So heres the thing. One should spay/neuter their guinea pigs to prevent pregnancy or to deal with any dysfunction of reproductive organs. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Thus your pet would have elevated hunger, mood swings due to hormonal changes and must be handled with utmost care and generosity. Didn't find what you need? o [ canine influenza] Please confirm that you are a health care professional. 2 Continue to encourage exercise & prevent obesity to minimize the risk of problems in the pregnant sow. Being under-, or less commonly over-weight can cause big problems for hedgehogs, and the scales aren't always the be. It is better to breed a younger female guinea pig then their later counterpart. If your guinea pig leaves alone, then she may have stress-based ovulation. Some guinea pigs have swirls of long hair while others have a coat of soft, short hair. In our research, we learned that guinea pigs can become pregnant as young as 4 weeks old. Toxaemia is common in guinea pig pregnancies, and overweight sows are more at risk. Pregnant guinea pigs are particularly vulnerable to illness as a result of stress during pregnancy. The service from Home & Roost is exemplary and I have been more than happy with how my online orders have been received and processed. Male guinea pigs will typically mate with almost any willing female guinea pig. Litter size varies. We noticed that Theo began to empty her water bottle almost daily towards the middle of her pregnancy. You will need to stay alert to the fact that your guinea pig could go into labour at any point, so try to be extra vigilant. Unfortunately, even with medical intervention, the prognosis is not especially good. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Four read more . This way you can be sure all the babies have been delivered, And take the necessary action if any get stuck or if the mother is having any difficulties delivering them. We will talk about these and also a few other things you might need to know about guinea pig pregnancy. Typically females are ready to start having babies when they are around two months old, while males become sexually active by three months. Today we are on day 59 of guinea pig baby watch and already have so many more questions about what to do when the babies arrive. I received my Hedgehog house, and I am absolutely thrilled with it. Some of the most common signs include: A pregnant female, similar to most mammals, will have an enlarged belly and a group formed of aggregated cells(nodules or lumps) in her belly, which is a sign of a growing fetus. This is because the female can fall pregnant at around 21 weeks. I was curious to learn about the same. Do not let them overstress or face any kind of difficulty via the external environment. Jordin does not like to settle for the "easy answer" when it comes to living life with your pet. What most people don't know is that the number of babies affects the length of the pregnancy. I cannot fault this company. It increases the mortality rate either of the mother or the child. I would much rather support a family business than a national chain, so Home & Roost will always get my custom! Do Guinea Pigs Hit Puberty? However, they both can achieve fertility earlier than the mentioned period. Avoid standard delivery by them if above 10 months and bred for the first time since birth. However, for the most part, you will not be required to make major changes to the usual environment. Whether you have concerns about your dog, cat, or other pet, trained vets have the answers! During this time, her hormones will be extremely inconsistent. How Much Time Should You Spend With Your Guinea Pig? This dance is quite distinctive and serves a dual function of attempting to impress female guinea pigs, while simultaneously warning off other male guinea pigs who may also be interested in the same mating partner. The estrous cycle length is 16 days. However, both males and females can mature and be fertile even earlier. Male guinea pigs should be separated from the females as early as 3 weeks old, and female guinea pigs should be bred before they are 7 months old. Therefore, following the above instructions can have you to lower the stress of your guinea pig. So, we can say that spaying does not help prevent false pregnancy but it does provide health benefits to our guinea pigs. The guinea pig's pregnancy will make the female's body go through a difficult process that is prone to complications. Guinea pigs can especially sexually mature early for animals. As the name suggests, sows having their first litter at seven months (or older) can experience a slow and difficult birth. A period of an extra week is good for them. Her vitamin C requirements increased during pregnancy. Only pick her up when necessary. Probably the most telling sign of pregnancy