Female guinea pigs begin a new estrous cycle shortly after giving birth. In some cases, pregnant guinea pigs triple the amount they consume in a day. This way you can have the record of her weight in order to determine any patterns of weight gain that may be evocative of a pregnancy. The birth canals of these animals are very narrow. Some of the most common signs include: Lumps in the belly: A pregnant female, similar to most mammals, will have an enlarged belly and a group formed of aggregated cells (nodules or lumps) in her belly, which is a sign of a growing fetus. Pregnant Guinea Pig Signs, Behavior & Care. Yet, during the delivery process, the merged pelvic may take longer to open. 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! Copyright 2023 - VIVO Pets. Whether it was planned or not, this post will inform you on what to expect during guinea pig pregnancy, the potential problems, and post-natal care. If pregnant, your guinea pig may have a single piglet or up to 3-4. For an effective process, ensure that your pregnant sows consume fresh veggies and fruits hay each day. In common, by the end of a pregnancy, the pregnant guinea pigs load will have doubled; the piglets normally make up more than half of the sows weight. Remember that guinea pig litters may count 1-6 piglets. Guinea Pig Gestation Period: How Long Is Guinea Pig Pregnancy? This thing will assist you with moving towards the additional examination. It is ideal to house the male in a nearby enclosure where he can in any case be near the female. When there is a dominant male, theres a likelihood that the other males wont try to interact with the mother. In these regions, native Americans domesticated them for food. If the female disproves of her suitor, then she will snap at or bite him to chase him away. Others due to the strain and fatigue require more time to get accustomed. Attempt to make your guinea pigs life easier by following a daily routine. As soon as you suspect a successful mating, supplement the females usual. As long as the sow feeds well and the udder appears normal, this should not worry you much. It may not display this or other websites correctly. How To Know when a pig is going into labor. It breaks my heart because she squeaks at me to pet her & I can't pregnancy hormones make me cry. In some cases, pregnant guinea pigs triple the amount they consume in a day. Does she appear calm or grunts and call out to her piglets? Limit pressure and dodge any changes in the eating routine or lodging during late pregnancy. An ultrasound check is the best quality level for pregnancy conclusion among guinea pigs. In the event that he endures, shell hose his excitement by peeing on him. Daily touch-up cleaning of her habitat to keep it as clean as possible without removing her. After each pup pops out, it may take three to five minutes for the other to emerge. Regardless of whether this is the lone sow you own, you should in any case eliminate the male pig before she arrives 60 days in her pregnancy. Strong, frequent contractions. JavaScript is disabled. Wondering if you are able to commit to being a responsible pet parent to these adorable little rodents? Do not overfeed pellets. After only a few of weeks, you should see your pet putting on weight, and the size of the mid-region getting truly perceptible. In general, the two main tell-tale signs early on are: Limiting access to food will deplete the sow of her own fat stores. by the way, how many are you expecting? When its utterly necessary make sure she has the support of her hips. Panting (Fast Breathing) Panting or fast breathing in dogs giving birth occurs due to various reasons. A pregnant guinea will start to drink and eat more as the pregnancy propels. Your email address will not be published. Still, huge numbers of guinea pigs experience a difficult birthing process due to late breeding and poor health. As a result, they may bite, attack or pull her fur resulting in other complications. Shivering and tail twitching is an indication that a piglet is on the way. Guinea Pig Pregnancy 101: Signs and Care Guide (2022) Do Guinea Pigs Nest Before Giving Birth? An expectant sow would suddenly start to drink and eat more as the pregnancy progresses. 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. Female guinea pigs can come back into heat 15 hours after giving birth. Watch this video to recognize if a pig is in labor. Cessation of this agitated behavior indicates labor has begun. Female guinea pigs sexually mature as early as 2 months of age. It is wise to make the pregnancy journey less cumbersome by providing the sow with a comfortable enclosure away from others. Pre-mature birth will need to be followed by a period of artificial incubation. Some factors like body size, breed and number of fetuses affect the pig gestation period or length. Males should be removed well before the birth to avoid back-to-back pregnancies. However, they are more prone to health problems in the latter stages of pregnancy. How soon can guinea pig become pregnant after giving birth? 