If the litter is too large, the mama . And all the behaviors theyll need to carry out for themselves instead of having performed for them by mom like grooming will be well established. Guinea pig babies are born looking like mini versions of their mama. (And How? (And yes, its one of the more gruesome animal interactions in the wild.). Guinea Lynx :: A Medical and Care Guide for Your Guinea Pig. 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 . 11. The average guinea pig gestation is 59 72 days. Its easy to achieve in the first two weeks by keeping the whole litter together with their mom, but next week its time to start thinking about separating them. Guinea pig babies are actually called pups. After your guinea pig has given birth, shell clean up the evidence left behind to stop predators from tracking down their scent. Other genetic diseases include vaulting disease, stroke, and seizures. Also, male guinea pig may kill the babies if he doesnt recognize them as his own offspring. Veterinarians and Animal Hospital in Pasadena, MD | Lake Shore Pet Hospital. If it has not happened within the first 24 hours, it is very unlikely she will attempt to do it later on. This is why you should do everything in your power to make your female piggy feel at ease. Guinea pigs are not capable of "missing". Pet owners know that keeping a guinea pig as a pet is a wonderful experience. 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. Yet, the mother guinea pig will take care of them during the first few weeks, so dont separate them from her. At the end of the day we removed the fleece bedding, washed it and replaced it with a fresh fleece liner. Guinea pigs are fragile animals at any age but especially during their early days of life. Just like with taming older guinea pigs be patient and consistent. The best thing you can do is provide adequate and proper nutrition to the new guinea pig mother. Pettijohn, T. F., Attachment and Separation Distress in the Infant Guinea Pig, Developmental Psychobiology, 1979. How long does it take for guinea pigs to be born? This is a question that has long been debated when it comes to guinea pigs. A male guinea pig might seriously injure his babies because he is territorial and feels intimidated. And the result is that guinea pig babies are born already more mature than many other species. This can lead to health problems. Let's hear it for the boys. However, you should err on the side of caution. Once they die, she might eat them. https://amzn.to/3iYcPHPAs well as the new Pigg. They have learned quite a few life skills from their mother and are ready to go to their new homes. Rather, they belong to a rodent species called cavies. Additionally, when her babies are born she may eat them in order to prevent them from taking up the little space she has. If you have an affectionate male guinea pig, you can introduce the babies when they are in the same cage. Guinea pigs make eleven different call types. If The Male Doesn't Believe the Babies Are His. 9. Three weeks marks the earliest point at which pups may stop nursing from their mother. When properly fed, you dont have to worry that she will eat her babies. Well chart the milestones of their first days and weeks, and find out what to expect if you discover your female guinea pig is expecting. Do guinea pigs miss their babies? My name is Tim Rhodes and I'm a guinea pig enthusiast through thick and thin. Male guinea pigs (boars) usually mature sexually and can mate as young as 2-3 months of age. RSPCA Knowledgebase Let Australias most trusted animal welfare charity help you answer the big questions. While it is certainly possible that guinea pigs may experience separation anxiety after their babies have been taken away, there is no definitive evidence to suggest that this is the case. Newborn guinea pigs can open their eyes after they are born. You have entered an incorrect email address! It is also quite normal for baby guinea pigs to whine when approached by a much bigger and older guinea pig. Ahhhh, clementines. Do Guinea Pigs Miss Their Owners? And make sure that the guinea pig mother is not present. If you are unsure, it is best to consult with a veterinarian to help determine the sex of the pups. Also, male guinea pig may kill the babies if he doesn't recognize them as his own offspring. Newborn guinea pigs weigh between 60g and 115g. Not only that, but they also have a full body of fur, and even their little claws are developed. There's nothing quite like getting away from it all in nature. Yes, guinea pigs eat their babies albeit very rarely, mostly by accident. Watch after your guinea pig while she gives birth. In this article weve answered some frequently asked questions about newborn baby guinea pigs like: Whether you have a surprise guinea pig pregnancy or a planned one, there are a few things you will want to prepare in advance to make sure you are ready when your newborn baby guinea pigs arrive. This is a question that many guinea pig owners have. For guinea pigs to reproduce, a male guinea pig needs to fertilize the female. Why Do Guinea Pigs Sometimes Kill Their Young? Some guinea pigs are more likely to nuzzle or groom people or other guinea pigs. Baby boars must be separated from mama at three weeks. Adult guinea pigs eat timothy hay, orchard hay, or any other hay thats high in fiber. You might also notice they squeak in distress when you take them away from their mom. How do you tell if a baby guinea pig is a boy or girl? So as long as the enclosure is secure and the bars are tight, you should be fine. How long before you can handle baby guinea