One more way to detect guinea pig pregnancy is the smell of the pet. By choice and sometimes by accident, a pregnant guinea pig comes under our care. The early stage consists of the first few days after mating. . My 14 month old sow, Marmalade, is definenantly pregnant. Guinea pups, once born, will be completely furry. Back to thanking you for writing this post as it turns out Janice was purchased unbeknown, pregnant! Loud squeals are a sign that she accepted him. At first, it can be difficult to notice, especially because guinea pigs tend to gain weight. (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). How to tell if your sow is pregnant. Most likely, the substance is the first stool coming from the piglet inside the womb. Yet, they may emit a similar sound after the baby comes out. It is also an indication that the first stage of labor is happening. Female guinea pigs begin a new estrous cycle shortly after giving birth. Are there any signs of impending birth for guinea pigs? It will take from nine to ten weeks before you are remunerated with young ones. Regardless of whether this is the lone sow you own, you should in any case eliminate the male pig before she arrives 60 days in her pregnancy. You may even find her pregnancy waddle to be the cutest thing youve ever seen. This way you can have the record of her weight in order to determine any patterns of weight gain that may be evocative of a pregnancy. Generally, its best to treat a sow as though she is pregnant until it is proven otherwise. If not, the female guinea pig will most likely bite or urinate on the male. Can Baby Mice Survive Without Their Mother? You may see a moderate broadening of the pelvis, simply before the outer genitalia, during the week prior to birth. You might also keep in mind that some first time Mom's are not the greatest. Im worried about my sow she is pregnant and can feel pups move she is in her own cage with others right by her. Note that if pregnant, your little friends can comfortably carry three to four young ones to term. A voracious appetite and a heavier-than-normal appearance are good signs that your pig is pregnant. The first noticeable sign on a pregnant sow is an increased appetite. As the female guinea pig gets older, the bones making up the pelvic canal form a permanent hard bridge by fusing. 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? They will want to eat solid food within a few hours of birth. After the widening, is birthing within 12-24 hours or 24-48 hours? If you do not see the birth as it happens, you will most likely not see the placentas, as the Mom will eat the afterbirths and all the bloody wet shavings. Avoid over-feeding Hamsters and Guinea Pigs Can They Live Together. Otherwise, a c-section may be necessary., Toxemia is another risk for pregnant guineas, though the exact cause of it is uncertain. The milk provides some very important nutrients for the babies. You most likely won't even see it happen. Learning cavies live in colonies and do best at least with a friend I purchased another. Its a great way to predict and control diseases as well. During this time, you must keep the boars away from the sows. 5. Cervix begins to dilate. 1. Watch this video to recognize if a pig is in labor. With a contraction, she will reach under her like she is getting a poop to eat, and pull the baby out. the space is about 1.5cm as opposed to .5cm it was yesterday! You notice a mucusy discharge or "bloody show". A new estrous cycle in saws can begin very shortly after giving birth. You will be able to see the babies movement beneath her skin. This will keep your guinea pig from sliding. Generally, people adopt small babies as pets, who eventually grow up and reach the age of sexual maturity and reproduction. That way, you get assured of a thriving litter and healthy mother. You are using an out of date browser. Normal labor should be short and sweet. Signs of pregnancy A pregnancy takes on average 10 weeks (58-73 days). If your guinea pig dies during labor, it could be due to pregnancy toxemia or the guinea pig's hips could have fused (this can . It doesnt take more than a few hours for them to start eating solid food, just like any other adult guinea pig. Cavies, as notorious early developers, are sexually mature at a very young age. Their eyes will open quickly and, within a few hours of birth, will search for solid food to eat., 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. Related species live in the wild on green fields and feed on vegetation including grass and leaves. A voracious appetite and a heavier-than-normal appearance are good signs that your pig is pregnant. When all the babies are born, the placenta will emerge, and the mother will eat it as well. Ultrasounds are non-intrusive and dont need sedation. She may likewise drink more water than normal. Polar fleece is perfect. Lumps may represent piglets, but they can also stand for health problems such as cysts so its a good idea to take them to the vets for a checkup, or advice on how the pregnancy is advancing and health advice. Typically, only 2 to 4 ova (fertile eggs) are released by the female during the fertile period of the estrous. On the other hand, keeping a pregnant sow with boars poses a greater danger. Consider leaving her in her own environment and move the others so that she can remain in familiar surroundings. Reducing her stress makes her pregnancy and childbirth easier. Medical Disclaimer: VIVOPets.com does not intend to provide any kind of veterinary suggestion. 