I'm currently a pet groomer, and I love it. Female guinea pigs have a Y-shaped opening close to their anus. RSPCA Knowledgebase Let Australias most trusted animal welfare charity help you answer the big questions. 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. There is a chance that your sow will only partially eat her offspring, particularly if she killed them by accident. It is essential for guinea pigs to have social contact with other guinea pigs. She needs more food and more nutrients to prepare her for the process of giving birth and nursing her babies. Guinea pigs are social animals and do best when kept in pairs or groups. Over the next 2 weeks, decrease the feeding time gradually. There are, Read More 7 Alarming Reasons Why Guinea Pigs DroolContinue, What fruits can guinea pigs eat? Guinea pigs have a good sense of hearing, so they will potentially even be able to hear you coming from down the hall. When they grow up, male guinea pigs are called boars, and females are called sows. They reach their adult size very quickly. Male guinea pigs (boars) usually mature sexually and can mate as young as 2-3 months of age. Do guinea pigs miss their babies? Guinea pigs may be Darwinian in their process toward motherhood, meaning only strong individuals can survive and reproduce more, To eliminate competition, guinea pigs are reluctant to share their enclave, especially when other male guinea pigs are around. The two main reasons why Guinea pigs may eat their babies is a result of hunger, or insufficient feeding. It will also well as putting her at risk for developing diseases like toxaemia. Even then, they must be handled very gently. Put him back with his mother if he becomes vocal or squirmy. Lets explain why guinea pigs may eat their babies. Within twenty-four hours they can start to eat grass, produce, hay, and pellet feed just like adults. https://amzn.to/3iYcPHPAs well as the new Pigg. In this article, we will focus on some important aspects of caring for guinea pig babies. If you are considering getting a guinea pig, ensure you can provide them with the social interaction they need. 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. So, consider getting a cage large enough for them to play around. The best time to breed guinea pigs is before the female turns 7 months of age. Guinea pigs can jump over obstacles but these, When they recognize they are in danger, guinea pigs stand in one place for a long time then suddenly run very fast with a darting movement. Whether you plan on rearing your own litter of baby Abysinnian guinea pigs, or youre making plans to buy a baby Peruvian guinea pig, its valuable to be able to recognise whether theyre growing and developing normally for the species, and their breed. In situations where one of your guinea pigs crosses the rainbow bridge leaving one behind, the guinea pig left behind might not be so receptive to a new cage mate. mypetguineapig.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. But, theres some things you can do to help your fur baby return to a comfortable atmosphere, and to prevent this from happening again in the future. Baby guinea pigs feed on their mothers milk but soon they will need lots of alfalfa hay thats rich in calcium. Give the orphaned puppy the same amount of water and evaporated guinea pig milk. A guinea pig baby can show mating behaviors at about three to four weeks of age. Donnelly, T. M. and Brown, C. J., Guinea Pig and Chinchilla Care and Husbandry, Veterinary Clinics Exotic Animal Practice, 2004. Guinea pigs can eat a lot of different types of fruit. Its also the age of the youngest baby guinea pigs in pet stores. By doing this you can prevent accidental killings, as well as promptly remove any still born pups from the cage. We placed an additional water bottle in the cage so that it was low enough for the babies to reach it. 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. 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. They also live for several years, longer than most other rodents, so you can enjoy them longer than other pet rodents. Having your guinea pig give birth to a litter should be an exciting time. ClickHEREfor a peek at my disclosure. They might surprise you with how busy and outgoing they are too. But, when a pet parent has makes an intentional choice to breed, its really not worth the risk in most cases. Cage size Will the baby guinea pigs be able to escape? Place one hand under their tummy and one behind their bottom, and hold the little guy close to you. You can find a mentor by asking your local cavy club to put you in touch with suitable experienced breeders. Just simply focusing on your guinea pigs and trying to chat with them every day can go a long way. If you are just considering the idea of owning guinea pigs, ensure that you already have the capacity to take care of them and also provide them with quality interplay. Clements, M. and Kelly, J. During our research we learned that there are two possible reasons why: Malnourished - not getting enough to eat of the right kinds of food Back to back pregnancies - due to nutrient deficiencies This was one question that had me really worried. Guinea pig pups are essentially born ready to go: their eyes are open, they have hair and a full set of teeth, and they can run around on their own. 