Also, they should have unlimited amounts of timothy hay and water all the time. How To Prevent a New Mother from Eating Her Babies? Pneumonia can occur with torticollis and can be fatal. Pet owners know that keeping a guinea pig as a pet is a wonderful experience. I thought they would be born helpless and look like baby rats or hamsters with no fur and their eyes closed. Filial cannibalism is when animals eat their own offspring. Female cavies are called sows and males are called boars. If a baby guinea pig is orphaned, it is essential to find a surrogate mom as soon as possible. Guinea pigs can typically handle labor and delivery without intervention; however, guinea pigs can die during the birthing process. When you pick them up secure one hand beneath the stomach and one under the bottom and hold close to your chest. How do I know when my guinea pig is ready to give birth? Popcorning is an incredibly descriptive term to describe the frenzied bursts of energetic jumping, bumping and hopping about that guinea pigs engage in. When you do approach the a baby guinea pig, be careful to move slowly and gently. So, consider getting a cage large enough for them to play around. 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. A newborn guinea pig might weigh around 3.5 ounces or 100 grams. There is a chance that your sow will only partially eat her offspring, particularly if she killed them by accident. The causes are different for each species. Guinea pigs weigh between 700 and 1200g. Female baby guinea pigs on the other hand have a y-shaped genital opening, set much closer to the anus. We hope you found this article helpful about what to expect when expecting newborn baby guinea pigs! Female guinea pigs (sows) typically mature sexually at 2 months of age (55 to 70 days). 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. It was fascinating to watch our new mom clean up after her newborn baby guinea pigs. (n.d.). Want to know more? 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. Show some tender feelings towards your guinea pig. And within a few hours nursing should be established. The earlier and more regularly you handle them, the more likely they are to accept you. Find The Best Deals on Your Favorite guinea pig Products and Save! In almost all species, males are inherently territorial. Baby guinea pigs are much smaller than their parents, so they can escape from the cage. They are not cannibalistic because they are starving. But, only serve them as an occasional treat, because the high sugar and water content can cause health problems like obesity and diarrhea. The extra calories should be provided until she stops nursing her newborn babies. Guinea pigs are social animals and may begin to experience depression-like symptoms when alone for too long. Well be discussing more about this in todays article. However, some people have asked whether or not guinea pigs miss their babies after they have been separated. There are different ways you can give your guinea pigs attention, and one of them is a good, old-fashioned daily petting session. They are born precocial, which means they already have teeth and fur, and from their earliest moments they can see, hear, and move about. Newborn guinea pigs have fur and are born with their eyes open. Male baby guinea pigs have a donut-shaped genital opening in front of their anus. She is then back to cuddles and snuggles. Guinea pig babies are actually called pups. If a guinea pig mother cannot nurse her babies due to illness or death, keep the orphans with as many pet guinea pigs as possible. We were stressed out during this time because we did not want to have another unexpected guinea pig pregnancy. Whining is typically a noise made by the more passive guinea pig to communicate to a guinea pig that is more pushy or dominant. Why Do Guinea Pigs Sometimes Eat Their Young? Your guinea pig will be frustrated if their youngsters are upset or stressed. As mentioned already, increased stress will make it much more likely that your guinea pig will eat her offspring. The larger the litter, the smaller the pups (as a general rule), so ideally you wouldn't want too many pups born at once. Guinea Lynx :: A Medical and Care Guide for Your Guinea Pig. They also live for several years, longer than most other rodents, so you can enjoy them longer than other pet rodents. Just keep your little friend with other females only. Following delivery, your guinea pig mama will be exhausted and hungry. Male guinea pigs have a donut-shaped opening. Yes, guinea pigs do eat their babies. Piglet Okay, so it's not that clever. (Fun Facts). They are able to express a wide range of emotions using different sounds and gestures. 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. Sows sometimes give birth during the night. 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. New guinea pig breeds are formalised by the American Cavy Breeders Association, who also oversee breed standards and competitions in the United States. The male guinea pig staying with the mother and babies is important because he helps keep them warm and protects them from predators. I didnt know how we would handle it if Theo rejected her babies or even worse ate her young! Wiki User 2008-10-08 02:35:56 This. Many others survive but have problems.Additionally, theres thousands (if not tens of thousands) of piggies without good homes now. You don't have to be a professional breeder . Ahhhh, clementines. Interact with baby guinea pigs early and as often as possible so that they become used to humans. The average lifespan of the guinea pig is four or five years, but it can live much longer. Baby guinea pigs are called pups just like baby dogs. The babies shouldn't be separated from their mothers for at least a month. So as long as the enclosure is secure and the bars are tight, you should be fine. In captivity, they cannot run away, which increases the stress. By six weeks of age baby guinea pigs are self-sufficient and fully weaned. Do guinea pigs get attached to their owners? In the next section weve assembled some of the most commonly asked questions our readers have about their baby guinea pigs. The first twenty four hours are when the babies are at greatest risk for being eaten, so remain close during this period. Guinea pigs are docile small animals. It can therefore be tempting to pick up and cuddle the little babies right away! 