Guinea pig babies are called "pups" when they are born and are birthed into litters. This blog will give you some helpful tips on how to make this a wonderful experience. (n.d.). Hamsters and rats are famous for such practice. (2014, March 28). You cannot do any harm by touching your adult guinea pig or its babies. All rights reserved. However, you should err on the side of caution. Do guinea pigs get attached to their owners? And the result is that guinea pig babies are born already more mature than many other species. 15 Best Pet Freshwater Fish For Beginners. You don't have to be a professional breeder . However, taking some precautions can bring you peace of mind that your sow wont need to eat her babies. Male guinea pigs are more likely to harm their babies but they shouldnt eat them. Although guinea pigs occasionally sneeze, frequent sneezing is a sign of pneumonia, especially in response to climate change. 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. The next thing you need to take care of is that make sure that their cages are heavy, comfortable, and not escapable. Do not over-handle the mother or you could cause her stress which will lead . Squeaks, Scales and Tails is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC an affiliate advertising program. You will get a kick out of their eagerness to chase each other around and play, and maybe even start popcorning. (And How? Guinea pigs are social animals and do best when kept in pairs or groups. A cage with a deep pan will make it more difficult for your guinea pigs to escape, but its not necessary. So the remaining milestones left to look for relate to growth, feeding, behavior and sexual maturity. So, consider getting a cage large enough for them to play around. Caring for baby guinea pigs can be a rewarding experience if you know what to expect. However, male guinea pigs shouldnt eat their young at all because guinea pigs are herbivores. Theyre sweet, juicy, and tasty. Copyright 2021 - 2023 Guinea Pig Den | Jennifer Franklin Media LLCThis site does not constitute pet medical advice, please consult a licensed veterinarian in your area for pet medical advice. Their paws and head are comically outsized in proportion to their body, and they already have a full coat of fur. Lets explain why guinea pigs may eat their babies. (n.d.). On average, baby guinea pigs come in litters of 2-4, and weigh 70-115g. A mother guinea pig can eat her babies if one of the babies is born dead. 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. When your guinea pig is pregnant her Vitamin C requirements double to around 20mg per day. The pups will learn a lot from how to form social bonds, to which foods are safe to eat from the adults they live with. Can Guinea Pigs Eat Spinach Or Is It Bad For Them? Wheek: The shrill noise a guinea pig or other small rodent makes. 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. Diet What should our pregnant guinea pig eat? AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE When you do approach the a baby guinea pig, be careful to move slowly and gently. 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. A human can serve as a surrogate mom if there are no other guinea pigs available, but it is best if the baby can be raised by its kind. Between then and reaching their full adult weight several months later, you might hear them being described as juniors. When Do Guinea Pigs Stop Growing and How Big Do They Get? By doing this you can prevent accidental killings, as well as promptly remove any still born pups from the cage. Simon or George More classic goodies. This is a question that has long been debated when it comes to guinea pigs. The bond between a mother and her baby is crucial for the babys development. Guinea pigs need fresh water daily. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features Press Copyright Contact us Creators . Now, lets begin at the beginning. (Find Out Now), 10 Reliable Cage Liners for Guinea Pigs (What You Need to Know), Do Guinea Pigs Hibernate? Look quickly because guinea pigs are not happy being held this way. Thats what they do while also making your life a much brighter place. 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. Most species clean their offspring with their tongue and so do your little friends. Thankfully, its only done when the mother feels she doesnt have any other option. (Find Out Now), Can A Father Guinea Pig Be With The Babies? Piglet Okay, so it's not that clever. When a guinea pig is malnourished, it means that the guinea pig is not getting enough of the vitamins and nutrients that its body needs. The best time to breed guinea pigs is before the female turns 7 months of age. We kept a close eye on Theo as her due date approached. Under certain circumstances, the sow may eat her offspring for various reasons. How long do baby guinea pigs stay with Mom? This should reduce their spatial and jealous tendency. Make sure your pig has a lot of food. Their tiny mouths already manage to contain 20 teeth, which grow continuously. If this is the case, you obviously dont need to take these steps. Medical Disclaimer. Prepare to separate the male and female baby guinea pigs by at least three weeks of age. 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. (Fun Facts). Its important to remember that guinea pigs are prey animals and they can get intimidated very easily. https://www.npvet.co.nz/pets/animal-info-pets/bird-rabbit-turtle-articles/care-pregnant-guinea-pigs/, Guinea lynx :: Reproduction. Many living creatures eat other members of their species when necessary for survival. Baby guinea pigs are much smaller than their parents, so they can escape from the cage. How To Prevent a New Mother from Eating Her Babies? When you decide to introduce baby guinea pigs to an adult guinea pig, follow their behavior (monitor them for aggression) and respond quickly. Even their own children. 