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. Just like big farmyard pigs! Although piggies are so cute, you cant always be there to have a staring contest with them. You need to know if you should reduce the amount of time you spend away from your pet. Newborn guinea pigs should be kept with their mom for at least 3 weeks. Alternatively, you can contact local small animal shelters and ask if they have any baby guinea pigs for adoption. Since males can get any female guinea pig pregnant once they reach maturity - including their mothers - they're weaned and taken from their mother at three weeks old. The litter size ranges from 1 to 8 pups, but a litter of 2 to 4 is more common.A female can give birth to up to 5 litters per year. Guinea pigs are tailless rodents that weigh between 1.5 and 2.5 lbs. Youre gonna want to read this. Guinea pigs should be kept indoors. If you are unsure, it is best to consult with a veterinarian to help determine the sex of the pups. However, if its weak it might put up little resistance and be eaten entirely. In some cases, guinea pigs may lick or try to groom you as a sign of affection. This should reduce their spatial and jealous tendency. The act of cannibalism in guinea pigs is usually the mother trying to protect the rest of her litter from predators. They will weigh as much as 2 kilos; most reside between 5 and 6 years, however some notably wholesome pets can reside 10 years or longer. Guinea pig cannibalism may occur in extreme cases of starvation. Baby guinea pigs are called pups. Yes, female guinea pigs do nurse their young for a few weeks after birth. Guinea Pigs May Lick as a Sign of Affection or Grooming. Its normal to be upset and sad. One of the ways they do this is through "wheeking". Their compact, cylindrical bodies range from 8 to 10 inches . A female guinea pig usually wont eat a baby guinea pig deliberately. (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). Not only that, but they also have a full body of fur, and even their little claws are developed. Yes, it is okay to touch your new baby guinea pigs. Caring for baby guinea pigs can be a rewarding experience if you know what to expect. By their second week, you wont be able to miss how much your baby guinea pigs have grown already. Allowing siblings to breed also poses a risk of dangerous congenital disorders to their offspring. Why Do Guinea Pigs Sometimes Kill Their Young? That way she doesnt have to deal with the stress of more pregnancies. Its understandable to feel that way. 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. 5 Common Cat Behaviours And What They Mean. Compared to other rodents, guinea pigs (both in captivity and in the wild) will very rarely choose to eat their offspring. Guinea pig babies are born quickly. The same goes for males. If you carefully run a finger over the area, you should be able to feel the shaft of their penis under the skin. In almost all species, males are inherently territorial. Increase the protein content in your pregnant guinea pigs diet. Do Guinea Pigs Eat Their Babies? All rights reserved. If you have decided youre ready to take the plunge and welcome a new baby guinea pig into your life, take a look at our article Where To Buy Guinea Pigs to start your journey. A pregnant guinea pig requires a lot of extra nutrition. Home - Guinea Pigs - Do Guinea Pigs Miss Their Owners? Certainly not, they only remember their parents for a particular period. Do Guinea Pigs Miss Their Owners? The answer to this question is not entirely clear. Although, some green beans and always bring us back together. On the other hand, if it turns out that they dont form any attachment to their young, then we can rest assured knowing that there isnt anything we need to worry about. Sometimes it happens accidentally. If a baby guinea pig is orphaned, it is essential to find a surrogate mom as soon as possible. Bear in mind this doesnt necessarily mean she is dangerously thin. 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. Read More Can Guinea Pigs Eat Clementines? They will continue to nurse from mom for somewhere between three and six weeks. It can be difficult to tell the difference between male and female guinea pigs under three weeks of age. The sow needs this time to focus on nursing her living babies, and you need to create an environment that will allow her to do this. Remember to remove any they leave, as it will spoil quickly. You have to remember that these babies are coming out of the womb ready to run around the cage and have fun very quickly. But, stick with me. Guinea pigs are not only kept as family pets, but like dogs, cats and rabbits, they are also bred for show. If you have an affectionate male guinea pig, you can introduce the babies when they are in the same cage. 