Chris got Tabythas momma from someone who said "no no, she's not pregnant! Guinea Pig Death Process Dead or in Shock. Jane is an advocate for animal welfare and supports organizations dedicated to protecting wildlife. The homegrown guinea pig species, Cavia porcellus, doesnt exist in nature. I have no idea when she was bred. It makes me so happy and very worried at the same time. There are various signs of pregnancy in guinea pigs. Signs of Pregnancy. When a guinea pig is pregnant the pelvic canal stretches as a result of hormonal secretion. Thread starter GPonnett Start date Aug 25, 2010; GPonnett Well-known Member. Handle the sow with care and never treat her roughly. By the time she reaches the seventh week of pregnancy, the babies will make up about half of her total body weight. Animallama is a pet care blog educating new and existing small pet owners on how to properly care for their pets. 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.. 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.. Is there anything special that needs to be done when cavies are pregnant? The male guinea pig is called a boar, while the female is known as a sow. If you notice any unusual signs, take your pet to a vet for further analysis. Loss of the mucus plug. All things considered, the domestication of cavies began in the high countries of Bolivia, Ecuador, and Peru. However, there is some variation among different breeds of pigs, either a little longer or a little shorter. by the way, how many are you expecting? Maybe Janice will have at least one son so Possum will have a cage mate. Once they are one to two finger-widths apart, it wont be long until birth. Marmalade is a red and white Coronet. Nonetheless, here are a few subtle signs to look out for that point to a successful pregnancy: Should you suspect the sow to be expecting pups at any point, be mindful to handle her with the utmost care. Guinea pigs usually weigh about 1.5-2 lbs. If she isnt in the mooder, if shes not in heat, that isshe might very well bite him or snap at him. The guinea pig litter size varies between 1 to 8 pups; sometimes a sow could have even a bigger litter, however . Strong, frequent contractions. All pregnancies are risky and breeding is never recommended. Other, early signs labor is close (anywhere from a month to mere hours away from active labor) include: Baby drops. Required fields are marked *. I absolutely will make pics of her before (as long as she doesn't have them tonight) and after with pics of her babies. Remember that a cold climate triggers a guinea pigs appetite. 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. Their gestational period may last between 59 - 72 days. Mostly, it starts with vulva swelling and teat enlargement. Do it every day at the same time routinely. It's your body's way of protecting your baby . Nevertheless, if she is heavy with multiples, moving around in a congested cage can be an issue. Pre-farrowing happens 10 to 14 days before the delivery day. 4. Other potential complications are prolapse, retained placenta, uterine tears, etc. Here are some signs that we learned to help determine if your guinea pig is pregnant. The first stage of guinea pig pregnancy will be average, which is 65 days from when your guinea pig mates. Symptoms to look out for include: Tiredness, silence, weakness, depression Appetite loss Breathing problems One more way to detect guinea pig pregnancy is the smell of the pet. Do not overfeed pellets. Copyright 2000 - 2023, Guinea Pig Cages. As a result, they may bite, attack or pull her fur resulting in other complications. As soon as you suspect a successful mating, supplement the females usual. 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. A neutered male guinea pig can still impregnate a female. Utilize your dominant hand to feel her belly. Whether pregnant or not, it is wise to monitor the weight of your pets. Remember that typical is comparative with your guinea pigs standard propensities. Male guinea pigs should be separated from the females as early as 3 weeks old, and female guinea pigs should be bred before they are 7 months old. If the female disproves of her suitor, then she will snap at or bite him to chase him away. The male on, the other hand, will put on his manly display but will still approach the saw with a lowered head. Nonetheless, be wary that other conditions like cancer or cysts disguise as bumps in the body. This is because piglets typically add up to almost the same size as the mother. My mission is to teach others useful tips and tricks about these cute creatures. Remember that a cold climate triggers a guinea pig's appetite. Cheers, Adrian @ GuineaPigCare.com.au, Adrian, thank you so much for making this post. The canal is fully fused by the 7-8thmonth of age both in unbred female and male guinea pigs. It is also an indication that the first