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\n<\/p><\/div>"}, Richardson, Diseases of the Domestic Guinea Pig. All animals, for example, tend to eat more when it's cold, when they're having a growth spurt, and when they're suffering from certain illnesses. In most cases, a sow will handle her labor, deliver the babies, clean them off, and bite off the umbilical cord. If you think you dont have the resources or knowledge to deal with a guinea pigs pregnancy, we recommend that you dont put your animal through this process. Always keep your male and female guinea pig separately to prevent breeding. Does anyone have experience with pregnant sows that have had bleeding? Symptoms and Types Bleeding from the uterus/vagina Discomfort/pain Extended straining during labor without actually delivering the fetus Part of the fetus may be seen at the vaginal canal, but the labor does not progress Expected due date comes and goes Causes Pregnant guinea pigs may also be at risk of mastitis, uterine prolapse, and hypocalcemia. Guinea pig's pregnancy lasts very long if you compare it with other rodents. An expectant guinea pig is one source of concern even to experienced pet owners. After you dry it off, put it back down beside the Mom. You shouldnt give it less food than it needs, nor overfeed it. So they wont fight with each other. When your guinea pig is about to give birth, signs are fairly apparent during the last two weeks of pregnancy. They will be more evident when its one week to the birth process. Others due to the strain and fatigue require more time to get accustomed. As she goes into labor she will release out a cry. Caution: What makes guinea pigs very different from humans in pregnancy is their lactation patterns. Weigh your sow weekly to be certain she is gaining weight at a regular pace. Other adverse effects include a loss of appetite out of fear, which could also result in fatal effects. The mothers lactation period lasts for about two or three weeks. But it is better if you take her to the vet just to be sure. ", care of my guinea pig and I am so sure that she is healthy and will have my little baby friends soon! By gently running your hand on your guinea pig, you can feel bumps and lumps, which could be because of one of two reasons. That will be a significant step to prevent pregnancy complications these rodents face. Progesterone production undergoes a luteal to placental shift as in human pregnancy with levels rising during gestation and with labor and delivery occurring without a precipitous decline in maternal progesterone levels. Usually, the mother delivers her pups, wash them down, chew their umbilical cord off, and nurses them. Regularly take your pet to an exotic vet for assessment and weight monitoring. Moms may continue to spot for up to 4-5 days after delivery, although 1-2 is more normal. H3N2 and H1N2 to reduce clinical signs and viral lung load after infection. By this time, your pets pelvic bones will have widened enough to make way for the pups during birth. For an effective process, ensure that your pregnant sows consume fresh veggies and fruits hay each day. Proper knowledge about breeding these animals is important for the survival of the mother and the pups. That is exactly why you need to cautiously read all the following so that you can make the hard and painful process of pregnancy easier on your guinea pig! From early on, though, your guinea pig will eat and drink more than usual. Guinea pigs need additional vitamin C during pregnancy, so you might see her favor fruits and vegetables high in vitamin C over those lacking it. So you wouldnt have to worry about them running away to places they are not supposed to go. They will lick and lick till you think she is trying to remove their fur. On the other hand, keeping a pregnant sow with boars poses a greater danger. Not always is it ensured that the mother will deliver her litter by natural means. If at any point her weight begins to fall or if she begins to show signs of illness, consult a vet immediately. The Estrus cycle in guinea pigs occurs spontaneously. This article delves into the areas of, Read More Guinea Pig Constipation (Everything You Need to Know)Continue, The contents of the https://moreguineapigs.com website, such as text, graphics, images, and other material contained on the site (Content) are for informational purposes only. I have had her for three years and she has never been around any males but my family and I think she is pregnant because she has a pear shape and she isn't fat. Her articles provide practical guidance on choosing the right pet and managing common health issues. Some of the most common signs include: Lumps in the belly: 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. Reduce handling to a minimum and don't handle her within two weeks of the birth. The labor: You can hear distinct cries of her before she goes into labor. The sow with the record of delivering many piglets had 14. You'll need to encourage her into a transport cage through treats or her favourite vegetables/fruit. The new Mom will not act sick. One more thing. An unneutered male guinea pig! Guinea pigs have a much shorter timeline of pregnancy than humans. It causes the pregnant cavy to have low calcium levels and high blood pressure. Anywhere between 59-72 days. I didnt know whether to hit him in the face for the negligence or to feel sorry for his loss. Laber-Laird & Flecknell. However, most guinea pigs tend to bear an average litter size of three. I