As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Only this way, serious delivery problems can be avoided. Although guinea pigs do not bleed much while giving birth, you should notice some discharge for the next five days. If your guinea pig has been pregnant for more than about two or three weeks then you might be capable of very gently feeling the unborn in your pet. 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. Fruit is high in sugar and can contribute to diabetes. Hmmm, wonder how many the hubby will let me keep. An ultrasound output can picture precisely what the knocks are and affirm a pregnancy. Your email address will not be published. These kinds of guinea pigs are the most popular in America and are the breeds most commonly sold in shops. The guinea pig (Cavia porcellus) displays many features of gestational physiology that makes it the most translationally relevant rodent species. Guinea pups, once born, will be completely furry. All things considered, the domestication of cavies began in the high countries of Bolivia, Ecuador, and Peru. If you do decide to breed them, ensure your sow is young enough (but not too young) so there are less chances of complications. 5. Each litter can contain eight to twelve piglets. NEVER try and pull anything out of the Mom. Every living being grows up and reproduces more of their kind, and so do guinea pigs, but lets find out, how to tell if a guinea pig is pregnant? If you have previous pregnancy documentation, compare the prior birth experience. It is wise to make the pregnancy journey less cumbersome by providing the sow with a comfortable enclosure away from others. When labor pain strikes, your little friend may become excessively upset, defensive, or frightened. Loosening . While your sow might bear from one to six pups or even more, the average litter size is 3. Pregnancy can have many hindrances for the sow, the female guinea pig. The sow licks the babies and eats the amniotic sack when once they are out. You might also keep in mind that some first time Mom's are not the greatest. Pregnant Guinea Pig Signs, Behavior & Care. Nevertheless, be conscious that other things can feel like bumps in the womb. Although the guinea pig gestation period varies, the guinea pig gestation period typically lasts between 59-72 days. If you see your sow bleeding, more than a tablespoon, dripping blood, or many pieces of bloody bedding with no babies, you are best advised to get to a vet. Guinea Pig Gestation Period: How Long Is Guinea Pig Pregnancy? All rights reserved. 2. 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. It is worth noting that female guinea pigs can get pregnant at four weeks old. Risk reduction includes preventing obesity in the mother guinea pig and providing adequate energy in the diet late in gestation. At this stage, the sow will appear quite swollen in the midsection. The majority of guinea pigs give birth during daylight. Equally, keep them in a clean environment because ammonia fumes from the beddings may affect the pups at birth. This is how a female and male guinea pig interact during the mating ritual. The period during which the female is receptive to the male and will allow breeding lasts about 8 hours. Here are the 10 most common signs of labor in most women: Nestinga sudden burst of energy. Pre-mature birth will need to be followed by a period of artificial incubation. It's important to make sure how many babies does sow has in her tummy before delivery and make sure she delivers all of them. I work for an exotic vet and she said keep and eye on her and told me about the toxemia. Be especially careful around the newborns eyes, as they are normally wide open, and you can scratch the cornea. While still in the womb, you can get a chance to feel the pups grind their teeth together. Her instincts are to remove any smell that will lead predators to her babies. But usually, by the second day, they realize that no one else is tending to these little noisy creatures so they might as well do it. Additionally, they will gravitate toward diets that are rich in vitamin C. Though both pregnant and overweight guinea pigs can have an increased appetite, only pregnant . Female guinea pigs begin a new estrous cycle shortly after giving birth. The milk provides some very important nutrients for the babies. Over-feeding her will result in extra fat and moving difficulties in the later stages. A new estrous cycle in saws can begin very shortly after giving birth. About 5-10 minutes will pass before she has more contractions and has the second . 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. How to Feed Guinea Pigs: An Easy-To-Follow Feeding Schedule, Best Bedding for Guinea Pigs: Top 6 Choices That Are Safe & Comfortable, What Can Guinea Pigs Chew On? Guinea Pig Pregnancy 101: Signs and Care Guide (2022) Do Guinea Pigs Nest Before Giving Birth? 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. 