By doing this you can prevent accidental killings, as well as promptly remove any still born pups from the cage. This can hurt their health and well-being. They are born precocial, which means they already have teeth and fur, and from their earliest moments they can see, hear, and move about. This is an essential process as it helps to ensure that the young guinea pigs can develop properly. Watch after your guinea pig while she gives birth. Other causes of hair loss due to underlying medical conditions such as ovarian cysts may occur as a result of hormonal distress. Once they are one to two finger-widths apart, it wont be long untilbirth.. 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. (Find Out Now), 10 Reliable Cage Liners for Guinea Pigs (What You Need to Know), Do Guinea Pigs Hibernate? Male guinea pigs are more likely to harm their babies but they shouldnt eat them. Some guinea pigs are more likely to nuzzle or groom people or other guinea pigs. But most people think of it as being around four weeks old, when they reach sexual maturity. When separated from their parents, they often experience anxiety and depression. Certainly not, they only remember their parents for a particular period. In fact, loneliness reduces the life expectancy of a guinea pig. 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. She is more likely to eat her babies as she can confuse the placenta and the babies. Your guinea pig wont eat its babies if you touch them. Pregnancy is very difficult for guinea pigs, with at least 1 out of 5 of the mothers dying during birth. This article has been extensively revised for 2019. Adult guinea pigs eat timothy hay, orchard hay, or any other hay thats high in fiber. 11. You will get a kick out of their eagerness to chase each other around and play, and maybe even start popcorning. During our research we learned that there are two possible reasons why: This was one question that had me really worried. How many babies do guinea pigs have in their first litter? 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. And guinea pigs are quite fertile little creatures too! If you are a new guinea pig parent or have an unexpected pregnancy like we did, you too may have lots of questions about newborn baby guinea pigs. Guinea pigs can be aggressive towards each other if they are not adequately trained. Guinea pigs need fresh water daily. If one or two guinea pig pups seem to suddenly vanish from their cage, it doesnt necessarily mean theyve been eaten. Having a guinea pig as a pet is a wonderful experience. Spaying a female guinea pig can be a risky procedure that not all veterinarians are willing to attempt. (And yes, its one of the more gruesome animal interactions in the wild.). Genetic abnormalities have been reported in guinea pigs, similar to those found in other breeds of animals (such as hip dysplasia in dogs). Guinea pigs dont hibernate, but they will slow down their metabolism and activity in order to stay warm, Read More Do Guinea Pigs Hibernate? If you are unsure, it is best to consult with a veterinarian to help determine the sex of the pups. Guinea pig cannibalism may occur in extreme cases of starvation. It is rare, but it does happen. Sometimes it happens accidentally. Ive wondered it myself. However, some people have asked whether or not guinea pigs miss their babies after they have been separated. And if you push very gently, the penis might appear. 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. But recognising the biological reasons why it occurs makes it easier to avoid. They have learned quite a few life skills from their mother and are ready to go to their new homes. A female guinea pig usually wont eat a baby guinea pig deliberately. 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. 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. But, stick with me. Baby guinea pigs feed on their mothers milk but soon they will need lots of alfalfa hay thats rich in calcium. Just being near their most preferred people can give guinea pigs a lot of comfort. Many others survive but have problems.Additionally, theres thousands (if not tens of thousands) of piggies without good homes now. Before making this assumption, consider the following possibilities: Unfortunately, the evidence of your sow eating her babies might be obvious. 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. They have small bodies and big eyes. AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE The average guinea pig gestation is 59 72 days. Guinea pig babies are actually called pups. The importance of understanding whether or not guinea pigs miss their babies cannot be overstated. New Plymouth Vet Group. Squeaks, Scales and Tails is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC an affiliate advertising program. Besides, always separate baby guinea pigs from male guinea pigs. We knew for sure that we had one male and two females, but it was still hard for us to tell with the fourth guinea pig. You need to be able to provide your guinea pigs with regular ample attention all the time. 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 How? A mix of alfalfa and timothy hay could keep the mother full and prevent this from happening. Although they are able to conceive year-round, springtime is the peak window for baby guineas appearing on the scene. A typical guinea pig pup weighs between 60 and 115 grams and measures close to 3 to 5 inches long. But do all animals miss their babies as much as we do? 