When the pregnant guinea pig is about to give birth, the male guinea pig must be separated from her because, within 12 hours after giving birth, she can become pregnant again. Housing your guinea pig is not particularly difficult, as there are a large variety of hutches and cages commercially available. Witkowska, A. et al, The Effects of Diet on Anatomy, Physiology and Health in the Guinea Pig, Journal of Animal Health and Behavioural Science, 2017. Watch this video to learn more about guinea pig. The more factors that are present, the higher likelihood shell eat her pups. For example, they can eat blueberries, strawberries, tangerines, watermelon, passion fruit, melons, bananas, and many more. Its also the age of the youngest baby guinea pigs in pet stores. Once labor is established, all the pups usually arrive within half an hour. We kept a close eye on Theo as her due date approached. Domestic guinea pigs originated in South America but today these vocal, sociable creatures thrive in households across the globe. This is a question that many guinea pig owners have. Some have lengthy, silky hair, and others have brief, tough coats. If your guinea pig consistently has enough extra food, the chances of her needing to eat her pups drop to near zero. At three weeks of age it was still hard for us to tell the difference between the males and females. We noticed our guinea pig babies began to eat mamas food within a few days of birth. Even if guinea pigs cannot express emotions the way other pets like dogs or cats do, it doesnt mean they dont miss their owners when left alone for long. But another remarkable thing about baby guinea pigs is just how grown up their appetites are! Thankfully, she had an uneventful pregnancy and birth and did not eat her babies. A great way to get help raising your first litter successfully, and in recognising potential problems quickly, is by enlisting the support of a mentor. Now, if you have a dog or even a cat, you are sure it misses you when you have to go to work but do guinea pigs miss their owners? Guinea pigs can be aggressive towards each other if they are not adequately trained. On the other hand if youll be helping a sow to raise a litter of pups from birth, theres rather more to think about. They might surprise you with how busy and outgoing they are too. To pick up your guinea pig move slowly and gently pick him up with two hands. (Keep that food bowl appropriately full!) Within twenty-four hours they can start to eat grass, produce, hay, and pellet feed just like adults. Explain to them that they have not been replaced or that their babies have replaced your guinea pig. So as long as the enclosure is secure and the bars are tight, you should be fine. The gestation period is about 59 to 72 days or about two months. (Fun Facts). She is then back to cuddles and snuggles. Guinea pig pregnancy seems short to us, but in fact it lasts a remarkably long time for their size. Its important to remember that guinea pigs are prey animals and they can get intimidated very easily. Their compact, cylindrical bodies range from 8 to 10 inches . The best thing you can do is provide adequate and proper nutrition to the new guinea pig mother. During our research we learned that there are two possible reasons why: This was one question that had me really worried. Give the orphaned puppy the same amount of water and evaporated guinea pig milk. However, they can seriously injure them when they recognize that the babies are not theirs, also because they are intimidated and territorial. In the next section weve assembled some of the most commonly asked questions our readers have about their baby guinea pigs. The guinea pig fathers dont play any role in taking care of the litter, and can do more harm than good (sorry piggie dads!). Thankfully, its only done when the mother feels she doesnt have any other option. Garner-Richardson, V., Guinea Pig Nutrition, The Veterinary Nurse, 2013. Spaying a female guinea pig can be a risky procedure that not all veterinarians are willing to attempt. "Wheek" City. Let's hear it for the boys. (Find Out Now), Filial Cannibalism (and 7 Reasons Why Some Animal Moms Dine On Their Babies). This process includes eating the placenta and, while she does this, there is a chance that she will mistake one of her babies for the placenta. You need to be able to provide your guinea pigs with regular ample attention all the time. They use them to form social bonds and initiate mating, attract the attention of herd members over great distances, communicate sadness, and sound the alarm. By their second week, you wont be able to miss how much your baby guinea pigs have grown already. Guinea pigs can eat a lot of different types of fruit. You should increase the amount of fresh fruit and vegetables given daily and also consider pet-friendly supplements. Make sure to separate your male guinea pigs from females in their litter too. Veterinarians and Animal Hospital in Pasadena, MD | Lake Shore Pet Hospital. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/all-other-pets/guinea-pigs/breeding-and-reproduction-of-guinea-pigs, Care of pregnant Guinea pigs. But, give them time to bond with their mother so they can nurse. Paying lots of brief visits to your litter with mother, and getting them used to gentle handling without worrying them are going to be a vital foundation of good socialization. Guinea pigs are cute and quite intelligent pets. Under certain circumstances, the sow may eat her offspring for various reasons. This a sound that only domesticated guinea pigs do for their adoring pet parents. This is necessary to prevent pregnancy. This blog will give you some helpful tips on how to make this a wonderful experience. I love animals, and I have three beautiful boys. Female guinea pigs dont intentionally eat their babies nor do they kill them to eat them. That way she doesnt have to deal with the stress of more pregnancies. Yes, female guinea pigs do nurse their young for a few weeks after birth. Their tiny mouths already manage to contain 20 teeth, which grow continuously. When female guinea pigs eat their babies, they can do so because they are excessively hungry and because they are under a lot of stress that they cannot handle. If her diet doesnt contain enough vital vitamins and nutrients, she can still be malnourished whilst receiving enough calories to maintain her body weight. Provide Your Sow with a Stress-Free Environment, Remain Vigilant During the First Twenty Four Hours, Keep The Babies With Their Mom As Much As Possible, Can You Put A Baby Guinea Pig With An Older One? Sometimes adults will do this with each other too. (n.d.). Diet What should our pregnant guinea pig eat? https://amzn.to/3iYcPHPAs well as the new Pigg. Can Rabbits Eat Grapes Pros And Cons of Grapes For Rabbits. Common diseases in domestic guinea pigs include respiratory infections, diarrhea, itching, and boils due to infection (often the neck, throat, or external scratches). Baby guinea pigs feed on their mothers milk but soon they will need lots of alfalfa hay thats rich in calcium. This can lead to health problems. Its understandable to feel that way. This can harm the guinea pigs health, as they may become stressed or depressed. We spent some time coming up with cute guinea pig names for our babies and decided upon the following; Moose, Aspen, Moon and Finn! Its natural for you and me to humanize the behavior of animals. However, male guinea pigs shouldnt eat their young at all because guinea pigs are herbivores. An inexperienced sow might accidentally damage her young with her teeth whilst trying to clean them up after the birth. We know that guinea pigs typically stay with their baby for about three weeks. While it might not be anything to worry about, sometimes it can be a sign of sickness. (Benefits, Risks, Servings & FAQs), Baytril For Guinea Pigs (Side Effects, Efficacy, Dosage & FAQs), Signs Your Guinea Pig Hates You (Top 7 & And How to Fix It). Male guinea pigs (boars) usually mature sexually and can mate as young as 2-3 months of age. Plus, good breeders and rescues tend to handle their guinea pigs regularly, which helps to keep them tame. They will continue to nurse from mom for somewhere between three and six weeks. This can hurt their health and well-being. Do Guinea Pigs Eat Their Babies if You Touch Them? Kind, K.L., Chronic maternal feed restriction impairs growth but increases adiposity of the fetal guinea pig, American Journal of Physiology, 2005. Baby guinea pigs are much smaller than their parents, so they can escape from the cage. Walter or Bob These guinea pigs sound like they should be wearing business suits on Wall Street. Guinea pigs and other rodents do not eat their babies because they are hungry. i am so excited!!! Newborn guinea pigs have fur and are born with their eyes open. I thought they would be born helpless and look like baby rats or hamsters with no fur and their eyes closed. What is a Group of Guinea Pigs Called? They will understand. Baby guinea pig care - The Guinea Pig Manual. Pups from small litters are usually bigger than pups from large litters. A particular substance comes from the eyes of a guinea pig; they rub it on their hair when they are grooming. However, there is no definitive answer as to whether or not this is true. The larger the litter, the smaller the pups will likely be. Soak guinea pig pellets in water from the first day of life. Put him back with his mother if he becomes vocal or squirmy. An average sized pup measures around 3 to 5 inches at birth, and very cylindrical roughly the size of a tangerine in fact! It is important to note that guinea pigs can get attached to their owners and may experience signs of separation anxiety when they are not around. It will also well as putting her at risk for developing diseases like toxaemia. A cage with a deep pan will make it more difficult for your guinea pigs to escape, but its not necessary. But do all animals miss their babies as much as we do? Guinea pigs are peaceful creatures. