This is pretty rare. No matter how cute baby guinea pigs are, one litter at a time should be plenty for most people to think about. Although they spring out with open eyes and fully furred, piggie pups are still small and fragile at first. Babies grow fast. Just keep your little friend with other females only. Besides, guinea pigs should eat about 1/8 of pellets, and about a cup of a mixture of herbs, vegetables, and fruits, but all in moderate amounts. The good news is that its unlikely for your pregnant pet to eat her offspring. Its better to have a cage that is much larger than a cage that is too small. However, they can seriously injure them when they recognize that the babies are not theirs, also because they are intimidated and territorial. Domestic guinea pigs originated in South America but today these vocal, sociable creatures thrive in households across the globe. 25 Sweet & Silly Guinea Pig Names - wideopenspaces.com When your guinea pig is pregnant her Vitamin C requirements double to around 20mg per day. Briscoe, T.A., et al, Cardiovascular and renal disease in the adolescent guinea pig after chronic placental insufficiency, American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2004. Many people believe that male guinea pigs eat their babies as well. Ive wondered it myself. Guinea Pig Babies Facts - Caring For All Pets Once labor is established, all the pups usually arrive within half an hour. Begin by holding your guinea pig gently on their back. 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 . This may confirm why male guinea pigs eat baby guinea pigs, Guinea pigs are stressed out during placenta feeding and may eat the babies thinking its the postpartum part, They lack food and energy after their babies are born. If a guinea pig mother cannot nurse her babies due to illness or death, keep the orphans with as many pet guinea pigs as possible. This can hurt their health and well-being. It is also quite normal for baby guinea pigs to whine when approached by a much bigger and older guinea pig. Im guessing you probably have a lot of questions about guinea pig pregnancies. You don't have to be a professional breeder . Some times, she shows me her displeasure if I have been away overnight and my neighbors fed her. A female guinea pig usually wont eat a baby guinea pig deliberately. Remember to remove any they leave, as it will spoil quickly. After three weeks, the baby guinea pig can be separated from its mother and placed with other guinea pigs or its owner. If possible, you should be present during the birth to provide support and comfort to the mother. 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. This will stop the mother from continuing to feed on them, and it will prevent the risk of diseases through decomposition. This article has been extensively revised for 2019. 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. You can certainly handle a little, because it wont make their mother reject them. This can happen if the guinea pig is not being fed enough timothy hay, pellets, vitamin C supplements, etc. The larger the litter, the smaller the pups (as a general rule), so ideally you wouldn't want too many pups born at once. How Few Is Too Few? Although, some green beans and always bring us back together. Some guinea pigs even put up great resistance to this. Can a Guinea Pig Baby Live Without the Mother? Certainly not, they only remember their parents for a particular period. B., Auditory spatial responses of young guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) during and after ear blocking, Journal of Comparative and Physiological Psychology, 1978. Veterinarians and Animal Hospital in Pasadena, MD | Lake Shore Pet Hospital. While the baby boars can be separated in just three weeks once they are fully weaned, the baby sows can remain with the mother for up to 4 weeks from the time of birth. RELATED: CLICK HERE for 99 cute guinea pig names to help you choose. We read that the bedding needs to be changed daily. If you are considering getting a guinea pig, ensure you can provide them with the social interaction they need. When female guinea pigs eat their babies, they can do so because they are excessively hungry and because they are under a lot of stress that they cannot handle. How long does it take for a baby guinea pig to walk? Your guinea pig can definitely use more interplay with the loss of its buddy. 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 need to make the entire environment guinea pig-friendly. Its also the age of the youngest baby guinea pigs in pet stores. But another remarkable thing about baby guinea pigs is just how grown up their appetites are! In general, most female guinea pigs who survives birth and delivery will and raise her litter without any issues. See Also: Care Show details Explain to them that they have not been replaced or that their babies have replaced your guinea pig. Prepare to separate the male and female baby guinea pigs by at least three weeks of age. Before making this assumption, consider the following possibilities: Unfortunately, the evidence of your sow eating her babies might be obvious. Guinea pigs can eat a lot of different types of fruit. They are basically saying . As a whole, guinea pigs do not eat their offspring, but it can happen. Although its very uncommon, there is still a possibility that a mother guinea pig will engage in filial cannibalism. Compared to other rodents, guinea pigs (both in captivity and in the wild) will very rarely choose to eat their offspring. https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheUniverseReflected The all natural Piggies Choice Hay Racks are available finally! This is a question that many guinea pig owners have. I've always been an animal lover, and I've worked in the pet industry. Whereas there are over 13 Guinea Pig breeds, English, Abyssinian, and Peruvian Guinea Pigs are the most well-liked. Make sure that your guinea pig babies are able to reach the water bottle sipper. The size of the pups is often relative to how many pups there are in the litter. Guinea pigs are cute and quite intelligent pets. (What Owners Need To Know), What Fruits Can Guinea Pigs Eat? So, pet parents should be cautious and prepared when dealing with pregnant sows. Where can I find baby guinea pigs for sale? First of all, dont be too hard on yourself. Medical Disclaimer. We were stressed out during this time because we did not want to have another unexpected guinea pig pregnancy. 