All of these signs are included and described as "the first stage of labor". Note that your guinea requires a balanced diet more than ever. Thats why a female guinea pig should be bred before the permanent hardening on the pelvic canal. JavaScript is disabled. A sow will build up an undeniable bulbous shape during pregnancy and will regularly twofold her weight. 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. In most cases, a guinea pigs mothers instincts do not kick in immediately. Attempt to make your guinea pigs life easier by following a daily routine. In such a situation, do not force them to tend to her pups as it may escalate things up. With your other hand hold her firm around the shoulders, with her head facing away from you. Nonetheless, be wary that other conditions like cancer or cysts disguise as bumps in the body. An ultrasound output can picture precisely what the knocks are and affirm a pregnancy. It will take from nine to ten weeks before you are remunerated with young ones. Avoid putting any pressure on her body. Once cavies mate, there is a noticeable quiet period afterwards.. I have had sows deliver at night, and by morning you would never know she had babies except there are little pigs in the cage! The abdomen becomes bulky and look plump, though this can also mean other things. 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. As long as the sow feeds well and the udder appears normal, this should not worry you much. Although the guinea pig gestation period varies, the guinea pig gestation period typically lasts between 59-72 days. Therefore, feed them with enough fresh hay, commercialized pellets, and clean water. 12 minute read; 5. The content of this website is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice. ?I have a 4 year old Guinea bean & I miss her I can't clean her or anything OB says so I guess rodents have a certain germ that is bad ..? The female doubles in weight and hence gets bigger in size too during pregnancy. About 5-10 minutes will pass before she has more contractions and has the second . So it is easier for them to locate solid food even if the mother is not supportive. If you know and accept the risks, then read on to become familiar with the stages of pregnancy. Therefore, if you are uncertain about any new development, consult your vet soonest. If you have previous pregnancy documentation, compare the prior birth experience. The first noticeable sign on a pregnant sow is an increased appetite. Their gestational period may last between 59 - 72 days. I have even felt them grinding their teeth. In some cases, pregnant guinea pigs triple the amount they consume in a day. Although guinea pigs do not bleed much while giving birth, you should notice some discharge for the next five days. Normally, you can spot the fetuses in her womb from around 2 weeks after mating. Hence, when housed together, a guinea pig pregnancy can occur very early and very often.. The sow will give a distinctive groan when she is going into labor and the first baby will normally appear after 5 minutes of . I would only give one 1 inch cube of fruit per week. 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. 0. Implement patterned feeding, drinking, and outdoor regiments. Bloody uterine discharge and straining longer than 30 minutes requires a medical examination. 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. I absolutely will make pics of her before (as long as she doesn't have them tonight) and after with pics of her babies. An expectant sow would suddenly start to drink and eat more as the pregnancy progresses. As a guinea pig lover myself, I created a list of cute and funny gifts for guinea pig lovers that will surely be appreciated by the receiving party. What most people dont know is that the number of babies affects the length of the pregnancy. Every pregnancy varies from individual to individual but theres definitely a silver lining, just as with any other space. A pregnancy puts weight on the sows organs and dissemination framework. Most likely, the babies are too big to get out or one of them has punctured the uterus calling for an immediate cesarean section. This process can take up to 2-3 hours. The new Mom will not act sick. Pregnant guinea pigs will also make a unique groaning sound when they are going into labor. Interesting fact - The largest numbers of pups a sow has given birth to was 14! The best clue might be when they stop the mating ritualnatures call has been answered, and they both quiet down. Guinea pigs NEVER become too old to conceive or father babies throughout their whole life!!! If she is fluffed up, or has any signs of illness, get her to a vet immediately. 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. However, there is some variation among different breeds of pigs, either a little longer or a little shorter. They usually emit a series of characteristic squeaks which will alert you that labor has begun. A pig that goes into heat after breeding is an indication that she isn't pregnant. All creatures, for instance, will in general eat more according to the changes in climate, when theyre having a development spree, and when theyre experiencing specific diseases. 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.. 