Youll have to carry her in a vehicle confined through treats or her number one vegetables/natural product. When laboring, sows lay down in the nesting area and become quiet. How many babies can a guinea pig have at one time? Generally, this happens after the last little one makes its way out. All of these signs are included and described as "the first stage of labor". Female guinea pigs can come back into heat 15 hours after giving birth. Normal labor should be short and sweet. I'd cut out the broccoli slaw and give 1 broccoli floret once a week. Around 12 hours before delivery the mammary glands start to produce milk. The gestation period in guinea pigs varies between 59 and 72 days. Only this way, serious delivery problems can be avoided. She may eat up to the triple measure that she typically eats. In reality, close to 20% of expectant sows die while giving birth. I feel her pelvis widening, but it is at about 2cm as of earlier this afternoon. All rights reserved. Sometimes, they prolapse their uterus, and you will need to get to a vet. During the late third trimester, this plug might push into your vagina. With a contraction, she will reach under her like she is getting a poop to eat, and pull the baby out. The large and growing fetuses can cause a fast breakdown of fats even if the sow hasnt eaten for a brief period of time. The sow starts to prefer fruits and vegetables with high vitamin C content. In this case, the medication oxytocin may be given to stimulate uterine contractions to deliver the pups. Be especially careful around the newborns eyes, as they are normally wide open, and you can scratch the cornea. A female cavy uses a lot of her energy during this time, and thus requires a healthy, balanced diet that is appropriate for her during gestation.. The first thing you may notice is the mother becoming overly aggressive when grooming the pups. During the first month or so, there arent a lot of physical signs to indicate your sow is a mom-to-be. The average number of days female guinea pigs stay pregnant is 65 days. These kinds of guinea pigs are the most popular in America and are the breeds most commonly sold in shops. Keep in mind that your guinea pig can give birth to up to 14 pups and thats probably more than you can handle! This can occur from 2 weeks before until 2 weeks after the birth. Guinea Pig Pregnancy 101: Signs and Care Guide (2022) Do Guinea Pigs Nest Before Giving Birth? You should observe the behavior of the other guinea pigs as well. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. As in humans, this happens when pups grow and take up more space. Loud squeals are a sign that she accepted him. During this time the sow needs to be weighed weekly. Interesting fact The largest numbers of pups a sow has given birth to was 14! NEVER try and pull anything out of the Mom. Somewhere around week 5-6, the abdomen and hindquarters of the pregnant guinea pig will be markedly enlarged.. By gently squeezing the tummy area, you may feel different-sized bumps. Required fields are marked *. Ultrasounds are non-intrusive and dont need sedation. In the event that the female is responsive to his proposal, she will flag her acknowledgment with noisy screeches. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Notwithstanding, dont assume that your guinea pig is pregnant depending on exactly the amount she is eating or drinking. Guinea Pig Pregnancy 101: Signs and Care Guide (2023) by Michelle Dees; January 6, 2021; 5 shares . After the widening, is birthing within 12-24 hours or 24-48 hours? The sow will give a distinctive groan when she is going into labor and the first baby will normally appear after 5 minutes of . Pregnant Guinea Pig Signs, Behavior & Care. Normally, the pregnancy period lasts between 63 and 70 days. In the pregnant female, the symphysis relaxes and stretches in response to secretion of relaxin by the pituitary gland and endometrium, allowing separation of the pubic bones (Williams 2012, Brower 2006, Martinho 2006). In some cases, pregnant guinea pigs triple the amount they consume in a day. During all of the stage and especially during the last stage of pregnancy the sow should remain in a calm environment. Note that the incubation period is normally 66 72 days. She is on Alfalfa pellets and the fruits are VERY small (about 1 inch cube per day from either tomato, pear or apple). It takes about 20-30 minutes for the whole litter to be delivered. In the event that you need to ship your guinea pig, never get her by her stomach as it can hurt the unborn guinea pigs and the mother herself. Mostly, it starts with vulva swelling and teat enlargement. They will want to eat solid food within a few hours of birth. Cavies were tamed at any rate by 900 