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. 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. This is just enough space to allow the guinea pigs to escape. You need to know if you should reduce the amount of time you spend away from your pet. Having your guinea pig give birth to a litter should be an exciting time. What Should I Do if My Guinea Pig Eats (Or Kills) Her Babies? Whats your experience with newborn baby guinea pigs? "Wheek" City. This page is stuffed full of information about how to care for your baby guinea pig. Change the water daily. Your Baby Guinea Pig - What To Expect And How To Look After Them A male guinea pig might seriously injure his babies because he is territorial and feels intimidated. She is then back to cuddles and snuggles. 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 born quickly. Most experts believe that guinea pigs are relatively emotionally resilient creatures and are unlikely to suffer significant emotional distress due to being separated from their young. However, this would put a huge amount of strain on her body and her mental stamina. https://www.guinealynx.info/reproduction.html, I think my Guinea pig might be pregnant, what should I do? 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. It may take some time for him to become comfortable with you. For example, they can eat blueberries, strawberries, tangerines, watermelon, passion fruit, melons, bananas, and many more. Six or seven weeks old is the age at which most breeders will let their pups go to their new homes. Just like big farmyard pigs! Baby guinea pigs are capable of digesting solid food very soon after birth (within hours). It can be hard to tell when your pregnant guinea pig is going to deliver her babies because unlike dogs and cats, they do not prepare a nest. Over the next 2 weeks, decrease the feeding time gradually. If you are unsure if the guinea pig is missing its baby, you may not be able to know if it is ill and needs to see a veterinarian. Do Chickens Get Lonely? The bond between a mother and her baby is crucial for the babys development. We placed an additional water bottle in the cage so that it was low enough for the babies to reach it. Newborn guinea pigs have fur and are born with their eyes open. Some guinea pig moms have their maternity care kicked in as they give birth while others take some time . The first twenty four hours are when the babies are at greatest risk for being eaten, so remain close during this period. How do you tell if a baby guinea pig is a boy or girl? Home - Guinea Pigs - Do Guinea Pigs Miss Their Owners? Thats what they do while also making your life a much brighter place. They might surprise you with how busy and outgoing they are too. (Find Out Now)Continue. I love animals, and I have three beautiful boys. Yes, guinea pigs sometimes eat their babies. 3 hours ago WebBaby Guinea Pig Diet The first week of life is critical. To avoid the risk of your guinea pig, eating her babies, take these safety steps. So, if youve been wanting to know if guinea pigs usually miss their owners, we hope you have the answer now. They're all grown now, but they keep me busy! 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. Youre gonna want to read this. To most people, guinea pigs are cute pets, and having just one will suffice. Raising an orphaned guinea pig is not very difficult because mothers feed guinea pig pups only a few times per day and then leave them alone. Make sure your pig has a lot of food. Other causes of hair loss due to underlying medical conditions such as ovarian cysts may occur as a result of hormonal distress. It is okay for you to handle the pups during the nursing period. (n.d.). The above is important because it allows the mother to continue feeding and grooming her young. Many time, the pup gets killed accidentally and the mother eats it because she has a survival instinct. A mix of alfalfa and timothy hay could keep the mother full and prevent this from happening. The information on this website should not be take as a substitute for professional advice. The largest guinea pig litter recorded by the Guinness Book of World Records contained a whopping 17 pups! In this article, we will focus on some important aspects of caring for guinea pig babies. The more factors that are present, the higher likelihood shell eat her pups. Clements, M. and Kelly, J. Make sure to separate your male guinea pigs from females in their litter too. Do Guinea Pigs Miss Their Owners? (Fun Facts) - Own Your Pet Want to know more? Well be discussing more about this in todays article. What is a Group of Guinea Pigs Called? Do Guinea Pigs Recognize Their Name? (How to Teach Them) A baby guinea pig is called a pup. The female pups can be weaned the following week at four weeks of age. We found the following cage on Amazon that worked really well. On the other hand if youll be helping a sow to raise a litter of pups from birth, theres rather more to think about. Baby guinea pig care - The Guinea Pig Manual. Lets take a closer look at this exciting topic. If a stillborn is not removed from the cage promptly, it might be eaten fairly quickly by the mother. This is one of the biggest reasons why a sow will engage in filial cannibalism. Alternatively, you can contact local small animal shelters and ask if they have any baby guinea pigs for adoption. Weaning age depends on several factors including the pups weight, the mothers milk supply, and the number of siblings. Baby boars must be separated from mama at three weeks. 