do guinea pigs miss their babies
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. They will nurse every two hours for the first three weeks. Try brushing your pets coats regularly as this can create soothing and pleasant connecting experiences. If you have a pregnant guinea pig, consider giving the her cage an upgrade, so she can take care of her pups comfortably. Guinea pigs are tailless rodents that weigh between 1.5 and 2.5 lbs. Can Rabbits Eat Grapes Pros And Cons of Grapes For Rabbits. 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. Your guinea pig can definitely use more interplay with the loss of its buddy. Breeding and reproduction of Guinea pigs All other pets Merck veterinary manual. Once labor is established, all the pups usually arrive within half an hour. Increase the protein content in your pregnant guinea pigs diet. If you keep a male guinea pig with the mother and babies, introduce them slowly, so there is no aggression between the two adults. Im guessing you probably have a lot of questions about guinea pig pregnancies. Yes, guinea pigs do eat their babies. Baby guinea pigs are called pups just like baby dogs. Most experts believe that guinea pigs are relatively emotionally resilient creatures and are unlikely to suffer significant emotional distress due to being separated from their young. So, if youve been wanting to know if guinea pigs usually miss their owners, we hope you have the answer now. As herbivores, they dont eat meat at all. You cannot do any harm by touching your adult guinea pig or its babies. The name pup calls to mind baby dogs, but guinea pigs actually belong to a family of rodent species called cavies. The size of the pups is often relative to how many pups there are in the litter. How do you tell if a baby guinea pig is a boy or girl? The answer to this question is not entirely clear. When your guinea pig is pregnant they need more food than usual, and its surprisingly easy to give them less than what they need. If her diet doesnt contain enough vital vitamins and nutrients, she can still be malnourished whilst receiving enough calories to maintain her body weight. 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. Baby guinea pigs are called pups. CLICK HERE to check the price. Or at least make it a less dangerous one, for you, the guinea pig mother, and the baby piggies. Thankfully, its only done when the mother feels she doesnt have any other option. 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. They reach their adult size very quickly. But, can guinea pigs eat them? Prepare to separate the male and female baby guinea pigs by at least three weeks of age. Baby guinea pigs feed on their mothers milk but soon they will need lots of alfalfa hay thats rich in calcium. This is extremely taxing on the body of the female guinea pig and dangerous to her. https://www.npvet.co.nz/pets/animal-info-pets/bird-rabbit-turtle-articles/care-pregnant-guinea-pigs/, Guinea lynx :: Reproduction. One reason why a guinea pig mother might eat one of her pups is that she is extremely malnourished. Guinea pig cannibalism may occur in extreme cases of starvation. Guinea pigs are not capable of "missing". (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. One under his chest and one under his bottom. Sows sometimes give birth during the night. On average, baby guinea pigs come in litters of 2-4, and weigh 70-115g. It is okay for you to handle the pups during the nursing period. (And How? So, its possible for their mother (especially if shes inexperienced with babies) to kill them with too much force. Certainly not, they only remember their parents for a particular period. Theyve learned all the skills they need for independence, and theyre ready to leave the nest. The sow needs this time to focus on nursing her living babies, and you need to create an environment that will allow her to do this. An inexperienced sow might accidentally damage her young with her teeth whilst trying to clean them up after the birth. 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. This was the most surprising thing to me! Not only that, but they also have a full body of fur, and even their little claws are developed. This is where they learn how to bond and behave in a herd. Newborn guinea pigs should be kept with their mom for at least 3 weeks. For example, guinea pigs are born with their eyes open, and their ears which look huge at the moment can already hear. This can happen if the guinea pig is not being fed enough timothy hay, pellets, vitamin C supplements, etc. Common diseases in domestic guinea pigs include respiratory infections, diarrhea, itching, and boils due to infection (often the neck, throat, or external scratches). When a guinea pig mom is caring for her babies, she teaches them the necessary skills they need to survive in the world. I've always been an animal lover, and I've worked in the pet industry. Most guinea pigs cages are designed for adult guinea pigs with a one inch space between the bars. When they grow up, male guinea pigs are called boars, and females are called sows. It is perfectly fine to handle your new guinea pigs within the first week. Once the baby guinea pigs turn 3 to 4 weeks, separate them from their mother, especially male guinea pigs. 