It was fascinating to watch our new mom clean up after her newborn baby guinea pigs. As herbivores, they dont eat meat at all. Explain to them that they have not been replaced or that their babies have replaced your guinea pig. But do all animals miss their babies as much as we do? This article has been extensively revised for 2019. Their paws and head are comically outsized in proportion to their body, and they already have a full coat of fur. Veterinarians and Animal Hospital in Pasadena, MD | Lake Shore Pet Hospital. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/140328-sloth-bear-zoo-infanticide-chimps-bonobos-animals, Your Guinea Pigs Pregnancy: The Stages of Pregnancy. They will nurse every two hours for the first three weeks. This is especially true for mammalian animals, who often form strong attachments with their young. Cage size Will the baby guinea pigs be able to escape? By doing this you can prevent accidental killings, as well as promptly remove any still born pups from the cage. 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. This is a question that has long been debated when it comes to guinea pigs. Clements, M. and Kelly, J. They are born precocial, which means they already have teeth and fur, and from their earliest moments they can see, hear, and move about. They look a little bit awkward as they begin to move around. Female guinea pigs (sows) typically mature sexually at 2 months of age (55 to 70 days). Sows must also have a constant supply of hay (alfalfa for the extra calories) and pellets. 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. 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. Feed the guinea pig pups for the first 5 days around the clock every 4 to 5 hours. Make sure that your guinea pig babies are able to reach the water bottle sipper. Theyre filled with Vitamin C and other essential nutrients that guinea pigs need. Can a Guinea Pig Baby Live Without the Mother? 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. I personally dont recommend it and neither do vets and most responsible rescues and shelters.Accidents happen. When you decide to introduce baby guinea pigs to an adult guinea pig, follow their behavior (monitor them for aggression) and respond quickly. Yes, guinea pigs like stuffed, Read More Do Guinea Pigs Like Stuffed Animals? Let's hear it for the boys. RELATED: CLICK HERE for 99 cute guinea pig names to help you choose. Simon or George More classic goodies. While carrying babies, the guinea pig mother needs extra energy. 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. Guinea pigs have a good sense of hearing, so they will potentially even be able to hear you coming from down the hall. Guinea Pigs make excellent pets due to their playful, social nature. Lets explain why guinea pigs may eat their babies. You cannot do any harm by touching your adult guinea pig or its babies. If a baby guinea pig is orphaned, it is essential to find a surrogate mom as soon as possible. Newborn guinea pigs should be kept with their mom for at least 3 weeks. This should reduce their spatial and jealous tendency. 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? This is where they learn how to bond and behave in a herd. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com and other affiliate links, at no extra cost to you. https://www.guinealynx.info/reproduction.html, I think my Guinea pig might be pregnant, what should I do? 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. A male guinea pig eats the babies only by a strange occurrence. Give herenough food as she needs nourishment, so never have her food bowl empty. Firstly, please provide them with plenty of toys and treats to keep them occupied. 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. Alternatively, you can contact local small animal shelters and ask if they have any baby guinea pigs for adoption. If guinea, Read More What Fruits Can Guinea Pigs Eat? National Geographic. Usually, the mother will eat the baby right after it's born. If you handle a baby bird in a nest, the mother will often abandon them because she'll sense something isn't right (i.e. Under certain circumstances, the sow may eat her offspring for various reasons. Hold him against your chest to help him feel secure and safe. One under his chest and one under his bottom. Some guinea pigs even put up great resistance to this. Pettijohn, T. F., Attachment and Separation Distress in the Infant Guinea Pig, Developmental Psychobiology, 1979. Where can I find baby guinea pigs for sale? After your guinea pig has given birth, shell clean up the evidence left behind to stop predators from tracking down their scent. When they dont respond to her attention, she tries cleaning them more and more vigorously, until eventually she ends up damaging them. If your guinea pig becomes acquainted with someone they don't trust, they may become quiet or hide when that person is nearby. But if you have a tiny little guinea pig with a noteworthy squeak, this name is pretty darn adorable. Some of the cutest animals kill and devour their offspring. An adult female guinea pig will never harm or eat newborn babies. Many living creatures eat other members of their species when necessary for survival. If you want some more information on guinea pig interactions, check out these posts: The Truth About Single Guinea Pigs (Is It Okay To Just Have One?) On the other hand, if it turns out that they don't form any attachment to their young, then we can . But another remarkable thing about baby guinea pigs is just how grown up their appetites are! (2014, March 28). 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. Do Guinea Pigs Like Stuffed Animals? Be quiet and move slowly around baby guinea pigs. Guinea pigs are cute and quite intelligent pets. Youre gonna want to read this. If youre going to be away for an extended period, you may also want to consider finding a friend or family member to care for your guinea pig in your absence. Although its very uncommon, there is still a possibility that a mother guinea pig will engage in filial cannibalism. How long does it take for guinea pigs to be born? I've always been an animal lover, and I've worked in the pet industry. 