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. Guinea pigs arrive at sexual development at a youthful age 2 months for females and 3 months for males. Polar fleece is perfect. The gestation period in guinea pigs could be anywhere between 59-72 days. There should be little or no blood, especially before any babies have been produced. Ensure your guinea pig has enough food and water, Can Guinea Pigs Eat Turnip Greens? Thankfully I am off today, so I am able to watch her (from far away of course) and make sure everything goes ok. After the widening, is birthing within 12-24 hours or 24-48 hours? Your vet may confirm the pregnancy through physical examination, and if required, may suggest getting an ultrasound done. Guinea pig pregnancy week-by-week may sound like a complicated affair to both the novice and experienced cavy parent. In fact, you may even wonder if your cavy is actually pregnant. During the first month or so, there arent a lot of physical signs to indicate your sow is a mom-to-be. It might comprise pre-eclampsia (metabolic unevenness), dystocia (trouble conceiving an offspring), and baby blues battle, (for example, seizures because of short calcium levels). 2 Remove any boars. Due to the limited movement of their pelvic bones, they will strain to give birth. One more way to detect guinea pig pregnancy is the smell of the pet. I originally thought 3 little babies, but the more I feel (Marmalade likes when I pet her belly because if I stop, she nibbles me gently until I start petting her belly again) the more I think there might be 4 or even 5. Anyway, knowing best to keep them all quarantined my two females and one male have never interacted. Thats when the delivery starts and if everything is normal the first pup will come out in about 5 minutes. Europeans found these tamed creatures not long after their appearance in South America. As before, you should pick her up only if necessary and only with full support of her hips. Then of course saw another weeks later that I fell in love with, bought that one too. Subscribe to our newsletter and get access to our free small pet care printables! The most obvious sign of heat, however, is her interest in boars. So it is easier for them to locate solid food even if the mother is not supportive. In the event of a high-risk guinea pig pregnancy, they can also ensure a safe environment to deliver the pups successfully.. Each pup will have its own amniotic sac, and usually the mother removes it and eats it. This is 59 days from exposure. Any apparent change of behavior in means of lethargy, anorexia, or depression can be a sign of sickness. Your email address will not be published. Hence, when housed together, a guinea pig pregnancy can occur very early and very often.. Pregnant guinea pigs will also make a unique groaning sound when they are going into labor. Usually, a guinea pig delivery process is a bloodless and speedy course. I feel their feet kicking me. While your sow might bear from one to six pups or even more, the average litter size is 3. On the other hand, keeping a pregnant sow with boars poses a greater danger. 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. Cervix begins to dilate. At this stage, the sow will appear quite swollen in the midsection. The sow licks the babies and eats the amniotic sack when once they are out. If you gently touch the animals belly and run your hand along the surface and look for small lumps and bumps. Nesting is common for many pregnant animals, but guinea pigs don't display + Read More Here. Not knowing all the necessary facts about pregnancy in guinea pigs can prove to be a nightmare. You most likely wont be able to do this without a proper instrument, as she will only probably put on a few grams per day. If possible, you can request your vet to sterilize your males or keep them in separate cages with the sows. As you get closer to labor, your water may break and you may have back pain or . She will get plenty of energy from a high quality pellet, a variety of fresh veggies, and hay. The male guinea pig is called a boar, while the female is known as a sow. As in humans, this happens when pups grow and take up more space. Your vet may likewise hear the piglets pulses in the sows mid-region. The middle stage is up until the seventh week of pregnancy. Copyright 2000 - 2023, Guinea Pig Cages. Usually, their pregnancy is non-problematic. Therefore, if you are uncertain about any new development, consult your vet soonest. Guinea pigs eat more when they're pregnant. The kidney, bladder, or even fecal pellets can all be easily mistaken for the unborn (fetuses). Avoid over-feeding Prior to labor, sows are restless. It takes two or three weeks to wean pups, and remember that the baby males must be separated by the time they are at most three weeks old. Pregnancy can have many hindrances for the sow, the female guinea pig. When I'm not writing, I enjoy kickboxing and work as an animal trainer. If the Mom does not bite off the placenta at the umbilical cord, you can sterilize a pair of cuticle scissors and carefully cut the umbilical cord about 1/2 inch from the babies tummy. Cavy Slave. 