pigs? If it is found that they experience sadness after their young have been weaned, it would suggest that we take extra care in handling this process. A mother guinea pig can eat her babies if one of the babies is born dead. She is then back to cuddles and snuggles. Soak guinea pig pellets in water from the first day of life. This can hurt their health and well-being. How Can I Prevent Guinea Pigs From Eating Their Babies? Youre gonna want to read this. Although pet guinea pigs eating their pups is a very rare incident, it does happen sometimes. Dont be surprised if your pup lets out a little chirp as a means of asking for food! She is then back to cuddles and snuggles. Lets explain why guinea pigs may eat their babies. One of the ways they do this is through "wheeking". Place one hand under their tummy and one behind their bottom, and hold the little guy close to you. And, when it happens, it is usually an accident, not a rule, and intentional behavior. While carrying babies, the guinea pig mother needs extra energy. If your sow is in a very small enclosure, this could cause her unnecessary stress. Hold your guinea pig securely and gently turn him / her over. While guinea pigs are usually docile, friendly and social creatures, adult males should not be around the babies under any circumstances. This is one of the biggest reasons why a sow will engage in filial cannibalism. This is extremely taxing on the body of the female guinea pig and dangerous to her. Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute("id","a865a53297bca918d5b51d234266ee3f");document.getElementById("e1b86b387e").setAttribute("id","comment"); Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Popcorning is an incredibly descriptive term to describe the frenzied bursts of energetic jumping, bumping and hopping about that guinea pigs engage in. Guinea pigs are cute and quite intelligent pets. You can find a mentor by asking your local cavy club to put you in touch with suitable experienced breeders. A healthy pup will resist and move away from the mother, alerting her of her mistake. They need to stay with their mother guinea pigs and suck their milk, but they will quickly become active. Kind, K.L., Chronic maternal feed restriction impairs growth but increases adiposity of the fetal guinea pig, American Journal of Physiology, 2005. Make sure to separate your male guinea pigs from females in their litter too. However, some people have asked whether or not guinea pigs miss their babies after they have been separated. But, can guinea pigs eat them? Stop getting dirty looks from your piggies, because you forgot to do something for themAGAIN. It's so rewarding to help pets look and feel their best. As they grow, baby guinea pigs will require extra calcium to help their bones develop properly. Guinea pig cannibalism may occur in extreme cases of starvation. If her diet doesnt contain enough vital vitamins and nutrients, she can still be malnourished whilst receiving enough calories to maintain her body weight. When you decide to introduce baby guinea pigs to an adult guinea pig, follow their behavior (monitor them for aggression) and respond quickly. If you want some more information on guinea pig interactions, check out these posts: The Truth About Single Guinea Pigs (Is It Okay To Just Have One?) (2010, July 22). Female guinea pigs dont intentionally eat their babies nor do they kill them to eat them. The act of cannibalism in guinea pigs is usually the mother trying to protect the rest of her litter from predators. However, they can seriously injure them when they recognize that the babies are not theirs, also because they are intimidated and territorial. and Can You Put A Baby Guinea Pig With An Older One? You will get a kick out of their eagerness to chase each other around and play, and maybe even start popcorning. ClickHEREfor a peek at my disclosure. Give herenough food as she needs nourishment, so never have her food bowl empty. It was fascinating to watch our new mom clean up after her newborn baby guinea pigs. https://www.guinealynx.info/reproduction.html, I think my Guinea pig might be pregnant, what should I do? They might surprise you with how busy and outgoing they are too. Guinea pigs and other rodents do not eat their babies because they are hungry. When they dont respond to her attention, she tries cleaning them more and more vigorously, until eventually she ends up damaging them. Pregnant and lactating guinea pigs also need alfalfa hay to sustain their babies. If the mother is experiencing starvation , she may eat her offspring as an ultimate last resort. Expect to pay around $10 to $40 on average, though this can vary depending on factors such as age and coloring. Guinea pigs are docile small animals. You can do a few things to help your guinea pig cope when youre not around. This served a purpose in the wild to prevent predators from finding the newborn baby guinea pigs. And guinea pigs are quite fertile little creatures too! Well be discussing more about this in todays article. https://lakeshorepethospital.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Guinea_Pig_Pregnancy.pdf, If you know anything about guinea pigs, you know they love to play. A guinea pig baby can show mating behaviors at about three to four weeks of age. Most guinea pigs cages are designed for adult guinea pigs with a one inch space between the bars. By giving them enough time with their mother, you reduce the risk that she will reject them. New guinea pig breeds are formalised by the American Cavy Breeders Association, who also oversee breed standards and competitions in the United States. Be quiet and move slowly around baby guinea pigs. In order to have a peaceful pregnancy and birth, there are some things that you can do: Many people underestimate how much space a guinea pig needs, along with other types of rodents. 