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 male on, the other hand, will put on his manly display but will still approach the saw with a lowered head. 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. They will grab the babies hair in their teeth and pull, till the babies squeal. The first stage of guinea pig pregnancy will be average, which is 65 days from when your guinea pig mates. Then of course saw another weeks later that I fell in love with, bought that one too. Make the habit of repeatedly measuring your pets weight, at least twice a month. I'm so excited, she getting so big. Not knowing all the necessary facts about pregnancy in guinea pigs can prove to be a nightmare. Has the shivering and leg movement ceased? This partition increments to more than 2.5cms in the hours not long before conveyance. Thank you for your information. As she goes into labor she will release out a cry. They interact with voices and gestures to show you everything they feel. The gestation period for a guinea pig can be as short as 59 days and as long as 73; the average is 63 days. On average, the process lasts around one to four hours. With the use of ultrasound, your vet can also assess potential concerns with the pregnancy. 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). Most guinea pigs give birth in the daytime hours. It breaks my heart because she squeaks at me to pet her & I can't pregnancy hormones make me cry. Prior to pregnancy, the two lovebirds should mate. Today, they are kept as pets around the globe. Nonetheless, here are a few subtle signs to look out for that point to a successful pregnancy: Should you suspect the sow to be expecting pups at any point, be mindful to handle her with the utmost care. Mostly, guinea pigs deliver during the day and rarely at night. The first noticeable sign on a pregnant sow is an increased appetite. Guinea pigs arrive at sexual development early, some when they are only five weeks or a month and a half old. There are no surefire signs and no signs during the first half of the pregnancy. 0. The guinea pig (Cavia porcellus) displays many features of gestational physiology that makes it the most translationally relevant rodent species. You can sense the distance between the bones by gently positioning your finger on the belly just a few centimeters from the anus. They will lick and lick till you think she is trying to remove their fur. Potential Pregnancy Problems. Signs of labor include restlessness, nesting behavior or trying to find a suitable position in the farrowing crate or pen by heaping up bedding or digging a shallow area on the dirt. After the 7th week, the movement of the pups will be even more noticeable. Subscribe to our newsletter and get access to our free small pet care printables! Gaining weight at a regular pace is important. I have even felt them grinding their teeth. 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. During the late third trimester, this plug might push into your vagina. If your guinea pig is a grown up adult then you can watch her weight in order to try and identify whether or not she is pregnant. In some cases, pregnant guinea pigs triple the amount they consume in a day. They should be kept in tranquil surroundings and fed plenty of vegetables. She does so, as well, with the placenta. Youll have to carry her in a vehicle confined through treats or her number one vegetables/natural product. If you do decide to breed them, ensure your sow is young enough (but not too young) so there are less chances of complications. The guinea pig's heat cycle lasts 16 days. There are a number of potential signs that your guinea pig may be pregnant, including sudden weight gain following contact with a male guinea pig that has not been neutered. When its utterly necessary make sure she has the support of her hips. Depending on the age and the health status of your sow, pregnancies evoke a whole load of impediments. After only a few of weeks, you should see your pet putting on weight, and the size of the mid-region getting truly perceptible. For instance, a 2 Ibs sow may augment up to 4 Ibs by the end of the pregnancy. The new Mom will not act sick. 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. Not at all like in different species, the pressure of taking blood can antagonistically influence the wellbeing of pregnant guinea pigs. The male will put on a manly display for the female, rumbling, standing upright before her, and approaching her with his head lowered. A pregnant guinea pig's food and water consumption will noticeably increase. If there are male guinea pigs present at the time of birth, they will compete between themselves to mate with the mother and protect the newborn guinea pigs. The male guinea pig is called a boar, while the female is known as a sow. During the first month or so, there arent a lot of physical signs to indicate your sow is a mom-to-be. Normally, you can spot the fetuses in her womb from around 2 weeks after mating. Mostly, it starts with vulva swelling and teat enlargement. She will give out a cry just as she goes into labor, and it will take about five minutes to birth a pup. When labor is imminent, you might notice some changes in the way your guinea pig looks. A pregnant guinea pig is in danger of toxemia, so you should be on the lookout for any signs of this often fatal disease. I can feel her pelvis is widening! In the event that you have numerous sows, eliminate the male pig quickly to keep others from getting pregnant. The female guinea pig reaches sexual maturity at about 2 months of age,her body is anatomically ready to carry ad nourish babies for the next 2 months. Such temperature drops can happen at any point of the pregnancy. They pace and build nests with straw or available materials. The person I got her from lied to me about her being with a male. Once the pup is out, she will eat the sac on the pup and begin to clean the pup. They may also have difficulty breathing and exhibit muscle contractions. The following are a few signs through which you can tell that your guinea pig is anticipating. How many babies can a guinea pig have at one time? A sow will build up an undeniable bulbous shape during pregnancy and will regularly twofold her weight. mypetguineapig.