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. 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. A guinea pigs pregnancy lasts about 9 or 10 weeks. Female sows are sexually mature around two months of age and can start to have young ones. The sow will sit very squarely, and make a "hiccupping" type of motion. They may also have difficulty breathing and exhibit muscle contractions. Thats why the best age for a guinea pig to get pregnant is between 4 and 7 months of age. Female guinea pigs begin a new estrous cycle shortly after giving birth. There should be little or no blood, especially before any babies have been produced. These early labor signs include your baby dropping lower in your pelvis; losing your mucus plug; seeing bloody show; having Braxton Hicks contractions; and experiencing nausea and/or diarrhea. Degu Health Problems Common Diseases and Treatments. Symptoms to look out for include: Tiredness, silence, weakness, depression Appetite loss Breathing problems Yes, it is important to follow these guidelines: Ensure a healthy guinea pig pregnancy by providing nutritious foods for your sow and her pups. Softly press inwards and determine if you sense any lumps or bumps inside her womb. Like considering whether she has been in the contact of a boar, keeping a watchful eye on her eating habits, monitoring her weight and rolling the fingers on her side. You are using an out of date browser. I'm so excited, she getting so big. During the process, the sow squats on all its limbs. Bloody show. Use our guinea pig gestation calculator to estimate your pets due date based on the date she was bred. Pregnant guinea pigs arent accustomed to building nests, yet any type of clean soft bedding will do just fine. 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. Remember that typical is comparative with your guinea pigs standard propensities. 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. Have the details of a small animal vet handy Be prepared. If you feel lumps under your fingers this is a sign the female is pregnant. That way, you get assured of a thriving litter and healthy mother. (And How? What is a Group of Guinea Pigs Called? Keep an Eye on the Boys. A neutered male guinea pig can still impregnate a female. . 2. Legitimate consideration and cautious observing are basic to improve the chances of an effective conveyance. Once the pups come out, the mother licks and devours the fetal substances plus the placenta. It doesnt take more than a few hours for them to start eating solid food, just like any other adult guinea pig. In time, it will be a bit harder for them to move, but this is of little or no significance. They interact with voices and gestures to show you everything they feel. The average number of days female guinea pigs stay pregnant is 65 days. Legitimate administration of the pregnant sow requires a comprehension of the danger factors for pregnancy related sickness and a capacity to perceive early indications of issues. When Do Guinea Pigs Stop Growing and How Big Do They Get? If the female is receptive to his suggestion, she will signal her acceptance with loud squeals. Nevertheless, if she is heavy with multiples, moving around in a congested cage can be an issue. Probably the most telling sign of pregnancy in your female guinea pig is being in close contact with an unneutered male recently. I rescued these guinea pigs that were pregnant when I got them. I have no idea when she was bred. Hamsters and Guinea Pigs Can They Live Together. If the female approves of the male, she will signal her acceptance to mate with loud squeaks. Signs of toxemia typically appear from 2 weeks before birth to 1 week after delivery and include:, Unfortunately, in some cases, toxemia is fatal. Hello,Normal guinea pig labor is short with few signs that it is going on. The sow will give a distinctive groan when she is going into labor and the first baby will normally appear after 5 minutes of . Once they are one to two finger-widths apart, it wont be long until birth. The female guinea pig takes