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com and other affiliate links, at no extra cost to you. (Find Out Now). This is for several reasons: You should find this post helpful: Can A Father Guinea Pig Be With The Babies? Your guinea pig wont eat its babies if you touch them. She is then back to cuddles and snuggles. You have to remember that these babies are coming out of the womb ready to run around the cage and have fun very quickly. Thoroughly clean and disinfect the water bottle at least once per week. Copyright 2021 - 2023 Guinea Pig Den | Jennifer Franklin Media LLCThis site does not constitute pet medical advice, please consult a licensed veterinarian in your area for pet medical advice. Its important to know what signs to look out for so you can keep your piggies happy and healthy. Guinea pigs eating babies is a rare but possible occurrence. Guinea pig babies are called "pups" when they are born and are birthed into litters. Female guinea pigs have a Y-shaped opening close to their anus. If you are unsure if the guinea pig is missing its baby, you may not be able to know if it is ill and needs to see a veterinarian. If possible, you should be present during the birth to provide support and comfort to the mother. Stop getting dirty looks from your piggies, because you forgot to do something for themAGAIN. Copyright 2023 mypetguineapig.com. Guinea pigs can jump over obstacles but these, When they recognize they are in danger, guinea pigs stand in one place for a long time then suddenly run very fast with a darting movement. They reach their adult size very quickly. (Find Out Now)Continue, Choosing the right materials to use a as a cage liner for your guinea pigs cage can seem daunting especially when youre a new pet parent. Although guinea pigs occasionally sneeze, frequent sneezing is a sign of pneumonia, especially in response to climate change. I'm here to help you smash the EASY button on pet parenting. This can be startling and upsetting. It is fine to carefully handle your new guinea pig pups during their first week, but be sure to allow them plenty of time with their mother as well. In fact, loneliness reduces the life expectancy of a guinea pig. You will get a kick out of their eagerness to chase each other around and play, and maybe even start popcorning. At worst, it can cause her to reject them. Many people believe that male guinea pigs eat their babies as well. Ahhhh, clementines. While the baby boars can be separated in just three weeks once they are fully weaned, the baby sows can remain with the mother for up to 4 weeks from the time of birth. This is an essential process as it helps to ensure that the young guinea pigs can develop properly. When properly fed, you dont have to worry that she will eat her babies. In most cases, guinea pigs won't miss you if you decide to leave them in the home instead of taking them with you for camping. A typical guinea pig pup weighs between 60 and 115 grams and measures close to 3 to 5 inches long. There are several major ideas about why would a guinea pig eat the babies: When they are small and weak, its much easier to keep baby guinea pigs away from male guinea pigs. 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. Guinea pigs love to communicate. Its unwise to create more. Yet, the mother guinea pig will take care of them during the first few weeks, so dont separate them from her. Briscoe, T.A., et al, Cardiovascular and renal disease in the adolescent guinea pig after chronic placental insufficiency, American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2004. Here are some of our top baby guinea pig name lists to help you feel inspired! Newborn guinea pigs can open their eyes after they are born. ClickHEREfor a peek at my disclosure. Most people find that, when it comes to guinea pigs at least, babies are the cutest. Not only that, but they also have a full body of fur, and even their little claws are developed. And baby guinea pigs are capable of joining in from a very young age. During our research we learned that there are two possible reasons why: Malnourished - not getting enough to eat of the right kinds of food Back to back pregnancies - due to nutrient deficiencies This was one question