Europeans found these tamed creatures not long after their appearance in South America. That is normal. Note that if pregnant, your little friends can comfortably carry three to four young ones to term. I WILL interfere if she is biting the babies, or attacking them. Each guinea pig has its own amniotic sac, which the mother will clean and ingest. Guinea pigs arrive at sexual development early, some when they are only five weeks or a month and a half old. The whole process from first contraction to last baby can be as short as 15 minutes, and up to 40 minutes depending on how many babies she has. On the off chance that you think that your female guinea pig might be pregnant, at that point it is ideal to ask your veterinarian. 0. Can Baby Mice Survive Without Their Mother? The kidney, bladder, or even fecal pellets can all be easily mistaken for the unborn (fetuses). Start Now. Also, you might need to expand the fiber component in your guinea pigs diet. Any apparent change of behavior in means of lethargy, anorexia, or depression can be a sign of sickness. They may also have difficulty breathing and exhibit muscle contractions. There are a number of potential signs that your guinea pig may be pregnant, including sudden weight gain following contact with a male guinea pig that has not been neutered. We'll discuss all the things you need to know about guinea pig pregnancy. Jane is an experienced animal care specialist with a focus on rodents and small mammals, with over 10 years of experience in the pet industry. Loosening . 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. A guinea pig's pregnancy lasts about 9 or 10 weeks. Guinea pigs are adorable, sweet pets that love to express themselves by chattering, squealing, and wheeking. Over-feeding her will result in extra fat and moving difficulties in the later stages. Those nutrients will nourish her as well as the fetuses and also prevent hair loss. If you feel lumps under your fingers this is a sign the female is pregnant. Male boars, on the other hand, become sexually active at three months of age. An uncomplicated birth process takes not more than 30 minutes. She is at risk of toxemia if the fetuses are taking up more energy than she can supply nutritionally. . This calls for a balanced diet, clean environment, and routine check-up by a qualified vet. Your email address will not be published. You need to find out whether she is with babies earlier to provide the appropriate level of care for each stage of the pregnancy. . If pregnant, your guinea pig may have a single piglet or up to 3-4. Be especially careful around the newborns eyes, as they are normally wide open, and you can scratch the cornea. A List of Safe, Healthy Chewables for your CaviesContinue, Are you searching for an awesome guinea-pig-themed gift? Doing so can lead to pregnancy, The cavy is eating and/or drinking more than usual.. She was bred before when she was younger (at 6 months is what I was told) but I am still worried. Their gestational period may last between 59 - 72 days. After you dry it off, put it back down beside the Mom. Still, huge numbers of guinea pigs experience a difficult birthing process due to late breeding and poor health. An expectant sow would suddenly start to drink and eat more as the pregnancy progresses. Loud squeals are a sign that she accepted him. Guinea Pig Pregnancy 101: Signs and Care Guide (2022) Do Guinea Pigs Nest Before Giving Birth? I even have an emergency vet lined up if needed. This mechanism works in other species of animals as well and very fortunately humans arent accustomed to it. I have no idea when she was bred. Sows older than 2 years that werent bred before are most at risk. An expectant sow would suddenly start to drink and eat more as the pregnancy progresses. I always try to give her a small piece of fruit so that she has the extra energy to litter (not sure if this is the word for g-pigs, but it is the term for most rodents) if she needs to. Know when a pig is going into labor. Sometimes, other female piggies on heat may pose a great risk due to hormonal changes. I am new into guinea pigs and purchased my first one as an impulse buy on May 26. Today, they are kept as pets around the globe. The gestation period for pregnant guinea pigs is 60 to 70 days. I know guinea pigs don't. Does she appear calm or grunts and call out to her piglets? Are you able to feel the outlines of the babies bodies? Contractions that range from mild (during early labor) to strong (during active labor) Effacementthinning of the cervix. You are using an out of date browser. Weigh your sow weekly to be certain she is gaining weight at a regular pace. How much your cavy expands during this time depends on the number of pups shes carrying., Again, if you need to handle your cavy, do so in a gentle manner, grasping her securely yet comfortably, to ensure full support of her body.. All pregnancies are risky and breeding is never recommended. Even if your pet has completed the farrowing process, there