as much time as is needed to create her children. Sometimes, other female piggies on heat may pose a great risk due to hormonal changes. Duration of guinea pig pregnancy depends on the number of pups: the larger the litter the shorter the pregnancy. How can you tell if the sow has become pregnant? You'll also see that the sides of her belly become wider, with swelling and stretching breasts. And post pictures of the babies. Thats why a female guinea pig should be bred before the permanent hardening on the pelvic canal. You should watch her carefully if she is too fat and moving very little. If you measure her weight each week then you should be able to see observable contrast, if she is pregnant. I am a little glad that there are more because that means they will be smaller, but I don't want too many. In the event that the female is responsive to his proposal, she will flag her acknowledgment with noisy screeches. Check out these most popular guinea pig products on the market: Last update on 2023-02-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API. The age of the sow plays a huge row in making the decision. They will want to eat solid food within a few hours of birth. Sows do not usually build nests, so provide some soft bedding in the cage. You can sense the distance between the bones by gently positioning your finger on the belly just a few centimeters from the anus. Loosening . If you do not see the birth as it happens, you will most likely not see the placentas, as the Mom will eat the afterbirths and all the bloody wet shavings. If she is fluffed up, or has any signs of illness, get her to a vet immediately. Lighteninga feeling that the baby has dropped. The daily amount of vitamin C should be tripled, so it is likely that they will require a supplement to their normal feed. I researched, stressed, slept . If you feel movement in addition to lumpiness, that's a clear sign she is pregnant. Before going into labor some guinea pigs produce grunt sounds. Since pregnant guinea pigs are making other guinea pigs inside them, theyll need to eat unquestionably more than expected, here and there a few times more to their typical utilization. All previously stated animals of which I have experience build nests of some sort. Approximately every five minutes, a new pup will be born. Guinea pigs, additionally called cavies, are individuals from the Caviidae family, a gathering that incorporates a few types of rodents from South America. The first thing you may notice is the mother becoming overly aggressive when grooming the pups. 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. Medical intervention, such as a c-section, is often required for older sows with no previous prior pregnancies. 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. Shares. The afterbirth will be a round flat bloody object ranging in size from a nickel to a quarter. You should be watchful of the sow, because you really wont notice any difference in her appearance for the first few weeks. Guinea pigs need extra vitamin C during pregnancy, so you may see her favoring the products of the soil having the vitamin C in high quantity over those lacking it. I am definitely no expert, but the same situation happened to Tabytha Sue's previous owner, Chris. Two per week at the most, but one per day is too much. 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. This means that we may receive a small commission at no cost to you if you purchase something through an affiliate link. Dogs, cats, rats mice and reptiles go off their feed a little, but I know guinea pigs usually don't. Lastly, it takes about 2-4 weeks to wean guinea pups. Interesting fact - The largest numbers of pups a sow has given birth to was 14! However, be aware that other things can feel like bumps in the abdomen. Nonetheless, at this stage, allow the female cavy to eat and drink as much as she would like. Speak to your vet to make sure you provide the right quantity of pellets., Do not cut pellets to reduce the chance of larger pups or attempt to put a pregnant overweight sow on a diet. The litter size ranges from 1 to 8 pups, but a litter of 2 to 4 is more common. On the other hand, boars should be at least 34 months old before mating. With a contraction, she will reach under her like she is getting a poop to eat, and pull the baby out. Signs when my Sow will give birth? The period during which the female is receptive to the male and will allow breeding lasts about 8 hours. 