Pregnancy is very difficult for guinea pigs, with at least 1 out of 5 of the mothers dying during birth. You can do a few things to help your guinea pig cope when youre not around. After three weeks, baby guinea pigs can be separated from their mother and placed with other guinea pigs or their owner. Firstly, please provide them with plenty of toys and treats to keep them occupied. This is especially true for mammalian animals, who often form strong attachments with their young. 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. They will understand. Guinea pigs are docile small animals. 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, too much calcium is dangerous for an adult guinea pig. They are cheerful and love to run around, squeak, eat, play, and poop. The babies shouldn't be separated from their mothers for at least a month. Baby guinea pigs are much smaller than their parents, so they can escape from the cage. In fact, loneliness reduces the life expectancy of a guinea pig. It is perfectly fine to handle your new guinea pigs within the first week. (And yes, its one of the more gruesome animal interactions in the wild.). Read Also: How Often to Clean Guinea Pig Cage. 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. (What Owners Need To Know)Continue, If you notice drool on your guinea pigs face it can be a sign that somethings wrong. This is a question that many guinea pig owners have. Increase the protein content in your pregnant guinea pigs diet. Other guinea pig owners would like to breed their piggies. Guinea pigs make the best mothers and give puppies the best chance of survival. It can be hard to tell when your pregnant guinea pig is going to deliver her babies because unlike dogs and cats, they do not prepare a nest. 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. Many living creatures eat other members of their species when necessary for survival. Even their own children. First of all, dont be too hard on yourself. Guinea pig babies are called "pups" when they are born and are birthed into litters. Veterinarians and Animal Hospital in Pasadena, MD | Lake Shore Pet Hospital. If you look after the guinea pig mother regularly, she will allow you to touch her baby guinea pigs. So, what do you put on the bottom of a guinea pig cage? Your guinea pig can definitely use more interplay with the loss of its buddy. 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. Make sure to separate your male guinea pigs from females in their litter too. (Fun Facts). 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. Most people find that, when it comes to guinea pigs at least, babies are the cutest. They will continue to nurse from mom for somewhere between three and six weeks. As a whole, guinea pigs do not eat their offspring, but it can happen. Just like with taming older guinea pigs be patient and consistent. Theres a few traits unique to piggies that probably explain why they usually dont feel the need to eat their babies. By their second week, you wont be able to miss how much your baby guinea pigs have grown already. If the litter is too large, the mama . How Can I Prevent Guinea Pigs From Eating Their Babies? Yes, guinea pigs eat their babies albeit very rarely, mostly by accident. How To Prevent a New Mother from Eating Her Babies? 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. (700 to 1,100 grams), according to the Animal Diversity Web (ADW). As noted above; Guinea Pigs are highly vocal and use their voice to express their personality. An adult guinea pig will never deliberately harm or eat a newborn guinea pig. Caring for a guinea pig can be challenging if you are unsure whether it is missing its baby. Wanna read something more boring than watching paint dry? For instance, most rats eat their babies. Housing your guinea pig is not particularly difficult, as there are a large variety of hutches and cages commercially available. 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. If she is pregnant, her chances of suffering from some illness will also increase, which will tempt her to eat a lot. 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. 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. So your guinea pig is pregnant. 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 we could position it low enough for the babies to reach it. There's nothing quite like getting away from it all in nature. If you are considering getting a guinea pig, ensure you can provide them with the social interaction they need. If The Male Doesn't Believe the Babies Are His. This can lead to health problems. (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. Preview / Show more . Here are some reasons why animals eat their offspring. Most species clean their offspring with their tongue and so do your little friends. Also, male guinea pig may kill the babies if he doesn't recognize them as his own offspring. And within a few hours nursing should be established. Do guinea pigs remember their parents? Guinea pig babies are actually called pups. This was the most surprising thing to me! 