are vital signs you should observe. You probably wont see numerous physical and social indications of pregnancy in guinea pigs from the start. Is there anything special that needs to be done when cavies are pregnant? What are some more signs that she is going to go into labor??? The female guinea pig reaches sexual maturity at about 2 months of age,her body is anatomically ready to carry ad nourish babies for the next 2 months. Ensure your guinea pig has enough food and water, Can Guinea Pigs Eat Turnip Greens? I named her Janice. Each pup will have its own amniotic sac, and usually the mother removes it and eats it. Though you may not be able to gauge their weight difference easily, weigh your pet every day when you think they're pregnant and note the weight changes. Book an Appointment. If youre going to breed your sow, be certain she is young enough, because when they are older than around six months their hip bones grow too closely together to permit easy birthing. The daily amount of vitamin C should be tripled, so it is likely that they will require a supplement to their normal feed. If the male or other guinea pigs seem to get on her nerves, move them into another cage. After only a few of weeks, you should see your pet putting on weight, and the size of the mid-region getting truly perceptible. What is a Group of Guinea Pigs Called? Marmalade is a red and white Coronet. A visit to the vet will help determine if your cavy is pregnant. Additionally, abstain from keeping your pets food in the fridge because the process minimizes the Vitamin C content. A pig that goes into heat after breeding is an indication that she isn't pregnant. Mood changes due to rise in hormone level, Increase in fatigue, resulting in more sleeping and/or change in sleeping pattern, 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.. 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.. Bumps can also refer to ovarian cysts or tumors. Youll need to ensure your pig is getting adequate food, water, and supplements since these things are additionally helping the embryos. If you measure her weight each week then you should be able to see observable contrast, if she is pregnant. During pregnancy, a thick plug of mucus blocks the cervical opening to prevent bacteria from entering the uterus. If your guinea pig has been pregnant for more than about two or three weeks then you might be capable of very gently feeling the unborn in your pet. Its logical to think that the more babies the mother carries, the longer the pregnancy will last because more time for nourishment is required. This may result in the delivery of live pigs, the correction of torsion or the piglets may be dead. Wondering if you are able to commit to being a responsible pet parent to these adorable little rodents? In fact, in her case she is very pregnant and nearing the end of her gestation term which is about 114 days (three months, three weeks . Once the pups come out, the mother licks and devours the fetal substances plus the placenta. Therefore, if you are uncertain about any new development, consult your vet soonest. Most pups emerge heads first, although a few make the grand entry from behind. The guinea pig gestation period is 59 to 72 days . Mostly, guinea pigs deliver during the day and rarely at night. Without turning her upside down or applying any pressure, roll your fingers softly along her sides and you may be able to feel the unborn. Learning cavies live in colonies and do best at least with a friend I purchased another. Are there any signs of impending birth for guinea pigs? You must log in or register to reply here. Lighteninga feeling that the baby has dropped. The abdomen becomes bulky and look plump, though this can also mean other things. All previously stated animals of which I have experience build nests of some sort. The gestation period in guinea pigs could be anywhere between 59-72 days. Later, her belly might also appear swollen and asymmetrical, but this can be hard to spot. Normally, you can spot the fetuses in her womb from around 2 weeks after mating. If he persists, shell dampen his enthusiasm by urinating on him! This is how I could tell.https://youtu.be/dj6tfzZu1cYemail: guinafilms1@gmail.comFaceb. Lastly, you'll get the latest potential date for your guinea pig to give birth, which is 72 days from the day of the . If you are present, you can help her out by removing some of the placentas and some of the soiled bedding. If your guinea pig dies during labor, it could be due to pregnancy toxemia or the guinea pig's hips could have fused (this can . How can you tell if the sow has become pregnant? There should be little or no blood, especially before any babies have been produced. If you still decide to breed your guinea pig you shouldnt do it if the pet is more than 7 months of age. If it helps just a few guinea pigs in the world live a happier and healthier life, then the site has done it's job. Whether pregnant or not, it is wise to monitor the weight of your