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. It makes me so happy and very worried at the same time. The true respect they deserve. Negligence and ignorance can prove to be fatal for the mother and the babies. Create your website today. But do you really understand what it takes to care for these fluffy friends? Before pregnancy, the two lovebirds must mate. Although breeding guinea pigs is not highly recommended, ensure that your pet feeds well and stays in a clean environment throughout the process. She could likewise become pregnant only two hours after she delivers an offspring. Legitimate consideration and cautious observing are basic to improve the chances of an effective conveyance. The estrous cycle takes 21 days. Some sows take up caring for their young ones right away after birth. Pregnant guinea pigs get visually larger in the abdominal area. Whether the gift is for a friend or a family member, an adult or a kid, or even for, Read More 16 Gifts for Guinea Pig Lovers & OwnersContinue, A true favorite among small pets, guinea pigs are no doubt unique, sweet little creatures. While your sow might bear from one to six pups or even more, the average litter size is 3. The first thing you may notice is the mother becoming overly aggressive when grooming the pups. Jane is an advocate for animal welfare and supports organizations dedicated to protecting wildlife. So we have Janice, Zelma and Possum (looks similar to an Opposum ). All of these signs are included and described as "the first stage of labor". 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. Respiratory rate increases, and sometimes pigs will breathe through open mouths. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Without turning her upside down or applying any pressure, roll your fingers softly along her sides and you may be able to feel the unborn. Mom's can, and are, very vigorous in cleaning up these babies! Your email address will not be published. Diet. Have the details of a small animal vet handy Be prepared. Also, any pig that is pregnant conveys a one out of five possibilities of biting the dust as an immediate consequence of complexities during or after pregnancy or birth. A female guinea pigs weight will rise remarkably if shes pregnant. It will look like she is grabbing a poo to eat. The litter size ranges from 1 to 8 pups, but a litter of 2 to 4 is more common. She may eat up to the triple measure that she typically eats. This mechanism works in other species of animals as well and very fortunately humans arent accustomed to it. Loosening . The majority of guinea pigs give birth during daylight. 12 minute read; 5. She may also show behavioral changes, have very erect ears, and be more vocal than usual. One more thing. This page might contain affiliate links, which will earn us a commission. I do not breed. A female is fertile for about 6 to 11 hours, most often during night hours. I can feel the outlines of the babies. House pregnant sows indoors if pets are normally free-range outside. Guinea pigs can especially sexually mature early for animals. Although the guinea pig gestation period varies, the guinea pig gestation period typically lasts between 59-72 days. Medical intervention, such as a c-section, is often required for older sows with no previous prior pregnancies. If you have not removed males yet, do so at this point., Ideally, relocate cagemates elsewhere rather than removing the pregnant sow, so she can remain in familiar surroundings., Adding a soft, fleece blanket to her sleeping area., Covering the sleep section of the cage with a towel so she feels cozy and safe.. Guinea pigs tend to express every little change in their body. This could expand her pressure and influence her eating and drinking habits. Hi there! While still in the womb, you can get a chance to feel the pups grind their teeth together. Regularly take your pet to an exotic vet for assessment and weight monitoring. When there is a dominant male, theres a likelihood that the other males wont try to interact with the mother. There should be one for every baby. If you have previous pregnancy documentation, compare the prior birth experience. Avoid putting any pressure on her body. If it helps just a few guinea pigs in the world live a happier and healthier life, then the site has done it's job. When she has a contraction, she will kind of hunch up. Cavies were initially brought into Europe during the 1500s. If your sow is carrying more pups rather than less, her length of pregnancy will more likely be closer to 60 days than 70. She is at risk of toxemia if the fetuses are taking up more energy than she can supply nutritionally. Enriching the guinea pigs diet with kale, broccoli, green peppers, and parsley is also advised. Shivering and tail twitching is an indication that a piglet is on the way. Many others survive but with complicationscostly to you, painful to her. Otherwise, you risk starting an entirely new pregnancy cycle! When pregnant the pelvic area relaxes due to the hormonal changes. The litter size ranges from 1 to 8 pups, but a litter of 2 to 4 is more common. Before going into labor some guinea pigs produce grunt sounds. If you feel movement in addition to lumpiness, that's a clear sign she is pregnant. Homegrown guinea pigs are famous pets and important exploration creatures. Female guinea pigs begin a new estrous cycle shortly after giving birth. Each pup will have its own amniotic sac, and usually the mother removes it and eats it. 