pregnant guinea pig signs of laborpregnant guinea pig signs of labor

In addition, you may want to increase your guinea pig's fiber intake. It is also an indication that the first stage of labor is happening. Usually, a normal labor process lasts not more than 10 minutes. This article has been viewed 450,304 times. Beautiful mama, glad all went well with both sows! Guinea pigs usually give birth during the day. While their lactation is essential for some nutrients that cannot be provided in the babies diet, baby guinea pigs are noticed to be able to survive even without their mothers milk. At eight months of age, the pelvis of a guinea pig female (sow) starts to fuse, and if she hasnt farrowed before, delivering her pups can be more difficult. I just want to share that I am spending the night watching my one of my rescued sows, who appears to be starting labor. So do not be surprised if a young little guinea pig you just brought home is already pregnant! Moreover, remove any other soiled bedding from the area and leave a clean and comfortable room for the mother to care for the young. Diseases such as toxemia are caused easily in pregnant females. Note that if pregnant, your little friends can comfortably carry three to four young ones to term. Giving her higher quality hay, more fruits & vegetables, essential nutrient pellets, abundant fresh water, are all things that should be done even when she is not pregnant. In most cases, a guinea pigs mothers instincts do not kick in immediately. Try to find a vet who specializes in rodents and other small animals, rather than just a generic vet. Its a stage after fertilization, and the zygote is in its early stage of development. Your pet piggys appetite multiplies, and she starts to eat more than usual. The whole process should take no more than 40 minutes. Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. By gently squeezing the tummy area, you may feel different-sized bumps. Make note of the time and amount of water during each refill. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Some guinea pigs have swirls of long hair while others have a coat of soft, short hair. The latter logic transcends the former. . The pig loses appetite and seems depressed. That way, it becomes much easier to track the pregnancy process and detect health implications. Its important to determine with your cavy vet when your piggy is likely to give birth and monitor her closely in case of any problem. Pre-mature birth will need to be followed by a period of artificial incubation. They will be more evident when its one week to the birth process. So having their cagemates with them could be a good choice. It happens when you have no idea your piggy pet is expectant, and it catches you by surprise by giving birth. Guinea pigs usually give birth during the day. Select from the 0 categories from which you would like to receive articles. Guinea pig's pregnancy lasts very long if you compare it with other rodents. The 8 Signs That Tell You a Chinchilla is Pregnant. If mating happens, she will be pregnant and at the same time nursing a litter. She starts to take care of the babies right away. Diet. It may make them lazy and inactive, and some want to be alone. Sometimes, they prolapse their uterus, and you will need to get to a vet. More extra care is necessary during this time. Note that the gestation period is usually 66 - 72 days. it may also be necessary to separate your pregnant guinea pig from any other guinea pigs you have. Caution: What makes guinea pigs very different from humans in pregnancy is their lactation patterns. They can't replace the diagnosis, advice, or treatment from a professional. Despite its pregnancy, the mother can exercise normally. Read Our Medical Disclaimer, Can Guinea Pigs Freeze to Death? One of my guinea pigs is pregnant! Avoid over-feeding Ultrasounds are non-invasive and do not require sedation. Just like with humans, a pregnant hamster is eating for twoor 10! Not all guinea pigs are capable of handling the stress of a pregnancy. The piggy depends on you for all its requirements. She has has a very small amount of blood, and she will not come out of the kitchen area. Mostly, guinea pigs deliver during the day and rarely at night. By this time, the developing fetuses will make up half of the mother's body weight. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'pocketpetcentral_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_3',122,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-pocketpetcentral_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0');Well, not too many similarities are shared by guinea pigs and humans in their pregnancy. You may think that personal hygiene of your guinea pig is important during pregnancy. Bella is active, eating, and drinking. In this article, you will deep-dive into the best age to breed a guinea pig, how to tell if a guinea pig is pregnant, caring for a pregnant guinea pig, helping a guinea pig give birth, etc. There should be little or no blood, especially before any babies have been produced. Pre-farrowing happens 10 to 14 days before the delivery day. Moreover, guinea pigs give birth to large and precocial pups. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. In other words, you will be provided with a visual of your guinea pig's abdomen and the doctor can then confirm or disconfirm a pregnancy. One more thing. She may start yelping or crying when the contraction of the pelvis bones starts. So obviously he didnt provide the level of care needed for a pregnant guinea pig. After the whole birth process, make sure to clean your pets cage. You vet may also be able to hear the piglets' heartbeats in the sow's abdomen. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[728,90],'pocketpetcentral_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_2',126,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-pocketpetcentral_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0');Sometimes, surgery could be necessary. 