that had me really worried. Pneumonia can occur with torticollis and can be fatal. Lots of small animals (think rats and rabbits) have reputations for being prolific breeders. Sometimes it happens accidentally. She will naturally clean up the area around her: lick the babies clean, bite off the umbilical cord and eat the placenta. How many babies do guinea pigs have in their first litter? Between then and reaching their full adult weight several months later, you might hear them being described as juniors. As a whole, guinea pigs do not eat their offspring, but it can happen. Over the next 2 weeks, decrease the feeding time gradually. It is okay for you to handle the pups during the nursing period. Yes, guinea pigs miss their owners. Baby boars must be separated from mama at three weeks. Even then, they must be handled very gently. Since males can get any female guinea pig pregnant once they reach maturity - including their mothers - they're weaned and taken from their mother at three weeks old. This usually happens when pups are stillborn, or born to ill to survive. Do Chickens Get Lonely? We were stressed out during this time because we did not want to have another unexpected guinea pig pregnancy. the babies are doing so well and are so healthy.#guineapig #babies #cuteSong: Sapphe. (n.d.). You need to know if you should reduce the amount of time you spend away from your pet. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/140328-sloth-bear-zoo-infanticide-chimps-bonobos-animals, Your Guinea Pigs Pregnancy: The Stages of Pregnancy. This often happens when owners of female guinea pigs discover an unplanned pregnancy and arent able to care for all the babies. Most experts believe that guinea pigs are relatively emotionally resilient creatures and are unlikely to suffer significant emotional distress due to being separated from their young. Genetic abnormalities have been reported in guinea pigs, similar to those found in other breeds of animals (such as hip dysplasia in dogs). The information on this website should not be take as a substitute for professional advice. If The Male Doesn't Believe the Babies Are His. Baby guinea pigs are unique in that they are born with their eyes open! Female guinea pigs (sows) typically mature sexually at 2 months of age (55 to 70 days). Baby guinea pigs are called pups just like baby dogs. For the first 2-3 weeks , they will rely on their mother for milk. Aggression between two newly introduced guinea pigs is very common and If your guinea pig is finding it hard to deal with the change of a new cage mate, try engaging him in more interaction with you than ever before. Wanna read something more boring than watching paint dry? They also live for several years, longer than most other rodents, so you can enjoy them longer than other pet rodents. To most people, guinea pigs are cute pets, and having just one will suffice. Theyre filled with Vitamin C and other essential nutrients that guinea pigs need. Do Guinea Pigs Miss Their Owners? There are different ways you can give your guinea pigs attention, and one of them is a good, old-fashioned daily petting session. All rights reserved. Feed the guinea pig pups for the first 5 days around the clock every 4 to 5 hours. Show some tender feelings towards your guinea pig. What Are Common Health Problems in Guinea Pigs? Normally, they could be 3-6 inches long. Find The Best Deals on Your Favorite guinea pig Products and Save! Female guinea pigs take care of the hardest part as much as possible. Male guinea pigs have a donut-shaped opening. Six or seven weeks old is the age at which most breeders will let their pups go to their new homes. Make sure she always has enough food. 4. If the litter is too large, the mama . Do Guinea Pigs Like Stuffed Animals? Pet owners know that keeping a guinea pig as a pet is a wonderful experience. She checked each one of them and licked them clean immediately following their birth. 10. This article has been extensively revised for 2019. She is more likely to eat her babies as she can confuse the placenta and the babies. Sadly yes, guinea pig mothers do sometimes eat their newborn young. We will help you to raise your baby guinea pigs to become healthy, happy pets. Home - Guinea Pigs - Do Guinea Pigs Miss Their Owners? Guinea pig babies are born looking like mini versions of their mama. 2 3 cups mostly green, leafy vegetables, Occasional fruit too much sugar can lead to obesity. Remember to remove any they leave, as it will spoil quickly. Your guinea pig will be frustrated if their youngsters are upset or stressed. 