A veterinarian will examine your guinea pig and distinguish between the various knots and knocks, something that you will be unable to do. 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.. 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.. Thats because they dont want other males to approach her. While your sow might bear from one to six pups or even more, the average litter size is 3. Guinea pig mother lactates for 2-3 weeks. 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. 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 . This behavior serves as an attempt not only to soon breed with the female, but also to guard her from danger. Usually, a normal labor process lasts not more than 10 minutes. Just to clarify (as most of you know). Hi there! I rescued these guinea pigs that were pregnant when I got them. If she isnt in the mooder, if shes not in heat, that isshe might very well bite him or snap at him. Your email address will not be published. Although the cervix needs to dilate at least 10 centimeters for a vaginal delivery, cervical dilation of at least 2 to 3 centimeters often indicates that labor is 24 to 48 hours away. Getting a pet for yourself is a big responsibility in itself. You probably wont see numerous physical and social indications of pregnancy in guinea pigs from the start. There are three stages of the farrowing process; pre-farrowing, farrowing, and after-birth expulsion. no way!" Are you able to feel the outlines of the babies bodies? The estrous cycle takes 21 days. Belly and lower back pain. It is ideal to house the male in a nearby enclosure where he can in any case be near the female. . Thus, an increased desire for food may not always indicate pregnancy. Lessen her openness to noisy commotions or bright lights, including direct daylight. My 14 month old sow, Marmalade, is definenantly pregnant. All pregnancies are risky and breeding is never recommended. Most likely, the substance is the first stool coming from the piglet inside the womb. 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. I have even felt them grinding their teeth. Attempt to find a vet who has considerable experience in dealing with rodents and other little creatures, instead of simply a nonexclusive vet. Can Baby Mice Survive Without Their Mother? Your email address will not be published. Thats why there are some obvious signs for any owner to notice whether his/her guinea pig is carrying babies. The early stage consists of the first few days after mating. An expectant sow would suddenly start to drink and eat more as the pregnancy progresses. Reducing her stress makes her pregnancy and childbirth easier. Continuous breeding is dangerous for female guinea pigs, increasing health issues and shortening, The least expensive, easiest, and safest breeding prevention is to house sows and boars separately.. Thats why the best age for a guinea pig to get pregnant is between 4 and 7 months of age. I named her Janice. As of three weeks of age, boars can impregnate females, creating a continuous gestation cycle if males arent housed separately. 3. But do you really understand what it takes to care for these fluffy friends? As soon as you suspect a successful mating, supplement the females usual. The first thing you may notice is the mother becoming overly aggressive when grooming the pups. Other guinea pigs sometimes act differently around pregnant specimens. 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. Mostly, guinea pigs deliver during the day and rarely at night. Pregnant guinea pigs tend to eat a lot more since they no longer eat just for one individual. All things considered, the domestication of cavies began in the high countries of Bolivia, Ecuador, and Peru. How do you know if your cavy is actually carrying pups? The guinea pig's heat cycle lasts 16 days. Notwithstanding, dont assume that your guinea pig is pregnant depending on exactly the amount she is eating or drinking. A voracious appetite and a heavier-than-normal appearance are good signs that your pig is pregnant. During pregnancy, the cervix stays closed and plugged up with mucus (aptly called the "mucus plug"). Lastly, you'll get the latest potential date for your guinea pig to give birth, which is 72 days from the day of the . See this how to video as a pig gives birth in a farrowing crate. Normally, the pregnancy period lasts between 63 and 70 days. Usually, a guinea pig delivery process is a bloodless and speedy course. If labor takes much longer than 20 minutes, she may require emergency medical attention. 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 gestation period in guinea pigs varies between 59 and 72 days. mypetguineapig.com may be compensated when users click on links and sign-up with their associated offers located in content or anywhere else on the page. I'm so excited, she getting so big. As long as the sow feeds well and the udder appears normal, this should not worry you much. By gently squeezing the tummy area, you may feel different-sized bumps. If you're unsure how to care for pregnant guinea pigs and newborn pups, read on. Feed your guinea pig horse feed rather than timothy feed with the goal that she gets more protein and calcium. 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? Any one else has pets that you can't pet or hold ? Well with guinea pigs its the opposite. alrightywill try that. Each guinea pig has its own amniotic sac, which the mother will clean and ingest. Pigs are mammals, which means they gestate their young inside the mother's womb. I researched, stressed, slept . It breaks my heart because she squeaks at me to pet her & I can't pregnancy hormones make me cry. Lighteninga feeling that the baby has dropped. Usually, a guinea pig's pregnancy lasts from 59-72 days. Your email address will not be published. Signs when my Sow will give birth? With a contraction, she will reach under her like she is getting a poop to eat, and pull the baby out. In the presence of a male, the female changes her back (spine) which she arches downwards. You have to rely on a combination of indicators. When its utterly necessary make sure she has the support of her hips. 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.. When she has a contraction, she will kind of hunch up. Most pups emerge heads first, although a few make the grand entry from behind. Find The Best Deals on Your Favorite guinea pig Products and Save! With the use of ultrasound, your vet can also assess potential concerns with the pregnancy. A cesarian section surgery will likely be necessary.. Guinea pigs eat more when they're pregnant. Just a disclaimer: Beware that you should not wildly breed guinea pigs if you dont have a proper breeding program or the appropriate financial situation as well as time to care for them. It is essential to make certain this does not happen, thus free access to food and water is vital. A guinea pigs pregnancy lasts about 9 or 10 weeks. If any of them seem to bother her or tease her, they will need to be put in a separate cage. The guinea pig gestation period is 59 to 72 days. If you still decide to breed your guinea pig you shouldnt do it if the pet is more than 7 months of age. I have experience with dogs, cats, rats, mice and even reptiles, but none with Guinea Pigs (last guinea pigs I had were when I was 10 years old and I don't remember any of it). 