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. They need it in unlimited amounts, as it helps them keep their teeth trimmed and ensures the proper functioning of their sensitive digestive system. If you push gently on their lower abdomen the penis may appear. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features Press Copyright Contact us Creators . And guinea pigs are quite fertile little creatures too! Yet, sometimes, guinea pigs can eat their babies. Sometimes it happens accidentally. Additionally, when her babies are born she may eat them in order to prevent them from taking up the little space she has. (Find Out Now). Neutering is A LOT less risky for males than spaying is for females. You have to remember that these babies are coming out of the womb ready to run around the cage and have fun very quickly. And baby guinea pigs are capable of joining in from a very young age. Guinea pigs and other rodents do not eat their babies because they are hungry. And within a few hours nursing should be established. Female cavies are called sows and males are called boars. 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. The best time to breed guinea pigs is before the female turns 7 months of age. Breeding of guinea pigs is strongly discouraged. After giving birth, the mother guinea pig is likely to eat the placenta but can end up eating her babies by mistake. This is called precociality. The male guinea pig staying with the mother and babies is important because he helps keep them warm and protects them from predators. When can baby guinea pigs be separated from their mother? Like babies of all species, cute baby guinea pigs are tiny and winsome. Within twenty-four hours they can start to eat grass, produce, hay, and pellet feed just like adults. In captivity, they cannot run away, which increases the stress. When they dont respond to her attention, she tries cleaning them more and more vigorously, until eventually she ends up damaging them. A male guinea pig might seriously injure his babies because he is territorial and feels intimidated. This blog will give you some helpful tips on how to make this a wonderful experience. Place one hand under their tummy and one behind their bottom, and hold the little guy close to you. Guinea pigs are cute and quite intelligent pets. Male guinea pigs have a donut-shaped opening. You need to make the entire environment guinea pig-friendly. If possible, you should be present during the birth to provide support and comfort to the mother. 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. How long do baby guinea pigs stay with Mom? of 2-4. Feed the guinea pig pups for the first 5 days around the clock every 4 to 5 hours. 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. It will also well as putting her at risk for developing diseases like toxaemia. This usually happens when pups are stillborn, or born to ill to survive. Lets take a closer look at this exciting topic. This is especially true for mammalian animals, who often form strong attachments with their young. How many babies do guinea pigs have in their first litter? That is a common myth and is not true. Also, male guinea pig may kill the babies if he doesnt recognize them as his own offspring. Their compact, cylindrical bodies range from 8 to 10 inches . (And Other Key Terms), How Often Should You Clean a Guinea Pigs Cage? Guinea Lynx :: A Medical and Care Guide for Your Guinea Pig. ClickHEREfor a peek at my disclosure. Guinea pigs eating babies is a rare but possible occurrence. On the other hand, a male guinea pig eats guinea pig babies when they recognize that the babies are not theirs, also because they are intimidated and territorial. The surprising truth is that it happens more often than youd think. We hope youve enjoyed this in depth article about cute baby guinea pigs!Guinea pig pups are quite unlike most other baby animals. Baby guinea pigs are much smaller than their parents, so they can escape from the cage. Let's hear it for the boys. 3 hours ago WebBaby Guinea Pig Diet The first week of life is critical. Guinea pigs are social animals and may begin to experience depression-like symptoms when alone for too long. Can Guinea Pigs Eat Spinach Or Is It Bad For Them? This is for several reasons: You should find this post helpful: Can A Father Guinea Pig Be With The Babies? Can the male guinea pig stay with the mother and babies? 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. Firstly, please provide them with plenty of toys and treats to keep them occupied. So, what do you put on the bottom of a guinea pig cage? But, if one or more of her litter is stillborn, she may eat it. 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. Every baby guinea pig needs its mothers milk, which provides enough nutrition during the first crucial days of their lives. Hold your guinea pig securely and gently turn him / her over. At worst, it can cause her to reject them. The importance of understanding whether or not guinea pigs miss their babies cannot be overstated. 