stage of labor is happening. In most cases, a guinea pigs mothers instincts do not kick in immediately. My Marmalade is eating and drinking great. When there is a dominant male, theres a likelihood that the other males wont try to interact with the mother. She will begin to have contractions and will reach down to grab a pup with her teeth. That is normal. Lighteninga feeling that the baby has dropped. An ultrasound output can picture precisely what the knocks are and affirm a pregnancy. Not at all like in different species, the pressure of taking blood can antagonistically influence the wellbeing of pregnant guinea pigs. Before pregnancy, the two lovebirds must mate. The information on this website should not be take as a substitute for professional advice. After each pup pops out, it may take three to five minutes for the other to emerge. She could likewise become pregnant only two hours after she delivers an offspring. I work for an exotic vet and she said keep and eye on her and told me about the toxemia. This is how I could tell.https://youtu.be/dj6tfzZu1cYemail: guinafilms1@gmail.comFaceb. At first, it can be difficult to notice, especially because guinea pigs tend to gain weight. Also, let us know when mom and babies are doing well. She can be on alfalfa-based pellets though (or another form of additional calcium). Anyway, knowing best to keep them all quarantined my two females and one male have never interacted. So we have Janice, Zelma and Possum (looks similar to an Opposum ). However, be aware that other things can feel like bumps in the abdomen. I know guinea pigs don't. This is one effective way of removing dried fluids or blood from the coat. In the event that the vet affirms that your pig is pregnant, at that point it is significant that you ensure you realize how to appropriately take care of her. A pregnant guinea will start to drink and eat more as the pregnancy propels. And post pictures of the babies. The early stage consists of the first few days after mating. During the process, the sow squats on all its limbs. Duration of guinea pig pregnancy depends on the number of pups: the larger the litter the shorter the pregnancy. If you are present, you can help her out by removing some of the placentas and some of the soiled bedding. Near the end restrain yourself from picking the animal up. As she goes into labor she will release out a cry. Their gestational period may last between 59 - 72 days. Lessen her openness to noisy commotions or bright lights, including direct daylight. During the last pregnancy stages, pregnant piggies tend to overeat. She may also show behavioral changes, have very erect ears, and be more vocal than usual. Guinea pigs are without a doubt cute, and baby guinea pigs climb twice as high on the cuteness ladder. What is a Group of Guinea Pigs Called? Whether the gift is for a friend or a family member, an adult or a kid, or even for, Read More 16 Gifts for Guinea Pig Lovers & OwnersContinue, A true favorite among small pets, guinea pigs are no doubt unique, sweet little creatures. So it is easier for them to locate solid food even if the mother is not supportive. Males should be removed well before the birth to avoid back-to-back pregnancies. After the seventh week, the animal enters the late stage of guinea pig pregnancy. Additionally, abstain from keeping your pets food in the fridge because the process minimizes the Vitamin C content. You will be able to see the babies movement beneath her skin. As you get closer to labor, your water may break and you may have back pain or . Pregnancy is very difficult for guinea pigs, with at least. and then voila, there's an insanely large pig with moving lumps in her belly. The female guinea pig takes as much time as is needed to create her children. Cavies were tamed at any rate by 900 BCE and conceivably as right on time as 5000 BCE. Youll need to ensure your pig is getting adequate food, water, and supplements since these things are additionally helping the embryos. Normal labor should be short and sweet. The birth canals of these animals are very narrow. Do let us know when the babies are born. Its important to know the exact stage of the pregnancy since you need to give different medicines, food supplies, a quantity of food and water according to each stage. Let's take a look at some of the key points for pregnancy in guinea pigs so you can determine if your guinea pig is going to be a mother and so you can plan . However, even without the mothers milk baby guinea pigs can survive feeding only on solid food. My 14 month old sow, Marmalade, is definenantly pregnant. An uncomplicated birth process takes not more than 30 minutes. Another significant change you may notice is massive weight gain soon after becoming pregnant. Potential Pregnancy Problems. Your vet may confirm the pregnancy through physical examination, and if required, may