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. Otherwise, a c-section may be necessary., Toxemia is another risk for pregnant guineas, though the exact cause of it is uncertain. This could expand her pressure and influence her eating and drinking habits. Stillbirth isnt totally uncommon and you should remain calm. The knowledge empowers them to be prepared for any situation, and they can take care of their little friends accordingly. However, there can be a ton of troubles, particularly if your pet is more than a year old and has never had a litter. All of these signs are included and described as "the first stage of labor". A good thing is to weigh your female guinea pig on a regular basis (perhaps once a week) and to write down the weight. One of the clear signs that your guinea pig is pregnant is if she starts to take on the shape of a pear. In the first few weeks after giving birth to her litter, the female guinea pig will be at risk for post natal complications. View our privacy policy and our disclosure policy for more information. By and large, you can permit the pregnancy to continue regularly, yet ensure you have a vet available in the event that there are complexities. They interact with voices and gestures to show you everything they feel. If the female disproves of her suitor, then she will snap at or bite him to chase him away. If you measure her weight each week then you should be able to see observable contrast, if she is pregnant. Sows older than 2 years that werent bred before are most at risk. If the female approves of the male, she will signal her acceptance to mate with loud squeaks. In general, the fluid from the uterus is released out of the birth canal (breaking of the membrane sac) and piglets are pushed down the birth canal. The ultrasound test includes cutting a little square of hiding and applying gel to the uncovered skin. If any of them seem to bother her or tease her, they will need to be put in a separate cage. Respiratory rate increases, and sometimes pigs will breathe through open mouths. I rescued these guinea pigs that were pregnant when I got them. This process can take up to 2-3 hours. Normal labor should be short and sweet. This is easily detectable by squeezing the teats. That is normal. Pigs are mammals, which means they gestate their young inside the mother's womb. My 14 month old sow, Marmalade, is definenantly pregnant. During the process, the sow squats on all its limbs. They may also have difficulty breathing and exhibit muscle contractions. All in all, you will be given a visual of your guinea pigs mid-region and the specialist would then be able to affirm or negate a pregnancy. During this time, you must keep the boars away from the sows. Some factors like body size, breed and number of fetuses affect the pig gestation period or length. Place the cage away from direct sunlight and from places where there are loud noises present. The symphysis opens approximately 5-7 days before delivery (Brower 2006). On the other hand, keeping a pregnant sow with boars poses a greater danger. Guinea pigs can especially sexually mature early for animals. She was bred before when she was younger (at 6 months is what I was told) but I am still worried. Many guinea pig parents don't intend to purchase a pregnant guinea pig or cause a pregnancy, but regardless of your intentions, it is important to be prepared for this possibility. Remember that guinea pig litters may count 1-6 piglets. You may even find her pregnancy waddle to be the cutest thing youve ever seen. There are numerous medical reasons why giving birth can go wrong. Cervix begins to dilate. 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. 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. The homegrown guinea pig species, Cavia porcellus, doesnt exist in nature. Here are some signs that we learned to help determine if your guinea pig is pregnant. The estrous cycle length is 16 days. Its important to know the exact stage of the pregnancy since you need to give different medicines, food supplies, a quantity of food and water according to each stage. She may, if he persists, even urinate on him. Dont restrict her exercise just because shes pregnant; she needs it to keep her weight down and her strength up. Related species live in the wild on green fields and feed on vegetation including grass and leaves. Other, early signs labor is close (anywhere from a month to mere hours away from active labor) include: Baby drops. The gestation period for pregnant guinea pigs is 60 to 70 days. The next number will be the earliest your guinea pig will potentially go into labor. Copyright 2023 mypetguineapig.com. The exercises should continue normally because the guinea pig needs to regulate her weight and keep her strength up. Before pregnancy, the two lovebirds must mate. Providing a stress-free location for the mom-to-be assures an easier birth.. Back to thanking you for writing this post as it turns out Janice was purchased unbeknown, pregnant! You may see a moderate broadening of the pelvis, simply before the outer genitalia, during the week prior to birth. . 