In our research, we could not find a definitive age when guinea pigs are declared adults; however, they reach sexual maturity by four weeks of age. Some guinea pigs even put up great resistance to this. It is important to consider the space between the bars of your guinea pig cage. However, taking some precautions can bring you peace of mind that your sow wont need to eat her babies. Guinea pigs can eat their babies if they lack nutrition. After giving birth, the mother guinea pig is likely to eat the placenta but can end up eating her babies by mistake. Every baby guinea pig needs its mothers milk, which provides enough nutrition during the first crucial days of their lives. Put him back with his mother if he becomes vocal or squirmy. But do all animals miss their babies as much as we do? Do Guinea Pigs Eat Their Babies? The causes are different for each species. They also live for several years, longer than most other rodents, so you can enjoy them longer than other pet rodents. For instance, a guinea pig that was captured individually needs at least one other guinea pig as a cage mate. (n.d.). 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. Guinea pigs may be Darwinian in their process toward motherhood, meaning only strong individuals can survive and reproduce more, To eliminate competition, guinea pigs are reluctant to share their enclave, especially when other male guinea pigs are around. Housing your guinea pig is not particularly difficult, as there are a large variety of hutches and cages commercially available. Its important to know what signs to look out for so you can keep your piggies happy and healthy. The standard litter can range from one to six little pups, with an avg. Guinea pig pregnancy seems short to us, but in fact it lasts a remarkably long time for their size. 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. However, male guinea pigs shouldnt eat their young at all because guinea pigs are herbivores. 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. All of the babies are usually born within 30 minutes once labor begins. It is important to note that guinea pigs can get attached to their owners and may experience signs of separation anxiety when they are not around. Start offering them shredded lettuce from the day their born. Just being near their most preferred people can give guinea pigs a lot of comfort. Baby guinea pigs typically stay with their mother for about three weeks, but this can vary depending on the situation. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/all-other-pets/guinea-pigs/breeding-and-reproduction-of-guinea-pigs, Care of pregnant Guinea pigs. Honestly, I dont feel like its worth the risk. But, can guinea pigs eat them? You can find a mentor by asking your local cavy club to put you in touch with suitable experienced breeders. Yet, the mother guinea pig will take care of them during the first few weeks, so dont separate them from her. When baby guinea pigs grow up the males are called boars and the females are called sows. Orphans should be fed by an eyedropper or pet nurse within the first 12 to 24 hours of life. It's so rewarding to help pets look and feel their best. Guinea pigs weigh between 700 and 1200g. Show some tender feelings towards your guinea pig. Between then and reaching their full adult weight several months later, you might hear them being described as juniors. This is pretty rare. "Wheek" City. The sow eating her pups may be starving. Thankfully, she had an uneventful pregnancy and birth and did not eat her babies. Guinea Pig Animal Facts | Cavia porcellus - AZ Animals Cage size Will the baby guinea pigs be able to escape? When a guinea pig mom is caring for her babies, she teaches them the necessary skills they need to survive in the world. The mother may eat her babies if one or more of her litter dies, or she is under a lot of stress. Owning Guinea Pigs | VCA Animal Hospital Pet owners know that keeping a guinea pig as a pet is a wonderful experience. So, what do you put on the bottom of a guinea pig cage? Although they are able to conceive year-round, springtime is the peak window for baby guineas appearing on the scene. Lets explain why guinea pigs may eat their babies. Female guinea pigs (sows) typically mature sexually at 2 months of age (55 to 70 days). It's particularly common when introducing new guinea pigs for the first time. For instance, most rats eat their babies. If that happens in captivity, its a rare exception. 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. Likely she has forgotten all about them, and is instead planning to to escape and start her next litter. Guinea pigs are tailless rodents that weigh between 1.5 and 2.5 lbs. Wheek: The shrill noise a guinea pig or other small rodent makes. Veterinarians and Animal Hospital in Pasadena, MD | Lake Shore Pet Hospital. These colorful, chore charts will help you keep track of when to feed your fuzz butts, clean their cages, and much more. A single guinea pig living by themselves often become gloomy, confused, and spiritless. A mother guinea pig can eat her babies if one of the babies is born dead. So as long as the enclosure is secure and the bars are tight, you should be fine. Individuals will be starting to show their own distinct personalities too. Some guinea pigs are more likely to nuzzle or groom people or other guinea pigs. In almost all species, males are inherently territorial. (2014, March 28). We placed an additional water bottle in the cage so that it was low enough for the babies to reach it. But another remarkable thing about baby guinea pigs is just how grown up their appetites are! Sometimes adults will do this with each other too. Theres no fixed moment when a guinea pig stops being a pup and becomes an adult. Dont be surprised if your pup lets out a little chirp as a means of asking for food! Although, some green beans and always bring us back together. 