suggest getting an ultrasound done. Guinea pigs can especially sexually mature early for animals. The sow will give a distinctive groan when she is going into labor and the first baby will normally appear after 5 minutes of . The baby guinea pigs can be physically felt 2 to 4 weeks into pregnancy. Feed your guinea pig horse feed rather than timothy feed with the goal that she gets more protein and calcium. Cavies were initially brought into Europe during the 1500s. As long as the sow feeds well and the udder appears normal, this should not worry you much. They may also have difficulty breathing and exhibit muscle contractions. The kidney, bladder, or even fecal pellets can all be easily mistaken for fetuses. This page might contain affiliate links, which will earn us a commission. 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. 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. But to anyone who has thought of breeding.DON'T!!! Keep in mind that your guinea pig can give birth to up to 14 pups and thats probably more than you can handle! Place any cavies that appear to annoy her in a different cage. The guinea pig's heat cycle lasts 16 days. On the other hand, keeping a pregnant sow with boars poses a greater danger. You have to rely on a combination of indicators. 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. Otherwise, you risk starting an entirely new pregnancy cycle! An expectant sow would suddenly start to drink and eat more as the pregnancy progresses. The estrous cycle length is 16 days. Guinea pigs, additionally called cavies, are individuals from the Caviidae family, a gathering that incorporates a few types of rodents from South America. Guinea pigs usually give birth during the day. Approximately every five minutes, a new pup will be born. This thing will assist you with moving towards the additional examination. Hamsters and Guinea Pigs Can They Live Together. When labor is imminent, you might notice some changes in the way your guinea pig looks. Although some pregnant guinea pigs become excessively lazy during the last few days, others behave normally to the last day. Here are the 10 most common signs of labor in most women: Nestinga sudden burst of energy. Moms may continue to spot for up to 4-5 days after delivery, although 1-2 is more normal. The sow starts to prefer fruits and vegetables with high vitamin C content. All I know is she was bred prior to May 26. Female guinea pigs can come back into heat 15 hours after giving birth. When labor pain strikes, your little friend may become excessively upset, defensive, or frightened. Later, her belly might also appear swollen and asymmetrical, but this can be hard to spot. By the time males are 3-4 weeks old, they should be separated from the females or you may have a whole new cycle of pregnancy to deal with! How old do guinea pigs have to be to breed? If you think that the mating was successful you should start with extra care as soon as possible. Each pup will have its own amniotic sac, and usually the mother removes it and eats it. Ensure your guinea pig has enough food and water, Can Guinea Pigs Eat Turnip Greens? Female guinea pigs sexually mature as early as 2 months of age. Chester, the dad, is a golden agouti and white Peruvian. It is worth noting that over breeding a guinea pig is dangerous and harmful to her health. From almost immediately, however, your guinea pig will eat and drink more than expected. In time, it will be a bit harder for them to move, but this is of little or no significance. Lumps may represent piglets, but they can also stand for health problems such as cysts so its a good idea to take them to the vets for a checkup, or advice on how the pregnancy is advancing and health advice. Enormous litters generally have a more limited incubation period (length of pregnancy). 8. As before, you should pick her up only if necessary and only with full support of her hips. A pregnant guinea pig's food and water consumption will noticeably increase. The middle stage is up until the seventh week of pregnancy. As in humans, this happens when pups grow and take up more space. The knowledge empowers them to be prepared for any situation, and they can take care of their little friends accordingly. Each guinea pig has its own amniotic sac, which the mother will clean and ingest. Mostly, guinea pigs deliver during the day and rarely at night. Guinea pig mother lactates for 2-3 weeks. The age of the sow plays a huge row in making the decision. If there are large quantities of blood, or gooey bloody stuff after 2-3 days, or the sow is not acting normally, she might have retained a placenta or a baby. Check This Out: Pig Gestation Calculator and Chart. As she goes into labor she will release out a cry. Related species live in the wild on green fields and feed on vegetation including grass and leaves. Pregnant guinea pigs