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. Try brushing your pets coats regularly as this can create soothing and pleasant connecting experiences. They look a little bit awkward as they begin to move around. We hope you found this article helpful about what to expect when expecting newborn baby guinea pigs! Guinea pigs definitely can eat clementines. Once labor is established, all the pups usually arrive within half an hour. While it is a hard thing to think about, it can happen. New babies are born with teeth, claws, and fur. If she is pregnant, her chances of suffering from some illness will also increase, which will tempt her to eat a lot. Following delivery, your guinea pig mama will be exhausted and hungry. Some times, she shows me her displeasure if I have been away overnight and my neighbors fed her. Wed love to hear about your experiences in the comment section below! After birth, Guinea pig sows can become pregnant again within hours. Their compact, cylindrical bodies range from 8 to 10 inches . As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases made by my readers, but it doesn't cost you anything at all. However, dont keep them in the same cage for long. https://www.npvet.co.nz/pets/animal-info-pets/bird-rabbit-turtle-articles/care-pregnant-guinea-pigs/, Guinea lynx :: Reproduction. This is necessary to prevent pregnancy. 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. You have to remember that these babies are coming out of the womb ready to run around the cage and have fun very quickly. Guinea pigs don't wheek in the wild. A mix of alfalfa and timothy hay could keep the mother full and prevent this from happening. So, I took some time to do some research on it for you. (Fun Facts). 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. They will weigh as much as 2 kilos; most reside between 5 and 6 years, however some notably wholesome pets can reside 10 years or longer. Mange worms (Trichocross cavia) are a common cause of hair loss, and other symptoms may include excessive scratching, abnormal aggression when being touched, and, in some cases, seizures. But if you have a tiny little guinea pig with a noteworthy squeak, this name is pretty darn adorable. Compared to other rodents, guinea pigs (both in captivity and in the wild) will very rarely choose to eat their offspring. What is a Group of Guinea Pigs Called? This page is stuffed full of information about how to care for your baby guinea pig. They will begin to wriggle and move about as soon as theyve been licked clean by their mom. Thankfully, she had an uneventful pregnancy and birth and did not eat her babies. Guinea pigs love to communicate. After giving birth, the mother guinea pig is likely to eat the placenta but can end up eating her babies by mistake. Yes, guinea pigs miss their owners. The surprising truth is that it happens more often than youd think. Thats what they do while also making your life a much brighter place. If youre going to be away for an extended period, you may also want to consider finding a friend or family member to care for your guinea pig in your absence. This usually happens when pups are stillborn, or born to ill to survive. At six weeks old baby guineas pigs are fully weaned, and have stopped nursing from their mother. When we discovered that our guinea pig was pregnant we had so many questions about newborn baby guinea pigs and what to expect once they were born. Squeaks, Scales and Tails is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC an affiliate advertising program. If you bring home your baby guinea pig at seven weeks old, youll find all the information you need to raise them in our guide to guinea pigs as pets. Genetic abnormalities have been reported in guinea pigs, similar to those found in other breeds of animals (such as hip dysplasia in dogs). It may take some time for him to become comfortable with you. Having your guinea pig give birth to a litter should be an exciting time. 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. 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. Sufficient nutrition, a mixture of alfalfa and timothy grass, keeps female guinea pigs hydrated and can prevent guinea pigs from eating their babies. They have small bodies and big eyes. The guinea pig fathers dont play any role in taking care of the litter, and can do more harm than good (sorry piggie dads!). Provide a pregnant guinea pig with extra food, water, and nutrients. If your guinea pig becomes restless or starts to squeak loudly it is a sign that he is ready to go back to his cage. Its often the result of starvation, stress, inexperience, or trauma. Foreign bodies in the eye of a guinea pig result in tearing, and corneal ulcers, which, in some cases, form a translucent film over the eyes. 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. If you carefully run a finger over the area, you should be able to feel the shaft of their penis under the skin. They also live for several years, longer than most other rodents, so you can enjoy them longer than other pet rodents. Like babies of all species, cute baby guinea pigs are tiny and winsome. 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. 