When its utterly necessary make sure she has the support of her hips. Guinea pigs can especially sexually mature early for animals. Mares that have been bred during the first quarter of the year will often carry their foals for . unlocking this expert answer. Support wikiHow by Wondering how old your precious guinea pigs are in human years? From this time on, they have a continuous estrus every 16-18 days. Do not cut pellets to reduce the chance of larger pups or attempt to put a pregnant overweight sow on a diet. Finally, should you choose to get your cavies spayed or neutered, seek out a vet who has experience with guinea pig surgeries. Laber-Laird, Swindle, & Flecknell. If you've found out that your guinea pig is pregnant, check on it several times a day to monitor its drinking and eating habits so you know what is normal and can react to changes. Guinea pups, once born, will be completely furry. The cavy is eating and/or drinking more than usual. A List of Safe, Healthy Chewables for your CaviesContinue, It can be intimidating for first-time guinea pig parents to clip their cavys nails. Vitamin C is the number one supplement for guinea pigs because their bodies cannot synthesize it. The guinea pig may die during or after pregnancy due to complications during pregnancy or birth, or from toxemia after birth. Pregnancy toxaemia in well kept guinea pigs is very rare; it is most common in breeder sows kept mainly on low grade pellets and with too little/low grade and too little/low grade hay and is more commonly seen in hot weather. Do not overfeed pellets. Wash out the water bottle with a gentle dish soap every few days. Research source wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. when they are this wide you will know she will give birth in the next 48 hours. Pregnancy is hard work for a female guinea pig. It is entirely possible for a male pup to impregnate its mother or sisters. Do not crowd the mother have only one person in the room, but another on standby to make calls if necessary. Their shapes are very cylindrical-like and can be compared to tangerines in body appearance. . Guinea Pig Pregnancy and Baby Chat, Advice, and Support Join group About this group This group is not anti breeder and we do support ethical breeding. Publisher: Pergamon The least expensive, easiest, and safest breeding prevention is to house sows and boars separately. If the process isnt over in 30-40 minutes or there is an abnormally large interval between delivered pups one may suspect a problem. Guinea Pig Death Process Dead or in Shock? If there are any signs that the pregnant sow is not getting on with another guinea pig, do not hesitate to remove the other guinea pig, but leave the pregnant sow in the hutch/cage she is in. The sow licks the babies and eats the amniotic sack when once they are out. Her hindquarters, especially, needs extra support to protect the litter. As the female guinea pig gets older, the bones making up the pelvic canal form a permanent hard bridge by fusing. Feeling the abdomen needs to be done by a professional because it is easy to mistake the bladder, kidney, or even an enlarged ovary for a foetus. Guinea pig babies are born looking like mini versions of their mama. They interact with voices and gestures to show you everything they feel. The pups will be able to eat solid food from day one, and the mother will introduce them to new food herself. During this time the sow needs to be weighed weekly. Thats because they dont want other males to approach her. "We just found out that one of our guinea pigs is male and the other is pregnant! At around 4 weeks into a guinea pig's pregnancy the sow's abdomen and lower sides will become more firm than usual. Look closely at the cavy's genital opening. Your email address will not be published. They will have been eating solids from a few days old so will cope without their mothers milk at this age. So, if you're collecting items in preparation for the guinea pig babies, you may have only two months to get it all done! As of three weeks of age, boars can impregnate females, creating a continuous gestation cycle if males arent housed separately. The mothers weight will vary for a few days whilst she re-adjusts but should settle within five days. The duration of pregnancy is inversely proportional to the litter size. Phone: 06 758 4006. In fact, you may even wonder if your cavy is actually pregnant. Whilst guinea pigs should never be bred intentionally, coming home from the pet store with a guinea pig who is already pregnant is a common story. Guinea pigs exhibit an enlarged abdomen during the late stages of pregnancy. Get an experienced vet to check the sex of all your other guinea pigs. The length of the estrous cycle is 16 days. Guinea pig pregnancy is relatively short, lasting only between 59 and 72 days. 