am glad all is well! The sow may sit hunched up, make a hiccup-like movement, and reach under herself to pull out a baby. It is critical for pet owners to be aware of any little, Read More How Long Can a Guinea Pig Live With URI?Continue, Guinea pig constipation is an important topic that both current and prospective piggy owners cannot avoid. For different stages of progress, there are different medicines, food supplies, the quantity of food and water, and more! Being able to feel the babies. Your email address will not be published. The fetuses were delivered vaginally or surgically after a maximum of 45 min of oxytocin treatment. The pups will also benefit from eating solid food. Guinea pigs giving a birth is a fantastic moment. It is also an indication that the first stage of labor is happening. If she excessively bites and attacks her babies, keep her in a secluded place before reintroducing the pups back. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[580,400],'pocketpetcentral_com-portrait-2','ezslot_19',124,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-pocketpetcentral_com-portrait-2-0');The gestation period in guinea pigs could be anywhere between 59-72 days. How to Train Your Guinea Pig (Tricks & Behavior), What to do When One of Your Guinea Pig Dies? As they grow, the opening fuses and becomes a stiff bony bridge. This information is then translated into an image. Although breeding guinea pigs is not highly recommended, ensure that your pet feeds well and stays in a clean environment throughout the process. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Some guinea pigs may feel insecure being around their cage mates, especially when she perceives threat in their favorite hiding place. Of course, much much cuter! I really enjoyed that it was stressed that the babies don't need to be with dad at, "I love guinea pigs, and when I get one, and then another one, they will probably mate. Guinea pigs, even when not pregnant, are vulnerable to mood swings. How Can You Know How Far Along Your Guinea Pigs Pregnancy is? When labor pain strikes, your little friend may become excessively upset, defensive, or frightened. This implies that it must obtain the essential vitamins and minerals for the correct development of the offspring. Of course, all these are high school zoology concepts. The guinea pig pregnancy duration is long - approximately 59- 72 days (the average is 65 days) - the duration decreases with litter size (i.e. To feel for fetuses, place the sow on a towel on a firm surface. The kidney, bladder, or even fecal pellets can all be easily mistaken for fetuses. Always have your mothers guinea pig living separately from a male piggy. Once theyve reached a length of about two fingers, theres little left for the litter to be born. Mama is shrinking in size and babies are growing fast. Signs of pregnancy are not visible very soon after mating. We were very lucky with her cage mate who delivered 3 healthy pups two weeks ago without a sign that anything happened. (Plus Tips to Keep Warm), Fat Guinea Pig (Causes & Dangers of Health), Guinea Pig Constipation (Everything You Need to Know). If you do not see the birth as it happens, you will most likely not see the placentas, as the Mom will eat the afterbirths and all the bloody wet shavings. Toxemia is the result of a metabolic imbalance, which causes the guinea pig to become gravely ill. Calcium deficiency often displays similar symptoms, but it is the result of a calcium imbalance, whereas toxemia happens due to internal complications associated with impaired blood supply to the uterus. Its a wise choice to breed these cavies before they are seven months old to widen their pelvis right before birth. % of people told us that this article helped them. Give the female time to raise her young ones alone. Usually, a guinea pig's pregnancy lasts from 59-72 days. Larger Abdomen. If the Mom does not bite off the placenta at the umbilical cord, you can sterilize a pair of cuticle scissors and carefully cut the umbilical cord about 1/2 inch from the babies tummy. Pregnancy toxemia or ketosis is a life-threatening condition common with pregnant guinea pigs, especially within a few days of giving birth. I just want to share that I am spending the night watching my one of my rescued sows, who appears to be starting labor. And hand those records to your vert during his weekly visit so that he can comprehend the situation in hand better. Please keep us updated! Give grass-based feed in large amounts; it supplies the calories that the pig needs. Otherwise, he will be dragging the placenta around. [1] Several factors may influence a guinea pigs litter size, including genetics, boar fertility, gilt management, etc. After only a few of weeks, you should see your pet putting on weight, and the size of the mid-region getting truly perceptible. Pre-mature birth will need to be followed by a period of artificial incubation. unlocking this expert answer. Well, I guess this is the most important section of this post. A pregnant guinea pig is also at a higher risk of pregnancy ketosis resulting from appetite loss, large litter size, or underdeveloped blood vessels in the uterus (mostly inherited). Their physical and mental well-being are directly linked to their emotional state. Interesting fact - The largest numbers of pups a sow has given birth to was 14! Symptoms include refusal to eat, lethargy, and rapid weight loss. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. What are the Similarities and Differences Beetwen Humans and Guinea Pigs in Pregnancy? Keep in mind! There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. The babies should suckle colostrum within the first 24 hours; it helps to boost their immunity. But it is quite the opposite. However, be aware that other things can feel like bumps in the abdomen. Carpathian Shepherd Dog: All About this Breed. Avoid over-feeding it may also be necessary to separate your pregnant guinea pig from any other guinea pigs you have. 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. I do not breed. Last Updated: November 26, 2022 After just a couple of weeks, you should notice your pet gaining weight, and the size of the abdomen becoming very noticeable. Make note of the time and amount of water during each refill. 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. Also called as parturition in scientific terms, the birth, of course, is the part where the litter is delivered. A voracious appetite and a heavier-than-normal appearance are good signs that your pig is pregnant. These little critters can be one solid color, two colors, or tri-colored! Changes in the Estrous Cycle The estrous cycle takes 21 days. ", the things on wikiHow and my guinea pig gave birth to three boys and one girl. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Despite its pregnancy, the mother can exercise normally. This will keep your guinea pig from slipping. Awww very cute pictures! A Guinea pig giving birth to a pup is always an exciting and happy moment for owners in welcoming newborn creatures. The release of the placenta is the third and final farrowing stage. Feed your pregnant cavy a mixed diet of grass and grass hay, high-quality pellet (explicitly designed for cavies), green leafy vegetables, a small amount of vitamin C-rich foods, e.g., spinach, citrus, etc. Sad to say good-bye, but I will be glad to be a 4 guinea pigs and have a little less work. It is possible to make out fetuses 12 weeks after conception. The piggy depends on you for all its requirements. Diseases such as toxemia are caused easily in pregnant females. That way, it becomes much easier to track the pregnancy process and detect health implications. Finally, have the pregnancy confirmed by a veterinarian, who can perform an ultrasound and give you information about caring for a pregnant guinea pig. I am a little nervous, because I have read about all of the possible complications. Then there is a point when her hips begin to spread to allow the passing of the babies down the birth channel. Especially if any of them display aggressive tendencies. Young female pups reach maturity at around two months and can effectively bear life. Guinea pigs have on occasional been pregnant on one side of the "U" or are pregnant at different times in . She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. If you are a woman reading this I bet that you are thinking thank god there aint anything like that in humans!. I'm glad everything went well, how are momma and babies doing? In theory, guinea pigs can give up to 5 litters per year. Copyright 2000-document.write(new Date().getFullYear()) Guinea Lynx, All Rights Reserved, Sow straining for more than 10 minutes and not producing a baby, Sow squealing loudly with each contraction, Sow getting exhausted and just giving up from trying, No placenta being produced with the babies, Sow smelling like nail polish remover, or acetone. Pregnancy ketosis is something to worry about with pregnant guinea pigs. Guinea pigs bred when below seven months of age have a good chance of maintaining pregnancy and giving birth naturally and successfully in the future. Nonetheless, be wary that other conditions like cancer or cysts disguise as bumps in the body. Avoid making changes to a pregnant sow's cage, like removing toys or putting the cage in a totally new location. Typically, guinea pig birth is an easy process if there are no pregnancy complications. This is easily detectable by squeezing the teats. She eats those to keep predators from discovering the babies. The delivery shouldnt take longer than 20 minutes. This article has been viewed 450,304 times. By this time, the developing fetuses will make up half of the mother's body weight. What if it gets really, really cold outside when you are sleeping, and the temperature drops below freezing would your guinea pigs be okay? . Provide fresh water ad libitum. It is not recommended to breed guinea pigs. If pregnant, your guinea pig may have a single piglet or up to 3-4. It may make them lazy and inactive, and some want to be alone. Sometimes the mother tends to eat the placenta of the pups, but if she hasnt, remove and dispose of it correctly. The pig occupies a lot of space too. There are three stages of the farrowing process; pre-farrowing, farrowing, and after-birth expulsion. Anything above that required an emergency vets attention. This article was co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS. She may start yelping or crying when the contraction of the pelvis bones starts. Not knowing how to care for your furry pal when shes pregnant makes the whole thing scary, while knowing all about it makes the news heartening. Also, one may observe a mucous discharge from the vulva. For this reason, you should replace its usual diet with alfalfa, rich in calcium and proteins, along with foods like kiwi, kale or green peppers. Even a slight mishandling could lead to enormous amounts of pain.
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