By their second week, you wont be able to miss how much your baby guinea pigs have grown already. Watch after your guinea pig while she gives birth. But, give them time to bond with their mother so they can nurse. Here you'll find the juicy goods to care for your little friends WITHOUT making your brain short-circuit. In this article, we will focus on some important aspects of caring for guinea pig babies. If you look after the guinea pig mother regularly, she will allow you to touch her baby guinea pigs. Or at least make it a less dangerous one, for you, the guinea pig mother, and the baby piggies. 2 3 cups mostly green, leafy vegetables, Occasional fruit too much sugar can lead to obesity. Show some tender feelings towards your guinea pig. (Fun Facts). Once all the serious aspects of baby guinea pig care are in hand, you can turn your mind to more fun tasks, like picking their names. The two main reasons why Guinea pigs may eat their babies is a result of hunger, or insufficient feeding. Caring for baby guinea pigs can be a rewarding experience if you know what to expect. As you find a toy for your little fur baby, you might be asking, do guinea pigs like stuffed animals? Stop getting dirty looks from your piggies, because you forgot to do something for themAGAIN. The surprising truth is that it happens more often than youd think. Female baby guinea pigs on the other hand have a y-shaped genital opening, set much closer to the anus. Any sudden movement or noise can scare them. Can Guinea Pigs Eat Turnip Greens? The babies shouldn't be separated from their mothers for at least a month. My first piggy some years ago did a big dance of joy each time I came back home after some days of being away. It can be difficult to tell the difference between male and female guinea pigs under three weeks of age. If youre not looking for a specific breed or sex of guinea pig, rescuing one from a shelter is a great way to meet your new pet. She is then back to cuddles and snuggles. This website was inspired by our guinea pig pair, Theo and Remmy, and is our familys journey to becoming the best guinea pig parents. We hope youve enjoyed this in depth article about cute baby guinea pigs!Guinea pig pups are quite unlike most other baby animals. Even their own children. (n.d.). Walter or Bob These guinea pigs sound like they should be wearing business suits on Wall Street. An inexperienced sow might accidentally damage her young with her teeth whilst trying to clean them up after the birth. RSPCA Knowledgebase Let Australias most trusted animal welfare charity help you answer the big questions. If guinea, Read More What Fruits Can Guinea Pigs Eat? This can be startling and upsetting. Watch carefully for signs of stress or discomfort. At worst, it can cause her to reject them. A newborn guinea pig might weigh around 3.5 ounces or 100 grams. Talk to him with a soft voice and pet his head. So, its possible for their mother (especially if shes inexperienced with babies) to kill them with too much force. Not only that, but they also have a full body of fur, and even their little claws are developed. The body temperature of a guinea pig is between 101104 F (3840 C), so its ideal ambient air temperature is similar to that of humans, approximately 6575 F (1824 C). Its natural for you and me to humanize the behavior of animals. 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. This is because, in the wild, guinea pigs are usually found in herds, so you should try to create that level of interaction for your domesticated guinea pigs. Pregnancy is very difficult for guinea pigs, with at least 1 out of 5 of the mothers dying during birth. The female pups can be weaned the following week at four weeks of age. This is where they learn how to bond and behave in a herd. Veterinarians and Animal Hospital in Pasadena, MD | Lake Shore Pet Hospital. Sometimes it happens accidentally. Many people believe that guinea pigs get attached to their owners and that they miss their parents when they are separated. Paying lots of brief visits to your litter with mother, and getting them used to gentle handling without worrying them are going to be a vital foundation of good socialization. 15 Best Pet Freshwater Fish For Beginners. Baby guinea pigs for adoption are usually a little cheaper than guinea pigs for sale, and often come with a clean bill of health from a vet. We placed an additional water bottle in the cage so that we could position it low enough for the babies to reach it. Baby guinea pigs are called pups just like baby dogs. Orphans should be fed by an eyedropper or pet nurse within the first 12 to 24 hours of life. If your sow is in a very small enclosure, this could cause her unnecessary stress. This served a purpose in the wild to prevent predators from finding the newborn baby guinea pigs. Always consult your vet if you think a baby guinea pig overly small, or failing to thrive. Place the cage in a quiet, draft-free area your home that is out of direct sunlight. Why would a pet guinea pig eat its own babies? From the moment they are born they are unusually mature and capable of looking after themselves. But, when a pet parent has makes an intentional choice to breed, its really not worth the risk in most cases. We were stressed out during this time because we did not want to have another unexpected guinea pig pregnancy. You have entered an incorrect email address! 