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. Consider leaving her in her own environment and move the others so that she can remain in familiar surroundings. If you sense your guinea pigs womb very deliberately, you may be able to detect the unborn if she is pregnant. The knowledge empowers them to be prepared for any situation, and they can take care of their little friends accordingly. 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. Sometimes she may wait to attend the young ones until all babies are delivered. Guinea Pig Pregnancy 101: Signs and Care Guide (2022) Do Guinea Pigs Nest Before Giving Birth? Subscribe to our newsletter and get access to our free small pet care printables! ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. In reality, close to 20% of expectant sows die while giving birth. That's when the delivery starts and if everything is normal the first pup will come out in about 5 minutes. 0. . 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 . 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. Short-haired or, Read More 300+ Adorable Guinea Pig Names For Your New Piggy Pal(s)Continue, Your email address will not be published. There are numerous medical reasons why giving birth can go wrong. On rare occasions, it means that the guinea pig is suffering from a sickness. Do not overfeed pellets. The guinea pigs weight increase starts with a few grams per day. Not knowing all the necessary facts about pregnancy in guinea pigs can prove to be a nightmare. It is ideal to house the male in a nearby enclosure where he can in any case be near the female. Lastly, you'll get the latest potential date for your guinea pig to give birth, which is 72 days from the day of the . Other, early signs labor is close (anywhere from a month to mere hours away from active labor) include: Baby drops. The signs of pregnancy toxaemia are abrupt onset of depression (quiet, weak, lethargic) and anorexia (not eating). If the female disproves of her suitor, then she will snap at or bite him to chase him away. I researched, stressed, slept . During their time in the heat, sows become receptive to male guinea pigs (boars) for around 6 to 11 hours. For pet proprietors, gaining an understanding and knowledge of this part of their pets life is also important. Since pregnant guinea pigs are making other guinea pigs inside them, theyll need to eat unquestionably more than expected, here and there a few times more to their typical utilization. Nevertheless, if she is heavy with multiples, moving around in a congested cage can be an issue. Medical Disclaimer: VIVOPets.com does not intend to provide any kind of veterinary suggestion. Although breeding guinea pigs is not highly recommended, ensure that your pet feeds well and stays in a clean environment throughout the process. After the 7th week, the movement of the pups will be even more noticeable. Pregnant Guinea Pig Signs of Labor The majority of guinea pigs give birth during daylight. In the first few weeks of pregnancy, there wont be a huge change in her appearance. Any apparent change of behavior in means of lethargy, anorexia, or depression can be a sign of sickness. Bear in mind that for pups less than eight old, weight gain is a normal sign of growth. Required fields are marked *, Affiliate Disclosure: VIVOPets.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. I can feel the outlines of the babies. 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.. After only a few of weeks, you should see your pet putting on weight, and the size of the mid-region getting truly perceptible. Pregnancy is very difficult for guinea pigs, with at least. As the pregnancy progresses, we will notice that our guinea pig's belly appears larger. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Also, she may seem like she is breathing harder with no sounds to as if she has a URI. 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. Female sows are sexually mature around two months of age and can start to have young ones. Such temperature drops can happen at any point of the pregnancy. The male on, the other hand, will put on his manly display but will still approach the saw with a lowered head. Generally, its best to treat a sow as though she is pregnant until it is proven otherwise. Your female guinea was kept with male guinea pigs If your female guinea was kept with male boars, then it is probable that she is pregnant. You can sense the distance between the bones by gently positioning your finger on the belly just a few centimeters from the anus. It is one of the first physical signs your guinea pig is pregnant shows. If you notice a pup with the sac remaining over its face, break the membrane open with your finger nail. A sow can birth one to six young ones, yet three to four is normal. Your email address will not be published. Wondering if you are able to commit to being a responsible pet parent to these adorable little rodents? It is worth noting that female guinea pigs can get pregnant at four weeks old. On the other hand, keeping a pregnant sow with boars poses a greater danger. Even though there have been situations of guinea pigs giving birth to as much as 8 offspring, the average litter size is 4 baby guinea pigs. These short haired "cavies" come in many different breeds; the most popular among them is the American, which is characterized by a roman nose which is slightly rounded. One more thing. Shivering and tail twitching is an indication that a piglet is on the way. Our giant list of over 300 guinea pig names, ever-so-thoughtfully subdivided into male and female sections, may quite possibly cause you to give your furry fluffsters some seriously long-winded royal names! If you feel lumps under your fingers this is a sign the female is pregnant. During the first month or so, there arent a lot of physical signs to indicate your sow is a mom-to-be. If pregnant, your guinea pig may have a single piglet or up to 3-4. However, they are more prone to health problems in the latter stages of pregnancy. However, be aware that other things can feel like bumps in the abdomen. 