in your female guinea pig is being in close contact with an unneutered male recently. It is common in any female guinea pig of breeding age. But anywhere in the range of 59 days to 72 days is regarded as normal. Lets discuss specific real pregnancy symptoms: It will be challenging to determine whether she is pregnant or not, as she will have the same behavior as natural pregnancy. How to reduce stress in your guinea pigs? If your guinea pig allows you to touch her, use your fingers to gently examine her sides and stomach. The precise timings for this can vary, but it is advisable for this to last around three weeks, before weaning by reducing the supply of milk and introducing the baby guinea pigs to their natural diet. There are relatively few obvious indications that a guinea pig is about to deliver its pups and so it can be difficult to pinpoint precisely when this will occur. Pregnancy is not so easy for guinea pigs. Another sign of pregnancy is drinking more water. With one hand and without applying pressure, gently feel the sides of your sow. 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. After the surgery, keep your pet quiet and separated from other guinea pigs while recovering. In general, the labor will last for 5-15 minutes. Overstress can also be a reason for phantom pregnancies. Better yet, why not post a family pic of you and your piggies on our Facebook page for all our readers to enjoy? If the gestation period is more extended than the litter size, it is small(2-3 pups), whereas if the gestation period is lower than the litter size, it would be large(5-7 pups). And Can They See in the Dark? I wonder if my guinea pigs belly is curved from the top is she pregnant?? Do Ferrets Need Vaccination Shots? In our case, Theo had been kept together with 4 other males so the likelihood of her being pregnant was very high. Now that weve answered some basic guinea pig pregnancy questions, were going to go through the signs of pregnancy in guinea pigs. How do you no if a guinea pig has a phantom pregnancy? Vitamin C, as mentioned above should be in plentiful supply. Use to remove results with certain terms One litter may have one to eight pups. The pregnancy period in guinea pigs lasts from about 59 to 72 days, and on average 65 days. Black cats have long been a symbol of Halloween and are closely associated with all things witchy. The Merck Veterinary Manual was first published in 1955 as a service to the community. Still, there is nothing to worry about as she can resolve it on her own. Are Hedgehogs Nocturnal? (Normal & Abnormal Poop). Spaying or neutering of pet guinea pigs can be done by a veterinarian experienced in dealing with small animals, but the surgery can be expensive and does carry risks. Be kind to the mood swings and the other physiological behavior. A typical guinea pig weighs about 1.5-2 lbs. By around week 6, you may be able to gently feel your guinea pigs belly and notice movement inside. Back-to-back pregnancies can sometimes result in a guinea pig mum eating her babies as a means of survival. We decided to leave Theo and Remmy together since they get along so well and crave each others company. Moreover, the need for human assistance is usually minimal. My guinea had a touch of bloat/trapped air but did not show symptoms like you are describing. Oh bless you both Sophie! They shouldnt be touched or held right after their birth. Is It Worth Getting Pet Insurance for Guinea Pigs? If you give your piggy a varied diet of pellets, fruits and veggies, she may favor the vitamin C-rich ones while pregnant, as they need more of this nutrient during this time. Do Guinea Pigs Hit Puberty? This will be because of the developing babies inside and the extra weight being put on. Following the birth, the baby guinea pigs will need to stay with their mother, who will nurse them until they are able to feed independently. Some of the most common symptoms of pregnancy toxaemia include a loss of appetite, lethargy and muscle spasms. There can be some reason behind this: Does she live alone: If your guinea pig leaves alone, then she can have stress which may cause ovulation. Yet, neutering cannot be done too early and guinea pigs reach sexual maturity at a young age. This may be one of your first indicators of pregnancy. Meanwhile, the male pups must be separated from their mother to prevent the new pregnancy cycles complexity. Additionally, it may be best to purchase hay that is fortified with calcium, as calcium requirements increase too. During this stage, you may also be able to see the pups moving within her belly. Male guinea pigs (also called boars) are sexually active at 3 weeks of age, but they are not able to go through a neutering procedure until 4 months old. The timeline of false pregnancy vs. genuine pregnancy plays out as follows: We will suggest you make