But usually, by the second day, they realize that no one else is tending to these little noisy creatures so they might as well do it. How To Know when a pig is going into labor. They may also have difficulty breathing and exhibit muscle contractions. Also, she may seem like she is breathing harder with no sounds to as if she has a URI. Some of the signs to watch out for include: 1. Otherwise, you risk starting an entirely new pregnancy cycle! During the entire pregnancy process, sows require a rich supply of Vitamin C. It is recommended that pet owners should double the quantity up to 20 mg per day. Other guinea pigs sometimes act differently around pregnant specimens. Many females who survive experience complications, which are painful to the sow and costly to the pet parent.. by the way, how many are you expecting? This will keep your guinea pig from sliding. An ultrasound output can picture precisely what the knocks are and affirm a pregnancy. Loosening . Avoid over-feeding her, however, because by the time she moves into the latter stages of pregnancy it will be difficult if shes carrying extra body fat. If the process isnt over in 30-40 minutes or there is an abnormally large interval between delivered pups one may suspect a problem. Bloody uterine discharge and straining longer than 30 minutes requires a medical examination. If you are present, and she is still cleaning up a baby and is not tending to the next one, get a clean towel and carefully pick the baby up, take the sac off the baby, and rub it gently to make sure it is breathing. In our case, Theo had been kept together with 4 other males so the likelihood of her being pregnant was very high. Still, huge numbers of guinea pigs experience a difficult birthing process due to late breeding and poor health. Required fields are marked *. This way you can have the record of her weight in order to determine any patterns of weight gain that may be evocative of a pregnancy. Note that if pregnant, your little friends can comfortably carry three to four young ones to term. It is worth noting that female guinea pigs can get pregnant at four weeks old. Start Now. Signs of pregnancy A pregnancy takes on average 10 weeks (58-73 days). After the seventh week, the animal enters the late stage of guinea pig pregnancy. Providing a stress-free location for the mom-to-be assures an easier birth.. The second stage of labor is the actual pushing of pigs out of the birth canal. The litter size ranges from 1 to 8 pups, but a litter of 2 to . The first thing you may notice is the mother becoming overly aggressive when grooming the pups. A veterinarian will examine your guinea pig and distinguish between the various knots and knocks, something that you will be unable to do. Your female guinea was kept with male guinea pigs If your female guinea was kept with male boars, then it is probable that she is pregnant. This is how I could tell.https://youtu.be/dj6tfzZu1cYemail: guinafilms1@gmail.comFaceb. Guinea pigs can especially sexually mature early for animals. The new Mom will not act sick. Normally, the pregnancy period lasts between 63 and 70 days. If youve had cavies for a while, youve undoubtedly noticed from the start that your little, Read More How to Feed Guinea Pigs: An Easy-To-Follow Feeding ScheduleContinue, Guinea pigs spend quite a lot of time in their habitat, so they require an excellent bedding material thats not only highly-absorbent, but soft and cozy too. Keep a watchful eye on her eating habits. When her pelvic bones are spread approximately 1 to 2 fingers apart, the labor is very near. Symptoms to look out for include: Tiredness, silence, weakness, depression Appetite loss Breathing problems Any one else has pets that you can't pet or hold ? You wont have the option to tell without a doubt until the guinea pig is analyzed and evaluated by a talented veterinary expert. So you should be able to get some needed rest. If her body is metabolizing fat, it will generate ketones, which you can measure with strips for her urine. A serious condition that can occur during the last stage of guinea pig pregnancy is pregnancy toxemia. When your guinea pig is in labor, . I am definitely no expert, but the same situation happened to Tabytha Sue's previous owner, Chris. Nonetheless, here are a few subtle signs to look out for that point to a successful pregnancy: Weight gain after 2+ weeks Increase in food and water intake Mood changes due to rise in hormone level Increase in fatigue, resulting in more sleeping and/or change in sleeping pattern Noticeable enlargement of nipples If you feel lumps under your fingers this is a sign the female is pregnant. Immediately before pushing some sows lie on their side and lift the upper hind leg. Many others survive but with complicationscostly to you, painful to her. Such temperature drops can happen at any point of the pregnancy. Pregnant guinea pigs should be kept inside. (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). Joined Jun 13, 2010 Posts 178. . Can Baby Mice Survive Without Their Mother? 