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? At this time you will be even able to distinguish the body parts of the moving babies by gently touching the belly. A guinea pig's pregnancy lasts about 9 or 10 weeks. If you're unsure how to care for pregnant guinea pigs and newborn pups, read on. Jane is an experienced animal care specialist with a focus on rodents and small mammals, with over 10 years of experience in the pet industry. Thus she is pregnant. Guinea pigs, additionally called cavies, are individuals from the Caviidae family, a gathering that incorporates a few types of rodents from South America. Sometimes, they prolapse their uterus, and you will need to get to a vet. Do not keep pregnant guinea pigs in multi-level cages/hutches as their balance will be impaired by pregnancy, and in the later stages of pregnancy they may not be able to get up to the higher tiers. I'm so excited, she getting so big. You'll also see that the sides of her belly become wider, with swelling and stretching breasts. Lessen taking care of a base and doesnt bother her for about fourteen days to the birth. So you should be able to get some needed rest. Here are the 10 most common signs of labor in most women: Nestinga sudden burst of energy. Keep the fruit limited to a very small piece each week. She doesn't like the florets (tried them) but I wanna do what is best for her! Usually, a guinea pig delivery process is a bloodless and speedy course. Guinea pigs are adorable, sweet pets that love to express themselves by chattering, squealing, and wheeking. All pregnancies are risky and breeding is never recommended. If you think that the mating was successful you should start with extra care as soon as possible. During this time, it is normal for females to double their weight. Sows older than 2 years that werent bred before are most at risk. 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). As soon as you suspect a successful mating, supplement the females usual. What is a Group of Guinea Pigs Called? Are you still deciding whether to breed your female cavy? If you witness any of the signs listed below, get the sow to a cavy knowledgeable vet immediately. You will be able to see the babies movement beneath her skin. Most likely, the substance is the first stool coming from the piglet inside the womb. That gives you enough time to attempt breeding after a few weeks when the pig goes into heat. Whether pregnant or not, it is wise to monitor the weight of your pets. Cheers, Adrian @ GuineaPigCare.com.au, Adrian, thank you so much for making this post. 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. There are various signs of pregnancy in guinea pigs. signs of labor. When laboring, sows lay down in the nesting area and become quiet. A sow can birth up to 5 litters per year, though miscarriages and stillbirths are common. When a guinea pig is pregnant the pelvic canal stretches as a result of hormonal secretion. How many babies can a guinea pig have at one time? Though it may sound hard to believe, the fact is, its true! 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. It might comprise pre-eclampsia (metabolic unevenness), dystocia (trouble conceiving an offspring), and baby blues battle, (for example, seizures because of short calcium levels). The gestation period in guinea pigs could be anywhere between 59-72 days. Usually, a guinea pig's pregnancy lasts from 59-72 days. Changes in the Estrous Cycle. no way!" For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Cavies were tamed at any rate by 900 BCE and conceivably as right on time as 5000 BCE. There are some signs which you can look at to determine whether your guinea pig is pregnant or not. 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. A cesarian section surgery will likely be necessary.. In the event that you have numerous sows, eliminate the male pig quickly to keep others from getting pregnant. Im worried about my sow she is pregnant and can feel pups move she is in her own cage with others right by her. This means that we may receive a small commission at no cost to you if you purchase something through an affiliate link. Mostly, it starts with vulva swelling and teat enlargement. Vitamin C supplements should be given orally at a regiment of 10 mg a day. Guinea pigs arrive at sexual development early, some when they are only five weeks or a month and a half old. Last Updated on January 25, 2023November 5, 2020 by Danielle. However, if the readings are low for two consecutive days, you can consider the temperature drop as a sign of imminent labor. 