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. Guinea pigs should be kept indoors. As a whole, guinea pigs do not eat their offspring, but it can happen. Guinea pigs are tailless rodents that weigh between 1.5 and 2.5 lbs. As you find a toy for your little fur baby, you might be asking, do guinea pigs like stuffed animals? If you are considering getting a guinea pig, ensure you can provide them with the social interaction they need. The sow eating her pups may be starving. Having your guinea pig give birth to a litter should be an exciting time. Also, male guinea pig may kill the babies if he doesnt recognize them as his own offspring. Kind, K.L., Chronic maternal feed restriction impairs growth but increases adiposity of the fetal guinea pig, American Journal of Physiology, 2005. Guinea pigs don't wheek in the wild. Firstly, please provide them with plenty of toys and treats to keep them occupied. You can also give them a comfortable place to sleep, like a bed or hammock. 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. Clements, M. and Kelly, J. (And Other Key Terms), How Often Should You Clean a Guinea Pigs Cage? 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. Copyright 2023 mypetguineapig.com. I'm here to help you smash the EASY button on pet parenting. Yes, guinea pigs do eat their babies. This can lead to health problems. Yes, guinea pigs like stuffed, Read More Do Guinea Pigs Like Stuffed Animals? 9. Although, some green beans and always bring us back together. Guinea pig pregnancies are dangerous and the mortality rate is high both among guinea pig mothers and babies. 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. They reach their adult size very quickly. The importance of understanding whether or not guinea pigs miss their babies cannot be overstated. 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. Some have lengthy, silky hair, and others have brief, tough coats. You should increase the amount of fresh fruit and vegetables given daily and also consider pet-friendly supplements. Six or seven weeks old is the age at which most breeders will let their pups go to their new homes. At six weeks old baby guineas pigs are fully weaned, and have stopped nursing from their mother. RELATED: CLICK HERE for 99 cute guinea pig names to help you choose. 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. 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. Some times, she shows me her displeasure if I have been away overnight and my neighbors fed her. 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. I also enjoy doing things outdoors, like hiking and camping. Female guinea pigs have a Y-shaped opening close to their anus. Ahhhh, clementines. Female cavies are called sows and males are called boars. Keeping the father around is a very bad idea and adds to the stress of the female guinea pig about to deliver her litter. 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. The male guinea pig staying with the mother and babies is important because he helps keep them warm and protects them from predators. The causes are different for each species. This served a purpose in the wild to prevent predators from finding the newborn baby guinea pigs. Guinea pigs are social animals who rely on their families for support. So, its possible for their mother (especially if shes inexperienced with babies) to kill them with too much force. 3 hours ago WebBaby Guinea Pig Diet The first week of life is critical. Provide Your Sow with a Stress-Free Environment, Remain Vigilant During the First Twenty Four Hours, Keep The Babies With Their Mom As Much As Possible, Can You Put A Baby Guinea Pig With An Older One? They are basically saying . In some cases, guinea pigs may lick or try to groom you as a sign of affection. 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. Put him back with his mother if he becomes vocal or squirmy. 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. Guinea pigs do not share a similar parent-child bond like that of their siblings with their parents. https://amzn.to/3iYcPHPAs well as the new Pigg. Hi there! What Should I Do if My Guinea Pig Eats (Or Kills) Her 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. Hey there, I'm Angela. The information on this website should not be take as a substitute for professional advice. 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. Most people find guinea pig babies sweet and beautiful. If guinea, Read More What Fruits Can Guinea Pigs Eat? Guinea pigs make the best mothers and give puppies the best chance of survival. Its also the age of the youngest baby guinea pigs in pet stores. Guinea Pigs May Lick as a Sign of Affection or Grooming. There are different ways you can give your guinea pigs attention, and one of them is a good, old-fashioned daily petting session. Having a guinea pig as a pet is a wonderful experience. But, when a pet parent has makes an intentional choice to breed, its really not worth the risk in most cases. She checked each one of them and licked them clean immediately following their birth. Guinea pigs mature quickly and will begin to nibble the hay, pellets and veggies fed to their mother within 24 hours. The best thing you can do is provide adequate and proper nutrition to the new guinea pig mother. ), Guinea pigs can suffer from running lice. Alternatively, you can contact local small animal shelters and ask if they have any baby guinea pigs for adoption. Well be discussing more about this in todays article. Once they are one to two finger-widths apart, it wont be long untilbirth.. But, fruit should only be given as an occasional treat. From the moment they are born they are unusually mature and capable of looking after themselves. She is then back to cuddles and snuggles. Garner-Richardson, V., Guinea Pig Nutrition, The Veterinary Nurse, 2013. Since their gestation lasts just 59-73 days, a female guinea pig is capable in theory of bearing five or even six litters a year. Soak guinea pig pellets in water from the first day of life. For example, they can eat blueberries, strawberries, tangerines, watermelon, passion fruit, melons, bananas, and many more. Ive wondered it myself. To help you, weve written more about how to tame a guinea pig here. Some times, she shows me her displeasure if I have been away overnight and my neighbors fed her. If you push gently on their lower abdomen the penis may appear. 