(700 to 1,100 grams), according to the Animal Diversity Web (ADW). Sufficient nutrition, a mixture of alfalfa and timothy grass, keeps female guinea pigs hydrated and can prevent guinea pigs from eating their babies. Its better to have a cage that is much larger than a cage that is too small. But usually, mom will begin to discourage her babies from nursing at about the 3rd week. Once all the serious aspects of baby guinea pig care are in hand, you can turn your mind to more fun tasks, like picking their names. We kept a close eye on Theo as her due date approached. What is always important is to provide your pet guinea pigs with the best living conditions for the survival of the mother and the babies. Significantly, this is the age when pups will start to reach sexual maturity. The above is important because it allows the mother to continue feeding and grooming her young. The importance of understanding whether or not guinea pigs miss their babies cannot be overstated. You can also give them a comfortable place to sleep, like a bed or hammock. Make sure theres always enough food in your pregnant guinea pigs bowl. It is essential for guinea pigs to have social contact with other guinea pigs. Do guinea pigs remember their parents? One of which is probably: Will your guinea pig eat her babies? In this article, we will focus on some important aspects of caring for guinea pig babies. https://www.npvet.co.nz/pets/animal-info-pets/bird-rabbit-turtle-articles/care-pregnant-guinea-pigs/, Guinea lynx :: Reproduction. If your guinea pig becomes restless or starts to squeak loudly it is a sign that he is ready to go back to his cage. This often happens when owners of female guinea pigs discover an unplanned pregnancy and arent able to care for all the babies. Guinea pigs are fragile animals at any age but especially during their early days of life. A typical guinea pig pup weighs between 60 and 115 grams and measures close to 3 to 5 inches long. As they grow, baby guinea pigs will require extra calcium to help their bones develop properly. And within a few hours nursing should be established. For instance, a guinea pig that was captured individually needs at least one other guinea pig as a cage mate. The gestation period is about 59 to 72 days or about two months. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/all-other-pets/guinea-pigs/breeding-and-reproduction-of-guinea-pigs, Care of pregnant Guinea pigs. Its natural for you and me to humanize the behavior of animals. This is especially true for mammalian animals, who often form strong attachments with their young. Most guinea pigs cages are designed for adult guinea pigs with a one inch space between the bars. Do Guinea Pigs Eat Their Babies? 5 Common Cat Behaviours And What They Mean. Not only that, but they also have a full body of fur, and even their little claws are developed. Sometimes, male Guinea pigs will eat pups if they were fathered by another cavy. Paying lots of brief visits to your litter with mother, and getting them used to gentle handling without worrying them are going to be a vital foundation of good socialization. Any sudden movement or noise can scare them. Although its very uncommon, there is still a possibility that a mother guinea pig will engage in filial cannibalism. While it might not be anything to worry about, sometimes it can be a sign of sickness. An average sized pup measures around 3 to 5 inches at birth, and very cylindrical roughly the size of a tangerine in fact! So, what is the answer? You will get a kick out of their eagerness to chase each other around and play, and maybe even start popcorning. Raising an orphaned guinea pig is not very difficult because mothers feed guinea pig pups only a few times per day and then leave them alone. Watch this video to learn more about guinea pig. Certainly not, they only remember their parents for a particular period. This can be startling and upsetting. Wanna Give Your Piggies the 5 STAR Treatment? It can be a little surprising to witness, but its completely normal and nothing to be alarmed about. At the end of the day we removed the fleece bedding, washed it and replaced it with a fresh fleece liner. Can Rabbits Eat Grapes Pros And Cons of Grapes For Rabbits. (Benefits, Risks, Servings & FAQs), Baytril For Guinea Pigs (Side Effects, Efficacy, Dosage & FAQs), Signs Your Guinea Pig Hates You (Top 7 & And How to Fix It). The causes are different for each species. They also live for several years, longer than most other rodents, so you can enjoy them longer than other pet rodents. This served a purpose in the wild to prevent predators from finding the newborn baby guinea pigs. Watch carefully for signs of stress or discomfort. By giving them enough time with their mother, you reduce the risk that she will reject them. Soak guinea pig pellets in water from the first day of life. The average guinea pig gestation is 59 72 days. However, we always recommend having more than one guinea pig because these small animals are social creatures and they need company. How Can I Prevent Guinea Pigs From Eating Their Babies? Extreme Stress -. Yes, guinea pigs sometimes eat their babies. In order to have a peaceful pregnancy and birth, there are some things that you can do: Many people underestimate how much space a guinea pig needs, along with other types of rodents. The largest guinea pig litter recorded by the Guinness Book of World Records contained a whopping 17 pups! But most people think of it as being around four weeks old, when they reach sexual maturity. Where can I find baby guinea pigs for sale? Over the next 2 weeks, decrease the feeding time gradually. But another remarkable thing about baby guinea pigs is just how grown up their appetites are! This should reduce their spatial and jealous tendency. Baby guinea pigs are unique in that they are born with their eyes open! When you do