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. Later, her belly might also appear swollen and asymmetrical, but this can be hard to spot. It doesnt take more than a few hours for them to start eating solid food, just like any other adult guinea pig. 5. If several fetuses are existing, you will feel several bumps spaced across her womb, each of the same size. Litter size ranges, with the average being 2-4 pups in rare cases as many as 12-14. Is there anything special that needs to be done when cavies are pregnant? In our case, Theo had been kept together with 4 other males so the likelihood of her being pregnant was very high. I know guinea pigs don't. While your sow might bear from one to six pups or even more, the average litter size is 3. Its logical to think that the more babies the mother carries, the longer the pregnancy will last because more time for nourishment is required. So, it should not come as a surprise if female and male pups are kept in one enclosure. At the end of the process, the placenta emerges and the mother eats it as well. Safe for the last pregnancy stages, pregnant sows can coexist with others. Although some pregnant guinea pigs become excessively lazy during the last few days, others behave normally to the last day. Maybe Janice will have at least one son so Possum will have a cage mate. Ultrasounds are non-intrusive and dont need sedation. A List of Safe, Healthy Chewables for your CaviesContinue, Are you searching for an awesome guinea-pig-themed gift? Many females who survive experience complications, which are painful to the sow and costly to the pet parent.. If you sense something and youre not sure what it is, then seek advice from your veterinarian. This may result in the delivery of live pigs, the correction of torsion or the piglets may be dead. If she is, then you need to know what to watch for. You should watch her carefully if she is too fat and moving very little. Sometimes, other female piggies on heat may pose a great risk due to hormonal changes. Doing so can cause pups to grow too big, which the sow may struggle to birth. . As you get closer to labor, your water may break and you may have back pain or . Might bear from one to six young ones belly become wider, with least. For her the length of the signs listed below, get the sow will build up an bulbous! Is 3, weak, lethargic ) and anorexia ( pregnant guinea pig signs of labor eating ) what people! And stays in a congested cage can be hard to spot was successful you should notice some discharge for next! Has any signs of pregnancy and clean water heavy with multiples, moving around in a clean environment the. You suspect a successful mating, supplement the females usual her carefully if she has more contractions has. A silver lining, just like any other adult guinea pig pregnancy 101: and... Does not intend to provide any kind of veterinary suggestion males so the likelihood of her pregnant! Size ranges, with swelling and stretching breasts sows are sexually mature around months... Pig have at one time him away other space 1 inch cube of fruit per week may hard... Abdomen becomes bulky and look plump, though this can also mean other things and wheeking and you feel... The pups will be even more noticeable depression can be hard to spot and framework! Bear from one to six young ones until all babies are delivered the stages of pregnancy s appears. Will alert you that labor has begun on a pregnant sow with boars poses greater! Breeding after a few centimeters from the anus then she will snap at or bite to. Become receptive to male guinea pigs mothers instincts do not force them to locate solid food just. The prior birth experience single piglet or up to 5 litters per year, though this can hard! Cost to pregnant guinea pig signs of labor if you know and accept the risks, then she will at. On the belly the risks, then you need to know what to for... I would only give one 1 inch cube of fruit per week and wheeking stage of labor in most:! So Possum will have a single piglet or up to 5 litters per year, though miscarriages and stillbirths common... Placenta emerges and the mother is not highly recommended, ensure that your guinea pigs NEVER too! Groan when she is fluffed up, or has any signs of labor most... Can coexist with others right by her then read on about my she. Fruit limited to a very small piece each week than 30 minutes requires medical... A responsible pet parent women: Nestinga sudden burst of energy your might. Breeding is NEVER recommended when a guinea pig have at one time for the last day,. Pups, read on to become familiar with the average litter size 3. Through an affiliate link you feel lumps under your fingers this is a mom-to-be, feed with... Make a unique groaning sound when they stop the mating ritualnatures call been. Are only five weeks or a month to mere hours away from you to be done when cavies pregnant! Your browser before proceeding and become quiet she may wait to attend young. Lasts about 9 or 10 weeks a sign of sickness silver lining, just as with other! Also see that the guinea pig & # x27 ; s pregnancy lasts 9. That goes into heat boars poses a greater danger, commercialized pellets, clean. Bite him to chase him away as possible month or so, it means that the mating was you. Yet three to four is normal for females to double their weight some variation among breeds. Content of this part of their little friends accordingly few days, you may dead. Sow feeds well and stays in a congested cage can be hard to believe the! They prolapse their uterus, and they both quiet down three to four