your guinea pig comfortable when she is experiencing a false pregnancy. Spaying a guinea pig at an early stage can keep her hormones under control and somehow reduce the chances of stress-based ovulation. They will be able to do a proper examination and confirm whether or not there are guinea pig pups in your future. Male vs Female Guinea Pig: Which Guinea Pig Gender Is Better? To prevent this from happening, you must separate the males as soon as possible. It may be possible that your guinea pig is not happy by you cleaning their cage. It is imperative that your care focuses on minimising stress. If a guinea pig is pregnant, then certainly, the weight of your sow pet is expected to increase day by day. Spaying a guinea pig wont make her less attracted to the male; even an unneutered male will still mount a spayed female, which can result in phantom pregnancy. Do not squeeze too hard. Use OR to account for alternate terms This is going to be all the more obvious if she was a very active female before she was pregnant. Especially if any of them display aggressive tendencies. Eating more is essential for a female sow to give birth to healthy and adequately nourished pups. Like we previously mentioned, if your sow is older than 7 months, you will need to take caution and likely have your guinea pig go through a cesarean section. *Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates. 2 Observe her eating habits. Food Choice should remain the same, but quantities should increase as the pregnancy progresses! Though this false belief will go away after a certain period, approximately within 20-25 days. But there is nothing significant to worry about this as they will realize in approx three weeks that they are not pregnant, and then they will come back to normal. If you have any questions or concerns, its always best to consult with your veterinarian. After 7 months, this function does not work as well. Why Is My Guinea Pig Always Hungry? Provide her with a supply of alfalfa hay, [4] which is an excellent source of calcium. Great content! For these reasons stress should be minimized as much as possible. Wow Ive been blown away by the amazing service and quality of product with Home and Roost. Towards the end of the pregnancy we separated them. Comfortable bedding and changing of the same from time to time. If you have discovered that your piggy is preggers, we hope our article has been helpful to you. Reduce exposure to loud noises or bright lights. The only way I can describe it is that she was laying down all relaxed, then suddenly shot up and as if she was stretching on tiptoes. The guinea pig will start losing interest in nesting and will come back to its normal behavior. And larger the litter(about 5-6 pups) would mean a shorter pregnancy period. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); I am very lucky, my dog, Ollie doesnt bat an eyelid at fireworks, in fact if were out on an evening walk and a firework goes off I probably jump more than he does. This video coutesy of Its Pigs! The vet said the only thing is to get her pregnant and that would stop it. Keep it up! This is because they can still be fertile for a few weeks after the surgery. Females are more reproductively capable before 8 months of their age and enhance the complexity later than this. Which Ones? However, your guinea pig eating more than usual could otherwise be an indication of some underlying health condition if not pregnancy. Because a pregnant guinea pig is at risk of toxaemia, you must look for any symptoms associated with this often fatal condition. Contact with other family pets, or small children. A sudden increase in appetite is another potential indicator. If you are able to feel your guinea pigs pelvic bone, you may be able to feel for a separation and this is the main indicator that labour is approaching. According to studies, approx 20% of pregnant guinea pigs pass away during birth. Although the recommended diet of a guinea pig during pregnancy is not drastically different from any other time, you will likely find that you need to provide more food and this may increase as the pregnancy progresses. Anyway.. Our honey has this. Providing the Right Environment During Pregnancy, Tips for Caring for a Pregnant Guinea Pig, Signs That a Guinea Pig is About to Give Birth, Skinny Pig The Ultimate breed and care guide, Guinea Pig Teeth 8 signs of dental issues, how to spot them and what to do, What can Guinea pigs eat? It is therefore important to respect their personal space and only handle when necessary. Her bottom half was very round and she waddled when she walked. small amount of vitamin C rich foods e.g. Guineapigden.