The length of the estrous cycle is 16 days. The guinea pig pregnancy is difficult for the animal and has an unpopular 20 percent mortality rate for the mothers. 6,530 Pregnancy Week By Week Premium High Res Photos Browse 6,530 pregnancy week by week photos and images available, or search for stages of pregnancy week by week to find more great photos and pictures. Welcome to Animallama, a place where experienced small pet owners share all the tips they learned over the years of caring for their fur friends. Male guinea pigs as young as 3 weeks old can impregnate a female, and a female guinea pig as young as a month old, can get pregnant. Make any changes as early as possible in the pregnancy, when the stress will have less of an effect on the sow. At birth, baby guinea pigs can weigh between 2.1 and 4.2 oz (60 and 120 grams) and have an average size of 3-4 inches (8-10 cm). Toxemia is another risk for pregnant guineas, though the exact cause of it is uncertain. Guinea pigs have an average of two to four babies per litter but can have as many as eight. Speak to your vet to make sure you provide the right quantity of pellets. Note that she may chew the cardboard, so have extra boxes or use a wicker or thick-plastic box. 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. There is, however, a thin line between sounding heartwarming and scary when people say the words guinea pig pregnancy. Clean the water bottle weekly to prevent the build-up of algae and bacteria. Season: A mare's gestation period can be impacted by the season. If so then this video will help answer all of your questions. Duration of guinea pig pregnancy depends on the number of pups: the larger the litter the shorter the pregnancy. 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. If you have any concerns, do not hesitate to get to a vet. This is because sows who are too young are at a greater risk of vitamin deficiencies during pregnancy. Boys will try and mate with their mum at . :)", understand just in case for the future as well, thanks so much for the info. Vitamin C is highly unstable and breaks down within 8 weeks of the manufacturing date. Our content is written by knowledgeable small pet owners with years of experience and is based on scientific research and expert recommendations. I have been given an 8 week old guinea pig that is pregnant, and her half-sister. Female sows are sexually mature around two months of age and can start to have young ones. 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. And, truth be told, it can certainly be a tricky, stress-ridden adventure for experienced cavy owners as well. Reduce exposure to loud noises or bright lights. Gaining weight at a regular pace is important. If there are male guinea pigs present at the time of birth, they will compete between themselves to mate with the mother and protect the newborn guinea pigs. Somewhere around week 5-6, the abdomen and hindquarters of the pregnant guinea pig will be markedly enlarged. Do not overfeed pellets. In this case, the medication oxytocin may be given to stimulate uterine contractions to deliver the pups. I know there are so many groups out there that don't and its okay. If there is not an out-of-hours vet in your area, discuss this with your vet to come up with a plan. Did you know you can get expert answers for this article? She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. Guinea Pig Pregnancy Britany Sanchez 153 subscribers 150K views 10 years ago This video is about the week by week progress of your Guinea Pig's pregnancy, along with links to more. In the best-case scenario, make arrangements to have a visiting vet check her every once in a while. A serious condition that can occur during the last stage of guinea pig pregnancy is pregnancy toxemia. With our guinea pig pregnancy calculator, you can easily estimate the day a guinea pig will give birth to little pups. Its logical to think that the more babies the mother carries, the longer the pregnancy will last because more time for nourishment is required. As a general rule, guinea pigs do not respond well to anaesthetic so if it is possible, separating the sexes is a safer option. Pregnant guinea pigs get visually larger in the abdominal area. During this time, the pregnant guinea pig will undergo many changes, both physically and behaviorally. When there is a dominant male, theres a likelihood that the other males wont try to interact with the mother. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. Most vets recommend that whenever your female guinea pig is gaining weight to bring her for a pregnancy check-up. It is entirely possible for a male pup to impregnate its mother or sisters. The sow should gradually put on weight. However, most guinea pigs have a pregnancy that lasts from 59 to 72 days. Near the end restrain yourself from picking the animal up. Even still, it's important to keep a very clean cage or hutch. She may, if he persists, even urinate on him. These pups may die within a few days of birth, or may live for several years. A female may accidentally injure the babies by squashing them and babies are prone to escaping cages, so check up on them regularly. The estrous cycle is somewhat typical in means of behavioral changes of the female guinea pig. Doing so can cause pups to grow too big, which the sow may struggle to birth. . Lindsay Pereira is a pet-lovin Montral-based writer whos a mommy to Muffy, a grumpy guinea pig with a serious attitude problem, the recently departed Miss Lilly, who is happily nibbling hay in guinea pig heaven. As mentioned above, you should make sure you have the knowledge, time, financials to properly guide your guinea pig through that and consider not breeding at all if any one of these requirements isnt fulfilled. Handling those delicate tootsies which are no bigger than the size of, Read More Guinea Pig Nail Care: Advice For Trimming & Cutting Guinea Pig NailsContinue, Are you searching for an awesome guinea-pig-themed gift? It tends to affect overweight sows delivering their first and second litter. Once the pups are weaned, the mother should not require vitamin supplements anymore, unless you gave them to her as part of her regular diet anyway. This article made the information I, "This helped a lot. Every pregnancy varies from individual to individual but there's definitely a silver lining, just as with any other space.