approach the a baby guinea pig, be careful to move slowly and gently. Female guinea pigs take care of the hardest part as much as possible. Dont be surprised if your pup lets out a little chirp as a means of asking for food! Do everything you can to fulfill the wants and needs of the pregnant female, to make her feel safe and comfortable. Its normal to be upset and sad. I personally dont recommend it and neither do vets and most responsible rescues and shelters.Accidents happen. Handling them too much too soon can disrupt the bond they need with their mother in order to nurse from her, and huddle against her for warmth. If you are a new guinea pig parent or have an unexpected pregnancy like we did, you too may have lots of questions about newborn baby guinea pigs. (n.d.). What Should I Do if My Guinea Pig Eats (Or Kills) Her Babies? The reason is that male guinea pigs mature sexually very soon and can impregnate their mother as young as 2-3 months of age or even earlier. Compared to other rodents, guinea pigs (both in captivity and in the wild) will very rarely choose to eat their offspring. Well, your guess is as good as mine guinea pigs sure miss their owners when theyre absent for so long. Here are some things we had to think about when we found out our guinea pig was pregnant: We adhered to the following recommended feeding guidelines for pregnant guinea pigs: RELATED: CLICK HERE to read about our unexpected guinea pig pregnancy and how to tell if your guinea pig is pregnant. The pups will learn a lot from how to form social bonds, to which foods are safe to eat from the adults they live with. In most cases, guinea pigs won't miss you if you decide to leave them in the home instead of taking them with you for camping. Bartesaghi, R., Severi, S., Effects of early environment on field CA2 pyramidal neurons in the guinea-pig, Neuroscience, 2004. How many babies do guinea pigs have in their first litter? You might also notice they squeak in distress when you take them away from their mom. On the other hand, a male guinea pig eats guinea pig babies when they recognize that the babies are not theirs, also because they are intimidated and territorial. When separated from their parents, they often experience anxiety and depression. Im guessing you probably have a lot of questions about guinea pig pregnancies. Guinea pigs are not only kept as family pets, but like dogs, cats and rabbits, they are also bred for show. When you decide to introduce baby guinea pigs to an adult guinea pig, follow their behavior (monitor them for aggression) and respond quickly. Some guinea pigs are more likely to nuzzle or groom people or other guinea pigs. If she is pregnant, her chances of suffering from some illness will also increase, which will tempt her to eat a lot. It may take some time for him to become comfortable with you. Diet What should our pregnant guinea pig eat? In a pet situation, the male may be in the same guinea pig cage as the female and her newborns, and there is no way for the mother to move the pups away from . If you have decided youre ready to take the plunge and welcome a new baby guinea pig into your life, take a look at our article Where To Buy Guinea Pigs to start your journey. Coming up with a cute guinea pig name is a lot of fun, but can be tough. Just like big farmyard pigs! The answer to this question is not entirely clear. Youre gonna want to read this. Do not over-handle the mother or you could cause her stress which will lead . My mission is to teach others useful tips and tricks about these cute creatures. Calcium is very important for baby piggies as they are growing and developing. Why Guinea Pigs Are Less Likely To Eat Their Babies? Baby boars must be separated from mama at three weeks. Prepare to separate the male and female baby guinea pigs by at least three weeks of age. When a guinea pig is about to give birth, any male guinea pigs near her will gather around and try to become the dominant male in order to both protect the female and mate with her. Stop getting dirty looks from your piggies, because you forgot to do something for themAGAIN. The first twenty four hours are when the babies are at greatest risk for being eaten, so remain close during this period. Or house her with a neutered male to prevent future pregnancies. However, new guinea pig owners should be prepared for a long-term commitment. This is pretty rare. When they dont have enough food and are at risk of starvation. If you keep a male guinea pig with the mother and babies, introduce them slowly, so there is no aggression between the two adults. Under normal circumstances, the sow will give birth and have a healthy litter of pups. However, too much calcium is dangerous for an adult guinea pig. Guinea Pig Lifespan How Long Do Guinea Pigs Live? The standard litter can range from one to six little pups, with an avg. Bellinger, S. A. et al, An ecologically relevant guinea pig model of fetal behavior, Behavioral Brain Research, 2015. Guinea pigs make eleven different call types. Provide Your Sow with a Stress-Free Environment, Remain Vigilant During the First Twenty Four Hours, Keep The Babies With Their Mom As Much As Possible, Can You Put A Baby Guinea Pig With An Older One? Its understandable to feel that way. When we discovered that our guinea pig was pregnant we had so many questions about newborn baby guinea pigs and what to expect once they were born. Between then and reaching their full adult weight several months later, you might hear them being described as juniors. To avoid the risk of your guinea pig, eating her babies, take these safety steps. Do guinea pigs get attached to their owners? Although guinea pigs need the presence of other guinea pigs, attention from human beings is also essential for their well-being. Usually, the mother will eat the baby right after it's born. Genetic abnormalities have been reported