Homegrown guinea pigs are famous pets and important exploration creatures. 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. Hi there! oh, and I do wonder what the piglets will end up looking like maybe you'll get a pleasant mix of long/short hair? Over-feeding her will result in extra fat and moving difficulties in the later stages. The pregnancy of the guinea pig will be shorter if there is a larger litter size. Her body will be positioned in a down-squat on all four legs. Her articles provide practical guidance on choosing the right pet and managing common health issues. Loss of the mucus plug. Usually, a guinea pig delivery process is a bloodless and speedy course. In the event of a high-risk guinea pig pregnancy, they can also ensure a safe environment to deliver the pups successfully.. Guinea pigs, additionally called cavies, are individuals from the Caviidae family, a gathering that incorporates a few types of rodents from South America. I have no idea when she was bred. You most likely won't even see it happen. If your sow is carrying more pups rather than less, her length of pregnancy will more likely be closer to 60 days than 70. Otherwise, you risk starting an entirely new pregnancy cycle! Pre-mature birth will need to be followed by a period of artificial incubation. Sometimes, other female piggies on heat may pose a great risk due to hormonal changes. Usually, the occurrence is 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after giving birth. Usually, a normal labor process lasts not more than 10 minutes. You should give bigger amounts of water to the mother to be as she will frequently drink more than ordinary. 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.. Moms may continue to spot for up to 4-5 days after delivery, although 1-2 is more normal. . There should be little or no blood, especially before any babies have been produced. Most guinea pigs give birth in the daytime hours. by the way, how many are you expecting? It is very helpful and appreciated. The person I got her from lied to me about her being with a male. . Most pups emerge heads first, although a few make the grand entry from behind. Female guinea pigs sexually mature as early as 2 months of age. All previously stated animals of which I have experience build nests of some sort. 0. I have even felt them grinding their teeth. Speak to your vet to make sure you provide the right quantity of pellets., Do not cut pellets to reduce the chance of larger pups or attempt to put a pregnant overweight sow on a diet. If we want to know if our guinea pig is pregnant, we can look for the following signs: Weight gain: this is the first physical sign of pregnancy. The rapid dissolving of fat results in metabolic disorders and the accumulation of ketones in the bloodstream. This could expand her pressure and influence her eating and drinking habits. If you're unsure how to care for pregnant guinea pigs and newborn pups, read on. A female is fertile for about 6 to 11 hours, most often during night hours. The whole process should take no more than 40 minutes. When Do Guinea Pigs Stop Growing and How Big Do They Get? The baby guinea pigs can be physically felt 2 to 4 weeks into pregnancy. For an effective process, ensure that your pregnant sows consume fresh veggies and fruits hay each day. Is It Safe to Breed Cavies? The ultrasound test includes cutting a little square of hiding and applying gel to the uncovered skin. During this time, it is normal for females to double their weight. If pregnant, your guinea pig may have a single piglet or up to 3-4. It is possible to make out fetuses 12 weeks after conception. The mother starts producing milk about a week after giving birth to the pups. Cavies were initially brought into Europe during the 1500s. After mating, guinea pigs have a gestation period of around 2 months (57 to 72 days) and then give birth to a litter of pups. It will look like she is grabbing a poo to eat. The information on this website should not be take as a substitute for professional advice. The Short-haired Guinea Pig Breeds is the coolest. Finally, should you choose to get your cavies spayed or neutered, seek out a vet who has experience with guinea pig surgeries.. A new estrous cycle in saws can begin very shortly after giving birth. You probably wont see numerous physical and social indications of pregnancy in guinea pigs from the start. Potential Pregnancy Problems. When I'm not writing, I enjoy kickboxing and work as an animal trainer. Thank you for your information. If you witness any of the signs listed below, get the sow to a cavy knowledgeable vet immediately. All I know is she was bred prior to May 26. Take a few moments to inform yourself of potential pregnancy problems and why breeding your guinea pigs is not a good idea: For the sake of your guinea pigs, do think twice before breeding them. Much like other Rodentia and those of the Lagomorpha species, guinea pigs have pearly whites that will grow without end in sight something that can be a serious health problem, Read More What Can Guinea Pigs Chew On? Do let us know when the babies are born. The pups will be fully furred and have their eyes open. This may result in the delivery of live pigs, the correction of torsion or the piglets may be dead. Sows older than 2 years that werent bred before are most at risk. It is ideal to house the male in a nearby enclosure where he can in any case be near the female. Such temperature drops can happen at any point of the pregnancy. The best clue might be when they stop the mating ritualnatures call has been answered, and they both quiet down. I can feel the outlines of the babies. Remember that a cold climate triggers a guinea pigs appetite. All rights reserved. The estrous cycle is somewhat typical in means of behavioral changes of the female guinea pig. Cavies were tamed at any rate by 900 BCE and conceivably as right on time as 5000 BCE. The gestation period for a guinea pig can be as short as 59 days and as long as 73; the average is 63 days. Luckily, the stages of a successful pregnancy are predictable and consistent, making caring for your momma-to-be cavy relatively straightforward. 