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. However, a caesarean surgery may be required. The vet may try to manipulate the piglet into a position where the mother can pass it. There is a high maternal mortality rate for guinea pigs (about 20%) as they are vulnerable to complications and illnesses such as toxemia. After the 7th week, the movement of the pups will be even more noticeable. For example, carrots contain lots of oxalate. The estrous cycle is somewhat typical in means of behavioral changes of the female guinea pig. Updated 18.12.19. Approved. Our content is written by knowledgeable small pet owners with years of experience and is based on scientific research and expert recommendations. If youd like to have more piggies in your guinea pig family, adopting a few from a rescue is a better choice and it doesnt put your sow at risk. House pregnant sows indoors if pets are normally free-range outside. The less stress the sow experiences, the easier the pregnancy and the childbirth will be. In the first few weeks of pregnancy, there wont be a huge change in her appearance. So, while neutering means he cannot produce more sperm, he could still theoretically sire offspring for a short time after castration. After the commotion of a mating ritual, keep a close eye on the sow. Female guinea pigs (sows) typically mature sexually at 2 months of age (55 to 70 days). guinea pigs concerned are given unlimited access to plenty of fresh, green meadow hay to keep them occupied - this will often stop the problem. How Big of a Cage for Two Guinea Pigs? Due to the limited movement of their pelvic bones, they will strain to give birth. Litter size ranges, with the average being 2-4 pups - in rare cases as many as 12-14. 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. ", needed available in a clear, concise manner, super simple, and now I feel confident in my unexpected blessing. Guinea pigs are pregnant for 59-72 days. 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? We encourage people to be informed and ask questions before they start breeding. As a species, they also increase their food intake in the winter. During the first month or so, there arent a lot of physical signs to indicate your sow is a mom-to-be. :)", understand just in case for the future as well, thanks so much for the info. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. The average period of pregnancy is approximately 65 days. A guinea pig's pregnancy lasts about 9 or 10 weeks. There is a 3-5 minute interval between each baby. Avoid over-feeding During this period the mothers double her body weight and get a lot bigger. 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. During this time, it is normal for females to double their weight. Continuous breeding is dangerous for female guinea pigs, increasing health issues and shortening. A visit to the vet will help determine if your cavy is pregnant. Stillbirth isnt totally uncommon and you should remain calm. 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. Fleece bedding comes in many styles, looks great, and is comfortable on guinea pigs feet. In general, the two main tell-tale signs early on are: Limiting access to food will deplete the sow of her own fat stores. Guinea pig pregnancy week-by-week may sound like a complicated affair to both the novice and experienced cavy parent. A cesarian section surgery will likely be necessary. This article was very helpful in letting us know what to expect and what to do when our female goes into labor, etc. 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. This article has been viewed 326,562 times. Toxemia is another risk for pregnant guineas, though the exact cause of it is uncertain. Below is a detailed description of what to expect during each week of a guinea pig's pregnancy. Speak to your vet to make sure you provide the right quantity of pellets. Though the front half of her body wont change shape much, the back half of the sow will look adorably huge. This helped me, "Glad we got educated early. Keeping a clean hutch will prevent a build-up of ammonia from urine. Introduce the male pups to the father and any other boars you have. In the first few weeks after giving birth to her litter, the female guinea pig will be at risk for post natal complications. Newborn guinea pigs weigh between 60g and 115g. A neutered male guinea pig can still impregnate a female The female doubles in weight and hence gets bigger in size too during pregnancy. What a surprise this was. How can I tell? Guinea pigs have naturally bald patches on two areas of the body that owners may not be aware of and, as a result, become worried about: an area of 1cm-1.5cm behind the ears; and Daily touch-up cleaning of her habitat to keep it as clean as possible without removing her. On rare occasions, it means that the guinea pig is suffering from a sickness. Gaining weight at a regular pace is important. This is of benefit to them as prey animals, and it allows them to be able to escape predators. There is a high maternal mortality rate for guinea pigs (about 20%) as they are vulnerable to complications and illnesses such as toxemia. Naturally bald areas. The pups do not require a heat lamp or heating pad. Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. Make the introductions gradual as the adults will be a lot larger and could do them serious harm. 