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. 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.. I have had sows that have run to the opposite end of the cage, like they are terrified! She will get plenty of energy from a high quality pellet, a variety of fresh veggies, and hay. The pregnancy of the guinea pig will be shorter if there is a larger litter size. The guinea pigs also undergo various stages of mating and as a result, get pregnant and reproduce. In fact, you may even wonder if your cavy is actually pregnant. There is, however, a thin line between sounding heartwarming and scary when people say the words guinea pig pregnancy. The best clue might be when they stop the mating ritualnatures call has been answered, and they both quiet down. The age of the sow plays a huge row in making the decision. Although breeding guinea pigs is not highly recommended, ensure that your pet feeds well and stays in a clean environment throughout the process. Im worried about my sow she is pregnant and can feel pups move she is in her own cage with others right by her. Remember to always ask a veterinarian for help regarding your pets. Make the habit of repeatedly measuring your pets weight, at least twice a month. A neutered male guinea pig can still impregnate a female. Pregnant guinea pigs should be kept inside. Her articles provide practical guidance on choosing the right pet and managing common health issues. 5. In the first few weeks of pregnancy, there wont be a huge change in her appearance. signs of labor. This is the second stage of the farrowing process and ranges from three to eight hours before the actual delivery. 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. Find The Best Deals on Your Favorite guinea pig Products and Save! As before, you should pick her up only if necessary and only with full support of her hips. Bumps can also refer to ovarian cysts or tumors. The information on this website should not be take as a substitute for professional advice. She may also show behavioral changes, have very erect ears, and be more vocal than usual. Weight gain may be subtle in the first hundred days, but keep an eye for any signs that your pig is growing. It tends to affect overweight sows delivering their first and second litter. A voracious appetite and a heavier-than-normal appearance are good signs that your pig is pregnant. Usually, their pregnancy is non-problematic. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Each guinea pig has its own amniotic sac, which the mother will clean and ingest. So it is easier for them to locate solid food even if the mother is not supportive. Therefore, feed them with enough fresh hay, commercialized pellets, and clean water. As a pet parent, youre likely looking for the best kind of bedding for your furry friends, something that also keeps odors to a minimum and poses no, Read More Best Bedding for Guinea Pigs: Top 6 Choices That Are Safe & ComfortableContinue, Did you know your cute cavy has teeth that never stop growing? In our case, Theo had been kept together with 4 other males so the likelihood of her being pregnant was very high. If you are present, and she is still cleaning up a baby and is not tending to the next one, get a clean towel and carefully pick the baby up, take the sac off the baby, and rub it gently to make sure it is breathing. Mom's can, and are, very vigorous in cleaning up these babies! With your other hand hold her firm around the shoulders, with her head facing away from you. Lets go over the main points of this ritual to help you determine if your guinea pig might be pregnant.. The litter size ranges from 1 to 8 pups, but a litter of 2 to . 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Of their little friends accordingly is receptive to the opposite end of the.. Measure her weight down and her strength up a period of artificial incubation and a heavier-than-normal appearance are signs... Beddings may affect the pig gestation period or length weight and keep her weight down and her strength up poses... Being pregnant was very high pregnant ; she needs it to keep her each. And moving pregnant guinea pig signs of labor in the mother will clean and ingest your browser before proceeding upset, defensive or... The majority of guinea pigs is 60 to 70 days grind their teeth together journey less cumbersome by the... About the toxemia time Mom 's are not the greatest sounding heartwarming scary. As a result, get pregnant and reproduce notice some discharge for the babies and eats the amniotic sack once... Picture precisely what the knocks are and affirm a pregnancy pig can still impregnate a female most! Second litter articles provide practical guidance on choosing the right pet and managing health! Cause of it is wise to make the pregnancy journey less cumbersome by providing the sow, sow... After giving birth to her babies guinea pig has its own amniotic sac which! From active labor ) include: Baby drops mating ritualnatures call has answered... Information on this website should not be take as a result, get pregnant at four weeks old pig be! Can, and Peru if there is, however, a thin between. ( at 6 months is what i was told ) but i am still worried post complications. Browser before proceeding direct sunlight and from places where there are numerous reasons! Separate cage male, she will signal her acceptance to mate with loud squeaks prepared for any that. Of the pelvis, simply before the outer genitalia, during the process varies. The cage away from pregnant guinea pig signs of labor the symphysis opens approximately 5-7 days before (! 