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. Manage Settings Since guinea pigs attain sexual maturity as early as 6 weeks in their life, even young guinea pigs are bound to get pregnant. I am monitoring her closely and the vet is on standby tomorrow and Sat AM. Guinea pigs are pregnant for around 63 days, according to The Spruce. Soon you will be welcoming innocent newborns into the world. This article has 20 testimonials from our readers, earning it our reader-approved status. Another thing to look for is weight gain. Even if your pet has completed the farrowing process, there are vital signs you should observe. Sometimes the mother tends to eat the placenta of the pups, but if she hasnt, remove and dispose of it correctly. JavaScript is disabled. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. 2 Remove any boars. When she has a contraction, she will kind of hunch up. Anna, Expert. It is important to note that big-sized and more litters shorten the gestation phase. I do not breed. If several fetuses are present, you will feel several bumps spaced across her tummy, each of a similar size. Especially if any of them display aggressive tendencies. Most terribly, you may lose both the sow and her babies. These large pups predispose the mother to pregnancy toxemia (a fatal condition). This is something that every owner needs to avoid. [1] Another clearly observable sign is the female making hiccup sounds, beginning to crouch down, and licking around her bottom. Some guinea pigs may feel insecure being around their cage mates, especially when she perceives threat in their favorite hiding place. Sometimes you can see the pups moving around the stomach. All Rights Reserved. If you let your guard down after one litter being born, without watching the females interaction with un-neutered males, the mother who just delivered a litter could get knocked up once again! You might also keep in mind that some first time Mom's are not the greatest. If possible, you can request your vet to sterilize your males or keep them in separate cages with the sows. 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. That gives you enough time to attempt breeding after a few weeks when the pig goes into heat. Give the female time to raise her young ones alone. She is eating a lot, drinking, and moving about the cage normally. Sometimes, the babies come so fast that the Mom has no time to tend to each baby. Its good for your cavy vet to be present when the pig is delivering to ensure she receives prompt help should there be any problem. Note that the guinea pig gestation period decreases with litter size. Well, they can be described as an epitome of cuteness! Have a visiting vet every once in a while. Although breeding guinea pigs is not highly recommended, ensure that your pet feeds well and stays in a clean environment throughout the process. The signs of pregnancy toxaemia are abrupt onset of depression (quiet, weak, lethargic) and anorexia (not eating). Copyright 2000 - 2023, Guinea Pig Cages. When the pig is close to delivering, the pelvis bones will contract and spread apart. You should be able to implement it. Some of you might think of this question as absurd. Next, check your guinea pig's weight, since her weight will almost double during pregnancy. Lets see! They squeak too. Since they no longer eat just for them, but also for the baby piggies inside, they eat more than the usual amount. The minute you are sure your guinea pig is pregnant, make sure you get it to your vets attention. This page might contain affiliate links, which will earn us a commission. Unless you are a qualified veterinarian, the only other way to know is to go to someone who is an actual veterinarian.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'pocketpetcentral_com-leader-4','ezslot_8',113,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-pocketpetcentral_com-leader-4-0'); Some people may think that knowing how far along the pregnancy is, could not yield any benefit. In theory, guinea pigs can give up to 5 litters per year. I have seen all four pups nursing, and beginning to popcorn and play. Guinea pig pregnancy, there is a fine line between it sounding scary and it sounding heartening. Its a go-ahead! But still, to be on the safer side, having boundaries to the free space she runs is advised. Guinea pigs require time and patience, as well as the desire and determination to, Read More Complete Guinea Pig Care GuideContinue, Can guinea pigs freeze to death? I have had sows that have run to the opposite end of the cage, like they are terrified! Your sow can be pregnant, and you dont notice it, or you realize some change of behaviors, e.g., distancing itself and reluctance to move, when shes close to giving birth. Its just the same in guinea pigs. Even a slight mishandling could lead to enormous amounts of pain. This could increase her stress and affect her eating and drinking habits. However, do not assume that your guinea pig is pregnant based on just how much she is eating or drinking. But what, Read More Can Guinea Pigs Freeze to Death? Copyright 2023 - VIVO Pets. If you have two pregnant guinea pigs and live peacefully with each other, you may want to keep them in the same cage. Find out more about the NEW, drastically improved site and forum! The more the number of baby guinea pigs, the shorter is the period of pregnancy. Is it possible for a sow to give birth without showing signs of pregnancy? The delivery shouldnt take longer than 20 minutes. Two consecutive weeks with a noticeable hike in weight should probably mean that the piggy is pregnant. The condition is likely to cause stillbirths and abortions. Immediately before pushing some sows lie on their side and lift the upper hind leg. But that does not mean that you should not give them access to outdoors. You will also be able to feel the pups inside the mother's belly. If you notice your guinea pig eating and drinking more, look for other signals. Here are some common signs of pregnancy in guinea pigs: A change in appetite: Pregnant guinea pigs will usually have a decreased appetite. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Of course, all these are high school zoology concepts. I am just concerned and wondering if anyone has any experience with this? Before going into labor some guinea pigs produce grunt sounds. Thats right, they have a distinction between emotions and the mind, just like humans, even though both are processed and caused by the same brain! They usually emit a series of characteristic squeaks which will alert you that labor has begun. Another weird yet interesting way to find out pregnancy in guinea pigs is their smell! Guinea pigs are certainly cute. If there is a sensitive stage that requires extra care and caution, it is during pregnancy in guinea pigs. Gently press inwards and see if you feel any lumps or bumps inside her tummy. Left untreated, both the mother and the pups will die. So, the first step in knowing if your guinea pig is pregnant? It is possible to make out fetuses 12 weeks after conception. One way is if the guinea pig's nipples turn pink or red. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. The size of the litter varies from one guinea pig to another. Guinea pigs show affection to their newborn pups and nurse them immediately. Moms may continue to spot for up to 4-5 days after delivery, although 1-2 is more normal. . The sow will sit very squarely, and make a "hiccupping" type of motion. The babies are on their way out. Naturally, they have narrow birth canals. (Plus Tips to Keep Warm)Continue, Guinea pigs are well-known and adored for their plump, bean-like bodies. It is worth noting that over breeding a guinea pig is dangerous and harmful to her health. I researched, stressed, slept . As females progress in their pregnancy, she may eat three times the . So, even a male who was neutered only a few weeks before could cause pregnancy in females. Also called as parturition in scientific terms, the birth, of course, is the part where the litter is delivered. Shedding pounds may indicate health problems with your guinea pig, but with careful attention, Read More How to Help a Guinea Pig Gain WeightContinue, Guinea pigs are one of the most adorable and fascinating animals you will fall in love with once you set your eyes on them. 6 Signs of a Pregnant Pig Some of the signs to watch out for include: 1. If you gently palpate the stomach side, you should feel lumps under your fingers. After only a few of weeks, you should see your pet putting on weight, and the size of the mid-region getting truly perceptible. Publisher: Pergamon. Guinea pigs are known for hiding sickness and infection symptoms. Its that period when you need to focus on caring for your pregnant guinea pig. Female chinchillas have an estrus cycle of about 28 days, but they are only able to become . So then, waiting until the pig is sexually mature is paramount, plus it should not be too old to give birth. Male guinea pigs can impregnate a female at as young as 3 weeks old and a female guinea pig can become pregnant at as young as 4 weeks old, so don't be doubtful if your guinea pig is pregnant due to age. Your email address will not be published. But consult with your vet first, just to be on the safer side. The final stage of gestation can last between 2-3 weeks. It is not very different from human pregnancy. However, most guinea pigs tend to bear an average litter size of three. unlocking this expert answer. The pups will also benefit from eating solid food. But thats wrong! awww. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 450,304 times. If you see the baby partway out, and the Mom is making no effort to help it, and you are SURE it is a baby, then you can gently try and help maneuver the baby out. Although, guinea pigs tend to eat extra in cold weather too. ", know if the sow is having a baby or babies. }, Basic QuestionsAbout Guinea Pig Pregnancy. The most important thing for the mother is to feed herself in a balanced way. To Avoid Stress, You Need to Take Several Measures Obviously. Mom's can, and are, very vigorous in cleaning up these babies! All in all, if you notice extreme weight gain on your female pets, feel the tummy gently to detect any pregnancy signs. An uncomplicated birth process takes not more than 30 minutes. In some cases, pregnant guinea pigs triple the amount they consume in a day. Remember that a cold climate triggers a guinea pigs appetite. 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. Pregnant guinea pigs should not be . Then I followed the steps that say how to take, "My guinea pig was acting strange. In reality, close to 20% of expectant sows die while giving birth. Pregnancy toxemia can kill your pig and her young ones. Swollen Teats and Belly This is an obvious sign of pregnancy but is unfortunately not usually apparent until around three months of gestation. Every trimester of the pregnancy in humans, there are differences in the methods of taking care, right? 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. Their gestational period may last between 59 - 72 days. If you see your sow bleeding, more than a tablespoon, dripping blood, or many pieces of bloody bedding with no babies, you are best advised to get to a vet. Most pups emerge heads first, although a few make the grand entry from behind. When your guinea pig is about to give birth, signs are fairly apparent during the last two weeks of pregnancy. That indicates that your guinea pig is pregnant. Publisher: Pergamon, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/6a\/Tell-if-Your-Guinea-Pig-Is-Pregnant-Step-3-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Tell-if-Your-Guinea-Pig-Is-Pregnant-Step-3-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/6a\/Tell-if-Your-Guinea-Pig-Is-Pregnant-Step-3-Version-3.jpg\/aid666376-v4-728px-Tell-if-Your-Guinea-Pig-Is-Pregnant-Step-3-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"