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.Just a disc. The sow licks the babies and eats the amniotic sack when once they are out. (Know Before Feeding! 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. By using our site, you agree to our. House pregnant sows indoors if pets are normally free-range outside. Support wikiHow by Can Guinea Pigs Live Alone? If she has given birth before, she likely will double her weight by the time she gives birth, so you can approximate how far along she is by weighing her. Guinea pig pregnancy week-by-week may sound like a complicated affair to both the novice and experienced cavy parent. You need to find out whether she is with babies earlier to provide the appropriate level of care for each stage of the pregnancy. Mother starts making "extreme" stress calls, Mother seems to give in, appearing exhausted, Excessive bleeding (more than a tablespoon). Establish a daily routine with set times and stick to it, to provide consistency. Only a skilled and experienced veterinarian should attempt to manipulate the position of pups before they are born. In the middle and later stages of gestation, a pregnant sow will display an enlarged abdomen. With the use of ultrasound, your vet can also assess potential concerns with the pregnancy. A few proprietors have brought a young guinea pig home, to find that she is pregnant as of now! His professionalism is shown on the many articles he contributed to the website. So it is not good practice by caring breeders. The duration of pregnancy is 60 to 70 days, because of this guinea pigs give birth to well developed young. Pet stores often keep both sexes together, resulting in many people being sold sows which are already pregnant. Use our guinea pig gestation calculator to estimate your pets due date based on the date she was bred. The exercises should continue normally because the guinea pig needs to regulate her weight and keep her strength up. However, even without the mothers milk baby guinea pigs can survive feeding only on solid food. Is your female guinea pig getting more chubby lately, leaving you wondering if youll soon have a bunch of fluff balls running around? Thats when the delivery starts and if everything is normal the first pup will come out in about 5 minutes. How can I tell? This mechanism works in other species of animals as well and very fortunately humans arent accustomed to it. Wait 24 hours after the birth to give additional feeding for one of the pups as it takes this long for some pups to begin feeding at all. What is the Best Age for a Guinea Pig to Get Pregnant? Its also cheaper in the long run than disposable bedding, eco-friendly, and doesnt contain dust that, Read More Fleece Bedding for Guinea Pigs: Pros and Cons & How to Use ItContinue, A true favorite among small pets, guinea pigs are no doubt unique, sweet little creatures. Enjoy! Daily touch-up cleaning of her habitat to keep it as clean as possible without removing her. Below is a detailed description of what to expect during each week of a guinea pig's pregnancy. Other potential complications are prolapse, retained placenta, uterine tears, etc. (The Surprising Answer! Small litters do not cause the belly to enlarge significantly, and will not be as noticeable. Place the cage away from direct sunlight and from places where there are loud noises present. At this time you will be even able to distinguish the body parts of the moving babies by gently touching the belly. If any of the pups is definitely alive, but is not alert or able to see or walk then contact your vet immediately. The truth is, breeding guinea pigs is dangerous for your female piggy and most vets discourage breeding for several valid reasons. Much like other Rodentia and those of the Lagomorpha species, guinea pigs have pearly whites that will grow without end in sight something that can be a serious health problem, Read More What Can Guinea Pigs Chew On? Guinea pig newborns are fully covered with hair, have open eyes and ears and have teeth present. Research source Thats because they dont want other males to approach her. The largest noted litter numbered 14 guinea pigs. As a species, they also increase their food intake in the winter. Guinea pigs should be split into same-sex groups at 3 weeks old. During this period the mothers double her body weight and get a lot bigger. Weigh your sow weekly to be certain she is gaining weight at a regular pace. To prevent high stress levels, which can lead to disease, keep your guinea pig away from direct sunlight. Keeping a clean hutch will prevent a build-up of ammonia from urine. It will be too stressful for her. As in humans, this happens when pups grow and take up more space. 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. Pregnant guinea pigs should be kept inside. Thats because those tiny, adorable feet are just so tiny! During the early stage change the usual hay with Alfalfa hay. Guinea Pig Reproduction and Gestation Guinea pigs have a lifespan of 4 to 8 years and reach sexual maturity at an early age. The cavy is eating and/or drinking more than usual. During the first month or so, there arent a lot of physical signs to indicate your sow is a mom-to-be. Guinea pigs dont typically create a nest to give birth, but you may want to make a warm, comfortable space for the sow by: Right now, the sows pelvic bone is under a lot of pressure, so minimize handling her to reduce added stress. The average duration of a pregnancy is 65 days, but it depends on how many pups she is carrying -- her pregnancy will be shorter if she's carrying more pups. Females will typically reach full sexual maturity at approximately 4 to 6 weeks of age. it may also be necessary to separate your pregnant guinea pig from any other guinea pigs you have. Any apparent change of behavior in means of lethargy, anorexia, or depression can be a sign of sickness. If there is a likelihood any of the pups are born with this condition you must decide what action you will take. There is a 3-5 minute interval between each baby. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. guinea pigs are pregnant for 67-73 days and you will know she will have babies in 3-4 weeks when you can feel her babies moving. Finally, feed your guinea pig high quality hay and pellets throughout its pregnancy. Our fuzzy pets have a relatively long lifespan compared to other small pets, and they stay our loyal companions through a significant part of our lives. Answer by Guinea P lover! The boar must be removed by 50 days as he may continue to mount her which can be stressful or painful in later pregnancy, and she could become pregnant again as early as two hours after the birth. 2. Fleece bedding comes in many styles, looks great, and is comfortable on guinea pigs feet. However, toxemia is in part a lack of sugar, so keeping sugar levels high is important. The canal is fully fused by the 7-8thmonth of age both in unbred female and male guinea pigs. If your guinea pig has been pregnant for more than about two or three weeks then you might be able to very very gently feel the foetuses in your pet. There is no need to remove other sows, they may even help with the pups. Right now, it is imperative to ensure the pregnant guinea is in a stress-free environment. X Do not rely on foods that list added Vitamin C as an ingredient. They may be willing to attend themselves, or you may have to contact an experienced. Loud squeals are a sign that she accepted him. Usually, the occurrence is 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after giving birth. The pregnancy of the guinea pig will be shorter if there is a larger litter size. Guinea Pig Gestation Period: How Long Is Guinea Pig Pregnancy? ), Will Guinea Pigs Kill Each Other? A guinea pig's pregnancy lasts about 9 or 10 weeks. Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and more. Males should be removed well before the birth to avoid back-to-back pregnancies. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. The onset is generally sudden and progress rather quicker than you are reporting. She may carry several pups, between one and six, and they're carried in the womb for 58 - 73 days. Lethal guinea pigs are white in colour (not albino) are born blind, usually in both eyes, have crooked or deformed teeth, are often also deaf and often suffer from internal deformities particularly to the digestive organs. If you still decide to breed your guinea pig you shouldnt do it if the pet is more than 7 months of age. Laber-Laird, Swindle, & Flecknell. The milk provides some very important nutrients for the babies. Newborn guinea pigs weigh between 60g and 115g. Not knowing all the necessary facts about pregnancy in guinea pigs can prove to be a nightmare. On rare occasions, it means that the guinea pig is suffering from a sickness. Pups will each have their own amniotic sac, which the sow normally removes and ingests. Covering the sleep section of the cage with a towel so she feels cozy and safe. Well with guinea pigs its the opposite. When you are sure the birth is over, you can assist the sow in cleaning by removing any stained bedding. (Complete Setup), Do Guinea Pigs Eat Carrots? Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Is it OK to leave the non-pregnant girl with the pups? Look closely at the cavy's genital opening. So, it should not come as a surprise if female and male pups are kept in one enclosure. Wash out the water bottle with a gentle dish soap every few days. Your email address will not be published. A first-timer will not gain as much weight, but generally will weigh 35 ounces or more by the time she gives birth. A List of Safe, Healthy Chewables for your CaviesContinue, It can be intimidating for first-time guinea pig parents to clip their cavys nails. Handbook of Rodent and Rabbit Medicine. Even though you can assist the birthing by yourself, its always better to leave it to licensed professionals. Guinea pigs are pregnant for approximately 58 to 72 days. The majority of guinea pigs give birth during daylight. The rapid dissolving of fat results in metabolic disorders and the accumulation of ketones in the bloodstream. Required fields are marked *. In fact, you may even wonder if your cavy is actually pregnant. How do you know if your cavy is actually carrying pups? The pups do not require a heat lamp or heating pad. The average gestation period is 65 days. Laber-Laird, Swindle, & Flecknell. 2 Observe her eating habits. 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Effect on the date she was bred accumulation of ketones in the middle and later stages of gestation, thin... Cavy owners as well time you will be even able to see or walk then contact your to! Pig is gaining weight to bring her for a pregnancy check-up eating and/or drinking more than usual over 20.. Not knowing all the necessary facts about pregnancy in guinea pigs get visually larger in best-case! Certain she is gaining weight at a regular pace will have less of an on. Separate your pregnant guinea pigs give birth during daylight sows who are too young are a. Eats the amniotic sack when once they are born with this condition you must decide what you... Thick-Plastic box condition you must decide what action you will be shorter if there is a 3-5 minute between. Hometown for over 20 years new products and services nationwide without paying pricewine! Made the information i, `` this helped a lot of physical signs to indicate sow! 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