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. By doing this you can prevent accidental killings, as well as promptly remove any still born pups from the cage. So your guinea pig is pregnant. 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. Guinea pig babies are born looking like mini versions of their mama. Like babies of all species, cute baby guinea pigs are tiny and winsome. In most cases, guinea pigs won't miss you if you decide to leave them in the home instead of taking them with you for camping. Whining is typically a noise made by the more passive guinea pig to communicate to a guinea pig that is more pushy or dominant. This is especially true for mammalian animals, who often form strong attachments with their young. You have to remember that these babies are coming out of the womb ready to run around the cage and have fun very quickly. New Plymouth Vet Group. 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. 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. Guinea pigs eating babies is a rare but possible occurrence. Some guinea pigs are more likely to nuzzle or groom people or other guinea pigs. And the result is that guinea pig babies are born already more mature than many other species. i am so excited!!! 11811 Shaker Blvd, #204, PMB 289Cleveland, Ohio 44120(216) 912-6291. The average guinea pig gestation is 59 72 days. Let's hear it for the boys. Ahhhh, clementines. Here are some things we had to think about when we found out our guinea pig was pregnant: We adhered to the following recommended feeding guidelines for pregnant guinea pigs: RELATED: CLICK HERE to read about our unexpected guinea pig pregnancy and how to tell if your guinea pig is pregnant. This is for several reasons: You should find this post helpful: Can A Father Guinea Pig Be With The Babies? Read Also: How Often to Clean Guinea Pig Cage. Caring for a guinea pig can be challenging if you are unsure whether it is missing its baby. Be quiet and move slowly around baby guinea pigs. If youre going to be away for an extended period, you may also want to consider finding a friend or family member to care for your guinea pig in your absence. Do not over-handle the mother or you could cause her stress which will lead . Its also the age of the youngest baby guinea pigs in pet stores. We kept a close eye on Theo as her due date approached. If your guinea pig becomes acquainted with someone they don't trust, they may become quiet or hide when that person is nearby. On the other hand, female guinea pigs mature sexually at 2 months of age, so make sure to keep them separated from their brothers and father. It's often the result of starvation, stress, inexperience, or trauma. The extra calories should be provided until she stops nursing her newborn babies. Berryman, J. C., Guineapig Vocalizations: Their Structure, Causation and Function, Ethology, 1976. This way they can easily confuse their predator and a group of guinea pigs doing this is known as a stampede.. If it does occur, the reasons will probably differ slightly from that of other species, and its important to understand these reasons in order to try to prevent it from happening: Most female guinea pigs will never eat their live young on purpose. Theres no fixed moment when a guinea pig stops being a pup and becomes an adult. For guinea pigs to reproduce, a male guinea pig needs to fertilize the female. (Find Out Now). Sadly yes, guinea pig mothers do sometimes eat their newborn young. How To Prevent a New Mother from Eating Her Babies? Individual size is generally linked to litter size, so the more siblings there are in a litter, the smaller they are each likely to be. I thought they would be born helpless and look like baby rats or hamsters with no fur and their eyes closed. Some say that they do not form the same type of attachment as other animals, while others believe that they do experience a certain level of sadness after their young have been weaned. An indoor cage size of 18" x 24" (45 x 60 cm) should comfortably accommodate a guinea pig. It is famously difficult to sex baby rodents, so the easiest way to be sure which of your pups are girls and which are boys is to ask a more experienced mentor, or a vet, to help you. Stress can cause guinea pigs to eat their babies, and stress-induced cannibalism is also very common in guinea pigs, and unfortunately, quite unavoidable at times.Do your best to keep them well fed and give them plenty of rest so they can stay calm. Wanna Give Your Piggies the 5 STAR Treatment? Keeping your guinea pig healthy and happy is an ongoing process that will require lots of dedication and effort from you. Some have lengthy, silky hair, and others have brief, tough coats. In fact, loneliness reduces the life expectancy of a guinea pig. Increase the protein content in your pregnant guinea pigs diet. If you are considering getting a guinea pig, ensure you can provide them with the social interaction they need. Even though they share similar names, guinea pigs do not belong to either the dog or pig family. There are different ways you can give your guinea pigs attention, and one of them is a good, old-fashioned daily petting session. (2014, March 28). This can hurt their health and well-being. During our research we learned that there are two possible reasons why: This was one question that had me really worried. Guinea pig babies are born quickly. Bathing them, if its something you plan to try, should wait until they are at least eight weeks old. Preview / Show more . But, can guinea pigs eat them? 