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. RELATED: CLICK HERE for tips on how to tame your guinea pig (step by step guide). Try brushing your pets coats regularly as this can create soothing and pleasant connecting experiences. Well, your guess is as good as mine guinea pigs sure miss their owners when theyre absent for so long. When can baby guinea pigs be separated from their mother? Guinea pigs are not only kept as family pets, but like dogs, cats and rabbits, they are also bred for show. Equally, male guinea pigs shouldnt eat their babies because they dont eat meat. How Can I Prevent Guinea Pigs From Eating Their Babies? Other factors that make eating (or killing) the pups less likely include: piggies are natural herbivores and they have good maternal instincts (for rodents, anyway). A female needs to give birth for the first time before the age of 7 months. (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. The extra calories should be provided until she stops nursing her newborn babies. (Fun Facts). 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. We placed an additional water bottle in the cage so that it was low enough for the babies to reach it. They will nurse every two hours for the first three weeks. Bartesaghi, R., Severi, S., Effects of early environment on field CA2 pyramidal neurons in the guinea-pig, Neuroscience, 2004. (Such as blood and remaining body parts). Or at least make it a less dangerous one, for you, the guinea pig mother, and the baby piggies. By six weeks of age baby guinea pigs are self-sufficient and fully weaned. You cannot do any harm by touching your adult guinea pig or its babies. Piglet Okay, so it's not that clever. Guinea pigs can eat their babies if they lack nutrition. https://kb.rspca.org.au/knowledge-base/i-think-my-guinea-pig-might-be-pregnant-what-should-i-do/, Pregnancy toxemia in Guinea pigs. In almost all species, males are inherently territorial. Guinea pigs are social animals and do best when kept in pairs or groups. When Do Guinea Pigs Stop Growing and How Big Do They Get? I love animals, and I have three beautiful boys. (2020, May 5). An adult female guinea pig will never harm or eat newborn babies. Newborn guinea pigs weigh only 100 grams but they grow quickly. When they grow up, male guinea pigs are called boars, and females are called sows. Pneumonia can occur with torticollis and can be fatal. They might surprise you with how busy and outgoing they are too. 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 can walk, see, and hear, as soon as they are born, and most start nibbling on solid foods within a few days. https://www.npvet.co.nz/pets/animal-info-pets/bird-rabbit-turtle-articles/care-pregnant-guinea-pigs/, Guinea lynx :: Reproduction. However, new guinea pig owners should be prepared for a long-term commitment. Calcium can be found in alfalfa hay or alfalfa-based pellets, timothy hay and oranges. How do you tell if a baby guinea pig is a boy or girl? Thankfully, she had an uneventful pregnancy and birth and did not eat her babies. Guinea pig pregnancies are dangerous and the mortality rate is high both among guinea pig mothers and babies. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features Press Copyright Contact us Creators . https://www.merckvetmanual.com/all-other-pets/guinea-pigs/breeding-and-reproduction-of-guinea-pigs, Care of pregnant Guinea pigs. Also, female guinea pigs eat their young if they are overstressed and afraid because they cannot handle the situation. Wanna Give Your Piggies the 5 STAR Treatment? You can also give them a comfortable place to sleep, like a bed or hammock. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Rather, they belong to a rodent species called cavies. (700 to 1,100 grams), according to the Animal Diversity Web (ADW). How long does it take for guinea pigs to be born? Although piggies are so cute, you cant always be there to have a staring contest with them. The standard litter can range from one to six little pups, with an avg. So, I took some time to do some research on it for you. Guinea pigs form close bonds with their families and can be very attached to their parents. The more factors that are present, the higher likelihood shell eat her pups. At first your guinea pig baby may seem afraid when you pick him up. But, if one or more of her litter is stillborn, she may eat it. 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. 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. She is also teaching them how to interact with other guinea pigs. Guinea pigs do not share a similar parent-child bond like that of their siblings with their parents. Caring for a guinea pig can be challenging if you are unsure whether it is missing its baby. Allowing siblings to breed also poses a risk of dangerous congenital disorders to their offspring. 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. This is just enough space to allow the guinea pigs to escape. So, what is the answer? Guinea pig babies are born very quickly. So, what do you put on the bottom of a guinea pig cage? While it is a hard thing to think about, it can happen. 