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. In this article weve answered some frequently asked questions about newborn baby guinea pigs like: Whether you have a surprise guinea pig pregnancy or a planned one, there are a few things you will want to prepare in advance to make sure you are ready when your newborn baby guinea pigs arrive. When I'm not writing, I enjoy kickboxing and work as an animal trainer. A male guinea pig eats the babies only by a strange occurrence. 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). This is why you should do everything in your power to make your female piggy feel at ease. (n.d.). Your Baby Guinea Pig What To Expect And How To Look How long do guinea pig babies stay with mom? Guinea pigs eat their babies not because they want to kill them for food but for other reasons. 9. Piglet Okay, so it's not that clever. Some guinea pigs even put up great resistance to this. Guinea pigs should be kept indoors. However, you shouldnt touch the babies right after they are born. 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. While it is a hard thing to think about, it can happen. When you decide to introduce baby guinea pigs to an adult guinea pig, follow their behavior (monitor them for aggression) and respond quickly. In fact, loneliness reduces the life expectancy of a guinea pig. This can hurt their health and well-being. Guinea pigs can be aggressive towards each other if they are not adequately trained. Guineapigden.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. A particular substance comes from the eyes of a guinea pig; they rub it on their hair when they are grooming. 10. Sadly yes, guinea pig mothers do sometimes eat their newborn young. Rather, they belong to a rodent species called cavies. We spent some time coming up with cute guinea pig names for our babies and decided upon the following; Moose, Aspen, Moon and Finn! Give the orphaned puppy the same amount of water and evaporated guinea pig milk. It can therefore be tempting to pick up and cuddle the little babies right away! Likely she has forgotten all about them, and is instead planning to to escape and start her next litter. 2 3 cups mostly green, leafy vegetables, Occasional fruit too much sugar can lead to obesity. Before making this assumption, consider the following possibilities: Unfortunately, the evidence of your sow eating her babies might be obvious. Yes, guinea pigs sometimes eat their babies. To most people, guinea pigs are cute pets, and having just one will suffice. This is one of the biggest reasons why a sow will engage in filial cannibalism. Coming up with a cute guinea pig name is a lot of fun, but can be tough. Baby boars must be separated from mama at three weeks. Baby guinea pigs typically stay with their mother for about three weeks, but this can vary depending on the situation. This can be startling and upsetting. He may also help to nurse the babies. Although they are capable of eating almost immediately, baby guineas do still need to nurse and they will seek milk about every two hours. B., Auditory spatial responses of young guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) during and after ear blocking, Journal of Comparative and Physiological Psychology, 1978. Guinea Pig Lifespan How Long Do Guinea Pigs Live? Guinea pigs make the best mothers and give puppies the best chance of survival. Will the baby guinea pigs be able to escape the enclosure? Although they spring out with open eyes and fully furred, piggie pups are still small and fragile at first. Wiki User 2008-10-08 02:35:56 This. However, dont keep them in the same cage for long. Although guinea pigs occasionally sneeze, frequent sneezing is a sign of pneumonia, especially in response to climate change. The Best Pet Health & Care Advice from Real Vets | PetMD. What about baby guinea pigs for adoption? (Find Out Now). Many people believe that guinea pigs get attached to their owners and that they miss their parents when they are separated. My first piggy some years ago did a big dance of joy each time I came back home after some days of being away. After birth, Guinea pig sows can become pregnant again within hours. For example, they can eat blueberries, strawberries, tangerines, watermelon, passion fruit, melons, bananas, and many more. But most people think of it as being around four weeks old, when they reach sexual maturity. (What Owners Need To Know)Continue, If you notice drool on your guinea pigs face it can be a sign that somethings wrong. Can Guinea Pigs Eat Turnip Greens? However, too much calcium is dangerous for an adult guinea pig. When you do approach the a baby guinea pig, be careful to move slowly and gently. Whining is typically a noise made by the more passive guinea pig to communicate to a guinea pig that is more pushy or dominant. The larger the litter, the smaller the pups (as a general rule), so ideally you wouldn't want too many pups born at once. Even though they share similar names, guinea pigs do not belong to either the dog or pig family. However, taking some precautions can bring you peace of mind that your sow wont need to eat her babies. Unlike many other animals in the animal kingdom, guinea pigs are not self-sufficient. Yes, guinea pigs eat their babies albeit very rarely, mostly by accident. They are born precocial, which means they already have teeth and fur, and from their earliest moments they can see, hear, and move about. 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. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/all-other-pets/guinea-pigs/breeding-and-reproduction-of-guinea-pigs, Care of pregnant Guinea pigs. The standard litter can range from one to six little pups, with an avg. Also, female guinea pigs eat their young if they are overstressed and afraid because they cannot handle the situation. 4. However, we always recommend having more than one guinea pig because these small animals are social creatures and they need company. 11811 Shaker Blvd, #204, PMB 289Cleveland, Ohio 44120(216) 912-6291. 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. Housing your guinea pig is not particularly difficult, as there are a large variety of hutches and cages commercially available. https://www.guinealynx.info/reproduction.html, I think my Guinea pig might be pregnant, what should I do? Simon or George More classic goodies. Hey there, I'm Angela. They have learned quite a few life skills from their mother and are ready to go to their new homes. One of the ways they do this is through "wheeking". Here you'll find the juicy goods to care for your little friends WITHOUT making your brain short-circuit. By doing this you can prevent accidental killings, as well as promptly remove any still born pups from the cage. Your pregnant and lactating guinea pigs should have access to alfalfa hay in the last weeks of their pregnancy. They need to stay with their mother guinea pigs and suck their milk, but they will quickly become active. This can lead to health problems. Try to provide your pet with the extra company as much as you can, even if only for a short period of time. A mother guinea pig needs to clean the babies and eat the afterbirth to chemically generate the mammary glands to start producing milk. 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. Read Also: How Often to Clean Guinea Pig Cage. But another remarkable thing about baby guinea pigs is just how grown up their appetites are! The reason is that male guinea pigs mature sexually very soon and can impregnate their mother as young as 2-3 months of age or even earlier. Merck Veterinary Manual. This can be very misleading especially when it comes to motherhood as many animals eat their offspring in certain circumstances. Its important to remember that guinea pigs are prey animals and they can get intimidated very easily. Can a Guinea Pig Baby Live Without the Mother? (Find Out Now)Continue. Newborn guinea pigs weigh between 60g and 115g. Preview / Show more . You should increase the amount of fresh fruit and vegetables given daily and also consider pet-friendly supplements. It was fascinating to watch our new mom clean up after her newborn baby guinea pigs. 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?) The next thing you need to take care of is that make sure that their cages are heavy, comfortable, and not escapable. They are cheerful and love to run around, squeak, eat, play, and poop. If your sow is in a very small enclosure, this could cause her unnecessary stress. After three weeks, the baby guinea pig can be separated from its mother and placed with other guinea pigs or its owner. Guinea pigs are less likely to eat their own young than other varieties of rodents because a baby guinea pig reaches maturity quickly. Some of the cutest animals kill and devour their offspring. Many time, the pup gets killed accidentally and the mother eats it because she has a survival instinct. Yes, guinea pigs like stuffed, Read More Do Guinea Pigs Like Stuffed Animals? Yes, guinea pigs miss their owners. During pregnancy your sow will need lots of energy and vitamin C, so make sure her hay doesnt run out, and offer a larger helping of fresh fruit and veg every day. Its important to know what signs to look out for so you can keep your piggies happy and healthy. RELATED: CLICK HERE for 99 cute guinea pig names to help you choose. Why Do Guinea Pigs Sometimes Eat Their Young? The best thing you can do is provide adequate and proper nutrition to the new guinea pig mother. They can impregnate mom and sisters! Guinea pigs are fragile animals at any age but especially during their early days of life. Pet owners know that keeping a guinea pig as a pet is a wonderful experience. New Plymouth Vet Group. This should reduce their spatial and jealous tendency. Three weeks marks the earliest point at which pups may stop nursing from their mother. When you touch them be soft and gentle. However, both males and females can mature and be fertile even earlier. Once they are one to two finger-widths apart, it wont be long untilbirth.. She is then back to cuddles and snuggles. From there you can jump straight to the answers you need, or join us for a complete overview of baby guinea pig development, week by week. Although its very uncommon, there is still a possibility that a mother guinea pig will engage in filial cannibalism. https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheUniverseReflected The all natural Piggies Choice Hay Racks are available finally! What is a Group of Guinea Pigs Called? So, what is the answer? *Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates. Sometimes adults will do this with each other too. You will get a kick out of their eagerness to chase each other around and play, and maybe even start popcorning. For the first 2-3 weeks , they will rely on their mother for milk. This is especially important in guinea pigs, as they are highly social animals. 