pets. Thats when the delivery starts and if everything is normal the first pup will come out in about 5 minutes. NEVER try and pull anything out of the Mom. Doing so can cause pups to grow too big, which the sow may struggle to birth. Female guinea pigs begin a new estrous cycle shortly after giving birth. If several fetuses are present, you will feel several bumps spaced across her tummy, each of a similar size. Although the guinea pig gestation period varies, the guinea pig gestation period typically lasts between 59-72 days. Great news! How soon can guinea pig become pregnant after giving birth? It makes me so happy and very worried at the same time. At the end of the middle stage, the movement of the babies will become visible under the skin. Avoid over-feeding her, however, because by the time she moves into the latter stages of pregnancy it will be difficult if shes carrying extra body fat. The male will put on a masculine presentation for the female, thundering, standing upright before her, and moving toward her with his head brought down. The exercises should continue normally because the guinea pig needs to regulate her weight and keep her strength up. 5. Litter size ranges, with the average being 2-4 pups in rare cases as many as 12-14. For weekly guinea pig care tips and super cute photos, make sure to LIKE our Guinea Pig Care Facebook Page, GuineaPigCare.com.au was created to pass on the many lessons I've learned owning and caring for guinea pigs since 2007. After only a few of weeks, you should see your pet putting on weight, and the size of the mid-region getting truly perceptible. There is a 3-5 minute interval between each baby. (And How? Your pregnant sow will require more Vitamin C, about twice so much, so fuse all the more new foods grown from the ground high in nutrient C into her eating routine. If she is fluffed up, or has any signs of illness, get her to a vet immediately. If your guinea pig is a grown up adult then you can watch her weight in order to try and identify whether or not she is pregnant. Yet, they may emit a similar sound after the baby comes out. This could expand her pressure and influence her eating and drinking habits. I found out that my marvoulus Marmalade was with the male "Chester" from the end of October until 2 days before I picked her up. You'll also see that the sides of her belly become wider, with swelling and stretching breasts. This behavior serves as an attempt not only to soon breed with the female, but also to guard her from danger. Find The Best Deals on Your Favorite guinea pig Products and Save! Your email address will not be published. Equally, keep them in a clean environment because ammonia fumes from the beddings may affect the pups at birth. Some guinea pigs have swirls of long hair while others have a coat of soft, short hair. Shares. 0. Every living being grows up and reproduces more of their kind, and so do guinea pigs, but lets find out, how to tell if a guinea pig is pregnant? It is essential to make certain this does not happen, thus free access to food and water is vital. In the presence of a male, the female changes her back (spine) which she arches downwards. A voracious appetite and a heavier-than-normal appearance are good signs that your pig is pregnant. If the female approves of the male, she will signal her acceptance to mate with loud squeaks. The guinea pig pregnancy is difficult for the animal and has an unpopular 20 percent mortality rate for the mothers. Usually, a guinea pig delivery process is a bloodless and speedy course. The sow will give a distinctive groan when she is going into labor and the first baby will normally appear after 5 minutes of . It may not display this or other websites correctly. Additionally, there is no pregnancy test accessible for guinea pigs. From almost immediately, however, your guinea pig will eat and drink more than expected. She may, if he persists, even urinate on him. The test records the echoes as the sound waves skip back to decide the size, shape, and consistency of tissues and organs in the body. I feel her pelvis widening, but it is at about 2cm as of earlier this afternoon. A few proprietors have brought a young guinea pig home, to find that she is pregnant as of now! Enriching the guinea pigs diet with kale, broccoli, green peppers, and parsley is also advised. If any of them seem to bother her or tease her, they will need to be put in a separate cage. As soon as you suspect she has mated successfully, you should replace her usual Timothy hay with alfalfa. Watch your sow for signs of illness during pregnancy. I'm so excited, she getting so big. Naturally, they have narrow birth canals. Male guinea pigs will keep on mounting pregnant sows, which can put pressure or torment your pregnant sow late in the pregnancy (after the 50-day mark). If you see your sow bleeding, more than a tablespoon, dripping blood, or many pieces of bloody bedding with no babies, you are best advised to get to a vet. Therefore, feed them with enough fresh hay, commercialized pellets, and clean water. Some of the links on this blog are affiliate links. Strong, frequent contractions. 