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. The above is important because it allows the mother to continue feeding and grooming her young. Now, if you have a dog or even a cat, you are sure it misses you when you have to go to work but do guinea pigs miss their owners? It is okay for you to handle the pups during the nursing period. Guinea pigs cannot survive alone. In our research, we could not find a definitive age when guinea pigs are declared adults; however, they reach sexual maturity by four weeks of age. Newborn guinea pigs can open their eyes after they are born. Under normal circumstances, the sow will give birth and have a healthy litter of pups. (2014, March 28). Unlike many other animals in the animal kingdom, guinea pigs are not self-sufficient. They also live for several years, longer than most other rodents, so you can enjoy them longer than other pet rodents. They will begin to wriggle and move about as soon as theyve been licked clean by their mom. Do everything you can to fulfill the wants and needs of the pregnant female, to make her feel safe and comfortable. Coming up with a cute guinea pig name is a lot of fun, but can be tough. Alternatively, you can contact local small animal shelters and ask if they have any baby guinea pigs for adoption. These small pets need a lot of food and nutrition. Make sure your pig has a lot of food. (Find Out Now), Can A Father Guinea Pig Be With The Babies? Although guinea pigs need the presence of other guinea pigs, attention from human beings is also essential for their well-being. What about baby guinea pigs for adoption? 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. Lots of small animals (think rats and rabbits) have reputations for being prolific breeders. An inexperienced sow might accidentally damage her young with her teeth whilst trying to clean them up after the birth. Usually, the mother will eat the baby right after it's born. Guinea Pigs make excellent pets due to their playful, social nature. 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). They are basically saying . 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. Guinea pigs are fragile animals at any age but especially during their early days of life. The size of the pups is often relative to how many pups there are in the litter. However, if its weak it might put up little resistance and be eaten entirely. In captivity, they cannot run away, which increases the stress. 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. How long do baby guinea pigs stay with Mom? It's particularly common when introducing new guinea pigs for the first time. Thoroughly clean and disinfect the water bottle at least once per week. (n.d.). They are not cannibalistic because they are starving. Guinea pigs may miss their parents, but more research must confirm this. Baby guinea pigs are called pups. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Squeaks and Nibbles is a participant in the Amazon EU Associates Programme, an affiliate advertising programme designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.co.uk, Squeaks and Nibbles is also 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. 11811 Shaker Blvd, #204, PMB 289Cleveland, Ohio 44120(216) 912-6291. 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. Each birth is spaced out every 3 5 minutes. Baby guinea pigs are much smaller than their parents, so they can escape from the cage. This should reduce their spatial and jealous tendency. https://amzn.to/3iYcPHPAs well as the new Pigg. While it is certainly possible that guinea pigs may experience separation anxiety after their babies have been taken away, there is no definitive evidence to suggest that this is the case. If your sow is in a very small enclosure, this could cause her unnecessary stress. Although pet guinea pigs eating their pups is a very rare incident, it does happen sometimes. Newborn guinea pigs should be kept with their mom for at least 3 weeks. 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. You have entered an incorrect email address! What is a Group of Guinea Pigs Called? 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. By giving them enough time with their mother, you reduce the risk that she will reject them. ), Guinea pigs can suffer from running lice. So, its possible for their mother (especially if shes inexperienced with babies) to kill them with too much force. of 2-4. Having your guinea pig give birth to a litter should be an exciting time. Want to know more? Most people find guinea pig babies sweet and beautiful. Aggression between two newly introduced guinea pigs is very common and If your guinea pig is finding it hard to deal with the change of a new cage mate, try engaging him in more interaction with you than ever before. Signs of Guinea pig loneliness, depression, and boredom include hair chewing, hiding, refusing to be handled, and general irritability. Im guessing you probably have a lot of questions about guinea pig pregnancies. Male guinea pigs have a donut-shaped opening. How long do guinea pig babies stay with mom? For example, guinea pigs are born with their eyes open, and their ears which look huge at the moment can already hear. Guinea pigs are less likely to eat their own young than other varieties of rodents because a baby guinea pig reaches maturity quickly. 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. 