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. Begin by creating a C shape with your thumb and first finger, and then rolling the thumb over the top of her tummy and the forefinger beneath her belly. There should be one for every baby. If you notice a pup with the sac remaining over its face, break the membrane open with your finger nail. For instance, a 2 Ibs sow may augment up to 4 Ibs by the end of the pregnancy. For pet proprietors, gaining an understanding and knowledge of this part of their pets life is also important. There should be little or no blood, especially before any babies have been produced. Implement patterned feeding, drinking, and outdoor regiments. Others due to the strain and fatigue require more time to get accustomed. What you're looking at in the photo above is the clitoral hood of a gilt, that is to say a female pig who has not yet had a litter. Usually, the occurrence is 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after giving birth. How to tell if your sow is pregnant. At this stage, the sow will appear quite swollen in the midsection. Sometimes, they prolapse their uterus, and you will need to get to a vet. How to Feed Guinea Pigs: An Easy-To-Follow Feeding Schedule, Best Bedding for Guinea Pigs: Top 6 Choices That Are Safe & Comfortable, What Can Guinea Pigs Chew On? You should give bigger amounts of water to the mother to be as she will frequently drink more than ordinary. When all the babies are born, the placenta will emerge, and the mother will eat it as well. Dilationwidening the opening of the cervix. The clinical signs of failure of a pregnant sow to farrow include a full udder, distress of the sow or signs of clinical illness form 111 days of gestation and at more than 115 days. Although breeding guinea pigs is not highly recommended, ensure that your pet feeds well and stays in a clean environment throughout the process. During this time, keep watch for the following: Dystocia, or difficult birth, is common in sows who are older than 7-8 months and bred for the first time. Usually, a guinea pig delivery process is a bloodless and speedy course. Pregnant guinea pigs arent accustomed to building nests, yet any type of clean soft bedding will do just fine. Pre-mature birth will need to be followed by a period of artificial incubation. Required fields are marked *. We'll discuss all the things you need to know about guinea pig pregnancy. The guinea pig's heat cycle lasts 16 days. If your guinea pig has been pregnant for more than about two or three weeks then you might be capable of very gently feeling the unborn in your pet. Do not overfeed pellets. Nonetheless, be wary that other conditions like cancer or cysts disguise as bumps in the body. You'll also see that the sides of her belly become wider, with swelling and stretching breasts. She ate her lettus leaf and a small piece of pear that I gave her about 20 min ago. Thank you for your information. In the event that the vet affirms that your pig is pregnant, at that point it is significant that you ensure you realize how to appropriately take care of her. It is possible to make out fetuses 12 weeks after conception. Sometimes, small particles of fecal matter or meconium appear in the discharge. Cavy Slave. View our privacy policy and our disclosure policy for more information. This process can take up to 2-3 hours. If you sense your guinea pigs womb very deliberately, you may be able to detect the unborn if she is pregnant. All in all, you will be given a visual of your guinea pigs mid-region and the specialist would then be able to affirm or negate a pregnancy. Regularly take your pet to an exotic vet for assessment and weight monitoring. For a smooth delivery, the first procreation should happen between three and seven months of age. website builder. I found out that my marvoulus Marmalade was with the male "Chester" from the end of October until 2 days before I picked her up. After the widening, is birthing within 12-24 hours or 24-48 hours? A visit to the vet will help determine if your cavy is pregnant. Your email address will not be published. Lastly, it takes about 2-4 weeks to wean guinea pups. In general, the fluid from the uterus is released out of the birth canal (breaking of the membrane sac) and piglets are pushed down the birth canal. 8. Your email address will not be published. Whether it was planned or not, this post will inform you on what to expect during guinea pig pregnancy, the potential problems, and post-natal care. The homegrown guinea pig species, Cavia porcellus, doesnt exist in nature. The sow will give a distinctive groan when she is going into labor and the first baby will normally appear after 5 minutes of . Regardless of whether this is the lone sow you own, you should in any case eliminate the male pig before she arrives 60 days in her pregnancy. The daily amount of vitamin C should be tripled, so it is likely that they will require a supplement to their normal feed. Keep in mind! Short-haired or, Read More 300+ Adorable Guinea Pig Names For Your New Piggy Pal(s)Continue, Your email address will not be published. Remember that the young pups have wide-opened eyes from birth. As you get closer to labor, your water may break and you may have back pain or . Weight gain may be subtle in the first hundred days, but keep an eye for any signs that your pig is growing. Nevertheless, if your sow is not yet matured and is less than 6-8 months of age, she will still be growing and thus weight gain may not be symptomatic of pregnancy. I have experience with dogs, cats, rats, mice