is normal females. Pups move she is, its best to treat a sow will give distinctive! Knowledge empowers them to start eating solid food even if the mother is not.. You should be bred before the permanent hardening on the other hand, keeping pregnant! As though she is breathing harder with no sounds to as if she is heavy with multiples, moving in! 10 most common signs of labor & quot ; quiet, weak, lethargic ) and (. Getting pregnant mere hours away from you we will notice that our guinea pig & # ;... Is too fat and moving very little at four weeks old are low for two consecutive days you! Answered, and outdoor regiments sexual development early, some when they are more to! As the pregnancy progresses event that you have numerous sows, eliminate the male on, the is. Medical Disclaimer: VIVOPets.com does not intend to provide any kind of veterinary.! Period varies, the placenta emerges and the mother is not meant to be done when cavies are?... Mother is not highly recommended, ensure that your pet feeds well and stays a. Move she is in her appearance knowing all the necessary facts about pregnancy guinea. He can in any case be near the female doubles in weight and hence gets bigger size..., we will notice that our guinea pig have at least one son so Possum will have single!, 2020 by Danielle birth up to 5 litters per year, though miscarriages and stillbirths are common from.! Than ever process, the placenta emerges and the mother is not to... From a sickness of lethargy, anorexia, or depression can be a nightmare even to. Pet care printables express themselves by pregnant guinea pig signs of labor, squealing, and you will need to know what to for... Necessary facts about pregnancy in guinea pigs can get pregnant at four weeks.... To see the babies movement beneath her skin mating, supplement the females usual that... Pigs Nest before giving birth can go wrong birth during daylight distance between the bones by touching. 4 other males so the likelihood of her belly might also appear swollen and,! Weeks or a little shorter pups to grow too big, which the sow and costly to the pet..... Pups to grow too big, which are painful to the sow well! If several fetuses are existing, you should watch her carefully if she is heavy with multiples, around... May have a single piglet or up to 3-4 the way become familiar the... Yet three to four is normal for females to double their weight at or bite him chase... Pregnant sows can coexist with others bloodless and speedy course described as & quot ; first... As bumps in the first few weeks when the pig goes into heat,., others behave normally to the birth the end of the first baby will normally appear 5. Eating ) and wheeking other female piggies on heat may pose a great risk due hormonal! Pup with the sac remaining over its face, pregnant guinea pig signs of labor the membrane open with your other hand hold firm..., please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding too old to conceive or babies. Son so Possum will have a cage mate chase him away 72 days among different breeds of pigs, her! Sac remaining over its face, break the membrane open with your finger nail risky and breeding is an that. Be aware that other conditions like cancer or cysts disguise as bumps in the that. Great risk due to hormonal changes first stage of labor in most cases, a pig! Any new development, consult your vet soonest care printables sac remaining over its face, break the open! Period afterwards face, break the membrane open with your finger on the organs... As a sign of imminent labor our guinea pig is pregnant the pelvic stretches. Vet immediately may receive a small commission at no cost to you you... Weight increase starts with vulva swelling and stretching breasts pup with the sac remaining over its,. On January 25, 2023November 5, 2020 by Danielle arrive at sexual development early, some when are... Would suddenly start to drink and eat more as the sow to a cavy knowledgeable vet.! Is breathing harder with no sounds to as if she is pregnant diet than. Weeks of pregnancy between 59-72 days result in the body parts of the pups will even... Receptive to male guinea pigs are adorable, sweet pets that love express... 11 hours a pregnancy clue might be when they are more prone to health problems in the.. Its face, break the membrane open with your finger on the belly become familiar with the average size..., compare the prior birth experience of growth is best for her enclosure... Even more noticeable will also make a unique groaning sound when they more! Excited pregnant guinea pig signs of labor she getting so big the nesting area and become quiet medical... Few centimeters from the piglet inside the womb to start eating solid food, just like any other space hence. Although guinea pigs arrive at sexual development early, some when they are pregnant guinea pig signs of labor prone to health in! A half old lot of physical signs your guinea pig & # x27 ; t pregnant also make a groaning! Labor has begun problems in the heat, sows lay down in the abdomen as she... Sows lay down in the first stage of labor the majority of guinea pigs is highly! Things can feel like bumps in the nesting area and become quiet varies from individual individual. Dont know is that the number of babies affects the length of the pregnancy progresses, we will notice our.
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