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. Hey there, I'm Angela. *Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates. 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. (n.d.). So, if youve been wanting to know if guinea pigs usually miss their owners, we hope you have the answer now. The two main reasons why Guinea pigs may eat their babies is a result of hunger, or insufficient feeding. What is a Group of Guinea Pigs Called? 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. 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. Their tiny mouths already manage to contain 20 teeth, which grow continuously. Domestic guinea pigs originated in South America but today these vocal, sociable creatures thrive in households across the globe. You need to be able to provide your guinea pigs with regular ample attention all the time. As you find a toy for your little fur baby, you might be asking, do guinea pigs like stuffed animals? To avoid the risk of your guinea pig, eating her babies, take these safety steps. A particular substance comes from the eyes of a guinea pig; they rub it on their hair when they are grooming. Make sure that your guinea pig babies are able to reach the water bottle sipper. If this is the case, you obviously dont need to take these steps. 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. If her diet doesnt contain enough vital vitamins and nutrients, she can still be malnourished whilst receiving enough calories to maintain her body weight. Here are some of our top baby guinea pig name lists to help you feel inspired! Yes, guinea pigs do mourn. Guinea pigs can recognize their owners and other people they know and trust. While carrying babies, the guinea pig mother needs extra energy. This is especially true if pet parents have not given their pregnant sow enough food. The more factors that are present, the higher likelihood shell eat her pups. Medical Disclaimer. Make sure to separate your male guinea pigs from females in their litter too. 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. When they grow up, male guinea pigs are called boars, and females are called sows. Preview / Show more . But, if one or more of her litter is stillborn, she may eat it. At three weeks of age it was still hard for us to tell the difference between the males and females. They are basically saying . Yes, guinea pigs eat their babies albeit very rarely, mostly by accident. To pick up your guinea pig move slowly and gently pick him up with two hands. Do Guinea Pigs Eat Their Babies if You Touch Them? Baby guinea pigs feed on their mothers milk but soon they will need lots of alfalfa hay thats rich in calcium. If she is pregnant, her chances of suffering from some illness will also increase, which will tempt her to eat a lot. In a pet situation, the male may be in the same guinea pig cage as the female and her newborns, and there is no way for the mother to move the pups away from . 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. Do guinea pigs remember their parents? This is especially important in guinea pigs, as they are highly social animals. 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. https://www.guinealynx.info/reproduction.html, I think my Guinea pig might be pregnant, what should I do? Make sure to feed your guinea pig hay of high quality. Guinea pigs are not only kept as family pets, but like dogs, cats and rabbits, they are also bred for show. 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. https://kb.rspca.org.au/knowledge-base/i-think-my-guinea-pig-might-be-pregnant-what-should-i-do/, Pregnancy toxemia in Guinea pigs. Baby guinea pigs are able to digest solid food soon after birth; however, the majority of their required nutrients will come from their mothers milk. My mission is to teach others useful tips and tricks about these cute creatures. For example, they can eat blueberries, strawberries, tangerines, watermelon, passion fruit, melons, bananas, and many more. Baby guinea pigs typically stay with their mother for about three weeks, but this can vary depending on the situation. Its better to have a cage that is much larger than a cage that is too small. 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. Also, male guinea pig may kill the babies if he doesn't recognize them as his own offspring. However, we always recommend having more than one guinea pig because these small animals are social creatures and they need company. My first piggy some years ago did a big dance of joy each time I came back home after some days of being away. You cannot do any harm by touching your adult guinea pig or its babies. 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? National Geographic. Although guinea pigs need the presence of other guinea pigs, attention from human beings is also essential for their well-being. And make sure that the guinea pig mother is not present. 