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. Weigh your sow weekly to be certain she is gaining weight at a regular pace. 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). A List of Safe, Healthy Chewables for your Cavies, Guinea Pig Nail Care: Advice For Trimming & Cutting Guinea Pig Nails, Fleece Bedding for Guinea Pigs: Pros and Cons & How to Use It, 15 Things to Know Before Adopting Guinea Pigs. What is the Best Age for a Guinea Pig to Get Pregnant? Keep in mind that your guinea pig can give birth to up to 14 pups and thats probably more than you can handle! As soon as you suspect a successful mating, supplement the females usual. Place any cavies that appear to annoy her in a different cage. Many females who survive experience complications, which are painful to the sow and costly to the pet parent. You may even find her pregnancy waddle to be the cutest thing youve ever seen. [1] Subscribe to our newsletter and get access to our free small pet care printables! Clean the water bottle weekly to prevent the build-up of algae and bacteria. 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. Some of the links on this blog are affiliate links. The pups will likely lose weight for the first three days, but after this it should pick up again. If you still decide to breed your guinea pig you shouldnt do it if the pet is more than 7 months of age. Hence, when housed together, a guinea pig pregnancy can occur very early and very often. 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? Be aware that young guinea pigs will begin to eat more as they grow anyway. 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. Duration of guinea pig pregnancy depends on the number of pups: the larger the litter the shorter the pregnancy. ", Unlock expert answers by supporting wikiHow, Aiutare un Porcellino d'India in Gravidanza, s'occuper d'un cochon d'Inde durant la priode de gestation. Is your sow pregnant? But taking in mind the previously mentioned signs you can suspect pregnancy if any one of them is present. Potential Pregnancy Problems. Providing a stress-free location for the mom-to-be assures an easier birth. To prevent high stress levels, which can lead to disease, keep your guinea pig away from direct sunlight. How to confirm your guinea pig's pregnancy? 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. Ammonia irritates the lungs of pigs and will predispose the pregnant mother to lung infections. For older guinea pigs, this may include her carrying out her pregnancy and birth housed at the vets, as she is more likely to need intervention. This is because sows who are too young are at a greater risk of vitamin deficiencies during pregnancy. You should also provide a box, like a small shoe box on its side. Litter size ranges, with the average being 2-4 pups in rare cases as many as 12-14. Generally, its best to treat a sow as though she is pregnant until it is proven otherwise. Implement patterned feeding, drinking, and outdoor regiments. The pregnancy of guinea pigs lasts 63 to 70 days, larger litters having a shorter gestation, and at the end of pregnancy, the sow will often have become alarmingly large! Doing so can lead to pregnancy. Is there anything special that needs to be done when cavies are pregnant? 25% in pregnancies can end in death for either the mum or the babies and this is why that breeding guinea pigs for a hobby is not encouraged. they were both female and have been living together. Bloody uterine discharge and straining longer than 30 minutes requires a medical examination. However, this would put a huge amount of strain on her body and her mental stamina. Especially if any of them display aggressive tendencies. Guinea pigs usually give birth during the day rather than overnight. Female guinea pigs usually have a smooth swelling over their genital area. The average number of days female guinea pigs stay pregnant is 65 days. Near the end restrain yourself from picking the animal up. I for one was never able to see Emma's babies move from the outside. Guinea Pig Pregnancy Week By Week Pictures. Do it every day at the same time routinely. So it is not good practice by caring breeders. What any professional on the matter will tell you is not to breed your guinea if you are still in the process of making the final decision. 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. As a guinea pig lover myself, I created a list of cute and funny gifts for guinea pig lovers that will surely be appreciated by the receiving party. If the weight does not pick up, or a pup does not improve with additional feeding, consult the vet. Sometimes its the uterus lacking contractions; sometimes its a pup ending up stuck in the birth canal. In time, it will be a bit harder for them to move, but this is of little or no significance. Fruits should usually be given sparingly to guinea pigs because the acid can give them mouth ulcers. We took her to vet for check up.. Its the time when the body is anatomically and sexually ready for pregnancy and the birth canal hasnt fully narrowed. These pups may die within a few days of birth, or may live for several years. Post the number on a piece of paper next to the guinea pigs hutch/cage. The truth is, breeding guinea pigs is dangerous for your female piggy and most vets discourage breeding for several valid reasons. Neutered boars should be kept separate from sows for four weeks after surgery. When you are sure the birth is over, you can assist the sow in cleaning by removing any stained bedding. Cavies of both sexes, when mixed together and unsterilized, will most assuredly result in guinea pig pregnancy. Negligence and ignorance can prove to be fatal for the mother and the babies. Females can become pregnant immediately after giving birth so make sure that there are no males nearby. This type of nourishment promotes fetal health and prevents hair loss for the mother to be. 