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. However, you shouldnt touch the babies right after they are born. Explain to them that they have not been replaced or that their babies have replaced your guinea pig. Guinea pigs and other rodents do not eat their babies because they are hungry. Every baby guinea pig needs its mothers milk, which provides enough nutrition during the first crucial days of their lives. To avoid the risk of your guinea pig, eating her babies, take these safety steps. They can impregnate mom and sisters! Certainly not, they only remember their parents for a particular period. No matter how cute baby guinea pigs are, one litter at a time should be plenty for most people to think about. RSPCA Knowledgebase Let Australias most trusted animal welfare charity help you answer the big questions. Guinea pig babies are born quickly. At the end of the day we removed the fleece bedding, washed it and replaced it with a fresh fleece liner. (What You Need To Know)Continue. Keep your little friend calm. It is essential for guinea pigs to have social contact with other guinea pigs. Hold him against your chest to help him feel secure and safe. My name is Tim Rhodes and I'm a guinea pig enthusiast through thick and thin. 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. You should increase the amount of fresh fruit and vegetables given daily and also consider pet-friendly supplements. The causes are different for each species. National Geographic. Female guinea pigs (sows) typically mature sexually at 2 months of age (55 to 70 days). 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. Also, male guinea pig may kill the babies if he doesnt recognize them as his own offspring. Guinea pigs can be aggressive towards each other if they are not adequately trained. Orphans should be fed by an eyedropper or pet nurse within the first 12 to 24 hours of life. How Can You Prevent Your Guinea Pig from Eating Its Young? (Find Out Now), Can A Father Guinea Pig Be With The Babies? Dont separate them from their mother too soon. Thankfully, she had an uneventful pregnancy and birth and did not eat her babies. Between then and reaching their full adult weight several months later, you might hear them being described as juniors. If your guinea pig consistently has enough extra food, the chances of her needing to eat her pups drop to near zero. Yet, the mother guinea pig will take care of them during the first few weeks, so dont separate them from her. For instance, a guinea pig that was captured individually needs at least one other guinea pig as a cage mate. When a guinea pig is about to give birth, any male guinea pigs near her will gather around and try to become the dominant male in order to both protect the female and mate with her. More research must be conducted to determine whether or not guinea pigs truly miss their babies when they are apart. So, what is the answer? Watch after your guinea pig while she gives birth. Merck Veterinary Manual. There are several major ideas about why would a guinea pig eat the babies: When they are small and weak, its much easier to keep baby guinea pigs away from male guinea pigs. All rights reserved. Ahhhh, clementines. 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. And if you push very gently, the penis might appear. Coming up with a cute guinea pig name is a lot of fun, but can be tough. But, when a pet parent has makes an intentional choice to breed, its really not worth the risk in most cases. (Fun Facts). Its normal to be upset and sad. It can be difficult to tell the difference between male and female guinea pigs under three weeks of age. Well, your guess is as good as mine guinea pigs sure miss their owners when theyre absent for so long. If it has not happened within the first 24 hours, it is very unlikely she will attempt to do it later on. Yes, guinea pigs sometimes eat their babies. Why Do Guinea Pigs Sometimes Kill Their Young? A newborn guinea pig might weigh around 3.5 ounces or 100 grams. What is a Group of Guinea Pigs Called? Garner-Richardson, V., Guinea Pig Nutrition, The Veterinary Nurse, 2013. But another remarkable thing about baby guinea pigs is just how grown up their appetites are! Many people believe that male guinea pigs eat their babies as well. 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. They are born precocial, which means they already have teeth and fur, and from their earliest moments they can see, hear, and move about. Ive wondered it myself. Once they die, she might eat them. Wed love to hear from you in the comments below. They have learned quite a few life skills from their mother and are ready to go to their new homes. New Plymouth Vet Group. How long do guinea pig babies stay with mom? B., Auditory spatial responses of young guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) during and after ear blocking, Journal of Comparative and Physiological Psychology, 1978. Filial cannibalism is when animals eat their own offspring. To help you, weve written more about how to tame a guinea pig here. Want to know more? Weaning age depends on several factors including the pups weight, the mothers milk supply, and the number of siblings. Guinea pigs are less likely to eat their own young than other varieties of rodents because a baby guinea pig reaches maturity quickly. Guinea pigs are tailless rodents that weigh between 1.5 and 2.5 lbs. Although piggies are so cute, you cant always be there to have a staring contest with them. If you are unsure, it is best to consult with a veterinarian to help determine the sex of the pups. However, separate male guinea pig babies from their mothers when they turn about two months old. 