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. Sometimes adults will do this with each other too. 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. The best items to put on the bottom of a guinea pig cage are absorbent,, Read More 10 Reliable Cage Liners for Guinea Pigs (What You Need to Know)Continue, Pet parents who consider housing their guinea pigs outside often wonder whether or not their pet guinea pigs can hibernate. However, some people have asked whether or not guinea pigs miss their babies after they have been separated. 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. When you touch them be soft and gentle. You can also give them a comfortable place to sleep, like a bed or hammock. If her diet doesnt contain enough vital vitamins and nutrients, she can still be malnourished whilst receiving enough calories to maintain her body weight. Wiki User 2008-10-08 02:35:56 This. This was the most surprising thing to me! You can also ask your vet for advice and support. Talk to him with a soft voice and pet his head. This can harm the guinea pigs health, as they may become stressed or depressed. But, give them time to bond with their mother so they can nurse. Guinea pigs definitely can eat clementines. After birth, Guinea pig sows can become pregnant again within hours. Guinea pig babies are born looking like mini versions of their mama. In general, the color of Abyssinian guinea pigs is associated with congenital eye defects and digestive problems. The male guinea pig staying with the mother and babies is important because he helps keep them warm and protects them from predators. Your guinea pig can definitely use more interplay with the loss of its buddy. The importance of understanding whether or not guinea pigs miss their babies cannot be overstated. Theres no fixed moment when a guinea pig stops being a pup and becomes an adult. Common diseases in domestic guinea pigs include respiratory infections, diarrhea, itching, and boils due to infection (often the neck, throat, or external scratches). Soak guinea pig pellets in water from the first day of life. Neutering is A LOT less risky for males than spaying is for females. And if you push very gently, the penis might appear. Weaning age depends on several factors including the pups weight, the mothers milk supply, and the number of siblings. I've always been an animal lover, and I've worked in the pet industry. How Can I Prevent Guinea Pigs From Eating Their Babies? (Fun Facts). You need to make the entire environment guinea pig-friendly. Guinea pigs can typically handle labor and delivery without intervention; however, guinea pigs can die during the birthing process. Hey there, I'm Angela. Just like with taming older guinea pigs be patient and consistent. The female pups can be weaned the following week at four weeks of age. For guinea pigs to reproduce, a male guinea pig needs to fertilize the female. No. Yet, sometimes, guinea pigs can eat their babies. Theyre sweet, juicy, and tasty. As you find a toy for your little fur baby, you might be asking, do guinea pigs like stuffed animals? Guinea pig pregnancy seems short to us, but in fact it lasts a remarkably long time for their size. For instance, most rats eat their babies. If you handle a baby bird in a nest, the mother will often abandon them because she'll sense something isn't right (i.e. Guinea Pigs do best when living with at least one similar companion, and pets that live without another Guinea pig sometimes become lonely and depressed. In captivity, they cannot run away, which increases the stress. You just have to note that bringing mature guinea pigs together can sometimes be difficult, even if it is done in a slow and measured manner. A female needs to give birth for the first time before the age of 7 months. [9] They will still need to nurse, though, for three weeks before they are ready to be removed from their mother. Breeding and reproduction of Guinea pigs All other pets Merck veterinary manual. By the time theyre a month old, baby guinea pigs body shape rather resembles that of a syrian hamster. The name pup calls to mind baby dogs, but guinea pigs actually belong to a family of rodent species called cavies. Newborn guinea pigs weigh only 100 grams but they grow quickly. Make sure any seller houses male and female guinea pigs separately, or there could be a chance you'll take home a pregnant female. Its just as important that your baby guinea pig also spends most of their time with other guinea pigs. Following delivery, your guinea pig mama will be exhausted and hungry. When your guinea pig is pregnant they need more food than usual, and its surprisingly easy to give them less than what they need. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/all-other-pets/guinea-pigs/breeding-and-reproduction-of-guinea-pigs, Care of pregnant Guinea pigs. No matter how cute baby guinea pigs are, one litter at a time should be plenty for most people to think about. Expect to pay around $10 to $40 on average, though this can vary depending on factors such as age and coloring. Guinea pigs can eat their babies if they lack nutrition. As noted above; Guinea Pigs are highly vocal and use their voice to express their personality. When baby guinea pigs grow up the males are called boars and the females are called sows. How Few Is Too Few? If this happens, you should immediately remove the dead babies and dispose of them appropriately. Caring for a guinea pig can be challenging if you are unsure whether it is missing its baby. It is fine to carefully handle your new guinea pig pups during their first week, but be sure to allow them plenty of time with their mother as well. Theyve learned all the skills they need for independence, and theyre ready to leave the nest. On average, baby guinea pigs come in litters of 2-4, and weigh 70-115g. The first twenty four hours are when the babies are at greatest risk for being eaten, so remain close during this period. To pick up your guinea pig move slowly and gently pick him up with two hands. Pups from small litters are usually bigger than pups from large litters. Baby guinea pigs are much smaller than their parents, so they can escape from the cage. And all the behaviors theyll need to carry out for themselves instead of having performed for them by mom like grooming will be well established. 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. Baby guinea pigs are capable of digesting solid food very soon after birth (within hours). Want to know more? She is then back to cuddles and snuggles. Guinea pig litters can contain up to eight pups, but two, three or four is more usual. Do not over-handle the mother or you could cause her stress which will lead . We know that guinea pigs typically stay with their baby for about three weeks. One reason why a guinea pig mother might eat one of her pups is that she is extremely malnourished. If you look after the guinea pig mother regularly, she will allow you to touch her baby guinea pigs. If one or two guinea pig pups suddenly vanish from their cage, it doesnt necessarily mean theyve been eaten, especially if its been more than twenty four hours. (And yes, its one of the more gruesome animal interactions in the wild.). They will understand. This is why you should do everything in your power to make your female piggy feel at ease. As they grow, baby guinea pigs will require extra calcium to help their bones develop properly. So, what do you put on the bottom of a guinea pig cage? This blog will give you some helpful tips on how to make this a wonderful experience. An inexperienced sow might accidentally damage her young with her teeth whilst trying to clean them up after the birth. You can do a few things to help your guinea pig cope when youre not around. https://www.npvet.co.nz/pets/animal-info-pets/bird-rabbit-turtle-articles/care-pregnant-guinea-pigs/, Guinea lynx :: Reproduction. Your guinea pig will be frustrated if their youngsters are upset or stressed. Your Baby Guinea Pig What To Expect And How To Look How long do guinea pig babies stay with mom? The causes are different for each species. But whether youre raising a litter from birth or buying an older baby guinea pig for sale, getting prepared in advance is the best way to make sure you provide them with the best start in life. Domestic guinea pigs originated in South America but today these vocal, sociable creatures thrive in households across the globe. To most people, guinea pigs are cute pets, and having just one will suffice. She is more likely to eat her babies as she can confuse the placenta and the babies. And guinea pigs are quite fertile little creatures too! Guinea pigs are not capable of "missing". Thankfully, she had an uneventful pregnancy and birth and did not eat her babies. Sometimes it happens accidentally. Every few hours for the first few days, you should hand-feed the baby guinea pig: mesh pellets or supplement powder, and if you have grown guinea pigs, also add a fecal . The average guinea pig gestation is 59 72 days. 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. Approach them face-on, so they can see you coming. Dont be surprised if your pup lets out a little chirp as a means of asking for food! Secondly, even an experienced guinea pig mom might resort to eating her young if she is severely malnourished. 