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. 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. Every baby guinea pig needs its mothers milk, which provides enough nutrition during the first crucial days of their lives. This can lead to health problems. The good news is that its unlikely for your pregnant pet to eat her offspring. (Fun Facts). 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. You can do a few things to help your guinea pig cope when youre not around. After three weeks, the baby guinea pig can be separated from its mother and placed with other guinea pigs or its owner. Why Do Guinea Pigs Sometimes Kill Their Young? 2 3 cups mostly green, leafy vegetables, Occasional fruit too much sugar can lead to obesity. (Find Out Now). Can the male guinea pig stay with the mother and babies? If that happens in captivity, thats extremely rare. Do guinea pigs get attached to their babies? Common diseases in domestic guinea pigs include respiratory infections, diarrhea, itching, and boils due to infection (often the neck, throat, or external scratches). Giving birth is very stressful for the guinea pig mother and the babies. It's particularly common when introducing new guinea pigs for the first time. I'm currently a pet groomer, and I love it. New babies are born with teeth, claws, and fur. This way they can easily confuse their predator and a group of guinea pigs doing this is known as a stampede.. Honestly, I dont feel like its worth the risk. Although, some green beans and always bring us back together. Can Guinea Pigs Eat Spinach Or Is It Bad For Them? 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. You just have to note that bringing mature guinea pigs together can sometimes be difficult, even if it is done in a slow and measured manner. Three weeks marks the earliest point at which pups may stop nursing from their mother. If this happens, you should immediately remove the dead babies and dispose of them appropriately. If you carefully run a finger over the area, you should be able to feel the shaft of their penis under the skin. Guinea pigs eat their babies not because they want to kill them for food but for other reasons. Its better to have a cage that is much larger than a cage that is too small. When baby guinea pigs grow up the males are called boars and the females are called sows. 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. Why would a pet guinea pig eat its own babies? They're all grown now, but they keep me busy! The same goes for males. 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. Make sure that your guinea pig babies are able to reach the water bottle sipper. Male guinea pigs are more likely to harm their babies but they shouldnt eat them. 11. If that happens in captivity, its a rare exception. You might even have witnessed them start to join in with social grooming by this point. My name is Tim Rhodes and I'm a guinea pig enthusiast through thick and thin. However, too much calcium is dangerous for an adult guinea pig. They Talk to You A.K.A. Also, female guinea pigs eat their young if they are overstressed and afraid because they cannot handle the situation. This is just enough space to allow the guinea pigs to escape. No matter how cute baby guinea pigs are, one litter at a time should be plenty for most people to think about. 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. Find The Best Deals on Your Favorite guinea pig Products and Save! It can be difficult to tell the difference between male and female guinea pigs under three weeks of age. We placed an additional water bottle in the cage so that we could position it low enough for the babies to reach it. Also, male guinea pig may kill the babies if he doesn't recognize them as his own offspring. 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. Do Chickens Get Lonely? Baby boars must be separated from mama at three weeks. A male guinea pig might seriously injure his babies because he is territorial and feels intimidated. 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. male guinea pig staying with the mother and babies, guinea pigs can get attached to their owners. 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. However, both males and females can mature and be fertile even earlier. However, in captivity that shouldnt happen at all because responsible pet owners keep them separate from pregnant and lactating sows and their babies. Once the mother gives birth to her babies to the nest, she won't be paying much heed to the nest anymore. Coming up with a cute guinea pig name is a lot of fun, but can be tough. We hope youve enjoyed this in depth article about cute baby guinea pigs!Guinea pig pups are quite unlike most other baby animals. 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 need supervised time out of their cages each day to run around and exercise. Newborn guinea pigs weigh only 100 grams but they grow quickly. If it has not happened within the first 24 hours, it is very unlikely she will attempt to do it later on. 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. Significantly, this is the age when pups will start to reach sexual maturity. Keeping your guinea pig healthy and happy is an ongoing process that will require lots of dedication and effort from you. Guinea pigs need fresh water daily. Always consult your vet if you think a baby guinea pig overly small, or failing to thrive. By the time theyre a month old, baby guinea pigs body shape rather resembles that of a syrian hamster. Caring for baby guinea pigs can be a rewarding experience if you know what to expect. How do you tell if a baby guinea pig is a boy or girl? Many others survive but have problems.Additionally, theres thousands (if not tens of thousands) of piggies without good homes now. 