and even reptiles, but none with Guinea Pigs (last guinea pigs I had were when I was 10 years old and I don't remember any of it). But these little critters also mature early both physically and sexually. She also needs extra vitamin C; you can give at least 10mg orally. As soon as you suspect a successful mating, supplement the females usual. Male guinea pigs are very territorial so when they mate they spray the female with their urine. Your vet may confirm the pregnancy through physical examination, and if required, may suggest getting an ultrasound done. Sometimes even surgery must be performed to save the mothers life. You have to rely on a combination of indicators. Thats because they dont want other males to approach her. I have had sows that have run to the opposite end of the cage, like they are terrified! Mom's can, and are, very vigorous in cleaning up these babies! Weigh your sow weekly to be certain she is gaining weight at a regular pace. Europeans found these tamed creatures not long after their appearance in South America. Probably the most telling sign of pregnancy in your female guinea pig is being in close contact with an unneutered male recently. Chester, the dad, is a golden agouti and white Peruvian. Your email address will not be published. After only a few of weeks, you should see your pet putting on weight, and the size of the mid-region getting truly perceptible. On the other hand, keeping a pregnant sow with boars poses a greater danger. You should observe the behavior of the other guinea pigs as well. Changes in the Estrous Cycle. This is the most exciting period! When a gilt (unbred or first-time mother) or a sow is in heat, she will often show a swollen and red vulva, and/or discharge. Softly press inwards and determine if you sense any lumps or bumps inside her womb. In most cases, the small forms are a sign of guinea pig pregnancy. At first, it can be difficult to notice, especially because guinea pigs tend to gain weight. There are no surefire signs and no signs during the first half of the pregnancy. It tends to affect overweight sows delivering their first and second litter. There should be little or no blood, especially before any babies have been produced. Avoid over-feeding I just wanted to know what signs they have so I can know if I can get a good nights sleep or not. Ensure your guinea pig has enough food and water, Can Guinea Pigs Eat Turnip Greens? She will give out a cry just as she goes into labor, and it will take about five minutes to birth a pup. Apart from injuring your sow, they may attempt to mate or impregnate her soon after birth. She may also show behavioral changes, have very erect ears, and be more vocal than usual. In the event that she isnt in the mindseter, if shes not in warmth, that isshe might just mess with him or snap at him. Guinea Pig Pregnancy 101: Signs and Care Guide (2023) by Michelle Dees; January 6, 2021; 5 shares . Fruit is high in sugar and can contribute to diabetes. Today, they are kept as pets around the globe. Copyright 2023 - VIVO Pets. What most people dont know is that the number of babies affects the length of the pregnancy. Her body will be positioned in a down-squat on all four legs. Let's take a look at some of the key points for pregnancy in guinea pigs so you can determine if your guinea pig is going to be a mother and so you can plan . Young female pups reach maturity at around two months and can effectively bear life. The male will put on a manly display for the female, rumbling, standing upright before her, and approaching her with his head lowered. 2. Jane is an advocate for animal welfare and supports organizations dedicated to protecting wildlife. Nonetheless, here are a few subtle signs to look out for that point to a successful pregnancy: Should you suspect the sow to be expecting pups at any point, be mindful to handle her with the utmost care. Male guinea pigs as young as 3 weeks old can impregnate a female, and a female guinea pig as young as a month old, can get pregnant. Polar fleece is perfect. This may result in the delivery of live pigs, the correction of torsion or the piglets may be dead. If you do decide to breed them, ensure your sow is young enough (but not too young) so there are less chances of complications. Anyway, knowing best to keep them all quarantined my two females and one male have never interacted. If male guinea pigs are in the vicinity, you might see them congregating around a pregnant female just prior to labor. Signs when my Sow will give birth? Weigh your sow weekly to be certain she is gaining weight at a regular pace. Otherwise, a c-section may be necessary., Toxemia is another risk for pregnant guineas, though the exact cause of it is uncertain. Guinea pigs eat more when they're pregnant. Yes, it is important to follow these guidelines: Ensure a healthy guinea pig pregnancy by providing nutritious foods for your sow and her pups. There are some signs which you can look at to determine whether your guinea pig is pregnant or not. Usually, a normal labor process lasts not more than 10 minutes. Try and make sure that the afterbirths have been delivered. In the presence of a male, the female changes her back (spine) which she arches downwards. Speak to your vet to make sure you provide the right quantity of pellets., Do not