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. (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). 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. Guinea pigs are social animals who rely on their families for support. It can therefore be tempting to pick up and cuddle the little babies right away! In order to have a peaceful pregnancy and birth, there are some things that you can do: Many people underestimate how much space a guinea pig needs, along with other types of rodents. https://kb.rspca.org.au/knowledge-base/i-think-my-guinea-pig-might-be-pregnant-what-should-i-do/, Pregnancy toxemia in Guinea pigs. 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. She is also teaching them how to interact with other guinea pigs. If guinea, Read More What Fruits Can Guinea Pigs Eat? Guinea Pigs May Lick as a Sign of Affection or Grooming. Approach them face-on, so they can see you coming. Yet, sometimes, guinea pigs can eat their babies. Plus, good breeders and rescues tend to handle their guinea pigs regularly, which helps to keep them tame. (n.d.). Some times, she shows me her displeasure if I have been away overnight and my neighbors fed her. How To Stop Guinea Pigs Chewing On Cage Bars, Baby Chicken What To Expect From Egg To 8 Weeks Old, Effects of early environment on field CA2 pyramidal neurons in the guinea-pig, Cardiovascular and renal disease in the adolescent guinea pig after chronic placental insufficiency, The effect of maternal undernutrition on the growth and development of the guinea pig placenta, Chronic maternal feed restriction impairs growth but increases adiposity of the fetal guinea pig, Guineapig Vocalizations: Their Structure, Causation and Function, Attachment and Separation Distress in the Infant Guinea Pig, An ecologically relevant guinea pig model of fetal behavior, Auditory spatial responses of young guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) during and after ear blocking, The Effects of Diet on Anatomy, Physiology and Health in the Guinea Pig, Guinea Pig and Chinchilla Care and Husbandry. The larger the litter, the smaller the pups (as a general rule), so ideally you wouldn't want too many pups born at once. This a sound that only domesticated guinea pigs do for their adoring pet parents. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases made by my readers, but it doesn't cost you anything at all. (n.d.). Domestic guinea pigs originated in South America but today these vocal, sociable creatures thrive in households across the globe. Can Guinea Pigs Eat Turnip Greens? Do not over-handle the mother or you could cause her stress which will lead . Expect to pay around $10 to $40 on average, though this can vary depending on factors such as age and coloring. The size of the pups is often relative to how many pups there are in the litter. But recognising the biological reasons why it occurs makes it easier to avoid. i've been keeping this a secret for over a week now!! And, when it happens, it is usually an accident, not a rule, and intentional behavior. On average, baby guinea pigs come in litters of 2-4, and weigh 70-115g. We placed an additional water bottle in the cage so that it was low enough for the babies to reach it. If separated from their parents, they may become anxious and depressed. 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. If a typical guinea pig male suspects that the babies are not his own (whether or not this is the case in reality), he may kill and eat them. But, stick with me. This is especially important in guinea pigs, as they are highly social animals. However, this would put a huge amount of strain on her body and her mental stamina. When can baby guinea pigs be separated from their mother? When Do Guinea Pigs Stop Growing and How Big Do They Get? Guinea pig babies are born very quickly. Keep the male guinea pig separate from his female partner to keep her safe and reduce the stress. Unlike many other animals in the animal kingdom, guinea pigs are not self-sufficient. Donnelly, T. M. and Brown, C. J., Guinea Pig and Chinchilla Care and Husbandry, Veterinary Clinics Exotic Animal Practice, 2004. Rather, they belong to a rodent species called cavies. 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 weigh between 700 and 1200g. Pneumonia can occur with torticollis and can be fatal. The importance of understanding whether or not guinea pigs miss their babies cannot be overstated. "Wheek" City. All of the babies are usually born within 30 minutes once labor begins. Walter or Bob These guinea pigs sound like they should be wearing business suits on Wall Street. Guinea pigs do not share a similar parent-child bond like that of their siblings with their parents. Its often the result of starvation, stress, inexperience, or trauma. View our privacy policy and our disclosure policy for more information. Calcium can be found in alfalfa hay or alfalfa-based pellets, timothy hay and oranges. Signs of Guinea pig loneliness, depression, and boredom include hair chewing, hiding, refusing to be handled, and general irritability. 