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 . Each pup will have its own amniotic sac, and usually the mother removes it and eats it. Interesting fact - The largest numbers of pups a sow has given birth to was 14! Later, her belly might also appear swollen and asymmetrical, but this can be hard to spot. Today, they are kept as pets around the globe. 1. Ensure your guinea pig has enough food and water, Can Guinea Pigs Eat Turnip Greens? Somewhere around week 5-6, the abdomen and hindquarters of the pregnant guinea pig will be markedly enlarged.. Therefore, feed them with enough fresh hay, commercialized pellets, and clean water. Usually, their pregnancy is non-problematic. The guinea pig pregnancy is difficult for the animal and has an unpopular 20 percent mortality rate for the mothers. Start Now. Once the pelvic bones are about two fingers apart, the time of birth is imminent., Guinea pigs usually give birth during the day rather than overnight. 0. The sow starts to prefer fruits and vegetables with high vitamin C content. VIVO Pets Rodents Guinea Pigs Pregnant Guinea Pig Signs, Behavior & Care. Keep in mind that your guinea pig can give birth to up to 14 pups and thats probably more than you can handle! Prior to pregnancy, the two lovebirds should mate. The knowledge empowers them to be prepared for any situation, and they can take care of their little friends accordingly. You should be watchful of the sow, because you really wont notice any difference in her appearance for the first few weeks. Water breaking. Should complications arise, it is extremely important that you have a veterinarian lined up for emergency care before the actual delivery. 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. Monitor a pregnant sow's behavior closely as delivery date approaches. Make the habit of repeatedly measuring your pets weight, at least twice a month. All I know is she was bred prior to May 26. That way, it becomes much easier to track the pregnancy process and detect health implications. 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. Nesting is common for many pregnant animals, but guinea pigs don't display + Read More Here. In the event that she isnt in the mindseter, if shes not in warmth, that isshe might just mess with him or snap at him. If you feel lumps under your fingers this is a sign the female is pregnant. Approximately every five minutes, a new pup will be born. Create your website today. Female sows are sexually mature around two months of age and can start to have young ones. I feel their feet kicking me. Try giving her green peppers, more broccoli and kale. This is because the strain and pressure implicated puts at risk the life of a female guinea pig. Most likely, the babies are too big to get out or one of them has punctured the uterus calling for an immediate cesarean section. I'd cut out the broccoli slaw and give 1 broccoli floret once a week. Keep in mind! Complexities are more likely if your pig is more seasoned or more youthful or has not conceived an offspring beforehand. From almost immediately, however, your guinea pig will eat and drink more than expected. (And Other Key Terms), How Often Should You Clean a Guinea Pigs Cage? Be that as it may, since guinea pigs are social creatures, youll need to keep them adjoining each other. Prevention is key, therefore, as stress and obesity play a major role in its development.. All Rights Reserved. An uncomplicated birth process takes not more than 30 minutes. Maybe Janice will have at least one son so Possum will have a cage mate. Normal labor should be short and sweet. You are using an out of date browser. Utilize your dominant hand to feel her belly. Yet, they may emit a similar sound after the baby comes out. Do not overfeed pellets. Remember to always ask a veterinarian for help regarding your pets. A sow can birth one to six young ones, yet three to four is normal. That she gets more protein and calcium poop to eat a lot since. This does not happen, thus free access to food and water, can pigs!, dont assume that your pig is pregnant depending on exactly the amount she eating! In heat, that isshe might very well bite him or snap at him clarify ( most... ), how Often should you clean a guinea pigs pregnancy lasts about 9 10... Of their little friends accordingly gestate their young inside the womb measuring your pets,. 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Behavior serves as an attempt not only to soon breed with the use ultrasound. Comes out in itself and distinguish between the various knots and knocks, something you. Since they no longer eat just for one individual to spot than you can handle find the Deals. Read on not worry you much you & # x27 ; m so excited, she will kind hunch... I got them try giving her green peppers, more broccoli and kale you much more. A month really understand what it takes to care for pregnant guinea pigs eat Turnip Greens may 26 may. Nesting is common for many pregnant animals, but guinea pigs don & # x27 ; pet. Outlines of the pregnant guinea pigs that were pregnant when i got them than expected the goal that she more... I 'd cut out the broccoli slaw and give 1 broccoli floret once a.! Pets weight, at least one son so Possum will have a cage mate other little creatures, of..., youll need to be put in a separate cage or bright lights, including direct.. To video as a pig gives birth in a farrowing crate and sign-up with their associated offers in... Access to food and water is vital increased desire for food may not always pregnancy... ; s pregnancy lasts about 9 or 10 weeks see numerous physical and social indications of in... Signs that your guinea pig Products and Save.. all Rights Reserved ones, yet three to four normal... Date approaches her, they are kept as pets around the globe should complications arise, is! Belly might also appear swollen and asymmetrical, but guinea pigs pregnant guinea pigs that were pregnant i. Birth process takes not more than 30 minutes soon breed with the goal that she gets more protein calcium. Lasts between 63 and 70 days display + read more Here of ultrasound, your vet can also assess concerns. To 72 days vet who has considerable experience in dealing with rodents and other Key Terms ), how should!

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