BCE and conceivably as right on time as 5000 BCE. There are some signs which you can look at to determine whether your guinea pig is pregnant or not. You are using an out of date browser. When a guinea pig is pregnant the pelvic canal stretches as a result of hormonal secretion. The guinea pig's heat cycle lasts 16 days. One of my guinea pigs is pregnant! Male guinea pigs will keep on mounting pregnant sows, which can put pressure or torment your pregnant sow late in the pregnancy (after the 50-day mark). Your vet may likewise hear the piglets pulses in the sows mid-region. Additionally, there is no pregnancy test accessible for guinea pigs. Thread starter GPonnett Start date Aug 25, 2010; GPonnett Well-known Member. Short-haired or, Read More 300+ Adorable Guinea Pig Names For Your New Piggy Pal(s)Continue, Your email address will not be published. You should be watchful of the sow, because you really wont notice any difference in her appearance for the first few weeks. The male guinea pig is called a boar, while the female is known as a sow. Guinea pigs can especially sexually mature early for animals. If he persists, shell dampen his enthusiasm by urinating on him! When Do Guinea Pigs Stop Growing and How Big Do They Get? 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. Plus, brothers must be separated so they dont fight with one another. The gestation period in guinea pigs could be anywhere between 59-72 days. Also, you might need to expand the fiber component in your guinea pigs diet. It is important to note that big-sized and more litters shorten the gestation phase. This page might contain affiliate links, which will earn us a commission. How long your guinea pig has been for is a question only a qualified veterinarian can correctly answer to. Thus, an increased desire for food may not always indicate pregnancy. 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. The following are a few signs through which you can tell that your guinea pig is anticipating. Yes, it is important to follow these guidelines: Ensure a healthy guinea pig pregnancy by providing nutritious foods for your sow and her pups. Its the time when the body is anatomically and sexually ready for pregnancy and the birth canal hasnt fully narrowed. Those nutrients will nourish her as well as the fetuses and also prevent hair loss. A pregnancy puts weight on the sows organs and dissemination framework. In the middle and later stages of gestation, a pregnant sow will display an enlarged abdomen. Remember that a cold climate triggers a guinea pigs appetite. This will keep your guinea pig from sliding. I feel their feet kicking me. Begin by creating a C shape with your thumb and first finger, and then rolling the thumb over the top of her tummy and the forefinger beneath her belly. Attempt to find a vet who has considerable experience in dealing with rodents and other little creatures, instead of simply a nonexclusive vet. 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. Cheers, Adrian @ GuineaPigCare.com.au, Adrian, thank you so much for making this post. Usually, their pregnancy is non-problematic. Gaining weight at a regular pace is important. What are some more signs that she is going to go into labor??? Guinea pigs are not nesters, so you might not notice any changes in behavior as delivery time gets closer. An ultrasound output can picture precisely what the knocks are and affirm a pregnancy. If the female is receptive to his suggestion, she will signal her acceptance with loud squeals. This is the second stage of the farrowing process and ranges from three to eight hours before the actual delivery. Ensure your guinea pig has enough food and water, Can Guinea Pigs Eat Turnip Greens? This type is rich both in protein in calcium, two things she needs a lot at the moment. The babies try eating from the very first day, and they are born with enough reserve of energy (usually) to sustain until Mom's instincts kick in. The early stage consists of the first few days after mating. Sows older than 2 years that werent bred before are most at risk. That gives you enough time to attempt breeding after a few weeks when the pig goes into heat. If you notice a pup with the sac remaining over its face, break the membrane open with your finger nail. Chester, the dad, is a golden agouti and white Peruvian. Loss of the mucus plug. Disclaimer: Please keep in mind that this isnt medical advice and if you assume there might be a health-related issue, you should contact your vet. I would only give one 1 inch cube of fruit per week. However, be aware that other things can feel like bumps in the abdomen. A List of Safe, Healthy Chewables for your CaviesContinue, Are you searching for an awesome guinea-pig-themed gift? And post pictures of the babies. When I'm not writing, I enjoy kickboxing and work as an animal trainer. If labor takes much longer than 20 minutes, she may require emergency medical attention. She could likewise become pregnant only two hours after she delivers an offspring. Her articles provide practical guidance on choosing the right pet and managing common health issues. Watch your sow for signs of illness during pregnancy. Pregnant guinea pigs arent accustomed to building nests, yet any type of clean soft bedding will do just fine. Keep an Eye on the Boys. Your email address will not be published. 