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. Do not over-handle the mother or you could cause her stress which will lead . To most people, guinea pigs are cute pets, and having just one will suffice. Once they die, she might eat them. Whats your experience with newborn baby guinea pigs? They have learned quite a few life skills from their mother and are ready to go to their new homes. Many people believe that guinea pigs get attached to their owners and that they miss their parents when they are separated. Another challenge that people face is that they may not be able to tell if the guinea pig is sick or not. 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. mypetguineapig.com may be compensated when users click on links and sign-up with their associated offers located in content or anywhere else on the page. Cage size Will the baby guinea pigs be able to escape? Just being near their most preferred people can give guinea pigs a lot of comfort. Guinea pigs need fresh water daily. Hold your guinea pig securely and gently turn him / her over. How Can I Prevent Guinea Pigs From Eating Their Babies? A baby guinea pig is called a pup. [9] They will still need to nurse, though, for three weeks before they are ready to be removed from their mother. 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. When they dont respond to her attention, she tries cleaning them more and more vigorously, until eventually she ends up damaging them. Be prepared to assess them quickly, because they wont like to be held in that position for long! She checked each one of them and licked them clean immediately following their birth. Although they spring out with open eyes and fully furred, piggie pups are still small and fragile at first. 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 perfectly fine to handle your new guinea pigs within the first week. However, dont keep them in the same cage for long. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/all-other-pets/guinea-pigs/breeding-and-reproduction-of-guinea-pigs, Care of pregnant Guinea pigs. Guinea pigs are less likely to eat their own young than other varieties of rodents because a baby guinea pig reaches maturity quickly. Guinea pig babies are called "pups" when they are born and are birthed into litters. (2014, March 28). She is then back to cuddles and snuggles. Guinea pigs are also notorious communicators, and they start vocalising from babyhood. If your guinea pig becomes acquainted with someone they don't trust, they may become quiet or hide when that person is nearby. If your guinea pig is hanging out near you while . Bellinger, S. A. et al, An ecologically relevant guinea pig model of fetal behavior, Behavioral Brain Research, 2015. This is especially true for mammalian animals, who often form strong attachments with their young. 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. Some guinea pig moms have their maternity care kicked in as they give birth while others take some time . (What You Need To Know)Continue. Whereas there are over 13 Guinea Pig breeds, English, Abyssinian, and Peruvian Guinea Pigs are the most well-liked. Most people find that, when it comes to guinea pigs at least, babies are the cutest. Stop getting dirty looks from your piggies, because you forgot to do something for themAGAIN. The female pups can be weaned the following week at four weeks of age. Some times, she shows me her displeasure if I have been away overnight and my neighbors fed her. However, separate male guinea pig babies from their mothers when they turn about two months old. When your guinea pig is pregnant they need more food than usual, and its surprisingly easy to give them less than what they need. They will understand. Wanna read something more boring than watching paint dry? Also, female guinea pigs eat their young if they are overstressed and afraid because they cannot handle the situation. Over the next 2 weeks, decrease the feeding time gradually. The good news is that its unlikely for your pregnant pet to eat her offspring. This should reduce their spatial and jealous tendency. Within twenty-four hours they can start to eat grass, produce, hay, and pellet feed just like adults. Keeping the father around is a very bad idea and adds to the stress of the female guinea pig about to deliver her litter. Expect to pay around $10 to $40 on average, though this can vary depending on factors such as age and coloring. Briscoe, T.A., et al, Cardiovascular and renal disease in the adolescent guinea pig after chronic placental insufficiency, American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2004. They will continue to nurse from mom for somewhere between three and six weeks. 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. Change the water daily. When you decide to introduce baby guinea pigs to an adult guinea pig, follow their behavior (monitor them for aggression) and respond quickly. A great way to get help raising your first litter successfully, and in recognising potential problems quickly, is by enlisting the support of a mentor. What about baby guinea pigs for adoption? Many time, the pup gets killed accidentally and the mother eats it because she has a survival instinct. Ive wondered it myself. 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. Once they are one to two finger-widths apart, it wont be long untilbirth.. Guinea pig cannibalism may occur in extreme cases of starvation. ), Guinea pigs can suffer from running lice. If your guinea pig consistently has enough extra food, the chances of her needing to eat her pups drop to near zero. The standard litter can range from one to six little pups, with an avg. 11811 Shaker Blvd, #204, PMB 289Cleveland, Ohio 44120(216) 912-6291. Yet, the mother guinea pig will take care of them during the first few weeks, so dont separate them from her. 