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 . If you know and accept the risks, then read on to become familiar with the stages of pregnancy. 5. Safe for the last pregnancy stages, pregnant sows can coexist with others. With your other hand hold her firm around the shoulders, with her head facing away from you. Enriching the guinea pigs diet with kale, broccoli, green peppers, and parsley is also advised. That is normal. 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. A cesarian section surgery will likely be necessary.. The estrous cycle takes 21 days. Alfalfa has extra calcium and protein, both of which she very much needs. If not, the female guinea pig will most likely bite or urinate on the male. If you measure her weight each week then you should be able to see observable contrast, if she is pregnant. Doing so can lead to pregnancy, The cavy is eating and/or drinking more than usual.. Guinea pups, once born, will be completely furry. If you feel movement in addition to lumpiness, that's a clear sign she is pregnant. In these regions, native Americans domesticated them for food. You might notice an increase in vaginal discharge that's clear, pink or slightly bloody. 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. 2. However, there is some variation among different breeds of pigs, either a little longer or a little shorter. All Rights Reserved. Nonetheless, be wary that other conditions like cancer or cysts disguise as bumps in the body. Place any cavies that appear to annoy her in a different cage. Notwithstanding, dont assume that your guinea pig is pregnant depending on exactly the amount she is eating or drinking. There are some signs which you can look at to determine whether your guinea pig is pregnant or not. 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. The estrous cycle length is 16 days. For weekly guinea pig care tips and super cute photos, make sure to LIKE our Guinea Pig Care Facebook Page, GuineaPigCare.com.au was created to pass on the many lessons I've learned owning and caring for guinea pigs since 2007. An expectant sow would suddenly start to drink and eat more as the pregnancy progresses. Keep in mind that not always the mother can naturally deliver the whole litter without any problems. It will take from nine to ten weeks before you are remunerated with young ones. A guinea pig's pregnancy lasts about 9 or 10 weeks. Utilize your dominant hand to feel her belly. Plus, brothers must be separated so they dont fight with one another. Males should be removed well before the birth to avoid back-to-back pregnancies. This is the most exciting period! Cavies of both sexes, when mixed together and unsterilized, will most assuredly result in guinea pig pregnancy. Others due to the strain and fatigue require more time to get accustomed. A veterinarian will examine your guinea pig and distinguish between the various knots and knocks, something that you will be unable to do. If you sense something and youre not sure what it is, then seek advice from your veterinarian. Although you need to be careful not to apply any pressure to the region. I would only give one 1 inch cube of fruit per week. Female guinea pigs begin a new estrous cycle shortly after giving birth. 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. They will want to eat solid food within a few hours of birth. A pregnancy puts weight on the sows organs and dissemination framework. Yet, during the delivery process, the merged pelvic may take longer to open. Animallama is a pet care blog educating new and existing small pet owners on how to properly care for their pets. As you get closer to labor, your water may break and you may have back pain or . A few proprietors have brought a young guinea pig home, to find that she is pregnant as of now! Ultrasounds are non-intrusive and dont need sedation. The gestation period for pregnant guinea pigs is 60 to 70 days. Guinea pig pregnancy week-by-week may sound like a complicated affair to both the novice and experienced cavy parent. Regularly take your pet to an exotic vet for assessment and weight monitoring. The pressure of the unknown can exasperate the threats that go with guinea pig pregnancy. After only a few of weeks, you should see your pet putting on weight, and the size of the mid-region getting truly perceptible. A List of Safe, Healthy Chewables for your Cavies, 15 Things to Know Before Adopting Guinea Pigs, 300+ Adorable Guinea Pig Names For Your New Piggy Pal(s). Be especially careful around the newborns eyes, as they are normally wide open, and you can scratch the cornea. As a result, they may bite, attack or pull her fur resulting in other complications. 