4. How to tell if your sow is pregnant. A pig that goes into heat after breeding is an indication that she isn't pregnant. Usually, a normal labor process lasts not more than 10 minutes. However, if the readings are low for two consecutive days, you can consider the temperature drop as a sign of imminent labor. Find The Best Deals on Your Favorite guinea pig Products and Save! When labor is imminent, you might notice some changes in the way your guinea pig looks. Some sows take up caring for their young ones right away after birth. Usually, the occurrence is 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after giving birth. Normally, you can spot the fetuses in her womb from around 2 weeks after mating. Weight Gain. Then of course saw another weeks later that I fell in love with, bought that one too. It is possible to make out fetuses 12 weeks after conception. A voracious appetite and a heavier-than-normal appearance are good signs that your pig is pregnant. Changes in the Estrous Cycle. I usually do not interfere. When her pelvic bones are spread approximately 1 to 2 fingers apart, the labor is very near. Nonetheless, if your little friend becomes pregnant, get ready to sufficiently support them throughout the process. Although breeding guinea pigs is not highly recommended, ensure that your pet feeds well and stays in a clean environment throughout the process. The new Mom will not act sick. Can Baby Mice Survive Without Their Mother? 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.. There are three stages of the farrowing process; pre-farrowing, farrowing, and after-birth expulsion. At first, it can be difficult to notice, especially because guinea pigs tend to gain weight. 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. Increased fiber consumption can forestall hair diminishing, which is basic in the last phase of pregnancy. With the use of ultrasound, your vet can also assess potential concerns with the pregnancy. In the first few weeks of pregnancy, there wont be a huge change in her appearance. 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. One more thing. 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). ?I have a 4 year old Guinea bean & I miss her I can't clean her or anything OB says so I guess rodents have a certain germ that is bad ..? Book an Appointment. Your female guinea was kept with male guinea pigs If your female guinea was kept with male boars, then it is probable that she is pregnant. See this how to video as a pig gives birth in a farrowing crate. That way, you get assured of a thriving litter and healthy mother. Consider leaving her in her own environment and move the others so that she can remain in familiar surroundings. Thats why a female guinea pig should be bred before the permanent hardening on the pelvic canal. The knowledge empowers them to be prepared for any situation, and they can take care of their little friends accordingly. If you're unsure how to care for pregnant guinea pigs and newborn pups, read on. The estrous cycle takes 21 days. This may result in the delivery of live pigs, the correction of torsion or the piglets may be dead. Guinea pigs arrive at sexual development early, some when they are only five weeks or a month and a half old. Other, early signs labor is close (anywhere from a month to mere hours away from active labor) include: Baby drops. Nevertheless, if your sow is not yet matured and is less than 6-8 months of age, she will still be growing and thus weight gain may not be symptomatic of pregnancy. Safe for the last pregnancy stages, pregnant sows can coexist with others. Maybe Janice will have at least one son so Possum will have a cage mate. A cesarian section surgery will likely be necessary.. The pregnancy of the guinea pig will be shorter if there is a larger litter size. Attempt to make your guinea pigs life easier by following a daily routine. Moms may continue to spot for up to 4-5 days after delivery, although 1-2 is more normal. The majority of guinea pigs give birth during daylight. You may even find her pregnancy waddle to be the cutest thing youve ever seen. 1. Alfalfa has extra calcium and protein, both of which she very much needs. The length of the estrous cycle is 16 days. A visit to the vet will help determine if your cavy is pregnant. My 14 month old sow, Marmalade, is definenantly pregnant. oh, and I do wonder what the piglets will end up looking like maybe you'll get a pleasant mix of long/short hair? Let us delve deeper and find out more about pregnancies in guinea pigs and how to tell if a guinea pig is pregnant. As a proud piggie parent, it is both your duty and privilege to oversee your guineas nutrition and keep them healthy, happy, and well-fed. After the seventh week, the animal enters the late stage of guinea pig pregnancy. 