in guinea pigs, similar to those found in other breeds of animals (such as hip dysplasia in dogs). In some cases, guinea pigs may lick or try to groom you as a sign of affection. i've been keeping this a secret for over a week now!! Be quiet and move slowly around baby guinea pigs. And that means that in a mixed litter of boys and girls, its time for the boys to be relocated to a new home, to prevent unwanted pregnancies. They will nurse every two hours for the first three weeks. She is more likely to eat her babies as she can confuse the placenta and the babies. This is because, in the wild, guinea pigs are usually found in herds, so you should try to create that level of interaction for your domesticated guinea pigs. However, you should err on the side of caution. A male guinea pig eats the babies only by a strange occurrence. Guinea pigs are peaceful creatures. It is rare, but it does happen. You have to remember that these babies are coming out of the womb ready to run around the cage and have fun very quickly. My name is Tim Rhodes and I'm a guinea pig enthusiast through thick and thin. The body temperature of a guinea pig is between 101104 F (3840 C), so its ideal ambient air temperature is similar to that of humans, approximately 6575 F (1824 C). (Find Out Now), Filial Cannibalism (and 7 Reasons Why Some Animal Moms Dine On Their Babies). So it is not good practice by caring breeders. Yes, guinea pigs do mourn. Although they are able to conceive year-round, springtime is the peak window for baby guineas appearing on the scene. Caring for baby guinea pigs can be a rewarding experience if you know what to expect. B., Auditory spatial responses of young guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) during and after ear blocking, Journal of Comparative and Physiological Psychology, 1978. Bear in mind this doesnt necessarily mean she is dangerously thin. Most people find guinea pig babies sweet and beautiful. This way, your guinea pig will not feel the need for extra nutrition. Six or seven weeks old is the age at which most breeders will let their pups go to their new homes. https://www.petmd.com/exotic/conditions/reproductive/c_ex_gp_pregnancy_toxemia, Why do animals sometimes kill their babies? Ask your vet for advice if this isnt the case. Change the water daily. Having your guinea pig give birth to a litter should be an exciting time. You have entered an incorrect email address! 4. Also, they should have unlimited amounts of timothy hay and water all the time. Theres no fixed moment when a guinea pig stops being a pup and becomes an adult. This is necessary to prevent pregnancy. A great way to get help raising your first litter successfully, and in recognising potential problems quickly, is by enlisting the support of a mentor. Theyre filled with Vitamin C and other essential nutrients that guinea pigs need. As noted above; Guinea Pigs are highly vocal and use their voice to express their personality. On average, baby guinea pigs come in litters of 2-4, and weigh 70-115g. Whereas there are over 13 Guinea Pig breeds, English, Abyssinian, and Peruvian Guinea Pigs are the most well-liked. A cage with a deep pan will make it more difficult for your guinea pigs to escape, but its not necessary. Guinea pig pups are essentially born ready to go: their eyes are open, they have hair and a full set of teeth, and they can run around on their own. She is then back to cuddles and snuggles. How long do baby guinea pigs stay with Mom? If the litter is too large, the mama . The earlier and more regularly you handle them, the more likely they are to accept you. If you are considering getting a guinea pig, ensure you can provide them with the social interaction they need. Caring for a guinea pig can be challenging if you are unsure whether it is missing its baby. If a baby guinea pig is orphaned, it is essential to find a surrogate mom as soon as possible. Hi there! Watch after your guinea pig while she gives birth. But, can guinea pigs eat them? It is important to consider the space between the bars of your guinea pig cage. (2020, May 5). This can happen if the guinea pig is not being fed enough timothy hay, pellets, vitamin C supplements, etc. https://kb.rspca.org.au/knowledge-base/i-think-my-guinea-pig-might-be-pregnant-what-should-i-do/, Pregnancy toxemia in Guinea pigs. Veterinarians and Animal Hospital in Pasadena, MD | Lake Shore Pet Hospital. They Talk to You A.K.A. No matter how cute baby guinea pigs are, one litter at a time should be plenty for most people to think about. You can certainly handle a little, because it wont make their mother reject them. To help you, weve written more about how to tame a guinea pig here. While it is a hard thing to think about, it can happen. The sow needs this time to focus on nursing her living babies, and you need to create an environment that will allow her to do this. The male guinea pig staying with the mother and babies is important because he helps keep them warm and protects them from predators. Guinea pigs can typically handle labor and delivery without intervention; however, guinea pigs can die during the birthing process. Guinea pigs are social animals and do best when kept in pairs or groups. A mother guinea pig needs to clean the babies and eat the afterbirth to chemically generate the mammary glands to start producing milk. Mange worms (Trichocross cavia) are a common cause of hair loss, and other symptoms may include excessive scratching, abnormal aggression when being touched, and, in some cases, seizures. (Find Out Now). Pregnancy is very difficult for guinea pigs, with at least 1 out of 5 of the mothers dying during birth. What is a Group of Guinea Pigs Called? Guinea pigs are docile small animals. I didnt know how we would handle it if Theo rejected her babies or even worse ate her young!
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