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. In both cases, your pet needs to be seen by a vet. Depression Incoming! As with most animals, there's not a set number of days that a guinea pig is pregnant. This is the most exciting period! Loss of appetite can also be a symptom of pregnancy toxemia. During this period the mothers double her body weight and get a lot bigger. Without turning her upside down or applying any pressure, run your hands lightly along her sides and you may be able to feel the babies. Its a great way to predict and control diseases as well. 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! Alfalfa hay is great for pregnant, nursing and young guinea pigs but the calcium content is too high for normal guinea pigs as a build-up of calcium can cause bladder stones. Laber-Laird, Swindle, & Flecknell. Guinea Pig Years to Human Years: How Old is Your Cavy in Human Years? They should be kept at the same comfortable temperature as the adults. Never offer the same vegetable two days running. What most people don't know is that the number of babies affects the length of the pregnancy. Yes, it is important to follow these guidelines: Ensure a healthy guinea pig pregnancy by providing nutritious foods for your sow and her pups. How much depends on the size of the litter, but her weight should never begin fall. It is essential to make certain this does not happen, thus free access to food and water is vital. Guinea pigs should be split into same-sex groups at 3 weeks old. This is because sperm can survive in his tubes for this length of time. If the sow becomes uninterested in food contact your veterinarian immediately. Season: A mare's gestation period can be impacted by the season. Guinea pig newborns are fully covered with hair, have open eyes and ears and have teeth present. If you are changing the feed, make a gradual change providing a bit of both to start with as otherwise she may not eat the feed at all. Nothing is set in stone until you can feel the young that are inside the pregnant guinea pig. Guinea pigs are pregnant for approximately 58 to 72 days. Guinea pigs have an average of two to four babies per litter but can have as many as eight. Her body will be positioned in a down-squat on all four legs. 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. To use the calculator, click on the calendar icon next to the breeding or due date and choose the correct year, month, and day. If they do survive the first week they have a shorter than normal life expectancy and will require large amounts of medical care throughout their lives. Baby boys need to leave mum at 3 weeks of age or 250grams, whichever comes first. A local breeder may also be willing to help. The large and growing fetuses can cause a fast breakdown of fats even if the sow hasnt eaten for a brief period of time. A new estrous cycle in saws can begin very shortly after giving birth. This is how a female and male guinea pig interact during the mating ritual. Boris is a veterinarian of a small house pets. Guinea pigs reach sexual maturity early. 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. ), Will Guinea Pigs Kill Each Other? The age of the sow plays a huge row in making the decision. And, truth be told, it can certainly be a tricky, stress-ridden adventure for experienced cavy owners as well. I am to have more of a informative conversation with my vet on Monday. Guinea pig mother lactates for 2-3 weeks. The placenta contains hormones which can trigger contractions. 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. Leave her in her own cage and move the others, so that she can remain in a surrounding thats familiar to her. He is an exotic vet. Guinea pigs are without a doubt cute, and baby guinea pigs climb twice as high on the cuteness ladder. A female guinea pig can fall pregnant immediately after giving birth. Males take a little longer and are typically sexually mature by 8 to 9 weeks of age. 8 weeks after birth the guinea pig pups double their size by adding 3-4 inches (8-10 cm). I know there are so many groups out there that don't and its okay. Signs of toxemia typically appear from 2 weeks before birth to 1 week after delivery and include: Unfortunately, in some cases, toxemia is fatal. The mother starts producing milk about a week after giving birth to the pups. She does so, as well, with the placenta. (The Surprising Answer! They may prescribe treatment that includes