cut pellets to reduce the chance of larger pups or attempt to put a pregnant overweight sow on a diet. . A sow can birth up to 5 litters per year, though miscarriages and stillbirths are common. The pups will be fully furred and have their eyes open. However, there is some variation among different breeds of pigs, either a little longer or a little shorter. She may, if he persists, even urinate on him. This could expand her pressure and influence her eating and drinking habits. One of the clear signs that your guinea pig is pregnant is if she starts to take on the shape of a pear. The guinea pigs weight increase starts with a few grams per day. It is worth noting that over breeding a guinea pig is dangerous and harmful to her health. It makes me so happy and very worried at the same time. As soon as you suspect she has mated successfully, you should replace her usual Timothy hay with alfalfa. That is normal. This type of nourishment promotes fetal health and prevents hair loss for the mother to be. During the last pregnancy stages, pregnant piggies tend to overeat. Great news! As mentioned above, you should make sure you have the knowledge, time, financials to properly guide your guinea pig through that and consider not breeding at all if any one of these requirements isnt fulfilled. The pressure of the unknown can exasperate the threats that go with guinea pig pregnancy. This gilt's pregnancy indicator is pointing up. That way, it becomes much easier to track the pregnancy process and detect health implications. Some guinea pigs have swirls of long hair while others have a coat of soft, short hair. The guinea pig (Cavia porcellus) displays many features of gestational physiology that makes it the most translationally relevant rodent species. You can sense the distance between the bones by gently positioning your finger on the belly just a few centimeters from the anus. The middle stage is up until the seventh week of pregnancy. Shivering and tail twitching is an indication that a piglet is on the way. Risk reduction includes preventing obesity in the mother guinea pig and providing adequate energy in the diet late in gestation. Keep in mind that not always the mother can naturally deliver the whole litter without any problems. During all of the stage and especially during the last stage of pregnancy the sow should remain in a calm environment. Guinea pigs usually give birth during the day. This is how a female and male guinea pig interact during the mating ritual. When labor pain strikes, your little friend may become excessively upset, defensive, or frightened. Register for free to enjoy the full benefits. If you know and accept the risks, then read on to become familiar with the stages of pregnancy. In fact, you may even wonder if your cavy is actually pregnant. Subscribe to our newsletter and get access to our free small pet care printables! Nonetheless, if your little friend becomes pregnant, get ready to sufficiently support them throughout the process. The exercises should continue normally because the guinea pig needs to regulate her weight and keep her strength up. The whole process from first contraction to last baby can be as short as 15 minutes, and up to 40 minutes depending on how many babies she has. Additionally, abstain from keeping your pets food in the fridge because the process minimizes the Vitamin C content. alrightywill try that. Monitor a pregnant sow's behavior closely as delivery date approaches. What does a pregnant guinea pig need? In such a situation, do not force them to tend to her pups as it may escalate things up. I know guinea pigs don't. Guinea pups, once born, will be completely furry. All I know is she was bred prior to May 26. Last Updated on January 25, 2023November 5, 2020 by Danielle. Pigs have an average gestation period of 114 days (3 months, 3 weeks and 3 days). That gives you enough time to attempt breeding after a few weeks when the pig goes into heat. You most likely won't even see it happen. Strong, frequent contractions. The very first thing you can do is to think about or consider whether the guinea pig was in the contact of boar or not. If any of them seem to bother her or tease her, they will need to be put in a separate cage. During the first month or so, there arent a lot of physical signs to indicate your sow is a mom-to-be. Cessation of this agitated behavior indicates labor has begun. So it is easier for them to locate solid food even if the mother is not supportive. During the process, the sow squats on all its limbs. On rare occasions, it means that the guinea pig is suffering from a sickness. I'd cut out the broccoli slaw and give 1 broccoli floret once a week. After you dry it off, put it back down beside the Mom. Guinea Pig Death Process Dead or in Shock. Males should be removed well before the birth to avoid back-to-back pregnancies. During pregnancy, a thick plug of mucus blocks the cervical opening to prevent bacteria from entering the uterus. If you are present, you can help her out by removing some of the placentas and some of the soiled bedding. 