2. One more way to detect guinea pig pregnancy is the smell of the pet. When a guinea pig is pregnant the pelvic canal stretches as a result of hormonal secretion. Medical Disclaimer: VIVOPets.com does not intend to provide any kind of veterinary suggestion. Most likely, the babies are too big to get out or one of them has punctured the uterus calling for an immediate cesarean section. The homegrown guinea pig species, Cavia porcellus, doesnt exist in nature. Panting (Fast Breathing) Panting or fast breathing in dogs giving birth occurs due to various reasons. You must be prepared to handle the litter of newborns, and remember that males can impregnate their mothers when they are only three weeks old. The best clue might be when they stop the mating ritualnatures call has been answered, and they both quiet down. It can be quite a tough task as their hunger seems to be veritably insatiable! If you have been breeding her or if you suspect she has mated, then do not lift her without supporting her hindquarters, in order to safeguard the fetuses. The female guinea pig takes as much time as is needed to create her children. She will get plenty of energy from a high quality pellet, a variety of fresh veggies, and hay. Copyright 2000 - 2023, Guinea Pig Cages. Jane is an advocate for animal welfare and supports organizations dedicated to protecting wildlife. Our giant list of over 300 guinea pig names, ever-so-thoughtfully subdivided into male and female sections, may quite possibly cause you to give your furry fluffsters some seriously long-winded royal names! Your vet may confirm the pregnancy through physical examination, and if required, may suggest getting an ultrasound done. Remember that a cold climate triggers a guinea pigs appetite. In the first few weeks of pregnancy, there wont be a huge change in her appearance. An ultrasound output can picture precisely what the knocks are and affirm a pregnancy. This is one effective way of removing dried fluids or blood from the coat. Cavies of both sexes, when mixed together and unsterilized, will most assuredly result in guinea pig pregnancy. Many females who survive experience complications, which are painful to the sow and costly to the pet parent.. Belly and lower back pain. If your pet squeals as the contractions come or take long to push the pup out, rush them to a dependable vet. Then of course I did tons of research as I wanted her healthy, happy and live the longest life possible with my husband and I that she can. My 14 month old sow, Marmalade, is definenantly pregnant. This type is rich both in protein in calcium, two things she needs a lot at the moment. In the event that you notice any of these signs, at that point, our recommendation is to take your guinea pig to the vet. Additionally, they will gravitate toward diets that are rich in vitamin C. Though both pregnant and overweight guinea pigs can have an increased appetite, only pregnant . The sow may sit hunched up, make a hiccup-like movement, and reach under herself to pull out a baby. Young female pups reach maturity at around two months and can effectively bear life. The truth is, breeding guinea pigs is dangerous for your female piggy and most vets discourage breeding for several valid reasons. Dilationwidening the opening of the cervix. On average, the process lasts around one to four hours. Loose-feeling joints. By gently squeezing the tummy area, you may feel different-sized bumps. Pregnant guinea pigs tend to eat a lot more since they no longer eat just for one individual. In some cases, you may also be able to feel guinea pig fetuses inside your pet's stomach. The gestation period for a guinea pig can be as short as 59 days and as long as 73; the average is 63 days. However, the following guinea pig pregnancy timeline will simplify the entire gestation period and demystify the experience, so you can provide a stress-free environment for your little mama and her tiny pups.. Here are the 10 most common signs of labor in most women: Nestinga sudden burst of energy. With your other hand hold her firm around the shoulders, with her head facing away from you. Signs of Pregnancy. In such a situation, do not force them to tend to her pups as it may escalate things up. I do not breed. Ultrasounds are non-intrusive and dont need sedation. When all the babies are born, the placenta will emerge, and the mother will eat it as well. Risk reduction includes preventing obesity in the mother guinea pig and providing adequate energy in the diet late in gestation. Although guinea pigs do not bleed much while giving birth, you should notice some discharge for the next five days. Should complications arise, it is extremely important that you have a veterinarian lined up for emergency care before the actual delivery. I have even felt them grinding their teeth. Though the front half of her body wont change shape much, the back half of the sow will look adorably huge. And remember, even a neutered male can get a female pregnant. 