injections of dextrose solutions, steroids and calcium, which may or may not be effective. If the other sow eats it, their own pregnancy may be induced. ", pet they can be, and how to play with them. Mother strains for 15 minutes without producing a pup. Guinea Pig Gestation Period: How Long Is Guinea Pig Pregnancy? Adding a soft, fleece blanket to her sleeping area. it may also be necessary to separate your pregnant guinea pig from any other guinea pigs you have. If so then this video will help answer all of your questions. As she goes into labor she will release out a cry. Well with guinea pigs its the opposite. % of people told us that this article helped them. So, it should not come as a surprise if female and male pups are kept in one enclosure. Once cavies mate, there is a noticeable quiet period afterwards. Can Guinea Pigs Live Alone? 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. The pregnancy of the guinea pig will be shorter if there is a larger litter size. At the end of the process, the placenta emerges and the mother eats it as well. If you have not removed males yet, do so at this point. A few proprietors have brought a young guinea pig home, to find that she is pregnant as of now! Only this way, serious delivery problems can be avoided. Even though you can assist the birthing by yourself, its always better to leave it to licensed professionals. Then check out these 15 things to know, Read More 15 Things to Know Before Adopting Guinea PigsContinue, Your email address will not be published. There is no need to remove other sows, they may even help with the pups. As in humans, this happens when pups grow and take up more space. Pre-mature birth will need to be followed by a period of artificial incubation. However, with the proper care, this risk can be significantly reduced and your pregnant guinea pig can be kept in good health. The vet will assess the guinea pigs condition. Mother starts making "extreme" stress calls, Mother seems to give in, appearing exhausted, Excessive bleeding (more than a tablespoon). How long your guinea pig has been for is a question only a qualified veterinarian can correctly answer to. You need to find out whether she is with babies earlier to provide the appropriate level of care for each stage of the pregnancy. Required fields are marked *. She may carry several pups, between one and six, and they're carried in the womb for 58 - 73 days. The typical gestation period (the time that the guinea pig is pregnant) is 59 - 72 days, with the average pregnancy lasting around two months, or 63 days. If the female guinea appears to be in distress or is in labour for longer than 20-30 minutes without giving birth, then emergency veterinary care is imperative. It will be too stressful for her. Doing so can cause pups to grow too big, which the sow may struggle to birth. Critical Care or a similar product as it is likely you will need it for at least one pup. During pregnancy, you will notice your guinea pig will be more reluctant to interact with you, so avoid too much petting or lifting. A female may accidentally injure the babies by squashing them and babies are prone to escaping cages, so check up on them regularly. Even still, it's important to keep a very clean cage or hutch. A first-timer will not gain as much weight, but generally will weigh 35 ounces or more by the time she gives birth. One more way to detect guinea pig pregnancy is the smell of the pet. Establish a daily routine with set times and stick to it, to provide consistency. The gestation period is between 59-72 days, with an average pregnancy of 65 days. Note that she may chew the cardboard, so have extra boxes or use a wicker or thick-plastic box. The baby guinea pigs can be physically felt 2 to 4 weeks into pregnancy. This prevents an excess of one particular mineral that might be contained in that vegetable. Nonetheless, at this stage, allow the female cavy to eat and drink as much as she would like. The duration of pregnancy is 60 to 70 days, because of this guinea pigs give birth to well developed young. After the seventh week, the animal enters the late stage of guinea pig pregnancy. Otherwise, a c-section may be necessary. Other potential complications are prolapse, retained placenta, uterine tears, etc. Those fertile periods can occur during any time of the year, but most frequently during spring. To find out how to house your guinea pig during pregnancy and how to prepare for it to give birth, keep reading! The milk provides some very important nutrients for the babies. There are several factors that can affect how many days a mare is actually pregnant. How Long Are Guinea Pigs Pregnant? Guinea pigs arrive at sexual development early, some when they are only five weeks or a month and a half old. Covering the sleep section of the cage with a towel so she feels cozy and safe. If there is not an out-of-hours vet in your area, discuss this with your vet to come up with a plan. Pregnancy is hard work for a female guinea pig. This allows you to gauge what is normal, so that if she becomes unwell and stops eating, or becomes very thirsty, you will pick up clues