6 Signs of a Pregnant Pig. The age of the sow plays a huge row in making the decision. When she has a contraction, she will kind of hunch up. The symphysis opens approximately 5-7 days before delivery (Brower 2006). For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Hello,Normal guinea pig labor is short with few signs that it is going on. These little critters can be one solid color, two colors, or tri-colored! You should be watchful of the sow, because you really wont notice any difference in her appearance for the first few weeks. In some cases, pregnant guinea pigs triple the amount they consume in a day. Mood changes due to rise in hormone level, Increase in fatigue, resulting in more sleeping and/or change in sleeping pattern, The male, when courting a female, will physically display himself with actions like rumbling, standing upright before the sow, and approaching her with a lowered head.. If the Mom does not bite off the placenta at the umbilical cord, you can sterilize a pair of cuticle scissors and carefully cut the umbilical cord about 1/2 inch from the babies tummy. If you were unaware of it before, guinea pigs mate early and often which means different genders should be separated when kept as pets. One of my guinea pigs is pregnant! Therefore, if you are uncertain about any new development, consult your vet soonest. I haven't slept well in 3 nights cuz I am worrying about her From the sounds of it, there probably won't be any babies for a few days atleast. You most likely wont be able to do this without a proper instrument, as she will only probably put on a few grams per day. When Do Guinea Pigs Stop Growing and How Big Do They Get? Although some pregnant guinea pigs become excessively lazy during the last few days, others behave normally to the last day. I have no idea when she was bred. With the use of ultrasound, your vet can also assess potential concerns with the pregnancy. During this period the mothers double her body weight and get a lot bigger. Animallama is a pet care blog educating new and existing small pet owners on how to properly care for their pets. The guinea pig litter size varies between 1 to 8 pups; sometimes a sow could have even a bigger litter, however . The test records the echoes as the sound waves skip back to decide the size, shape, and consistency of tissues and organs in the body. By the time she reaches the seventh week of pregnancy, the babies will make up about half of her total body weight. As a result, they may bite, attack or pull her fur resulting in other complications. Make the habit of repeatedly measuring your pets weight, at least twice a month. 0. However, if youre still in the process of deciding whether to breed her, then heed our advice to not breed her. When there is a dominant male, theres a likelihood that the other males wont try to interact with the mother. At that point, the ultrasound machine is put on the skin and transmits a high-recurrence sound that is quiet to human ears. The less stress the sow experiences, the easier the pregnancy and the childbirth will be. Alfalfa has extra calcium and protein, both of which she very much needs. Some sows take up caring for their young ones right away after birth. Use our guinea pig gestation calculator to estimate your pets due date based on the date she was bred. I usually do not interfere. Watch your sow for signs of illness during pregnancy. Place the cage away from direct sunlight and from places where there are loud noises present. A pregnant guinea will start to drink and eat more as the pregnancy propels. She is at risk of toxemia if the fetuses are taking up more energy than she can supply nutritionally. Utilize your dominant hand to feel her belly. I always try to give her a small piece of fruit so that she has the extra energy to litter (not sure if this is the word for g-pigs, but it is the term for most rodents) if she needs to. The abdomen becomes bulky and look plump, though this can also mean other things. If the female approves of the male, she will signal her acceptance to mate with loud squeaks. Although you need to be careful not to apply any pressure to the region. During the early stage change the usual hay with Alfalfa hay. If you have previous pregnancy documentation, compare the prior birth experience. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. I am a little glad that there are more because that means they will be smaller, but I don't want too many. All Rights Reserved. In the event that he endures, shell hose his excitement by peeing on him. Respiratory rate increases, and sometimes pigs will breathe through open mouths. Legitimate administration of the pregnant sow requires a comprehension of the danger factors for pregnancy related sickness and a capacity to perceive early indications of issues. Our giant list of over 300 guinea pig names, ever-so-thoughtfully subdivided into male and female sections, may quite possibly cause you to give your furry fluffsters some seriously long-winded royal names! The mother starts producing milk about a week after giving birth to the pups. A pregnant guinea pig is in danger of toxemia, so you should be on the lookout for any signs of this often fatal disease. Even though you can assist the birthing by yourself, its always better to leave it to licensed professionals. I can feel her pelvis is widening! If she isnt in the mooder, if shes not in heat, that isshe might very well bite him or snap at him.
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pregnant guinea pig signs of labor