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. Hold your guinea pig securely and gently turn him / her over. Although, some green beans and always bring us back together. We placed an additional water bottle in the cage so that we could position it low enough for the babies to reach it. (Find Out Now)Continue, Choosing the right materials to use a as a cage liner for your guinea pigs cage can seem daunting especially when youre a new pet parent. Other guinea pig owners would like to breed their piggies. Do guinea pigs get attached to their owners? Theres a few traits unique to piggies that probably explain why they usually dont feel the need to eat their babies. Dont separate them from their mother too soon. Yes, guinea pigs do mourn. It was fascinating to watch our new mom clean up after her newborn baby guinea pigs. Guinea pigs are cute and quite intelligent pets. They have learned quite a few life skills from their mother and are ready to go to their new homes. Some guinea pigs even put up great resistance to this. I also enjoy doing things outdoors, like hiking and camping. Bathing them, if its something you plan to try, should wait until they are at least eight weeks old. 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. A healthy pup will resist and move away from the mother, alerting her of her mistake. If your guinea pig becomes restless or starts to squeak loudly it is a sign that he is ready to go back to his cage. An indoor cage size of 18" x 24" (45 x 60 cm) should comfortably accommodate a guinea pig. What about baby guinea pigs for adoption? Also, male guinea pig may kill the babies if he doesn't recognize them as his own offspring. Yes, guinea pigs sometimes eat their babies. That is a common myth and is not true. Many people believe that guinea pigs get attached to their owners and that they miss their parents when they are separated. This is pretty rare. Guinea pigs eating babies is a rare but possible occurrence. This will stop the mother from continuing to feed on them, and it will prevent the risk of diseases through decomposition. Female cavies are called sows and males are called boars. If this is the case, you obviously dont need to take these steps. (What Owners Need To Know)Continue, If you notice drool on your guinea pigs face it can be a sign that somethings wrong. Explain to them that they have not been replaced or that their babies have replaced your guinea pig. In the meantime, the best thing you can do is provide your guinea pig with plenty of love and attention, so it doesnt feel lonely. Any guinea pig lover would approve. The gestation period is about 59 to 72 days or about two months. However, there is no definitive answer as to whether or not this is true. 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. Guinea pigs eat their babies not because they want to kill them for food but for other reasons. After giving birth, the mother guinea pig is likely to eat the placenta but can end up eating her babies by mistake. Do Guinea Pigs Like Stuffed Animals? If you keep a male guinea pig with the mother and babies, introduce them slowly, so there is no aggression between the two adults. Most people find that, when it comes to guinea pigs at least, babies are the cutest. 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. At the end of the day we removed the fleece bedding, washed it and replaced it with a fresh fleece liner. Some have lengthy, silky hair, and others have brief, tough coats. By six weeks of age baby guinea pigs are self-sufficient and fully weaned. The earlier and more regularly you handle them, the more likely they are to accept you. Signs of Guinea pig loneliness, depression, and boredom include hair chewing, hiding, refusing to be handled, and general irritability. Do Guinea Pigs Eat Their Babies if You Touch Them? Of course, every guinea pig is different, and some individual animals may indeed experience some sadness or loneliness after being separated from their babies if you are concerned that your guinea pig may miss its young, it. And the result is that guinea pig babies are born already more mature than many other species. Make sure theres always enough food in your pregnant guinea pigs bowl. In fact, loneliness reduces the life expectancy of a guinea pig. If The Male Doesn't Believe the Babies Are His. 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). We read that the bedding needs to be changed daily. Dwyer, C.M., et al, The effect of maternal undernutrition on the growth and development of the guinea pig placenta, Journal of Developmental Physiology, 1992. But, fruit should only be given as an occasional treat. For example, they can eat blueberries, strawberries, tangerines, watermelon, passion fruit, melons, bananas, and many more. This way, your guinea pig will not feel the need for extra nutrition. Calcium can be found in alfalfa hay or alfalfa-based pellets, timothy hay and oranges. However, both males and females can mature and be fertile even earlier. Having a guinea pig as a pet is a wonderful experience. Keep your little friend calm. Veterinarians and Animal Hospital in Pasadena, MD | Lake Shore Pet Hospital. Most guinea pigs cages are designed for adult guinea pigs with a one inch space between the bars. (Keep that food bowl appropriately full!) Guinea pigs are peaceful creatures. Yes, guinea pigs miss their owners. How long do guinea pig babies stay with mom?
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