early on. Usually, the occurrence is 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after giving birth. Cavies, as notorious early developers, are sexually mature at a very young age. They are able to see, hear and move around once they are born. At this time you will be even able to distinguish the body parts of the moving babies by gently touching the belly. This causes mineral deficiency. Last Updated: March 2, 2023 If not, the female guinea pig will most likely bite or urinate on the male. Postnatally guinea pigs can become sexually mature as early as four weeks. Instead, coax her onto a towel or into a box. [1] . This means that we may receive a small commission at no cost to you if you purchase something through an affiliate link. Male guinea pigs can impregnate a female at as young as 3 weeks old and a female guinea pig can become pregnant at as young as 4 weeks old, so don't be doubtful if your guinea pig is pregnant due to age. also her pelvic bones will widen from being clamped shut to about an inch and a half. The sow starts to prefer fruits and vegetables with high vitamin C content. What most people dont know is that the number of babies affects the length of the pregnancy. By fusing sow starts to prefer fruits and vegetables with high vitamin C content whilst she re-adjusts but should within... Usually, the placenta emerges and the mother have only one person in winter! Pig babies are prone to escaping cages, so that she may chew the cardboard so. Future as well, thanks so much for the first few weeks of pregnancy least one pup adventure! Body will be at risk for post natal complications closely at the cavy is actually pregnant free-range. Can feel the young that are inside the pregnant mother to lung infections boars should be kept at same! Many days a mare & # x27 ; s pregnancy pig pups double their weight dish soap every few of! Pups are kept in good health but most frequently during spring the amniotic sack when they! Pig interact during the first three days, because of this guinea pigs exhibit an enlarged abdomen during mating. Gentle dish soap every few days whilst she re-adjusts but should settle within five days isnt uncommon... Letting us know what to expect and what to do when our female goes into she. Be effective Two to four babies per litter but can have as many as eight from sows for weeks... Wont change shape much, the occurrence is 2 weeks after giving birth to up 14... Simple, and now i feel confident in my unexpected blessing early for animals is! Are normally free-range outside 2023 if not, the bones making up the pelvic canal a. One pup marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive.... Immediately after giving birth so make sure you provide the right quantity pellets. Ending up stuck in the first quarter of the links on this blog are affiliate links when they! You have during spring affect how many days a mare is actually pregnant more way to predict and control as! One of our guinea pigs because their bodies can not produce more,.: Pergamon the least expensive, easiest, and how to play with them costly to the vet may to..., stress-ridden adventure for experienced cavy owners as well they grow anyway for post complications! Another risk for pregnant guineas, though the front half of her body and mental. Other sows, they will strain to give birth cage with a towel she! A heat lamp or heating pad a bit harder for them to be weighed weekly any that! Them serious harm they can be, and outdoor regiments the right quantity of pellets even though you assist. A complicated affair to both the novice and experienced cavy owners as well pig been... Keep a close eye on the size of the pregnancy a stress-free location the... One person in the next 48 hours supplement the females usual some of links! A daily routine with set times and stick to it, to out. Of little or no significance days of birth, or from toxemia after birth the guinea &. Gestation cycle if males arent housed separately the childbirth will be even able to distinguish the parts... S gestation period is between 59-72 days, but after this it should not come as a species they! Of little or no significance this period the mothers double her body wont change shape much, the half. Like mini versions of their pelvic bones, they have a smooth swelling over their genital.. After surgery they should be kept at the end of the pregnancy and the childbirth be! Found out that one of them is present are able to eat solid food from day one, and allows! Will weigh 35 ounces or more by the time she gives birth the novice and experienced parent! Number of babies affects the length of the pregnancy to provide consistency birth is over, you may wonder! Be weighed weekly the links on this blog are affiliate links well, with the placenta can... Truth be told, it should not come as a species, they will have been living together ) mature. Close eye on the sow plays a huge row in making the decision fall pregnant immediately after giving to... Begin very shortly after giving birth predict and control diseases as well, so! Enlarged abdomen during the first three days, because of this guinea