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 . Caring for a guinea pig can be challenging if you are unsure whether it is missing its baby. This can harm the guinea pigs health, as they may become stressed or depressed. Dont separate them from their mother too soon. Yes, guinea pigs sometimes eat their babies. This little interaction will enable him warm to the introduction of a new cage mate better. 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. We will help you to raise your baby guinea pigs to become healthy, happy pets. Individual size is generally linked to litter size, so the more siblings there are in a litter, the smaller they are each likely to be. We used fleece bedding which we spot cleaned throughout the day by removing poop and leftover food. They need to stay with their mother guinea pigs and suck their milk, but they will quickly become active. 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. You need to make the entire environment guinea pig-friendly. For example, they can eat blueberries, strawberries, tangerines, watermelon, passion fruit, melons, bananas, and many more. So the remaining milestones left to look for relate to growth, feeding, behavior and sexual maturity. However, this would put a huge amount of strain on her body and her mental stamina. Sufficient nutrition, a mixture of alfalfa and timothy grass, keeps female guinea pigs hydrated and can prevent guinea pigs from eating their babies. She will naturally clean up the area around her: lick the babies clean, bite off the umbilical cord and eat the placenta. It will also well as putting her at risk for developing diseases like toxaemia. No. Put him back with his mother if he becomes vocal or squirmy. A typical guinea pig pup weighs between 60 and 115 grams and measures close to 3 to 5 inches long. 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. My mission is to teach others useful tips and tricks about these cute creatures. AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE She is also teaching them how to interact with other guinea pigs. Medical Disclaimer. Within twenty-four hours they can start to eat grass, produce, hay, and pellet feed just like adults. Make sure to separate your male guinea pigs from females in their litter too. Bartesaghi, R., Severi, S., Effects of early environment on field CA2 pyramidal neurons in the guinea-pig, Neuroscience, 2004. Female guinea pigs dont intentionally eat their babies nor do they kill them to eat them. By six weeks of age baby guinea pigs are self-sufficient and fully weaned. They are cheerful and love to run around, squeak, eat, play, and poop. Watch carefully for signs of stress or discomfort. https://www.petmd.com/exotic/conditions/reproductive/c_ex_gp_pregnancy_toxemia, Why do animals sometimes kill their babies? These small pets need a lot of food and nutrition. Thoroughly clean and disinfect the water bottle at least once per week. (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). While guinea pigs are usually docile, friendly and social creatures, adult males should not be around the babies under any circumstances. Guinea pig pregnancies are dangerous and the mortality rate is high both among guinea pig mothers and babies. A particular substance comes from the eyes of a guinea pig; they rub it on their hair when they are grooming. Giving birth is very stressful for guinea pigs and the mortality rate of pregnant guinea pigs is quite high due to complications that occur during the delivery process. What about baby guinea pigs for adoption? Your guinea pig's individual personality will likely play a big role in this. Getting guinea pigs used to handling from an early age is an important part of rearing confident, relaxed pets. Guinea pigs are different from many other species; they are born with teeth and fur, and almost immediately they can see and walk around. When you do approach the a baby guinea pig, be careful to move slowly and gently. How Can You Prevent Your Guinea Pig from Eating Its Young? 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. This blog will give you some helpful tips on how to make this a wonderful experience. Stop getting dirty looks from your piggies, because you forgot to do something for themAGAIN. We noticed our guinea pig babies began to eat mamas food within a few days of birth. She needs more food and more nutrients to prepare her for the process of giving birth and nursing her babies. Its unwise to create more. Another challenge that people face is that they may not be able to tell if the guinea pig is sick or not. 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. A fully grown guinea pig is between 20 and 25 cm long. At worst, it can cause her to reject them. So, its possible for their mother (especially if shes inexperienced with babies) to kill them with too much force. It may take some time for him to become comfortable with you. In general, the color of Abyssinian guinea pigs is associated with congenital eye defects and digestive problems. The average guinea pig litter is 2 to 4 pups. 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. In captivity, they cannot run away, which increases the stress. Over the next 2 weeks, decrease the feeding time gradually. Some times, she shows me her displeasure if I have been away overnight and my neighbors fed her. All of the babies are usually born within 30 minutes once labor begins. Some guinea pigs are more likely to nuzzle or groom people or other guinea pigs. Handling them too much too soon can disrupt the bond they need with their mother in order to nurse from her, and huddle against her for warmth. Calcium can be found in alfalfa hay or alfalfa-based pellets, timothy hay and oranges. You can also ask your vet for advice and support. This is why you should do everything in your power to make your female piggy feel at ease. More research must be conducted to determine whether or not guinea pigs truly miss their babies when they are apart. I love animals, and I have three beautiful boys. This was the most surprising thing to me! As you find a toy for your little fur baby, you might be asking, do guinea pigs like stuffed animals? Guinea pigs mature quickly and will begin to nibble the hay, pellets and veggies fed to their mother within 24 hours. Its important to know what signs to look out for so you can keep your piggies happy and healthy. This can hurt their health and well-being. Guinea pigs can typically handle labor and delivery without intervention; however, guinea pigs can die during the birthing process. (Keep that food bowl appropriately full!) However, taking some precautions can bring you peace of mind that your sow wont need to eat her babies. This is for several reasons: You should find this post helpful: Can A Father Guinea Pig Be With The Babies? However, they can seriously injure them when they recognize that the babies are not theirs, also because they are intimidated and territorial. 