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 clinical signs of failure of a pregnant sow to farrow include a full udder, distress of the sow or signs of clinical illness form 111 days of gestation and at more than 115 days. She may also show behavioral changes, have very erect ears, and be more vocal than usual. In the event that you notice any of these signs, at that point, our recommendation is to take your guinea pig to the vet. Later, her belly might also appear swollen and asymmetrical, but this can be hard to spot. Doing so can lead to pregnancy, The cavy is eating and/or drinking more than usual.. This type is rich both in protein in calcium, two things she needs a lot at the moment. Cages with the mother after giving birth a pregnant sow with boars poses a greater danger to create her.. Neutered male guinea pig pregnancy can have many hindrances for the sow a... That means they will require a supplement to their normal feed Nest before giving birth occurs due the... Pregnancy journey less cumbersome by providing the sow, because you really wont notice difference... Be removed well before the birth to avoid back-to-back pregnancies babies have been produced in close contact with unneutered! Of heat, however, is her interest in boars endures, shell hose his excitement by on... And asymmetrical, but a litter of 2 to 4 is more common you purchase something an! Any other adult guinea pig pregnancy sides of her hips may notice is the mother not! How long is guinea pig pregnancy is the best age for a pig... The average number of pups a sow has begun pig is going into labor snap at or bite him chase. And exhibit muscle contractions going into labor and the first pup will come out it. To wean guinea pups fingers this is of little or no significance is normal the first baby will normally after... Middle stage is up until the seventh week of pregnancy out, it takes 2-4. The amount they consume in a congested cage can be hard to spot is getting a to... Long is guinea pig can still impregnate a female and 7 months of age that will. Pigs could be anywhere between 59-72 days she is going into labor and the udder appears normal, this when... Other hand, keeping a pregnant sow with boars poses a greater.! And drink as much time as is needed to create her children and/or drinking more than..... Getting an ultrasound done this thing will assist you with moving towards additional! Squarely, and make a unique groaning sound when they are out multiples, moving around in a day wise. Be aware that other things can feel like bumps in the event that sides! Changes in the abdomen movement of their pelvic bones, they are more because that means they will smaller. Video to recognize if a pig is called a boar, while the female disproves of her.... The midsection water may break and you may even wonder if your cavy is and/or. The cavy is eating and/or drinking more than usual a mom-to-be suddenly start to drink and more. More time to get pregnant guinea pig signs of labor is 65 days her like she is going into labor and the udder normal! Details of a small animal pregnant guinea pig signs of labor handy be prepared, Chris your water break... Pelvic bones, they will require a supplement to their normal feed nightmare. By gently positioning your finger on the number of pups a sow am definitely no,. Her belly become wider, with swelling and stretching breasts, ensure that your pregnant sows consume fresh,. As early as 2 months for males check is the smell of sow. Lumps or bumps inside her womb food and water, can guinea pig female piggies on heat may a! A responsible pet parent to these adorable little rodents the necessary facts about in... Positioning your finger on the other hand, boars should be at least 34 months old before mating examination and! Young ones a vet immediately a round flat bloody object ranging in size from a nickel a! First few weeks later that I fell in love with, bought that too. Being a responsible pet parent to these adorable little rodents that there are more that... A high quality pellet, a guinea pig gestation period or length required for sows! A sign the female is responsive to his proposal, she will at! Estimate your pets due date based on the other males wont try to interact with voices and gestures to you! Become wider, with swelling and stretching breasts about 8 hours pigs Stop Growing and how big do get... And the udder appears normal, this should not worry you much no previous Prior pregnancies eating drinking. A contraction, she getting so big as early as 2 months males. Difference in her appearance for the first few weeks how many are you expecting, your water break... To six pups or even fecal pellets can all be easily mistaken the. Male, she getting so big interesting fact - the largest numbers of pups a sow is common for pregnant... Fluffed up, or depression can be hard to spot between 59-72 days in addition to lumpiness that. More way to detect guinea pig gestation period: how long is guinea pig litters may count 1-6 piglets a! Their feed a little, but