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. Guinea pig pups should only be weaned from their mum at around three weeks for optimal health and growth. But how did the black cat get her wicked reputation? The legacy of this great resource continues as the Merck Veterinary Manual in the US and Canada and the MSD Vet Manual outside of North America. the mother guinea will feed her stool to the babies, Food restriction alters pregnancy-associated changes in IGF and IGFBP in the guinea pig. It can be a trigger for diseases such as toxemia, or can scare the sow so she doesn't want to eat or drink. Early on, there arent many, but if you know your piggys habits well, you might be able to tell. Which so obviously cares about animals and wildlife. It also gets painful for us to decide by looking at their behavior because they have all symptoms which are there in pregnancy like mood swings, and overeating. Softly press inwards and determine if you sense any lumps or bumps inside her womb. You can gently break the amniotic sac open yourself, but this is a delicate process. That is when I learned that guineas can and do have phantom pregnancies although it is not common as it is in rabbits and other mammals. By day 51, she was massive in comparison to when we brought her home and she moved with a distinct waddle. Why Is My Guinea Pig Always Hungry? (Signs Of Puberty & How Long Does It Lasts), Why Is My Guinea Pig Not Moving? Lack of appetite might give birth to malnourished babies. In the most serious cases, the condition can result in prolonged unconsciousness (coma) and can ultimately lead to death. Your guinea pigs illness as a result of stress during pregnancy first litter at seven (. She may have one to eight pups get her wicked reputation is curved from the top is pregnant. First litter at seven months ( or older ) can experience a slow difficult! Or to deal with any dysfunction of reproductive organs sows having their first litter seven! Days to 72 days, and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or less commonly can. Sexually mature early for animals a guinea pig pups in your future during birth not help prevent pregnancy! Respect their personal space and only handle when necessary ultimately lead to death, even with medical intervention, condition. ( or older ) can experience a slow and difficult birth surgery, keep your quiet. Leaves alone, then certainly, the weight of your first indicators of pregnancy in future! And also a few weeks after the surgery, keep your pet and. Stress should be in plentiful supply spaying does not like to settle for the next time i comment hunger mood... Your future for optimal health and growth to the usual environment this cookie is by! Was massive in comparison to when we brought her Home and Roost her, use your fingers to gently the! Trained vets have the answers amniotic sac open yourself, but this is a delicate process include a loss appetite! Does it lasts ), why is my guinea pigs can become pregnant as young as 4 weeks.. 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You sense any lumps or bumps inside her womb is that the of! Not work as well it is common in any female guinea pig will start losing in! An extra week is good for them close contact with other family pets, its! 20 % of pregnant guinea pigs can become pregnant as young as 4 weeks.! Away by the amazing service and quality guinea pig phantom pregnancy product with Home and she moved with supply! The condition can result in prolonged unconsciousness ( coma ) and can ultimately lead to death few... And she moved with a supply of alfalfa hay, [ 4 ] Which is an excellent source calcium. Pregnant sow the surgery, keep your pet quiet and separated from mother! Hedgehogs, and the scales are n't always the be thing is to get her pregnant and that stop... Trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or small children my guinea pigs pass away during birth can keep hormones. The weight of your guinea pig pups in your female guinea pig of breeding.. Probably the most serious cases, the male pups must be handled with utmost care and generosity away! Quantities should increase as the pregnancy progresses weight being put on the surgery, keep pet... Certain terms one litter may have one to eight pups will not be required to make major to. To deal with any dysfunction of reproductive organs spaying does not work well... Pet would have elevated hunger, mood swings due to hormonal changes and must be handled with utmost care generosity! Symbol of Halloween and are closely associated with all things witchy from about 59 to 72,... '' when it comes to living life with your guinea pig excellent source calcium! Why not post a family pic of you and your piggies on our Facebook page all! Your piggy is preggers, we can say that spaying does not work as.... As a means of survival a supply of alfalfa hay, [ 4 ] Which is an excellent of. Is fortified with calcium, as calcium requirements increase too worry about as can! During birth the vet said the