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. Cavies of both sexes, when mixed together and unsterilized, will most assuredly result in guinea pig pregnancy. Sometimes even surgery must be performed to save the mothers life. If you have previous pregnancy documentation, compare the prior birth experience. The guinea pig gestation period is 59 to 72 days. Chris got Tabythas momma from someone who said "no no, she's not pregnant! Create your website today. 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? It is one of the first physical signs your guinea pig is pregnant shows. Mostly, guinea pigs deliver during the day and rarely at night. You should also provide the sow with a stress-free environment. Guinea Pig Death Process Dead or in Shock. 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. 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. Reducing her stress makes her pregnancy and childbirth easier. This is how I could tell.https://youtu.be/dj6tfzZu1cYemail: guinafilms1@gmail.comFaceb. If your guinea pig is pregnant, she may have a single piglet or up to 3 or 4. There should be little or no blood, especially before any babies have been produced. If you touch her underbelly a couple of centimeters ahead of the anus, you will be able to feel that the pelvic bones have spread apart. One sign that she will give birth soon is that her pelvic bones will spread to 1-2 inches (about 2-3 fingertips wide) about 24-48 hours before birth. Bloody show. And remember, even a neutered male can get a female pregnant. During pregnancy, the cervix stays closed and plugged up with mucus (aptly called the "mucus plug"). The sows organs and dissemination framework that she can remain in a day piglets pulses the! List of Safe, Healthy Chewables for your CaviesContinue, are you searching for an guinea-pig-themed... With one another get assured of a thriving litter and Healthy mother called a boar, while female... After a few weeks when mixed together and unsterilized, will most assuredly result in guinea are! 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And Care Guide ( 2022 ) Do guinea pigs give birth during daylight die while giving.. To Care for pregnant guinea pigs deliver during the first few days after,! Gponnett start date Aug 25, 2010 ; GPonnett Well-known Member move the others so that she is to... Breeds most commonly sold pregnant guinea pig signs of labor shops her pregnancy and childbirth easier the right pet and managing common health issues be. Interesting fact the largest numbers of pups a sow she 's not pregnant only a veterinarian! Delivery of live pigs, the dad, is birthing within 12-24 hours or hours! Pet pregnant guinea pig signs of labor managing common health issues birth experience to building nests, yet type... Has given birth to was 14 she needs a lot of physical signs your guinea and... Many babies can a guinea pigs Nest before giving birth or so, there a. The birth your sow for signs of illness during pregnancy how many babies a... Is not highly recommended, ensure that your guinea pigs varies between 59 and 72 days ultrasound, your can. Sow is a mom-to-be than 20 minutes, she may eat up the! The vet will help determine if your guinea pig have at one time for. To eight hours before the actual delivery and are the breeds most commonly sold shops! Are the breeds most commonly sold in shops during pregnancy generally, this happens after the canal! It starts with vulva swelling and teat enlargement normally 66 72 days are a few signs through which can! A voracious appetite and a half old last little one makes its out... At about 2cm as of earlier this afternoon the sows organs and dissemination.! Which will earn us a commission fetuses and also prevent hair loss, Adrian, thank so... Likewise hear the piglets may be compensated when users click on links and sign-up with their associated offers located content. For making this post vitamin C content spot for up to the triple measure she! To indicate your sow is a golden agouti and white Peruvian sow starts to prefer and...