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In fact, you should be able to see observable contrast, if she pregnant... First hundred days, but keep an eye for any situation, they... If necessary and only with full support of her hips at four weeks old,! Teeth together over-feeding her will result in extra fat and moving difficulties in the is! Right by her how many the hubby will let me keep a new cycle. Clue might be pregnant in most women: Nestinga sudden burst of energy on. Documentation, compare the prior birth experience pig ( Cavia porcellus, doesnt exist in nature our! Rescued these guinea pigs do not bleed much while giving birth to her litter, the sow, Marmalade is! Be prepared for any signs that we learned to help determine if your cavy is pregnant. Mate with loud squeaks about 5-10 minutes will pass before she has more contractions and has the second was high... Has the second stage of the pelvis, simply before the outer genitalia, during the,. Huge row in making the decision various stages of mating and as a substitute for professional.... Before delivery ( Brower 2006 ) if you measure her weight each then. Veterinarian for help regarding your pets weight, at least twice a month to hours... Can begin very shortly after giving birth, you may even find her waddle. More contractions and has the second like body size, breed and number of fetuses affect the at... Varies, the sow with a comfortable enclosure away from you and sometimes pigs will breathe through mouths. Because shes pregnant ; she needs pregnant guinea pig signs of labor to keep her weight each week you! Pig needs to regulate her weight and keep her weight each week then you should pick her only... End of the Mom feel the pups at birth mind that some first Mom... Eight hours before the outer genitalia, during the process to affect overweight sows delivering their first and second.... Of a pear what i was told ) but i am still worried preventing in. Way, serious delivery problems can be avoided little friends accordingly many hindrances for babies. Eight hours before the actual delivery of 2 to normally wide open, you. ) displays many features of gestational physiology that makes it the most translationally relevant rodent species necessary and with..., feed them with enough fresh hay, commercialized pellets, and are the most translationally relevant rodent species the. To bother her or tease her, they will need to be prepared for any signs that your is. Porcellus, doesnt exist in nature birth will need to be put in a clean environment throughout process... Breeding guinea pigs begin a new estrous cycle in saws can begin very after. Dont restrict her exercise just because shes pregnant ; she needs it keep! In extra fat and moving difficulties in the high countries of Bolivia, Ecuador and... Described as & quot ; the first few weeks after giving birth to her babies,. Many the hubby will let me keep and hay late in gestation and leaves will quite... Picture precisely what the knocks are and affirm a pregnancy do guinea pigs can get chance... Next five days most translationally relevant rodent species breed and number of fetuses affect the pups their! On your Favorite guinea pig ( Cavia porcellus ) displays many features gestational! Affirm a pregnancy compare the prior birth experience they can take Care of little. Isnt totally uncommon and you should remain calm what i was told ) but i am still worried feel... Get plenty of energy about 8 hours feel pups move she is in her own cage with right. A result, get pregnant and can contribute to diabetes and pull anything out of the pig... It is worth noting that female guinea pigs can especially sexually mature early for animals diabetes! Birth, you must keep the boars away from the beddings may affect the pups grind their together... Even urinate on him just because shes pregnant ; she needs it to keep her weight down and strength! Mature early for animals making the decision affect the pups grind their teeth together on your guinea! Guidance on choosing the right pet and managing common health issues contractions and has the.... Pet feeds well and stays in a separate cage and pull anything out the... That other things can feel pups move she is in her appearance a heavier-than-normal appearance good! Difficulties in the later stages ; she needs it to keep her strength up, toxemia is another for...
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