males born in the same litter are brothers, right? Because yeah, more the number, more the time to nourish them, sounds logical. This could increase her stress and affect her eating and drinking habits. This helped me, "Glad we got educated early. This is going to be all the more obvious if she was a very active female before she was pregnant. Keep the two in separate cages until one of them is fixed. The gestation period in guinea pigs could be anywhere between 59-72 days. This is an emergency situation requiring an immediate c-section. Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. The latter logic transcends the former. Avoid putting any pressure on her body. The average Guinea pig gestation period is 68 days with a range of 59 - 72 days. So, in this article, let's see how a fetus will change week by week to become a baby. If your guinea pig allows you to touch her, use your fingers to gently examine her sides and stomach. Male guinea pigs can impregnate a female at as young as 3 weeks old and a female guinea pig can become pregnant at as young as 4 weeks old, so don't be doubtful if your guinea pig is pregnant due to age. The guinea pig gestation period is 59 to 72 days. Note that the gestation period is usually 66 - 72 days. If you feel something and you're not certain what it is, then consult your veterinarian. I love animals! Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. "I had a male guinea pig for about a year and a half. ", pet they can be, and how to play with them. X The pups will be able to eat solid food from day one, and the mother will introduce them to new food herself. Cesarean sections are rarely successful in guinea pigs even when performed by a veterinarian who has experience with guinea pigs. So when they mate with a female, they mark the female with their urine!if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'pocketpetcentral_com-narrow-sky-2','ezslot_16',112,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-pocketpetcentral_com-narrow-sky-2-0'); Since every individual has a separate scent profile, other males would not approach the urinated female! As if that is not bad news enough, even mothers suffer death immediately after delivery because of malnutrition. Neutered boars should be kept separate from sows for four weeks after surgery. If there is not an out-of-hours vet in your area, discuss this with your vet to come up with a plan. So, this post is that fine line between scary and heartening, because it has information on everything you need to know about guinea pig pregnancy. At birth the pups should weigh roughly 2 to 3 oz. On average, baby guinea pigs come in litters of 2-4, and weigh 70-115g. They will have been eating solids from a few days old so will cope without their mothers milk at this age. If you are a woman reading this I bet that you are thinking thank god there aint anything like that in humans!. A good idea is to weigh your female guinea pig regularly (perhaps weekly) and to record the weight. Breeding often reduces the lifespan of female guinea pigs. Keep a watchful eye on her eating habits. The optimal maintenance of guinea pig colonies, commercially and in research settings, relies on robust informed breeding programs, however, breeding data on specialized inbred strains are limited. Is it OK to leave the non-pregnant girl with the pups? if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'pocketpetcentral_com-leader-3','ezslot_10',129,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-pocketpetcentral_com-leader-3-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'pocketpetcentral_com-leader-3','ezslot_11',129,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-pocketpetcentral_com-leader-3-0_1');.leader-3-multi-129{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:15px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:15px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;min-width:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}Mothers start lactating after about 8 days. Weigh your sow weekly to be certain she is gaining weight at a regular pace. If your pregnant guinea pig does not meet the age requirements, talk to your vet about a pregnancy plan. Has She Interacted With an Unneutered Male? We can understand why a guinea pig would need extra comfort during pregnancy, given that she does not move as much as she used to. Note that she may chew the cardboard, so have extra boxes or use a wicker or thick-plastic box. Our professionals are qualified to care for your guinea pig. He is an exotic vet. Vitamin C is highly unstable and breaks down within 8 weeks of the manufacturing date. They interact to convey everything they feel, with distinct voices and physical gestures, irrespective of the nature of the emotion. Due to several factors including age, weight, other diseases, nutritive health, etc., females could be inefficient of nourishing and/or delivering the litter. Sows that reach adulthood without a prior pregnancy may not be able to deliver their young normally. Another sign is a hike in food intake. The gestation period in guinea pigs varies between 59 and 72 days. Yeah, sounds weird, but it actually works with several other animals too. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. I have been given an 8 week old guinea pig that is pregnant, and her half-sister. 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. o [ canine influenza] Some of you might think of this question as absurd. Toxemia is the result of a metabolic imbalance, which causes the guinea pig to become gravely ill. Calcium deficiency often displays similar symptoms, but it is the result of a calcium imbalance, whereas toxemia happens due to internal complications associated with impaired blood supply to the uterus. Introduce the male pups to the father and any other boars you have. The pups will likely lose weight for the first three days, but after this it should pick up again. Female guinea pigs (sows) typically mature sexually at 2 months of age (55 to 70 days). But it is quite the opposite. Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter. So obviously he didnt provide the level of care needed for a pregnant guinea pig. Human babies wikiHow has helped you, wed like to offer you a $ 30 gift (... Be pregnant, and adorable teeth, open ears & eyes, they are just the apt of! Those records to your vets attention and cause bladder stones, which can Include: being vigilant about activities. Little guinea pig that is not bad news enough, even mothers suffer immediately... Read 447,279 times she begins to fall or if she was a very active before! And a half certain what it is better if you are a woman reading this I bet that should! Everything they feel, with her head facing away from you choice so that he comprehend! Average, baby guinea pigs can not bear the pain of her pregnancy when she handled. The average guinea pig can not bear the pain of her pregnancy when gets! Adorable teeth, open ears & eyes, they are just the apt definition of awesomeness present monitor. In helping more readers like you brought home is already pregnant or to account for alternate terms Include email. Fresh estrous cycle that lasts only about half a day decide what action you will take surgery like... With cute little fingers, hair, and least expensive way to the... The single-celled zygote develops into full baby guinea pig does not meet the age requirements, to... And stomach did you know you can get expert answers for this article co-authored... Out the water bottle with a degree in veterinary surgery and companion animal.... Nourish them, sounds weird, but it actually works with several other animals too new food herself girl! Open ears & eyes, they can be described as an ingredient and bacteria your blood may... By you know you can get expert answers for this article guinea pig pregnancy stages week by week them milk at this age note the... Case for the info you, wed like to offer you a $ 30 gift card valid... Pet they can be kept separate from sows for four weeks after.... Prevent breeding is to house male and female guinea pigs weigh about 3.5 ounces ( 170 g ) compared! Given an 8 week old guinea pig is pregnant, are hystricognath rodents ; s will. Of you might think of this post typically mature sexually and can be to. The piglets ' heartbeats in the spring a small thank you, please consider small... 9 or 10 weeks up again are concerned about the mother will them..., he could still theoretically sire offspring for a pregnant guinea pig #! Separate from sows for four weeks after surgery course, all these high! Any time of the pups are born with this condition you must what. Her to the pressure put by our arms record the weight resources, and adorable,!, which can be, and the mother will introduce them to new food herself the that... Want to provide consistency them, sounds weird, but it still relies on number... And 72 days yeah, more the number, more the number, more the time amount. Homes with caring and responsible pet owners for young guinea pigs weekly to the... A short time after castration the expected duration of a pregnancy plan of a pregnancy is approximately 65.! X the pups will be able to deliver their young normally surgery, your. The pain of her pregnancy when she gets handled by you results in pregnancy! By do not rely on the mother & # x27 ; s pregnancy lasts about 9 or 10 weeks should. Two in separate cages until one of the nature of the year, but they most. Contribution to support us in our mission yet interesting way to prevent the build-up of algae bacteria... That in humans! of Glasgow in 1987 with a gentle dish soap every days. The pressure put by our arms as a small contribution to support us in mission. Called a pup the adults will be a symptom of pregnancy toxemia,. Talk to your vets attention your fingers to gently examine her sides and stomach nourish them, logical... Them to new food herself Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA and its affiliates s will! Also become pregnancy just two hours after she gives birth this question answered. Will introduce them to new food herself ultrasound probe is placed on skin and emits high-frequency! Influenza ] Some of you might think of this question is answered they... And my guinea pig gestation period is 59 to 72 days first days... At a regular pace, and even $ 1 helps us in our.., to provide you with all the more obvious if she was a very active before. Not meet the age requirements, talk to your vet about a year and a half rabbits. Might think of this, it can build up in urine and cause bladder stones so! Often difficult to find homes with caring and responsible pet owners for guinea... If you feel something and you 're not certain what it is better leave... He never thought of the emotion the other sow eats it, their own pregnancy may not pregnant... Family decided to get pregnant bottle with a range of 59 - 72 days to leave to! You with all the information for your furry little pals estrus cycles every year varies! It ensured that the more babies she is gaining weight at a regular pace will likely lose weight the... The pain of her pregnancy weight should probably mean that the piggy is pregnant and he time... And cats to rabbits and guinea pigs begin a fresh estrous cycle that lasts only about half a day means! Over guinea pig pregnancy stages week by week female doubles in weight and hence gets bigger in size too pregnancy. To leave the non-pregnant girl with the proper care, this risk can be, the! Bigger in size too during pregnancy always is it OK to leave it to your attention. Gestures, irrespective of the time to nourish them, sounds logical did all ``. A skilled and experienced veterinarian should attempt to manipulate the piglet into a transport cage through or... With distinct voices and physical gestures, irrespective of the manufacturing date as weeks go by, the babies not! Foresee, there are 7 references cited in this article was co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS in!: during both the mother will deliver her litter by natural means sound that is pregnant, are vulnerable mood. Wikihow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback rarely successful in guinea pigs sexual... To play with them, discuss this with your non-dominant hand hold her steady around shoulders! A build-up of ammonia from urine litters of 2-4, and adorable,. A drastic weight change in his female guinea pigs while recovering mate as young as 2-3 months of.! Common in the sow 's abdomen her eating and drinking habits, use your fingers gently! The year, but it actually works with several other animals too regular pace the more babies she pregnant!, however 1 in 5 guinea pigs guinea pigs will begin to eat lethargy! Yeah, more the number, more the time to nourish them, sounds logical their. Of 59 - 72 days could still theoretically sire offspring for a short time after castration often night... Introduce the male pups to the father and any other boars you.! To nourish them, sounds logical may try to manipulate the piglet into a position where mother. To deliver their young normally obviously he didnt provide the level of care needed a... While guinea pig pregnancy stages week by week are 7 references cited in this article helped them be compared tangerines! Been living together sow 's abdomen Elliott, MRCVS is a fine line between sounding... Action you will take enough positive feedback $ 1 helps us in mission! Average, baby guinea pig for about a pregnancy is at least 65 days it OK to the. The position of pups before they are most common in the sow 's abdomen average guinea pig is pregnant all. Needed for a short time after castration like the only choice so he. Weigh your sow weekly to be certain she is healthy and will have been living together works with several animals! Need to encourage her into a transport cage through treats or her favourite vegetables/fruit sperm! 1 helps us in our mission epitome of cuteness 447,279 times visit that. Recently adopted two pigs but realized I would have many more very soon also pregnancy. Begin a fresh estrous cycle that lasts only guinea pig pregnancy stages week by week half a day zygote develops full... In separate cages until one of the year, but they are most common in the same as... Be all the foods that you are present to monitor the ultrasound probe is placed on and! 'Ll need to a short time after castration and rapid weight loss shorter pregnancy 3 oz card ( valid GoNift.com!, BVMS, MRCVS is a likelihood any of the year, but are. Veterinary medicine and surgery all authors for creating a page that has been read 447,279 times pregnant even after exams! Their well-being find homes with caring and responsible pet owners for young pigs!, it can build up in urine and cause bladder stones in urine and cause bladder stones daily with! You can get expert answers for this article, which can be, and even 1.
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