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. the babies are doing so well and are so healthy.#guineapig #babies #cuteSong: Sapphe. They are basically saying . How Few Is Too Few? The above is important because it allows the mother to continue feeding and grooming her young. They look a little bit awkward as they begin to move around. Guinea pigs can eat their babies if they lack nutrition. There are, Read More 7 Alarming Reasons Why Guinea Pigs DroolContinue, What fruits can guinea pigs eat? In almost all species, males are inherently territorial. The average guinea pig gestation is 59 72 days. I'm here to help you smash the EASY button on pet parenting. While carrying babies, the guinea pig mother needs extra energy. To help you, weve written more about how to tame a guinea pig here. However, separate male guinea pig babies from their mothers when they turn about two months old. Some guinea pig moms have their maternity care kicked in as they give birth while others take some time . New babies are born with teeth, claws, and fur. When they dont have enough food and are at risk of starvation. To avoid the risk of your guinea pig, eating her babies, take these safety steps. A baby guinea pig is called a pup. Yet, the mother guinea pig will take care of them during the first few weeks, so dont separate them from her. Hamsters and rats are famous for such practice. 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. After three weeks, baby guinea pigs can be separated from their mother and placed with other guinea pigs or their owner. A newborn guinea pig might weigh around 3.5 ounces or 100 grams. You might also notice they squeak in distress when you take them away from their mom. Guinea pigs can recognize their owners and other people they know and trust. No matter how cute baby guinea pigs are, one litter at a time should be plenty for most people to think about. For instance, a guinea pig that was captured individually needs at least one other guinea pig as a cage mate. When your guinea pig is pregnant her Vitamin C requirements double to around 20mg per day. Provide a pregnant guinea pig with extra food, water, and nutrients. Thats what they do while also making your life a much brighter place. 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. Soak guinea pig pellets in water from the first day of life. However, new guinea pig owners should be prepared for a long-term commitment. These colorful, chore charts will help you keep track of when to feed your fuzz butts, clean their cages, and much more. And of course, when you run a finger over the area, you wont feel a penis! Guinea pig babies are born very quickly. So, consider getting a cage large enough for them to play around. Once the pups arrive, monitor them closely to make sure nursing is established within 12 hours. It can be a little surprising to witness, but its completely normal and nothing to be alarmed about. If they are isolated, they may become lonely and sad. If this happens, you should immediately remove the dead babies and dispose of them appropriately. A pregnant guinea pig requires a lot of extra nutrition. Domestic guinea pigs originated in South America but today these vocal, sociable creatures thrive in households across the globe. (Find Out Now), 10 Reliable Cage Liners for Guinea Pigs (What You Need to Know), Do Guinea Pigs Hibernate? Use the tips in this post to understand why piggies eat their babies and to prevent it from happening. Your guinea pig's individual personality will likely play a big role in this. The first twenty four hours are when the babies are at greatest risk for being eaten, so remain close during this period. However, you should err on the side of caution. 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. Just simply focusing on your guinea pigs and trying to chat with them every day can go a long way. Do Guinea Pigs Eat Their Babies if You Touch Them? Keep an eye on their weight, and youll be able to observe them steadily gaining ounces until around their first birthday. We found the following cage on Amazon that worked really well. 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. (n.d.). Guinea pigs are not only kept as family pets, but like dogs, cats and rabbits, they are also bred for show. 15 Best Pet Freshwater Fish For Beginners. Where can I find baby guinea pigs for sale? The two main reasons why Guinea pigs may eat their babies is a result of hunger, or insufficient feeding. If that happens in captivity, its a rare exception. Watch carefully for signs of stress or discomfort. Do guinea pigs get attached to their babies? An adult female guinea pig will never harm or eat newborn babies. This served a purpose in the wild to prevent predators from finding the newborn baby guinea pigs. 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. However, in captivity that shouldnt happen at all because responsible pet owners keep them separate from pregnant and lactating sows and their babies. The information on this website should not be take as a substitute for professional advice. When properly fed, you dont have to worry that she will eat her babies.