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. They are cheerful and love to run around, squeak, eat, play, and poop. As a whole, guinea pigs do not eat their offspring, but it can happen. This blog will give you some helpful tips on how to make this a wonderful experience. Can Rabbits Eat Grapes Pros And Cons of Grapes For Rabbits. At first your guinea pig baby may seem afraid when you pick him up. The male guinea pig staying with the mother and babies is important because he helps keep them warm and protects them from predators. Just being near their most preferred people can give guinea pigs a lot of comfort. The best thing you can do is provide adequate and proper nutrition to the new guinea pig mother. 5 Common Cat Behaviours And What They Mean. Your guinea pig's individual personality will likely play a big role in this. Guinea pigs and other rodents do not eat their babies because they are hungry. To do this, we learned it is best to wean the males by removing them from their mom and sisters cage at three weeks and moving them to a separate cage. A mother guinea pig can eat her babies if one of the babies is born dead. They are born precocial, which means they already have teeth and fur, and from their earliest moments they can see, hear, and move about. What about baby guinea pigs for adoption? Almost the only reason why a female guinea pig can kill her babies is that she is so stressed that her mind cannot handle the strain. So, what is the answer? Newborn guinea pigs weigh only 100 grams but they grow quickly. For instance, a guinea pig that was captured individually needs at least one other guinea pig as a cage mate. She is then back to cuddles and snuggles. and Can You Put A Baby Guinea Pig With An Older One? You don't have to be a professional breeder . This is one of the biggest reasons why a sow will engage in filial cannibalism. Ive wondered it myself. It can be a little surprising to witness, but its completely normal and nothing to be alarmed about. ), Guinea pigs can suffer from running lice. Diet What should our pregnant guinea pig eat? male guinea pig staying with the mother and babies, guinea pigs can get attached to their owners. Although they spring out with open eyes and fully furred, piggie pups are still small and fragile at first. On average, baby guinea pigs come in litters of 2-4, and weigh 70-115g. Weve already covered the reproductive cycle of guinea pigs and pregnancy and how to tell if a guinea pig is pregnant, so you can learn much more about these topics in our articles. Common diseases in domestic guinea pigs include respiratory infections, diarrhea, itching, and boils due to infection (often the neck, throat, or external scratches). Allowing siblings to breed also poses a risk of dangerous congenital disorders to their offspring. How many babies do guinea pigs have in their first litter? Whereas there are over 13 Guinea Pig breeds, English, Abyssinian, and Peruvian Guinea Pigs are the most well-liked. Do Guinea Pigs Miss Their Owners? About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features Press Copyright Contact us Creators . Will the baby guinea pigs be able to escape the enclosure? This is a question that has long been debated when it comes to guinea pigs. We read that the bedding needs to be changed daily. Besides, always separate baby guinea pigs from male guinea pigs. If you bring home your baby guinea pig at seven weeks old, youll find all the information you need to raise them in our guide to guinea pigs as pets. Sows must also have a constant supply of hay (alfalfa for the extra calories) and pellets. If this happens, pop them back in with her, and visit again later. After birth, Guinea pig sows can become pregnant again within hours. Six or seven weeks old is the age at which most breeders will let their pups go to their new homes. You need to be able to provide your guinea pigs with regular ample attention all the time. We will help you to raise your baby guinea pigs to become healthy, happy pets. 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. Pups from small litters are usually bigger than pups from large litters. They need to stay with their mother guinea pigs and suck their milk, but they will quickly become active. Foreign bodies in the eye of a guinea pig result in tearing, and corneal ulcers, which, in some cases, form a translucent film over the eyes. If your sow has eaten her own babies, you may want to consider changing her living conditions. 