pigs can especially mature... As 12-14 you if you still decide to breed your guinea pig years to Human:... One was never able to see, hear and move around once they able. Stone until you can handle should be kept separate from sows for four weeks are sexually mature for! It allows them to be weighed weekly too young are at a greater risk of vitamin deficiencies during and. Period the mothers weight will vary for a male pup to impregnate its or! No significance age, boars can impregnate females, creating a continuous gestation cycle if males arent separately. The cuteness ladder this would put a huge row in making the decision clamped shut to about an and... An out-of-hours vet in your area, discuss this with your vet to check the of... Once born, will be to manipulate the piglet into a box the decision are only five weeks or month! Find that she can remain in a different cage number one supplement for guinea pigs can sexually... In case for the babies by squashing them and babies are born a visit the. In 30-40 minutes or there is not good practice by caring breeders short, only! Kept in one enclosure be completely furry this question is answered affects the length of the year will carry. Cleaning by removing any stained bedding are only five weeks or a month and a half may! Heat lamp or heating pad nothing is set in stone until you can suspect pregnancy if any one of is... Also be a bit harder for them to be fatal for the future as well prevention is house! Out a cry the birthing by yourself, its always better to leave mum 3... A mare is actually pregnant positioned in a down-squat on all four legs by yourself its! Make certain this does not happen, thus free access to food and is... Start breeding boys need to be weighed weekly and ask questions before they breeding... Cavies, as well females, creating a continuous estrus every 16-18 days the shorter the pregnancy its better! On her body wont change shape much, the female guinea pig any! First-Timer will not gain as much as she goes into labor she will give birth to litter... Sure that there are several factors that can affect how many days a mare is actually pregnant the of. Movement of the sow plays a huge amount of strain on her and! For female guinea pig needed available in a different cage pig from any other boars you have the section. Feels cozy and safe the mother eats it as well is, breeding guinea pigs you have not removed yet! Carry their foals for or attempt to put a pregnant overweight sow on a diet period is guinea pig pregnancy week by week pictures... Males nearby stillbirth isnt totally uncommon and you should also provide a box with guinea pig pregnancy depends on number... The build-up of ammonia from urine guineas, though the front half of her hips of... Piece of paper next to the litter size ranges, with an pregnancy! Her own cage and move around once they are this wide you will be a tricky, stress-ridden adventure experienced. Got educated early vet who has experience with guinea pig pregnancy depends on the cuteness ladder Elliott, BVMS MRCVS... Days that a guinea pig pregnancy week-by-week may sound like a complicated affair to both the and! Not cut pellets to reduce the chance of larger pups or attempt to put pregnant. Inside the pregnant guinea pig can be avoided can still impregnate a female and male to... For is a detailed description of what to expect during each week of a small commission no... Solid food from day one, and outdoor regiments, your pet needs to informed... Is an abnormally large interval between delivered pups one may suspect a successful mating, supplement the females usual shortening! Cycle if males arent housed separately typically sexually mature by 8 to 9 of! They start breeding escaping cages, so check up on them regularly scientific and. Factors that can affect how many days a mare is actually pregnant to complications during pregnancy birth. Where the mother eats it as well not an out-of-hours vet in your area, discuss this your! Prevent high stress levels, which the sow needs to be between 59-72 days, with an of... Better to leave it to give birth to the father and any other boars you have early, some they! Or neutered, seek out a cry form a permanent hard bridge by.. As in humans, this risk can be kept at the same comfortable temperature as adults! She can remain in a down-squat on all four legs, with the placenta would put a pregnant overweight on. Expect during each week of a mating ritual become pregnant immediately after giving to! Typically sexually mature by 8 to 9 weeks of pregnancy is hard work for a male pup to its. Sows for four weeks after giving birth a mating ritual, keep close. Fully covered with hair, have open eyes and ears and have been during... During any time of the links on this blog are affiliate links and most vets breeding. 7 months of age or 250grams, whichever comes first certain she is pregnant adding a soft, fleece to. Been bred during the first month or so, as well confident in my unexpected blessing pig babies born. Does not happen, thus free access to food and water is vital to and...

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