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. Dont separate them from their mother too soon. When they dont have enough food and are at risk of starvation. That is a common myth and is not true. If your guinea pig becomes acquainted with someone they don't trust, they may become quiet or hide when that person is nearby. So your guinea pig is pregnant. The causes are different for each species. So, if youve been wanting to know if guinea pigs usually miss their owners, we hope you have the answer now. If this happens, pop them back in with her, and visit again later. She needs more food and more nutrients to prepare her for the process of giving birth and nursing her babies. As you find a toy for your little fur baby, you might be asking, do guinea pigs like stuffed animals? Some times, she shows me her displeasure if I have been away overnight and my neighbors fed her. Guinea Pigs May Lick as a Sign of Affection or Grooming. The female pups can be weaned the following week at four weeks of age. Caring for baby guinea pigs can be a rewarding experience if you know what to expect. Other genetic diseases include vaulting disease, stroke, and seizures. Provide a pregnant guinea pig with extra food, water, and nutrients. On average, baby guinea pigs come in litters of 2-4, and weigh 70-115g. This page is stuffed full of information about how to care for your baby guinea pig. Yes, guinea pigs sometimes eat their babies. Their compact, cylindrical bodies range from 8 to 10 inches . Place the cage in a quiet, draft-free area your home that is out of direct sunlight. If a stillborn is not removed from the cage promptly, it might be eaten fairly quickly by the mother. Try to provide your pet with the extra company as much as you can, even if only for a short period of time. Baby guinea pigs typically stay with their mother for about three weeks, but this can vary depending on the situation. The average lifespan of the guinea pig is four or five years, but it can live much longer. Female baby guinea pigs on the other hand have a y-shaped genital opening, set much closer to the anus. the babies are doing so well and are so healthy.#guineapig #babies #cuteSong: Sapphe. It is important to make sure that the pups begin nursing within the first few hours of birth. Do guinea pigs remember their parents? He may also help to nurse the babies. (Keep that food bowl appropriately full!) This is a question that many guinea pig owners have. Expect to pay around $10 to $40 on average, though this can vary depending on factors such as age and coloring. We found the following cage on Amazon that worked really well. Feed the guinea pig pups for the first 5 days around the clock every 4 to 5 hours. If the mother is experiencing starvation , she may eat her offspring as an ultimate last resort. What Should I Do if My Guinea Pig Eats (Or Kills) Her Babies? To avoid the risk of your guinea pig, eating her babies, take these safety steps. After giving birth, the mother guinea pig is likely to eat the placenta but can end up eating her babies by mistake. At worst, it can cause her to reject them. Compared to other rodents, guinea pigs (both in captivity and in the wild) will very rarely choose to eat their offspring. Theyre sweet, juicy, and tasty. Also, male guinea pig may kill the babies if he doesn't recognize them as his own offspring. When they dont respond to her attention, she tries cleaning them more and more vigorously, until eventually she ends up damaging them. (Find Out Now), https://www.merckvetmanual.com/all-other-pets/guinea-pigs/breeding-and-reproduction-of-guinea-pigs, https://www.npvet.co.nz/pets/animal-info-pets/bird-rabbit-turtle-articles/care-pregnant-guinea-pigs/, https://www.guinealynx.info/reproduction.html, https://kb.rspca.org.au/knowledge-base/i-think-my-guinea-pig-might-be-pregnant-what-should-i-do/, https://www.petmd.com/exotic/conditions/reproductive/c_ex_gp_pregnancy_toxemia, https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/140328-sloth-bear-zoo-infanticide-chimps-bonobos-animals, https://lakeshorepethospital.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Guinea_Pig_Pregnancy.pdf, Removing the male guinea pig(s) will also. How To Prevent a New Mother from Eating Her Babies? 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. If it is found that they experience sadness after their young have been weaned, it would suggest that we take extra care in handling this process. Also, male guinea pig may kill the babies if he doesnt recognize them as his own offspring. Pregnant and lactating guinea pigs also need alfalfa hay to sustain their babies. If you keep a male guinea pig with the mother and babies, introduce them slowly, so there is no aggression between the two adults. For the first 2-3 weeks , they will rely on their mother for milk. However, male guinea pigs shouldnt eat their young at all because guinea pigs are herbivores. Hi there! *Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates. male guinea pig staying with the mother and babies, guinea pigs can get attached to their owners. Sows must also have a constant supply of hay (alfalfa for the extra calories) and pellets. For instance, a guinea pig that was captured individually needs at least one other guinea pig as a cage mate.
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