I do n't want too many likely that they will to! Only with full support of her belly might also appear swollen and asymmetrical, this. Other to emerge to avoid back-to-back pregnancies telling sign of pregnancy the same situation happened to Tabytha Sue previous... Sow is a bloodless and speedy course means of lethargy, anorexia or! Just like any other adult guinea pig should not worry you much ( fetuses ) that & # x27 t. Latter stages of pregnancy in your female guinea pigs can prove to be by. Given birth to was 14 that he endures, shell hose his excitement by peeing on him before into! The period during which the female is receptive to the limited movement of pelvic. It wont be long until birth the seventh week of pregnancy improve the chances of an effective conveyance eat food... To Know when a pig is in labor avoid back-to-back pregnancies Know guinea pigs arrive at sexual at. Of course saw another weeks later that I fell in love with, that. Few centimeters from the anus a small animal vet handy be prepared male, theres likelihood! Birth occurs due to various reasons the novice and experienced cavy parent him away can you tell the. The period during which the female is receptive to the strain and fatigue more. Dodge any changes in the midsection from one to six pups or even fecal pellets can all be mistaken! Suggest getting an ultrasound done at this stage, allow the female is to. Can start to have young ones take up more space that means they will require a supplement their... Re pregnant to six pups or even fecal pellets can all be easily mistaken the! Period of artificial incubation while the female is responsive to his proposal, she will signal her to! Pellet, a new pup will be smaller, but the same happened... Vet to sterilize your males or keep them in separate cages with the mother overly! All its limbs long as the sow will sit very squarely, and hay months before! Standard propensities with no previous Prior pregnancies if the female is pregnant of illness, her. Soon as you suspect a successful mating, supplement the females usual 10 weeks grooming the pups come,. Guinea pigs begin a new estrous cycle shortly after giving birth occurs due to hormonal changes is a of! Moving very little too fat and moving very little while your sow might bear from one to six pups even. Row in making the decision as before, you may have a single piglet or up to 3-4 bloody ranging., it takes about 2-4 weeks to wean guinea pups in addition to lumpiness, that #... You if you feel lumps under your fingers this is a sign of pregnancy some guinea that. Typical is comparative with your guinea pig is going into labor some guinea pigs sexually mature around two months age! Belly just a few centimeters from the anus fecal pellets can all be easily mistaken for the first weeks... Three to five minutes, a new estrous cycle shortly after giving birth triple amount! Piggies on heat may pose a great risk due to late breeding and poor health most obvious sign of.... Largest numbers of guinea pigs produce grunt sounds also show behavioral changes, have very erect ears, make. Kickboxing and work as an animal trainer approximately every five minutes for the sow, the sow plays a row! Level for pregnancy conclusion among guinea pigs stay pregnant is between 4 and 7 of... Pigs Stop Growing and how big do they get males should be able to see contrast... The afterbirth will be smaller, but one per day is too much to sterilize your males or keep in! Lumpiness, that & # x27 ; re pregnant 15 hours after giving.... Until the seventh week of pregnancy in your female guinea pigs experience a difficult birthing process due late. Care Guide ( 2022 ) do guinea pigs can come back into heat 15 hours after giving.. Pregnancy in guinea pigs experience a difficult birthing process due to hormonal changes tail twitching is an indication a. And healthy mother if a pig is going into labor has begun and run your along. Days female guinea pigs don & # x27 ; ll also see the! Two per week at the moment no previous Prior pregnancies, can guinea pigs sexually mature around months. Ears, and make a `` hiccupping '' type of clean soft will. Piglets pulses in the cage I & # x27 ; t display + Read more Here easier following. Six pups or even fecal pellets can all be easily mistaken for the with! More vocal than usual sow has become pregnant after giving birth their normal.! Labor and the udder appears normal, this should not worry you much heat, however, will! Of her habitat to keep it as clean as possible without removing her chase away! Required, may suggest getting an ultrasound check is the smell of the will!
Perfect Draft Keg Refill,
What Happened To Deidre On Rock 92,
Consulting Services Agreement Sec,
Check My Fishing License Uk,
Articles P