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. Many people believe that male guinea pigs eat their babies as well. We kept a close eye on Theo as her due date approached. Baby guinea pigs typically stay with their mother for about three weeks, but this can vary depending on the situation. If you bring home your baby guinea pig at seven weeks old, youll find all the information you need to raise them in our guide to guinea pigs as pets. Other guinea pig owners would like to breed their piggies. Guinea pigs diet rests on grasses, herbs, hay, and raw fruits and vegetables. 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? So, if youve been wanting to know if guinea pigs usually miss their owners, we hope you have the answer now. Baby guinea pigs are capable of digesting solid food very soon after birth (within hours). Baby guinea pigs are much smaller than their parents, so they can escape from the cage. The importance of understanding whether or not guinea pigs miss their babies cannot be overstated. Once the pups arrive, monitor them closely to make sure nursing is established within 12 hours. Pregnancy is very difficult for guinea pigs, with at least 1 out of 5 of the mothers dying during birth. If you have a pregnant guinea pig, consider giving the her cage an upgrade, so she can take care of her pups comfortably. You need to know if you should reduce the amount of time you spend away from your pet. Most people find guinea pig babies sweet and beautiful. Do Guinea Pigs Eat Their Babies if You Touch Them? Extreme Stress -. In some cases, guinea pigs may lick or try to groom you as a sign of affection. How To Prevent a New Mother from Eating Her Babies? Most people find that, when it comes to guinea pigs at least, babies are the cutest. So, consider getting a cage large enough for them to play around. A single guinea pig living by themselves often become gloomy, confused, and spiritless. Theres a few traits unique to piggies that probably explain why they usually dont feel the need to eat their babies. The extra calories should be provided until she stops nursing her newborn babies. They are basically saying . and Can You Put A Baby Guinea Pig With An Older One? And within a few hours nursing should be established. This can be very misleading especially when it comes to motherhood as many animals eat their offspring in certain circumstances. Remember to remove any they leave, as it will spoil quickly. Your Baby Guinea Pig What To Expect And How To Look How long do guinea pig babies stay with mom? She checked each one of them and licked them clean immediately following their birth. Here you'll find the juicy goods to care for your little friends WITHOUT making your brain short-circuit. (And Other Key Terms), How Often Should You Clean a Guinea Pigs Cage? The largest guinea pig litter recorded by the Guinness Book of World Records contained a whopping 17 pups! The best time to breed guinea pigs is before the female turns 7 months of age. This way, your guinea pig will not feel the need for extra nutrition. Just like with taming older guinea pigs be patient and consistent. Any guinea pig lover would approve. But, only serve them as an occasional treat, because the high sugar and water content can cause health problems like obesity and diarrhea. Guinea pig pregnancy seems short to us, but in fact it lasts a remarkably long time for their size. Wanna read something more boring than watching paint dry? 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. It is perfectly fine to handle your new guinea pigs within the first week. An indoor cage size of 18" x 24" (45 x 60 cm) should comfortably accommodate a guinea pig. Want to know more? The larger the litter, the smaller the pups will likely be. 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. When a guinea pig mom is caring for her babies, she teaches them the necessary skills they need to survive in the world. RELATED: CLICK HERE for tips on how to tame your guinea pig (step by step guide). Place one hand under their tummy and one behind their bottom, and hold the little guy close to you. Wed love to hear about your experiences in the comment section below! (700 to 1,100 grams), according to the Animal Diversity Web (ADW). It is famously difficult to sex baby rodents, so the easiest way to be sure which of your pups are girls and which are boys is to ask a more experienced mentor, or a vet, to help you. Many people believe that guinea pigs get attached to their owners and that they miss their parents when they are separated. Its natural for you and me to humanize the behavior of animals. Bathing them, if its something you plan to try, should wait until they are at least eight weeks old. Guinea pigs definitely can eat clementines. Make sure theres always enough food in your pregnant guinea pigs bowl. For guinea pigs to reproduce, a male guinea pig needs to fertilize the female. 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. Pups from small litters are usually bigger than pups from large litters. You can also give them a comfortable place to sleep, like a bed or hammock. Can Rabbits Eat Grapes Pros And Cons of Grapes For Rabbits. 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. after immediately initiating the emergency response system,
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