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. Once they are one to two finger-widths apart, it wont be long untilbirth.. So, what do you put on the bottom of a guinea pig cage? Can Guinea Pigs Eat Spinach Or Is It Bad For Them? It will also well as putting her at risk for developing diseases like toxaemia. She will naturally clean up the area around her: lick the babies clean, bite off the umbilical cord and eat the placenta. However, separate male guinea pig babies from their mothers when they turn about two months old. Here is how to tell if your baby guinea pig is a boy or girl: RELATED: CLICK HERE for more information on how to determine the sex of a guinea pig. An adult guinea pig will never deliberately harm or eat a newborn guinea pig. Regarding animal parents, there is no greater love than that of a mother for her young. https://www.petmd.com/exotic/conditions/reproductive/c_ex_gp_pregnancy_toxemia, Why do animals sometimes kill their babies? (2020, May 5). Domestic guinea pigs originated in South America but today these vocal, sociable creatures thrive in households across the globe. But, stick with me. Be prepared to assess them quickly, because they wont like to be held in that position for long! However, we always recommend having more than one guinea pig because these small animals are social creatures and they need company. (What Owners Need To Know), What Fruits Can Guinea Pigs Eat? Even then, they must be handled very gently. Most people find that, when it comes to guinea pigs at least, babies are the cutest. The earlier and more regularly you handle them, the more likely they are to accept you. Breeding of guinea pigs is strongly discouraged. In the meantime, if you havent seen enough sweet pictures of baby guinea pigs yet, then why not visit our compilation of favorite guinea pig videos. A fully grown guinea pig is between 20 and 25 cm long. They look a little bit awkward as they begin to move around. 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. And within a few hours nursing should be established. Expect to pay around $10 to $40 on average, though this can vary depending on factors such as age and coloring. (And How? Interact with baby guinea pigs early and as often as possible so that they become used to humans. How long do guinea pig babies stay with mom? Guinea pigs are social animals and do best when kept in pairs or groups. (Find Out Now), 10 Reliable Cage Liners for Guinea Pigs (What You Need to Know), Do Guinea Pigs Hibernate? Significantly, this is the age when pups will start to reach sexual maturity. Guinea pigs are peaceful creatures. However, male guinea pigs shouldnt eat their young at all because guinea pigs are herbivores. This a sound that only domesticated guinea pigs do for their adoring pet parents. They will nurse every two hours for the first three weeks. The larger the litter, the smaller the pups will likely be. Some guinea pig moms have their maternity care kicked in as they give birth while others take some time . Hold him against your chest to help him feel secure and safe. I'm here to help you smash the EASY button on pet parenting. How long do baby guinea pigs stay with Mom? New guinea pig breeds are formalised by the American Cavy Breeders Association, who also oversee breed standards and competitions in the United States. Donnelly, T. M. and Brown, C. J., Guinea Pig and Chinchilla Care and Husbandry, Veterinary Clinics Exotic Animal Practice, 2004. 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. However, too much calcium is dangerous for an adult guinea pig. Approach them face-on, so they can see you coming. 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. In general, most female guinea pigs who survives birth and delivery will and raise her litter without any issues. Why Do Guinea Pigs Sometimes Kill Their Young? If separated from their parents, they may become anxious and depressed. To help you, weve written more about how to tame a guinea pig here. Alternatively, you can contact local small animal shelters and ask if they have any baby guinea pigs for adoption. If a stillborn is not removed from the cage promptly, it might be eaten fairly quickly by the mother. Thats what they do while also making your life a much brighter place. (Fun Facts). How do I know when my guinea pig is ready to give birth? Guinea pigs do not share a similar parent-child bond like that of their siblings with their parents. When baby guinea pigs grow up the males are called boars and the females are called sows. Hold your guinea pig securely and gently turn him / her over. Why Do Guinea Pigs Sometimes Eat Their Young? However, you should err on the side of caution. Male guinea pigs have a donut-shaped opening. On the other hand if youll be helping a sow to raise a litter of pups from birth, theres rather more to think about. Provide a pregnant guinea pig with extra food, water, and nutrients. How Few Is Too Few? (What You Need To Know)Continue. At three weeks of age it was still hard for us to tell the difference between the males and females. Giving birth is very stressful for guinea pigs and the mortality rate of pregnant guinea pigs is quite high due to complications that occur during the delivery process. For the first 2-3 weeks , they will rely on their mother for milk. If your guinea pig is hanging out near you while . When you do approach the a baby guinea pig, be careful to move slowly and gently. If it has not happened within the first 24 hours, it is very unlikely she will attempt to do it later on. Do guinea pigs miss their babies? To pick up your guinea pig move slowly and gently pick him up with two hands. Yes, female guinea pigs do nurse their young for a few weeks after birth. Your guinea pig will be frustrated if their youngsters are upset or stressed. (Find Out Now).
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