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. The standard litter can range from one to six little pups, with an avg. Each birth is spaced out every 3 5 minutes. A newborn guinea pig might weigh around 3.5 ounces or 100 grams. RELATED: CLICK HERE for tips on how to tame your guinea pig (step by step guide). It will also well as putting her at risk for developing diseases like toxaemia. When Do Guinea Pigs Stop Growing and How Big Do They Get? For the first 2-3 weeks , they will rely on their mother for milk. If you have decided youre ready to take the plunge and welcome a new baby guinea pig into your life, take a look at our article Where To Buy Guinea Pigs to start your journey. So, pet parents should be cautious and prepared when dealing with pregnant sows. If your guinea pig is hanging out near you while . But another remarkable thing about baby guinea pigs is just how grown up their appetites are! Six or seven weeks old is the age at which most breeders will let their pups go to their new homes. Your pregnant and lactating guinea pigs should have access to alfalfa hay in the last weeks of their pregnancy. Yes, guinea pigs miss their owners. There is a chance that your sow will only partially eat her offspring, particularly if she killed them by accident. After three weeks, baby guinea pigs can be separated from their mother and placed with other guinea pigs or their owner. If that happens in captivity, thats extremely rare. The two main reasons why Guinea pigs may eat their babies is a result of hunger, or insufficient feeding. My first piggy some years ago did a big dance of joy each time I came back home after some days of being away. It can therefore be tempting to pick up and cuddle the little babies right away! 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. We found the following cage on Amazon that worked really well. The mother may eat her babies if one or more of her litter dies, or she is under a lot of stress. Or house her with a neutered male to prevent future pregnancies. But, only serve them as an occasional treat, because the high sugar and water content can cause health problems like obesity and diarrhea. Equally, male guinea pigs shouldnt eat their babies because they dont eat meat. Once they are one to two finger-widths apart, it wont be long untilbirth.. The same goes for males. The sow eating her pups may be starving. Here are some things we had to think about when we found out our guinea pig was pregnant: We adhered to the following recommended feeding guidelines for pregnant guinea pigs: RELATED: CLICK HERE to read about our unexpected guinea pig pregnancy and how to tell if your guinea pig is pregnant. Guinea pigs may be Darwinian in their process toward motherhood, meaning only strong individuals can survive and reproduce more, To eliminate competition, guinea pigs are reluctant to share their enclave, especially when other male guinea pigs are around. Guinea pigs are not only kept as family pets, but like dogs, cats and rabbits, they are also bred for show. For example, they can eat blueberries, strawberries, tangerines, watermelon, passion fruit, melons, bananas, and many more. Yes, guinea pigs do eat their babies. If it does occur, the reasons will probably differ slightly from that of other species, and its important to understand these reasons in order to try to prevent it from happening: Most female guinea pigs will never eat their live young on purpose. Some times, she shows me her displeasure if I have been away overnight and my neighbors fed her. If you push gently on their lower abdomen the penis may appear. Guinea pigs are social animals and may begin to experience depression-like symptoms when alone for too long. Begin by holding your guinea pig gently on their back. If your guinea pig becomes acquainted with someone they don't trust, they may become quiet or hide when that person is nearby. We will help you to raise your baby guinea pigs to become healthy, happy pets. This way, your guinea pig will not feel the need for extra nutrition. The answer to this question is not entirely clear. He may also help to nurse the babies. Simon or George More classic goodies. Make sure she always has enough food. A mother guinea pig needs to clean the babies and eat the afterbirth to chemically generate the mammary glands to start producing milk. Cute Guinea Pig Names 200 Unique Names To Choose From, Cow Names Over 400 Amazing Names For Your Cattle, Giving your litter the best start begins before your sow is even pregnant make sure she has a clean bill of health from a vet before she is mated, and buy a. Baby guinea pig care - The Guinea Pig Manual. Over the next 2 weeks, decrease the feeding time gradually. 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. Lets take a closer look at this exciting topic. By their second week, you wont be able to miss how much your baby guinea pigs have grown already. Sometimes it happens accidentally. But, give them time to bond with their mother so they can nurse. Guinea pigs should be kept indoors. When they grow up, male guinea pigs are called boars, and females are called sows. Bathing them, if its something you plan to try, should wait until they are at least eight weeks old. If you are considering getting a guinea pig, ensure you can provide them with the social interaction they need. What Should I Do if My Guinea Pig Eats (Or Kills) Her Babies? 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. They are basically saying . Once the baby guinea pigs turn 3 to 4 weeks, separate them from their mother, especially male guinea pigs. You can expect your pup to wander curiously about their world during this time, but their legs are still a bit clumsy and theyre apt to suddenly plop down as they explore their environs.