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. Pregnant guinea pigs should be kept inside. To decide when the introduction of the young ones will happen is frequently troublesome in that they have a long development period, and that the sows dont assemble homes. 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. Typically, breeding reduces the lifespan of female cavies. As long as the sow feeds well and the udder appears normal, this should not worry you much. The average period of pregnancy is approximately 65 days. Due to the limited movement of their pelvic bones, they will strain to give birth. Keep an Eye on the Boys. Anyway, knowing best to keep them all quarantined my two females and one male have never interacted. Bloody show. Here are some signs that we learned to help determine if your guinea pig is pregnant. 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). Copyright 2000-document.write(new Date().getFullYear()) Guinea Lynx, All Rights Reserved, Sow straining for more than 10 minutes and not producing a baby, Sow squealing loudly with each contraction, Sow getting exhausted and just giving up from trying, No placenta being produced with the babies, Sow smelling like nail polish remover, or acetone. Weeks later that I fell in love with, bought that one too normally, you can tell that pet. Before conveyance that we learned to help determine if your guinea pig is called a boar, while the during. The necessary facts about pregnancy in guinea pigs can especially sexually mature early animals. Over-Feeding Hamsters and guinea pigs give birth in the daytime hours, because... Litter and healthy mother and no signs during the day and rarely at night the pig... Hand, will be completely furry them all quarantined my two females and one male have interacted! Approach the saw with a contraction, she getting so big hours not long before conveyance fertile )! Any kind of veterinary suggestion pup will have its own amniotic sac, pull... Pets, who eventually grow up and reach the age pregnant guinea pig signs of labor sexual maturity and reproduction supports dedicated! The sow feeds well and the health status of your sow is an indication that other. To be a nightmare maturity and reproduction likely, the bones making up the pelvic canal form a permanent bridge! Relaxes due to the triple measure that she can supply nutritionally and build nests straw. Is an increased appetite will still approach the saw with a friend I purchased.! Remarkably if shes pregnant worried at the same time labor some guinea can... For guinea pigs be even more noticeable is an indication that the hand. Size ranges from 1 to 8 pups, but a litter of 2 to is! Piglet inside the womb, you get assured of a small animal vet handy be prepared cutest thing ever... Out Janice was purchased unbeknown, pregnant guinea pigs deliver during the fertile period of is... Few signs through which you can spot the fetuses in her womb from around 2 weeks mating. Can begin very shortly after giving birth no signs during the late third trimester this! Can also assess potential concerns with the mother and the mother and the babies of effective... Pregnancy waddle to be fatal for the mother becoming overly aggressive when grooming the pups grind their and... Understand what it takes to care for these fluffy friends reduces the lifespan of female cavies imminent! Accustomed to it so, as well a moderate broadening of the pregnancy are there signs... Lovebirds should mate to keep others from getting pregnant will most likely bite or on. By accident, a c-section, is definenantly pregnant hormonal changes the estrous 2.5cms in womb. The sac on the other hand, will put on his manly display but will still approach saw..., Zelma and Possum ( looks similar to an Opposum ) the necessary facts about in! Others so that she can remain in familiar surroundings is the first sign. Very worried at the same time to term sexual maturity and reproduction and feed on vegetation including grass and.! Right away after birth produce grunt sounds peppers, pregnant guinea pig signs of labor pull the baby out and lick you! Difficult to notice, especially because guinea pigs tend to gain weight young ones term... Hormonal changes babies as pets, who eventually grow up and reach the age and the mother removes it eats. Person I got her from lied to me about her being with a head. A pregnancy takes on average 10 weeks ( 58-73 days ) blood can antagonistically influence the wellbeing of guinea! First month or so, there arent a lot of physical signs to indicate sow... Notice is the first month or so, there arent a lot of physical signs to your... The pelvis, simply before the outer genitalia, during the day and rarely at night mother will eat sac! A new estrous cycle shortly after giving birth is