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. Labor: . If you have previous pregnancy documentation, compare the prior birth experience. (And How? The afterbirth will be a round flat bloody object ranging in size from a nickel to a quarter. As she goes into labor she will release out a cry. Their gestational period may last between 59 - 72 days. If youd like to have more piggies in your guinea pig family, adopting a few from a rescue is a better choice and it doesnt put your sow at risk. When a guinea pig is pregnant the pelvic canal stretches as a result of hormonal secretion. If any of them seem to bother her or tease her, they will need to be put in a separate cage. That's when the delivery starts and if everything is normal the first pup will come out in about 5 minutes. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. However, the following guinea pig pregnancy timeline will simplify the entire gestation period and demystify the experience, so you can provide a stress-free environment for your little mama and her tiny pups.. Is there anything special that needs to be done when cavies are pregnant? Immediately before pushing some sows lie on their side and lift the upper hind leg. She is on Alfalfa pellets and the fruits are VERY small (about 1 inch cube per day from either tomato, pear or apple). If you think that the mating was successful you should start with extra care as soon as possible. That way, it becomes much easier to track the pregnancy process and detect health implications. Shares. Other potential complications are prolapse, retained placenta, uterine tears, etc. In the event that a female guinea pig has been in the presence of a hog, at that point she will have unquestionably attempted to accomplice and has a high possibility of getting pregnant. I know guinea pigs don't. You wont have the option to tell without a doubt until the guinea pig is analyzed and evaluated by a talented veterinary expert. Yes, it is important to follow these guidelines: Ensure a healthy guinea pig pregnancy by providing nutritious foods for your sow and her pups. Shivering and tail twitching is an indication that a piglet is on the way. For that reason, breeding your fuzzy friend should be a well-thought affair. There is a 3-5 minute interval between each baby. A pig that goes into heat after breeding is an indication that she isn't pregnant. Dont restrict her exercise just because shes pregnant; she needs it to keep her weight down and her strength up. When laboring, sows lay down in the nesting area and become quiet. See this how to video as a pig gives birth in a farrowing crate. Try not to make changes to a pregnant sows enclosure, such as eliminating toys or placing the confine in an absolutely new area. Okay, so a three-week-old male guinea pig can impregnate a female, but it is recommended that they are only neutered at around four months. Mostly, it starts with vulva swelling and teat enlargement. When her pelvic bones are spread approximately 1 to 2 fingers apart, the labor is very near. Just a disclaimer: Beware that you should not wildly breed guinea pigs if you dont have a proper breeding program or the appropriate financial situation as well as time to care for them. You might be able to feel the pelvic bones separate before she gives birth. You should also provide the sow with a stress-free environment. The second stage of labor is the actual pushing of pigs out of the birth canal. Another significant change you may notice is massive weight gain soon after becoming pregnant. When its utterly necessary make sure she has the support of her hips. Usually, a guinea pig's pregnancy lasts from 59-72 days. Before we talk about the stages of your guinea pigs pregnancy, lets make certain that your guinea pig is already pregnant. The most obvious sign of heat, however, is her interest in boars. 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.. How do you know if your cavy is actually carrying pups? Try and make sure that the afterbirths have been delivered. If male guinea pigs are in the vicinity, you might see them congregating around a pregnant female just prior to labor. Guinea pigs need extra vitamin C during pregnancy, so you may see her favoring the products of the soil having the vitamin C in high quantity over those lacking it. I can feel her pelvis is widening! 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. Lessen her openness to noisy commotions or bright lights, including direct daylight. Keep in mind! Subscribe to our newsletter and get access to our free small pet care printables! Lastly, it takes about 2-4 weeks to wean guinea pups. Let us delve deeper and find out more about pregnancies in guinea pigs and how to tell if a guinea pig is pregnant. Can Baby Mice Survive Without Their Mother? The very first thing you can do is to think about or consider whether the guinea pig was in the contact of boar or not. But to anyone who has thought of breeding.DON'T!!! How can you tell if the sow has become pregnant? Process lasts not more than ordinary and drinking habits sow would suddenly start to and! Her, they can also ensure a safe environment to deliver the whole should! Hormonal changes eyes, as they are normally wide open, and parsley is also advised on choosing the pet... Be unable to do it takes about 2-4 weeks to wean guinea pups, once born, will be to. 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