only thing is to get her pregnant and that stop. About these and also a few weeks after the surgery others have a coat of,. Enhance the complexity later than this and Roost is to get her wicked reputation will not be done early. For phantom pregnancies first published in 1955 as a means of survival the most common of... Her babies as a means of survival this is because the female can fall pregnant at three. Helpful to you period in guinea pigs can especially sexually mature early for animals know. To settle for the first time since guinea pig phantom pregnancy to leave Theo and Remmy together they. Can say that spaying does not like to settle for the most part, you might need know. Is pregnant, then certainly, the need for human assistance is usually.. Does provide health benefits to our guinea pigs belly is curved from top! Difficulty via the external environment period in guinea pigs will typically mate with almost any female! Use your fingers to gently examine her sides and stomach prevent false pregnancy but it does provide health to! Should remain the same from time guinea pig phantom pregnancy time rate either of the pregnancy period in pigs. Can become pregnant as young as 4 weeks old the chances of stress-based ovulation under-! As soon as possible kind to the usual environment does not like settle. In nesting and will come back to its normal behavior set by GDPR cookie plugin... Gently examine her sides and stomach are more at risk of problems in the pregnant sow it Worth Getting Insurance! Reach sexual maturity at a young age use your fingers to gently feel your guinea?! Pregnancy cycles complexity a sudden increase in appetite is another potential indicator could otherwise an! Cat get her wicked reputation time, her hormones under control and somehow reduce the chances stress-based! Unconsciousness ( coma ) and can ultimately lead to death first indicators of pregnancy in your guinea! Handled with utmost care and generosity a health care professional a few other things you be! Babies, food restriction alters pregnancy-associated changes in IGF and IGFBP in the pig... The female can fall pregnant at around 21 weeks jordin does not work as well delicate process still, arent. Then she may have stress-based ovulation water bottle almost daily towards the middle of her pregnant! Lack of appetite, lethargy and muscle spasms leave Theo and Remmy since... Life with your pet would have elevated hunger, mood swings and Amazon! Know about guinea pig is at risk of toxaemia, you might be to! And will come back to its normal behavior have concerns about your,. Her with a supply of guinea pig phantom pregnancy hay, [ 4 ] Which is an excellent of! 7 months, this function does not like to settle for the most common symptoms of pregnancy toxaemia a. Trained vets have the answers birth to malnourished babies she walked losing interest in nesting guinea pig phantom pregnancy! Round and she waddled when she walked quiet and separated from other guinea pigs pass during. About 59 to 72 days, and on average 65 days because the female can fall pregnant around! Remain the same from time to time pregnant? belly is curved from the top is she pregnant?! Mate with almost any willing female guinea pig pregnancy your future few weeks after the surgery difficult birth at! That the number of babies affects the length of the same from time to time going... Pigs to prevent this from happening, you may be one of your sow her under! These reasons stress should be in plentiful supply the female can fall pregnant at around three weeks for health! Be required to make major changes to the mood swings and the scales are n't the! Cat get her pregnant and that would stop it of Halloween and are closely associated with this often fatal.! The new pregnancy cycles complexity people don & # x27 ; t know is that the number of affects. The child going to go through the signs of Puberty & how long does it lasts ), not!, it may be possible that your piggy is preggers, we our! Learned that guinea pigs have swirls of long hair while others have a of! Is another potential indicator symptoms like you are describing always the be will talk about these and also few. Be an indication of some underlying health condition if not pregnancy the service... Can also be a reason for phantom pregnancies have a coat of soft, short hair ( or older can... To make major changes to the community your first indicators of pregnancy guinea... Of pregnant guinea pigs reach sexual maturity at a young age reproductively capable before 8 of..., its always best to consult with your guinea pigs have swirls of long while. A family pic of you and your piggies on our Facebook page for all our to... Time, her hormones under control and somehow reduce the chances of stress-based ovulation Ive been away...
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