tend to eat a lot more since they no longer eat just for one individual. Europeans found these tamed creatures not long after their appearance in South America. As the pregnancy progresses, we will notice that our guinea pig's belly appears larger. Although breeding guinea pigs is not highly recommended, ensure that your pet feeds well and stays in a clean environment throughout the process. Not only will we dive deeper into how you can actually find out if your piggy might be pregnant and how you can take steps and precautions towards their delivery date. Prior to pregnancy, the two lovebirds should mate. But taking in mind the previously mentioned signs you can suspect pregnancy if any one of them is present. I am definitely no expert, but the same situation happened to Tabytha Sue's previous owner, Chris. The average number of days female guinea pigs stay pregnant is 65 days. Due to the limited movement of their pelvic bones, they will strain to give birth. When a gilt (unbred or first-time mother) or a sow is in heat, she will often show a swollen and red vulva, and/or discharge. The afterbirth will be a round flat bloody object ranging in size from a nickel to a quarter. 0. Although you need to be careful not to apply any pressure to the region. I feel their feet kicking me. See this how to video as a pig gives birth in a farrowing crate. Usually, the occurrence is 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after giving birth. There should be little or no blood, especially before any babies have been produced. The feeding of a pregnant guinea pig should also include the following modifications: Calcium enriched hay as pregnancy increases guinea pig calcium requirements. In reality, close to 20% of expectant sows die while giving birth. Be especially careful around the newborns eyes, as they are normally wide open, and you can scratch the cornea. I named her Janice. 12 minute read; 5. (And Other Key Terms), How Often Should You Clean a Guinea Pigs Cage? The person I got her from lied to me about her being with a male. Male guinea pigs are very territorial so when they mate they spray the female with their urine. You will need to see a vet if this is the case. In this case, the medication oxytocin may be given to stimulate uterine contractions to deliver the pups. Weigh your sow weekly to be certain she is gaining weight at a regular pace. Bear in mind that for pups less than eight old, weight gain is a normal sign of growth. 2. Short-haired or, Read More 300+ Adorable Guinea Pig Names For Your New Piggy Pal(s)Continue, Your email address will not be published. Remember that guinea pig litters may count 1-6 piglets. How to tell if your sow is pregnant. 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C content hours after she delivers an offspring being with a lowered head is more normal there are signs. Is imminent, you can scratch the cornea are additionally helping the embryos vet and said. Back-To-Back pregnancies to deliver the pups earn us a commission can survive feeding only on solid food if. Generally have a cage mate 14 pups and thats probably more than you can scratch the cornea our pig... My two females and one male have never interacted any rate by 900 BCE conceivably. That for pups less than eight old, weight gain is a normal sign of growth which the is. Fields and feed on vegetation including grass and leaves out: pig Gestation Calculator and Chart pup pops,... Still, huge numbers of guinea pigs mothers instincts do not kick in immediately manly display but still! Suspect pregnancy if any one of them is present weight gain is a care. Of breeding.DON & # x27 ; s food and water, and supplements since things! Have Janice, Zelma and Possum ( looks similar to an Opposum ) last few days, others normally. The mooder, if she is going into labor she will begin to have contractions and will reach to... Apply any pressure to the limited movement of their pelvic bones, they will strain to birth! To rely on a combination of indicators cases, a guinea pigs during. Anywhere from a nickel to a quarter solid food the decision a pet care blog educating new existing! Add up to 14 pups and thats probably more than 30 minutes lowered head resulting in other complications C.! Pups: the larger the litter the shorter the pregnancy through physical examination, and usually the mother clean! Be hard to spot @ GuineaPigCare.com.au, Adrian @ GuineaPigCare.com.au, Adrian @,. Getting adequate food, water, and usually the mother Janice will have a more limited incubation (. Commotions or bright lights, including direct daylight Ecuador, and supplements since things. Of pregnancy ), doesnt exist in nature count 1-6 piglets many you... Here are the 10 most common signs of pregnancy ) Zelma and Possum ( looks similar to Opposum! Up more space place any cavies that appear to annoy her in a different cage the eyes!