11. They need it in unlimited amounts, as it helps them keep their teeth trimmed and ensures the proper functioning of their sensitive digestive system. RELATED: CLICK HERE for tips on how to tame your guinea pig (step by step guide). The Midwest Guinea Pig Habitat is the recommended size (minimum of 8 square feet) and has deep sides around the edges that make it difficult for the baby guinea pigs to crawl out of. This website was inspired by our guinea pig pair, Theo and Remmy, and is our familys journey to becoming the best guinea pig parents. Female cavies are called sows and males are called boars. It was fascinating to watch our new mom clean up after her newborn baby guinea pigs. Where can I find baby guinea pigs for sale? (2014, March 28). Baby guinea pigs are capable of digesting solid food very soon after birth (within hours). This is called precociality. Even their own children. Baby guinea pigs are called pups. A healthy pup will resist and move away from the mother, alerting her of her mistake. When they dont have enough food and are at risk of starvation. If you carefully run a finger over the area, you should be able to feel the shaft of their penis under the skin. Ive wondered it myself. Other guinea pig owners would like to breed their piggies. When I'm not writing, I enjoy kickboxing and work as an animal trainer. Guinea pigs are different from many other species; they are born with teeth and fur, and almost immediately they can see and walk around. Guinea pigs are social animals and may begin to experience depression-like symptoms when alone for too long. But usually, mom will begin to discourage her babies from nursing at about the 3rd week. Their paws and head are comically outsized in proportion to their body, and they already have a full coat of fur. Guinea pig babies are born very quickly. To do this, we learned it is best to wean the males by removing them from their mom and sisters cage at three weeks and moving them to a separate cage. (n.d.). The first twenty four hours are when the babies are at greatest risk for being eaten, so remain close during this period. This is a question that has long been debated when it comes to guinea pigs. From the moment they are born they are unusually mature and capable of looking after themselves. We knew for sure that we had one male and two females, but it was still hard for us to tell with the fourth guinea pig. New babies are born with teeth, claws, and fur. Make sure that your guinea pig babies are able to reach the water bottle sipper. https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheUniverseReflected The all natural Piggies Choice Hay Racks are available finally! Never again hear the dreaded sounds of your guinea pigs angry squeaks because you forgot to clean out their cage or feed them on timefor the fourth day in a row. On average, baby guinea pigs come in litters of 2-4, and weigh 70-115g. Guinea pig babies can walk, see, and hear, as soon as they are born, and most start nibbling on solid foods within a few days. Guinea Pigs May Lick as a Sign of Affection or Grooming. Usually, the mother will eat the baby right after it's born. Guinea pigs make the best mothers and give puppies the best chance of survival. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Squeaks and Nibbles is a participant in the Amazon EU Associates Programme, an affiliate advertising programme designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.co.uk, Squeaks and Nibbles is also a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Every few hours for the first few days, you should hand-feed the baby guinea pig: mesh pellets or supplement powder, and if you have grown guinea pigs, also add a fecal . This is pretty rare. Keeping your guinea pig healthy and happy is an ongoing process that will require lots of dedication and effort from you. If you are considering getting a guinea pig, ensure you can provide them with the social interaction they need. The causes are different for each species. A female guinea pig usually wont eat a baby guinea pig deliberately. If this happens, you should immediately remove the dead babies and dispose of them appropriately. Be prepared to assess them quickly, because they wont like to be held in that position for long! Your Baby Guinea Pig What To Expect And How To Look How long do guinea pig babies stay with mom? The size of the pups is often relative to how many pups there are in the litter. Guinea pigs have a good sense of hearing, so they will potentially even be able to hear you coming from down the hall. My name is Tim Rhodes and I'm a guinea pig enthusiast through thick and thin. Our goal is to make Guinea Pig Den the ultimate resource for learning about your new guinea pig and helpful information before you bring one home as a pet. As a whole, guinea pigs do not eat their offspring, but it can happen. B., Auditory spatial responses of young guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) during and after ear blocking, Journal of Comparative and Physiological Psychology, 1978. A male guinea pig eats the babies only by a strange occurrence. Equally, male guinea pigs shouldnt eat their babies because they dont eat meat. Hamsters and rats are famous for such practice. The standard litter can range from one to six little pups, with an avg. Yes, guinea pigs do mourn. GuineaPigDen.com is a participant in theAmazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. How long do guinea pig babies stay with mom? As they grow, baby guinea pigs will require extra calcium to help their bones develop properly. Although they spring out with open eyes and fully furred, piggie pups are still small and fragile at first. From there you can jump straight to the answers you need, or join us for a complete overview of baby guinea pig development, week by week. In a pet situation, the male may be in the same guinea pig cage as the female and her newborns, and there is no way for the mother to move the pups away from . Yes, it is okay to touch your new baby guinea pigs. Lake Shore Veterinary Hospital offers the following helpful advice: If you touch her belly a couple of centimeters ahead of the anus, you will be able to feel that the pelvic bones have spread apart. You just have to note that bringing mature guinea pigs together can sometimes be difficult, even if it is done in a slow and measured manner. If you handle a baby bird in a nest, the mother will often abandon them because she'll sense something isn't right (i.e. An adult guinea pig will never deliberately harm or eat a newborn guinea pig. When your guinea pig is pregnant her Vitamin C requirements double to around 20mg per day. Once the pups arrive, monitor them closely to make sure nursing is established within 12 hours. Like babies of all species, cute baby guinea pigs are tiny and winsome. And guinea pigs are quite fertile little creatures too! Keep the male guinea pig separate from his female partner to keep her safe and reduce the stress. Guinea pig pregnancies are dangerous and the mortality rate is high both among guinea pig mothers and babies. Every baby guinea pig needs its mothers milk, which provides enough nutrition during the first crucial days of their lives. Pettijohn, T. F., Attachment and Separation Distress in the Infant Guinea Pig, Developmental Psychobiology, 1979. This page is stuffed full of information about how to care for your baby guinea pig. Once they die, she might eat them. Also, female guinea pigs eat their young if they are overstressed and afraid because they cannot handle the situation. Just being near their most preferred people can give guinea pigs a lot of comfort. So your guinea pig is pregnant. More research must be conducted to determine whether or not guinea pigs truly miss their babies when they are apart. Start offering them shredded lettuce from the day their born. We hope you found this article helpful about what to expect when expecting newborn baby guinea pigs! Increase the protein content in your pregnant guinea pigs diet. This is especially true if pet parents have not given their pregnant sow enough food. To help you, weve written more about how to tame a guinea pig here. Guinea pigs weigh between 700 and 1200g. Do not disturb your guinea pigs when they are sleeping or nursing. There is a chance that your sow will only partially eat her offspring, particularly if she killed them by accident. While it is a hard thing to think about, it can happen. So, consider getting a cage large enough for them to play around. Other factors that make eating (or killing) the pups less likely include: piggies are natural herbivores and they have good maternal instincts (for rodents, anyway). Guinea Lynx :: A Medical and Care Guide for Your Guinea Pig. Guineapigden.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Look quickly because guinea pigs are not happy being held this way. Make sure to feed your guinea pig hay of high quality. Guinea pigs may miss their parents, but more research must confirm this. For instance, a guinea pig that was captured individually needs at least one other guinea pig as a cage mate. Once the baby guinea pigs turn 3 to 4 weeks, separate them from their mother, especially male guinea pigs. (What You Need To Know)Continue. Its just as important that your baby guinea pig also spends most of their time with other guinea pigs. Bellinger, S. A. et al, An ecologically relevant guinea pig model of fetal behavior, Behavioral Brain Research, 2015. If the mother is experiencing starvation , she may eat her offspring as an ultimate last resort. Can Guinea Pigs Eat Spinach Or Is It Bad For Them?
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