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. It's so rewarding to help pets look and feel their best. Piglet Okay, so it's not that clever. And if you push very gently, the penis might appear. Guinea pigs mature quickly and will begin to nibble the hay, pellets and veggies fed to their mother within 24 hours. Its just as important that your baby guinea pig also spends most of their time with other guinea pigs. (Benefits, Risks, Servings & FAQs), Baytril For Guinea Pigs (Side Effects, Efficacy, Dosage & FAQs), Signs Your Guinea Pig Hates You (Top 7 & And How to Fix It). 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. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com and other affiliate links, at no extra cost to you. (Find Out Now), 10 Reliable Cage Liners for Guinea Pigs (What You Need to Know), Do Guinea Pigs Hibernate? You can also ask your vet for advice and support. Although piggies are so cute, you cant always be there to have a staring contest with them. Make sure theres always enough food in your pregnant guinea pigs bowl. Preview / Show more . Do Guinea Pigs Miss Their Owners? RELATED: CLICK HERE for tips on how to tame your guinea pig (step by step guide). Guinea pigs are peaceful creatures. Keeping your guinea pig healthy and happy is an ongoing process that will require lots of dedication and effort from you. Three weeks marks the earliest point at which pups may stop nursing from their mother. Sometimes, male Guinea pigs will eat pups if they were fathered by another cavy. The reason is that male guinea pigs mature sexually very soon and can impregnate their mother as young as 2-3 months of age or even earlier. If your sow has eaten her own babies, you may want to consider changing her living conditions. Why Do Guinea Pigs Lick You or Other Guinea Pigs? Do everything you can to fulfill the wants and needs of the pregnant female, to make her feel safe and comfortable. View our privacy policy and our disclosure policy for more information. 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. How long before you can handle baby guinea pigs? The answer to this question is not entirely clear. A fully grown guinea pig is between 20 and 25 cm long. What is always important is to provide your pet guinea pigs with the best living conditions for the survival of the mother and the babies. Guinea pigs can recognize their owners and other people they know and trust. Provide Your Sow with a Stress-Free Environment, Remain Vigilant During the First Twenty Four Hours, Keep The Babies With Their Mom As Much As Possible, Can You Put A Baby Guinea Pig With An Older One? Popcorning is an incredibly descriptive term to describe the frenzied bursts of energetic jumping, bumping and hopping about that guinea pigs engage in. They need to stay with their mother guinea pigs and suck their milk, but they will quickly become active. Start offering them shredded lettuce from the day their born. There is a chance that your sow will only partially eat her offspring, particularly if she killed them by accident. From the moment they are born they are unusually mature and capable of looking after themselves. Copyright 2023 mypetguineapig.com. There are different ways you can give your guinea pigs attention, and one of them is a good, old-fashioned daily petting session. But recognising the biological reasons why it occurs makes it easier to avoid. Do Guinea Pigs Nurse Their Young? This Is What You Should Know! 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. But, if one or more of her litter is stillborn, she may eat it. But, only serve them as an occasional treat, because the high sugar and water content can cause health problems like obesity and diarrhea. This is necessary to prevent pregnancy. This can lead to health problems. Place the cage in a quiet, draft-free area your home that is out of direct sunlight. Find The Best Deals on Your Favorite guinea pig Products and Save! (2014, March 28). That way she doesnt have to deal with the stress of more pregnancies. Dont separate them from their mother too soon. Read More Can Guinea Pigs Eat Clementines? Newborn Guinea Pigs - What You Should Avoid - Guinea Pig Site By the time theyre a month old, baby guinea pigs body shape rather resembles that of a syrian hamster. Do guinea pigs remember their parents? More research must be conducted to determine whether or not guinea pigs truly miss their babies when they are apart. Do guinea pigs hurt their babies? - Your Wisdom Tips Sometimes adults will do this with each other too. Bathing them, if its something you plan to try, should wait until they are at least eight weeks old. Significantly, this is the age when pups will start to reach sexual maturity. She needs more food and more nutrients to prepare her for the process of giving birth and nursing her babies. Wheek: The shrill noise a guinea pig or other small rodent makes. of 2-4. Ahhhh, clementines. Guinea pigs are tailless rodents that weigh between 1.5 and 2.5 lbs. One of which is probably: Will your guinea pig eat her babies? Giving birth is very stressful for the guinea pig mother and the babies. The Midwest Guinea Pig Habitat is the recommended size (minimum of 8 square feet) and has deep sides around the edges that make it difficult for the baby guinea pigs to crawl out of. Common diseases in domestic guinea pigs include respiratory infections, diarrhea, itching, and boils due to infection (often the neck, throat, or external scratches). When you decide to introduce baby guinea pigs to an adult guinea pig, follow their behavior (monitor them for aggression) and respond quickly.