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. Yes, guinea pigs eat their babies albeit very rarely, mostly by accident. Three weeks marks the earliest point at which pups may stop nursing from their mother. Sometimes it happens accidentally. Guinea pigs eat their babies not because they want to kill them for food but for other reasons. Make sure to separate your male guinea pigs from females in their litter too. Yes, guinea pigs miss their owners. 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. To pick up your guinea pig move slowly and gently pick him up with two hands. And if you push very gently, the penis might appear. But, only serve them as an occasional treat, because the high sugar and water content can cause health problems like obesity and diarrhea. They are not cannibalistic because they are starving. As a whole, guinea pigs do not eat their offspring, but it can happen. However, in captivity that shouldnt happen at all because responsible pet owners keep them separate from pregnant and lactating sows and their babies. Genetic abnormalities have been reported in guinea pigs, similar to those found in other breeds of animals (such as hip dysplasia in dogs). Although piggies are so cute, you cant always be there to have a staring contest with them. 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. Other causes of hair loss due to underlying medical conditions such as ovarian cysts may occur as a result of hormonal distress. The standard litter can range from one to six little pups, with an avg. And of course, when you run a finger over the area, you wont feel a penis! She is more likely to eat her babies as she can confuse the placenta and the babies. Try brushing your pets coats regularly as this can create soothing and pleasant connecting experiences. Sometimes, male Guinea pigs will eat pups if they were fathered by another cavy. It can therefore be tempting to pick up and cuddle the little babies right away! The first twenty four hours are when the babies are at greatest risk for being eaten, so remain close during this period. Guinea pigs make eleven different call types. However, if its weak it might put up little resistance and be eaten entirely. I didnt know how we would handle it if Theo rejected her babies or even worse ate her young! Newborn guinea pigs have fur and are born with their eyes open. This often happens when owners of female guinea pigs discover an unplanned pregnancy and arent able to care for all the babies. As herbivores, they dont eat meat at all. These colorful, chore charts will help you keep track of when to feed your fuzz butts, clean their cages, and much more. If her diet doesnt contain enough vital vitamins and nutrients, she can still be malnourished whilst receiving enough calories to maintain her body weight. (What You Need To Know), Can Guinea Pigs Eat Clementines? Even then, they must be handled very gently. You have entered an incorrect email address! Sometimes it happens accidentally. This can hurt their health and well-being. [9] They will still need to nurse, though, for three weeks before they are ready to be removed from their mother. 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. Do guinea pigs get attached to their babies? New Plymouth Vet Group. Calcium is very important for baby piggies as they are growing and developing. Explain to them that they have not been replaced or that their babies have replaced your guinea pig. A male guinea pig eats the babies only by a strange occurrence. "Wheek" City. the babies are doing so well and are so healthy.#guineapig #babies #cuteSong: Sapphe. As they grow, baby guinea pigs will require extra calcium to help their bones develop properly. A pregnant guinea pig requires a lot of extra nutrition. After three weeks, the baby guinea pig can be separated from its mother and placed with other guinea pigs or its owner. This can harm the guinea pigs health, as they may become stressed or depressed. Start offering them shredded lettuce from the day their born. 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. How Can You Prevent Your Guinea Pig from Eating Its Young? Guinea pigs can eat a lot of different types of fruit. But recognising the biological reasons why it occurs makes it easier to avoid. We read that the bedding needs to be changed daily. Yes, guinea pigs miss their owners. Donnelly, T. M. and Brown, C. J., Guinea Pig and Chinchilla Care and Husbandry, Veterinary Clinics Exotic Animal Practice, 2004. 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. She needs more food and more nutrients to prepare her for the process of giving birth and nursing her babies. 2 3 cups mostly green, leafy vegetables, Occasional fruit too much sugar can lead to obesity. 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. Walter or Bob These guinea pigs sound like they should be wearing business suits on Wall Street. Although pet guinea pigs eating their pups is a very rare incident, it does happen sometimes. A baby guinea pig is called a pup. Its unwise to create more. 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. Increase the protein content in your pregnant guinea pigs diet. https://lakeshorepethospital.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Guinea_Pig_Pregnancy.pdf, If you know anything about guinea pigs, you know they love to play. B., Auditory spatial responses of young guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) during and after ear blocking, Journal of Comparative and Physiological Psychology, 1978. Just keep your little friend with other females only. A mother guinea pig needs to clean the babies and eat the afterbirth to chemically generate the mammary glands to start producing milk. At the end of the day we removed the fleece bedding, washed it and replaced it with a fresh fleece liner. Newborn guinea pigs weigh only 100 grams but they grow quickly. This is just enough space to allow the guinea pigs to escape. Guinea pig babies are actually called pups. Do not disturb your guinea pigs when they are sleeping or nursing. Guinea pigs and other rodents do not eat their babies because they are hungry. 