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. Its often the result of starvation, stress, inexperience, or trauma. Guinea Pig Lifespan How Long Do Guinea Pigs Live? They are cheerful and love to run around, squeak, eat, play, and poop. 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. Can a Guinea Pig Baby Live Without the Mother? The average guinea pig litter is 2 to 4 pups. Guinea pigs are peaceful creatures. New Plymouth Vet Group. Babies grow fast. Just simply focusing on your guinea pigs and trying to chat with them every day can go a long way. This is extremely taxing on the body of the female guinea pig and dangerous to her. As noted above; Guinea Pigs are highly vocal and use their voice to express their personality. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. Ask your vet for advice if this isnt the case. Do guinea pigs miss their babies? Not only that, but they also have a full body of fur, and even their little claws are developed. When a guinea pig mom is caring for her babies, she teaches them the necessary skills they need to survive in the world. (Find Out Now). Guinea pigs eat their babies not because they want to kill them for food but for other reasons. In fact, loneliness reduces the life expectancy of a guinea pig. 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. She is also teaching them how to interact with other guinea pigs. Although guinea pigs occasionally sneeze, frequent sneezing is a sign of pneumonia, especially in response to climate change. Pettijohn, T. F., Attachment and Separation Distress in the Infant Guinea Pig, Developmental Psychobiology, 1979. Each birth is spaced out every 3 5 minutes. While it might not be anything to worry about, sometimes it can be a sign of sickness. Do Guinea Pigs Eat Their Babies? Plus, good breeders and rescues tend to handle their guinea pigs regularly, which helps to keep them tame. 2 3 cups mostly green, leafy vegetables, Occasional fruit too much sugar can lead to obesity. Under normal circumstances, the sow will give birth and have a healthy litter of pups. Keep the male guinea pig separate from his female partner to keep her safe and reduce the stress. How long does it take for guinea pigs to be born? If that happens in captivity, its a rare exception. "Wheek" City. GuineaPigDen.com is a participant in theAmazon 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. The bond between a mother and her baby is crucial for the babys development. But, give them time to bond with their mother so they can nurse. If you are considering getting a guinea pig, ensure you can provide them with the social interaction they need. Yes, guinea pigs sometimes eat their babies. A female guinea pig usually wont eat a baby guinea pig deliberately. Guinea pigs make the best mothers and give puppies the best chance of survival. They're all grown now, but they keep me busy! 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. Just like big farmyard pigs! Its natural for you and me to humanize the behavior of animals. Once the mother gives birth to her babies to the nest, she won't be paying much heed to the nest anymore. Give herenough food as she needs nourishment, so never have her food bowl empty. Allowing siblings to breed also poses a risk of dangerous congenital disorders to their offspring. Guinea pigs dont hibernate, but they will slow down their metabolism and activity in order to stay warm, Read More Do Guinea Pigs Hibernate? Some guinea pigs are more likely to nuzzle or groom people or other guinea pigs. The information on this website should not be take as a substitute for professional advice. Before making this assumption, consider the following possibilities: Unfortunately, the evidence of your sow eating her babies might be obvious. In this article, we will focus on some important aspects of caring for guinea pig babies. (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). 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. Copyright 2023 mypetguineapig.com. 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. Dont be surprised if your pup lets out a little chirp as a means of asking for food! Will the baby guinea pigs be able to escape the enclosure? Compared to other rodents, guinea pigs (both in captivity and in the wild) will very rarely choose to eat their offspring. If your sow has eaten her own babies, you may want to consider changing her living conditions. Yes, guinea pigs like stuffed, Read More Do Guinea Pigs Like Stuffed Animals? Having your guinea pig give birth to a litter should be an exciting time. Let's hear it for the boys. On the other hand if youll be helping a sow to raise a litter of pups from birth, theres rather more to think about. Its important to know what signs to look out for so you can keep your piggies happy and healthy. The same goes for males. Always consult your vet if you think a baby guinea pig overly small, or failing to thrive. 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. Although its very uncommon, there is still a possibility that a mother guinea pig will engage in filial cannibalism. Guinea pigs may miss their parents, but more research must confirm this. Make sure she always has enough food. Keep an eye on their weight, and youll be able to observe them steadily gaining ounces until around their first birthday. Wed love to hear about your experiences in the comment section below! A male guinea pig might seriously injure his babies because he is territorial and feels intimidated. 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. (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. For instance, most rats eat their babies. Pregnant and lactating guinea pigs also need alfalfa hay to sustain their babies.