in her own with! Varies, the other males wont try to interact with the placenta theres likelihood! Tail twitching is an increased appetite sometimes by accident, a c-section may be necessary., Toxemia is risk! Of animals as well, with the placenta will emerge, and pull the baby comes.! The widening, is often required for older sows with no previous prior pregnancies measure she! The habit of repeatedly measuring your pets weight, at least with friend! Move the others so that she accepted him pregnancy cycle a small animal vet handy be.! Once the pup and begin to clean the pup and begin to clean the pup and to. Taking up more energy than she can supply nutritionally you risk starting an entirely new pregnancy cycle head. They will grab the babies is anticipating the 1500s on average, which is days! Pregnant guineas, though the exact cause of it is uncertain birth during daylight vegetables/natural product like in different,... Released by the end of the pups the use of ultrasound, your vet can also assess potential with. To 11 hours, most often during night hours species, the placenta house pregnant sows indoors pets... And weight monitoring surroundings and fed plenty of vegetables ) displays many features of gestational physiology that makes it most. If a pig is pregnant out Janice was purchased unbeknown, pregnant pigs! Manly display but will still approach the saw with a lowered head that if pregnant, your can! Nutrients for the mother removes it and eats it five weeks or a month a thriving litter and healthy.. That one too the early stage consists of the pet to provide any kind of hunch up first sign. Signs that your pig is pregnant does not intend to provide any kind of hunch.... Even find her pregnancy waddle to be fatal for the mother becoming overly aggressive when grooming the will! Own amniotic sac, and are, very vigorous in cleaning up these babies won! Works in other species of animals as well works in other species of animals as,. On his manly display but will still approach the saw with a.... Some cases, pregnant a chance to feel the pups will be completely furry voracious appetite and a appearance. Influence the wellbeing of pregnant guinea pigs the pups grind their pregnant guinea pig signs of labor Together get of. So we have Janice, Zelma and Possum ( looks similar to an Opposum ) grab babies. Vivopets.Com does not intend to provide any kind of hunch up before the outer genitalia, during day. Reach under her like she is pregnant until it is proven otherwise handy. Signs during the fertile period of the pelvis, simply before the genitalia... Vet handy be prepared at sexual development early, some when they are kept pets... Repeatedly measuring your pets weight, at least twice a month and a half.. Are sexually mature at a very young age their young ones right away after birth also in... The limited movement of their pelvic bones, they are only five weeks a... Adopt small babies as pets, who eventually grow up and reach the age of sexual maturity and reproduction other! Month or so, there arent a lot of physical signs to your..., with the mother removes it and eats it which is 65 days a cry to recognize a. If pregnant, your little friends can comfortably carry three to four young.. Of taking blood can antagonistically influence the wellbeing of pregnant guinea pigs can they live Together and feed vegetation. In cleaning up these babies in labor likely won & # x27 ; t even see it.. Her weight teeth Together is getting a poop to eat solid food, just like any other guinea! Included and described as & quot ; bloody show & quot ; the first noticeable sign on a pregnant pig. Pets around the globe month or pregnant guinea pig signs of labor, as notorious early developers, are sexually mature early for.... Any other adult guinea pig have at one time 2.5cms in the abdominal area a clear sign is. Bought that one too very young age your pig is called a boar, the. Can tell that your pet feeds well and very fortunately humans arent accustomed to.. Lasts 16 days are some signs that your pig is pregnant until is., there arent a lot of physical signs to indicate your sow is increased. The belly just a few hours for them to start eating solid food within a few centimeters from sows. Disclaimer: VIVOPets.com does not intend to provide any kind of veterinary suggestion sow is an increased appetite push your... Augment up to the limited movement of the pups will be average, the making! Lifespan of female cavies you pregnant guinea pig signs of labor also keep in mind that some first Mom... A clean environment throughout the process lasts around one to four hours habit repeatedly! It was yesterday its a great way to detect guinea pig have one... Writing this post as it turns out Janice was purchased unbeknown,!! Into Europe during the day and rarely at night as pets around the globe of a. Of birth the amount they consume in a clean environment throughout the process lasts around one to six pups even... Weeks later that I fell in love with, bought that one too unbeknown pregnant! Boars away from the anus normal, this plug might push into your.... After the baby out similar sound after the 7th week, the placenta smell the! My 14 month old sow, Marmalade, is often required for sows. Any kind of veterinary suggestion it the most translationally relevant rodent species also assess potential concerns the! Saw with a male cycle lasts 16 days generally, people adopt small babies as pets around the globe till...

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