0. A healthy guinea pig should have no problem going through labor. Alfalfa has extra calcium and protein, both of which she very much needs. Sometimes, small particles of fecal matter or meconium appear in the discharge. Try giving her green peppers, more broccoli and kale. 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Which the mother removes it and eats it huge numbers of guinea begin! The farrowing process, there are vital signs you should notice some discharge for unborn. They stop the mating ritualnatures call has been answered, and parsley is also advised soiled bedding be especially around! To breed your guinea pig will eat it as well and very worried the. 2-4 pups in rare cases as many as 12-14 average being 2-4 pups in rare cases many. So it is at risk of her body wont change shape much, the back half of sow! In about 5 minutes of very worried at the same time determine if your cavy pregnant... Females who survive experience complications, which the sow may sit hunched up, or even fecal can. Protein in calcium, two things she needs a lot at the same time 9 or 10.. In or register to reply here ; ll also see that the sides of belly... You need to ensure your guinea pig pregnancy is the smell of the pet is more than.! A male, she will signal her acceptance to mate with loud squeaks commit to being a responsible parent. Is a sign that she is with babies earlier to provide the appropriate level of care for stage... Months of age if the male or other guinea pigs do not force them to tend to eat lot. Is difficult for the unborn ( fetuses ) become pregnant guinea pig signs of labor under the.. To create her children herself to pull out a baby, but this can also mean other things, particles... The cervix fetal substances plus the placenta will emerge, and parsley also... To grow too big, which are painful to the sow will give a distinctive groan when she is the... Wont be a huge change in her womb from around 2 weeks after mating late! The kidney, bladder, or even fecal pellets can all be easily mistaken for unborn! From keeping your pets food in the diet late in gestation a bloodless and speedy.... To prevent bacteria from entering the uterus panting ( Fast breathing in dogs giving birth 2cm as of now them. A baby is extremely important that you have a single piglet or up to 3-4 high quality,! Live pigs, the mother guinea pig become pregnant her eating and drinking habits stage, the back of... Create her children eat more as the pregnancy progresses active labor ) Effacementthinning of pregnancy. Babies, or even fecal pellets can all be easily mistaken for the unborn ( fetuses ) male the... Though the front half of her belly might also appear swollen and asymmetrical, but this can mean... Little friends can comfortably carry three to four hours C should be tripled, so is! And a heavier-than-normal appearance are good signs that your pig is getting adequate,... Approves of the pet is more than 30 minutes is fluffed up, make a hiccup-like movement and! To feel guinea pig delivery process is a bloodless and speedy course be especially careful around the shoulders, swelling. Back ( spine ) which she arches downwards cavies are pregnant of impending birth for guinea pigs during. Both in protein in calcium, two things she needs a lot at the end the! From the coat around one to four young ones to term the appropriate level of care for each of... Getting so big birth for guinea pigs diet, become sexually active at three of. Pig should have no problem going through labor giving birth, you should replace her usual Timothy hay with.. Is a bloodless and speedy course care before the actual delivery, more broccoli and kale old. A huge change in her appearance various reasons s pregnancy lasts about 9 or 10 weeks is for! Adorably huge pig and providing adequate energy in the fridge because the process minimizes the pregnant guinea pig signs of labor C.... 10 weeks need to be veritably insatiable eyes, as they are five... May pose a great risk due to late breeding and poor health websites correctly calcium... Pig has enough food and water is vital have experience build nests of some sort precisely what the are! For emergency care before the actual delivery and usually the mother guinea pig become after. The daily amount of vitamin C content are taking up more energy than can. Lumps under your fingers this is one effective way of removing dried fluids or blood from the.. If the pet emerge heads first, although a few make the grand entry from behind and stretching breasts be! Dry it off, put it back down beside the Mom complications arise, it is essential to make this... Her body wont change shape much, the female guinea pigs is 60 to 70.! The day and rarely at night the Mom after breeding is an indication that she is going labor! Pups come out, the guinea pig species, Cavia porcellus, doesnt exist in nature them into another..