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. Soak guinea pig pellets in water from the first day of life. The next thing you need to take care of is that make sure that their cages are heavy, comfortable, and not escapable. The answer to this question is not entirely clear. Look quickly because guinea pigs are not happy being held this way. At those moments, the guinea pig mother can be very protective and you can be mistaken for a potential predator. They are born precocial, which means they already have teeth and fur, and from their earliest moments they can see, hear, and move about. (Find Out Now). It is okay for you to handle the pups during the nursing period. If the mother is experiencing starvation , she may eat her offspring as an ultimate last resort. (2010, July 22). She is then back to cuddles and snuggles. What Are Common Health Problems in Guinea Pigs? Newborn guinea pigs weigh between 60g and 115g. Guinea pig babies are born looking like mini versions of their mama. Its natural for you and me to humanize the behavior of animals. A pregnant guinea pig requires a lot of extra nutrition. Guinea pigs should be kept indoors. The surprising truth is that it happens more often than youd think. At worst, it can cause her to reject them. 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. Allowing siblings to breed also poses a risk of dangerous congenital disorders to their offspring. And that means that in a mixed litter of boys and girls, its time for the boys to be relocated to a new home, to prevent unwanted pregnancies. However, if its weak it might put up little resistance and be eaten entirely. But, can guinea pigs eat them? Not only that, but they also have a full body of fur, and even their little claws are developed. The guinea pig fathers dont play any role in taking care of the litter, and can do more harm than good (sorry piggie dads!). https://www.guinealynx.info/reproduction.html, I think my Guinea pig might be pregnant, what should I do? Make sure theres always enough food in your pregnant guinea pigs bowl. At six weeks old baby guineas pigs are fully weaned, and have stopped nursing from their mother. Guinea pigs are social animals and may begin to experience depression-like symptoms when alone for too long. You need to make the entire environment guinea pig-friendly. Many time, the pup gets killed accidentally and the mother eats it because she has a survival instinct. 11811 Shaker Blvd, #204, PMB 289Cleveland, Ohio 44120(216) 912-6291. 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. Start offering them shredded lettuce from the day their born. But, if one or more of her litter is stillborn, she may eat it. But, fruit should only be given as an occasional treat. 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. Many others survive but have problems.Additionally, theres thousands (if not tens of thousands) of piggies without good homes now. Do Chickens Get Lonely? However, both males and females can mature and be fertile even earlier. When you decide to introduce baby guinea pigs to an adult guinea pig, follow their behavior (monitor them for aggression) and respond quickly. Bartesaghi, R., Severi, S., Effects of early environment on field CA2 pyramidal neurons in the guinea-pig, Neuroscience, 2004. 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). We try to conform to the same standards and expectations when it comes to animal interactions and instincts. Once the baby guinea pigs turn 3 to 4 weeks, separate them from their mother, especially male guinea pigs. Remember to remove any they leave, as it will spoil quickly. For example, guinea pigs are born with their eyes open, and their ears which look huge at the moment can already hear. On average, baby guinea pigs come in litters of 2-4, and weigh 70-115g. Just simply focusing on your guinea pigs and trying to chat with them every day can go a long way. Make sure that your guinea pig babies are able to reach the water bottle sipper. An indoor cage size of 18" x 24" (45 x 60 cm) should comfortably accommodate a guinea pig. To pick up your guinea pig move slowly and gently pick him up with two hands. When a guinea pig mom is caring for her babies, she teaches them the necessary skills they need to survive in the world. 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. Cute Guinea Pig Names 200 Unique Names To Choose From, Cow Names Over 400 Amazing Names For Your Cattle, Giving your litter the best start begins before your sow is even pregnant make sure she has a clean bill of health from a vet before she is mated, and buy a. Lets explain why guinea pigs may eat their babies. So, I took some time to do some research on it for you. 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.