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. And guinea pigs are quite fertile little creatures too! (Fun Facts). Some of the cutest animals kill and devour their offspring. Guinea pigs eating babies is a rare but possible occurrence. https://www.petmd.com/exotic/conditions/reproductive/c_ex_gp_pregnancy_toxemia, Why do animals sometimes kill their babies? 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. 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. 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. While it is a hard thing to think about, it can happen. Like babies of all species, cute baby guinea pigs are tiny and winsome. Watch after your guinea pig while she gives birth. 10. (Find Out Now). 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? However, they can seriously injure them when they recognize that the babies are not theirs, also because they are intimidated and territorial. Wanna read something more boring than watching paint dry? 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. RSPCA Knowledgebase Let Australias most trusted animal welfare charity help you answer the big questions. Do guinea pigs miss their babies? This process includes eating the placenta and, while she does this, there is a chance that she will mistake one of her babies for the placenta. By six weeks of age baby guinea pigs are self-sufficient and fully weaned. This a sound that only domesticated guinea pigs do for their adoring pet parents. 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. It is rare, but it does happen. 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. 11811 Shaker Blvd, #204, PMB 289Cleveland, Ohio 44120(216) 912-6291. Watch this video to learn more about guinea pig. This is necessary to prevent pregnancy. Besides, always separate baby guinea pigs from male guinea pigs. Over the next 2 weeks, decrease the feeding time gradually. We spent some time coming up with cute guinea pig names for our babies and decided upon the following; Moose, Aspen, Moon and Finn! Just like big farmyard pigs! Keeping your guinea pig healthy and happy is an ongoing process that will require lots of dedication and effort from you. When can baby guinea pigs be separated from their mother? Whats your experience with newborn baby guinea pigs? Male baby guinea pigs have a donut-shaped genital opening in front of their anus. 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. Do guinea pigs miss their babies? 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. 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). Theyre filled with Vitamin C and other essential nutrients that guinea pigs need. Cage size Will the baby guinea pigs be able to escape? While it might not be anything to worry about, sometimes it can be a sign of sickness. Stop getting dirty looks from your piggies, because you forgot to do something for themAGAIN. My name is Tim Rhodes and I'm a guinea pig enthusiast through thick and thin. On the other hand if youll be helping a sow to raise a litter of pups from birth, theres rather more to think about. 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 . Provide a pregnant guinea pig with extra food, water, and nutrients. Common diseases in domestic guinea pigs include respiratory infections, diarrhea, itching, and boils due to infection (often the neck, throat, or external scratches). Also, female guinea pigs eat their young if they are overstressed and afraid because they cannot handle the situation. Lets take a closer look at this exciting topic. While guinea pigs are usually docile, friendly and social creatures, adult males should not be around the babies under any circumstances. We know that guinea pigs typically stay with their baby for about three weeks. After birth, Guinea pig sows can become pregnant again within hours. How do I know when my guinea pig is ready to give birth? Raising an orphaned guinea pig is not very difficult because mothers feed guinea pig pups only a few times per day and then leave them alone. Check out these most popular guinea pig products on the market: Last update on 2023-02-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API. You need to know if you should reduce the amount of time you spend away from your pet. Before making this assumption, consider the following possibilities: Unfortunately, the evidence of your sow eating her babies might be obvious. They also live for several years, longer than most other rodents, so you can enjoy them longer than other pet rodents. This is especially true if pet parents have not given their pregnant sow enough food. In general, the color of Abyssinian guinea pigs is associated with congenital eye defects and digestive problems. The name pup calls to mind baby dogs, but guinea pigs actually belong to a family of rodent species called cavies. The largest guinea pig litter recorded by the Guinness Book of World Records contained a whopping 17 pups! Veterinarians and Animal Hospital in Pasadena, MD | Lake Shore Pet Hospital. 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. Guinea pigs can be aggressive towards each other if they are not adequately trained. Keep your little friend calm. They will continue to nurse from mom for somewhere between three and six weeks. If one or two guinea pig pups seem to suddenly vanish from their cage, it doesnt necessarily mean theyve been eaten. (What Owners Need To Know)Continue, If you notice drool on your guinea pigs face it can be a sign that somethings wrong.
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