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. The earlier and more regularly you handle them, the more likely they are to accept you. They use them to form social bonds and initiate mating, attract the attention of herd members over great distances, communicate sadness, and sound the alarm. Caring for baby guinea pigs can be a rewarding experience if you know what to expect. Coming up with a cute guinea pig name is a lot of fun, but can be tough. Be quiet and move slowly around baby guinea pigs. It is also quite normal for baby guinea pigs to whine when approached by a much bigger and older guinea pig. Its understandable to feel that way. And within a few hours nursing should be established. 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). 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. Read More Can Guinea Pigs Eat Clementines? The next thing you need to take care of is that make sure that their cages are heavy, comfortable, and not escapable. If a stillborn is not removed from the cage promptly, it might be eaten fairly quickly by the mother. Guinea pigs are not capable of "missing". (Find Out Now). I didnt know how we would handle it if Theo rejected her babies or even worse ate her young! The importance of understanding whether or not guinea pigs miss their babies cannot be overstated. In captivity, they cannot run away, which increases the stress. But, give them time to bond with their mother so they can nurse. The bond between a mother and her baby is crucial for the babys development. Many living creatures eat other members of their species when necessary for survival. It can be hard to tell when your pregnant guinea pig is going to deliver her babies because unlike dogs and cats, they do not prepare a nest. Whether you plan on rearing your own litter of baby Abysinnian guinea pigs, or youre making plans to buy a baby Peruvian guinea pig, its valuable to be able to recognise whether theyre growing and developing normally for the species, and their breed. Bartesaghi, R., Severi, S., Effects of early environment on field CA2 pyramidal neurons in the guinea-pig, Neuroscience, 2004. Preview / Show more . Baby guinea pigs are 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. They Talk to You A.K.A. 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. At three weeks of age it was still hard for us to tell the difference between the males and females. You need to know if you should reduce the amount of time you spend away from your pet. They have learned quite a few life skills from their mother and are ready to go to their new homes. Also, they should have unlimited amounts of timothy hay and water all the time. 10. As they grow, baby guinea pigs will require extra calcium to help their bones develop properly. However, too much calcium is dangerous for an adult guinea pig. Other factors that make eating (or killing) the pups less likely include: piggies are natural herbivores and they have good maternal instincts (for rodents, anyway). Guinea pigs can eat a lot of different types of fruit. Kind, K.L., Chronic maternal feed restriction impairs growth but increases adiposity of the fetal guinea pig, American Journal of Physiology, 2005. Do guinea pigs hurt their babies? - Your Wisdom Tips Guinea pigs can recognize their owners and other people they know and trust. 5 Common Cat Behaviours And What They Mean. When they dont have enough food and are at risk of starvation. The male guinea pig staying with the mother and babies is important because he helps keep them warm and protects them from predators. Soak guinea pig pellets in water from the first day of life. It may take some time for him to become comfortable with you. Do Chickens Get Lonely? Other causes of hair loss due to underlying medical conditions such as ovarian cysts may occur as a result of hormonal distress. She is then back to cuddles and snuggles. In some cases, guinea pigs may lick or try to groom you as a sign of affection. Pettijohn, T. F., Attachment and Separation Distress in the Infant Guinea Pig, Developmental Psychobiology, 1979. A cage with a deep pan will make it more difficult for your guinea pigs to escape, but its not necessary. 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 mother guinea pigs miss their babies when they are given away? Can a Guinea Pig Baby Live Without the Mother? Baby guinea pigs are unique in that they are born with their eyes open! Guinea pigs don't wheek in the wild. Under certain circumstances, the sow may eat her offspring for various reasons. Guinea pigs diet rests on grasses, herbs, hay, and raw fruits and vegetables. And the result is that guinea pig babies are born already more mature than many other species. By the time theyre a month old, baby guinea pigs body shape rather resembles that of a syrian hamster. Pets. My mission is to teach others useful tips and tricks about these cute creatures. 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. 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. Popcorning is an incredibly descriptive term to describe the frenzied bursts of energetic jumping, bumping and hopping about that guinea pigs engage in. My first piggy some years ago did a big dance of joy each time I came back home after some days of being away. A baby guinea pig is called a pup. 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. If your guinea pig consistently has enough extra food, the chances of her needing to eat her pups drop to near zero. Do not over-handle the mother or you could cause her stress which will lead . Mange worms (Trichocross cavia) are a common cause of hair loss, and other symptoms may include excessive scratching, abnormal aggression when being touched, and, in some cases, seizures. 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. Merck Veterinary Manual. 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. 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. You can also ask your vet for advice and support. As noted above; Guinea Pigs are highly vocal and use their voice to express their personality. Also, female guinea pigs eat their young if they are overstressed and afraid because they cannot handle the situation. Bathing them, if its something you plan to try, should wait until they are at least eight weeks old. They need it in unlimited amounts, as it helps them keep their teeth trimmed and ensures the proper functioning of their sensitive digestive system. https://www.npvet.co.nz/pets/animal-info-pets/bird-rabbit-turtle-articles/care-pregnant-guinea-pigs/, Guinea lynx :: Reproduction. On the other hand if youll be helping a sow to raise a litter of pups from birth, theres rather more to think about. Even though they share similar names, guinea pigs do not belong to either the dog or pig family. Wiki User 2008-10-08 02:35:56 This. There are several major ideas about why would a guinea pig eat the babies: When they are small and weak, its much easier to keep baby guinea pigs away from male guinea pigs. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Squeaks and Nibbles is a participant in the Amazon EU Associates Programme, an affiliate advertising programme designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.co.uk, Squeaks and Nibbles is also 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. Babies grow fast. Theyre sweet, juicy, and tasty. (Fun Facts). A mix of alfalfa and timothy hay could keep the mother full and prevent this from happening. Many people believe that male guinea pigs eat their babies as well. Guinea pigs eating babies is a rare but possible occurrence. So, I took some time to do some research on it for you. Yes, it is okay to touch your new baby guinea pigs. First of all, dont be too hard on yourself. How Do Guinea Pigs Reproduce? (Breeding, Complications & More) However, they will continue to feed on their mothers milk as well. Although guinea pigs occasionally sneeze, frequent sneezing is a sign of pneumonia, especially in response to climate change. 9. Guinea pig babies can walk, see, and hear, as soon as they are born, and most start nibbling on solid foods within a few days. The size of the pups is often relative to how many pups there are in the litter. If you push gently on their lower abdomen the penis may appear. Baby guinea pigs for adoption are usually a little cheaper than guinea pigs for sale, and often come with a clean bill of health from a vet. 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. (n.d.). Do Guinea Pigs Recognize Their Owners?: 10 Tips You Need Now Guinea pig babies are actually called pups. Guinea pigs are less likely to eat their own young than other varieties of rodents because a baby guinea pig reaches maturity quickly. How long before you can handle baby guinea pigs? They are not cannibalistic because they are starving. Do Guinea Pigs Eat Their Babies? [The Surprising Truth] If you have a pregnant guinea pig, consider giving the her cage an upgrade, so she can take care of her pups comfortably. Its important to remember that guinea pigs are prey animals and they can get intimidated very easily. Why Do Guinea Pigs Whine (Is It Normal, What It Means) As herbivores, they dont eat meat at all. Sufficient nutrition, a mixture of alfalfa and timothy grass, keeps female guinea pigs hydrated and can prevent guinea pigs from eating their babies. Some guinea pig moms have their maternity care kicked in as they give birth while others take some time . An adult guinea pig will never deliberately harm or eat a newborn guinea pig. If the mother is experiencing starvation , she may eat her offspring as an ultimate last resort. But many experts recommend that pups be weaned as late as 6 weeks. Find The Best Deals on Your Favorite guinea pig Products and Save! And guinea pigs are quite fertile little creatures too! 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. Your Baby Guinea Pig - What To Expect And How To Look After Them It can be a little surprising to witness, but its completely normal and nothing to be alarmed about. Usually, the mother will eat the baby right after it's born. How long does it take for guinea pigs to be born? Signs of Guinea pig loneliness, depression, and boredom include hair chewing, hiding, refusing to be handled, and general irritability. Well chart the milestones of their first days and weeks, and find out what to expect if you discover your female guinea pig is expecting. 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. So the remaining milestones left to look for relate to growth, feeding, behavior and sexual maturity. Ive wondered it myself. AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE After your guinea pig has given birth, shell clean up the evidence left behind to stop predators from tracking down their scent. Piglet Okay, so it's not that clever. Its often the result of starvation, stress, inexperience, or trauma. To avoid the risk of your guinea pig, eating her babies, take these safety steps. But usually, mom will begin to discourage her babies from nursing at about the 3rd week. Youre gonna want to read this. Do Guinea Pigs Eat Their Babies? 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. There are, Read More 7 Alarming Reasons Why Guinea Pigs DroolContinue, What fruits can guinea pigs eat? (Find Out Now)Continue. When you touch them be soft and gentle. On the other hand, if it turns out that they don't form any attachment to their young, then we can . She is then back to cuddles and snuggles. You can certainly handle a little, because it wont make their mother reject them. The gestation period is about 59 to 72 days or about two months. 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. After birth, Guinea pig sows can become pregnant again within hours. They need supervised time out of their cages each day to run around and exercise. Guinea pigs are social animals who rely on their families for support. Under normal circumstances, the sow will give birth and have a healthy litter of pups. Change the water daily. We noticed our guinea pig babies began to eat mamas food within a few days of birth. Male guinea pigs are more likely to harm their babies but they shouldnt eat them. Baby guinea pigs feed on their mothers milk but soon they will need lots of alfalfa hay thats rich in calcium. Make sure any seller houses male and female guinea pigs separately, or there could be a chance you'll take home a pregnant female. If your guinea pig is hanging out near you while . If possible, you should be present during the birth to provide support and comfort to the mother. She needs more food and more nutrients to prepare her for the process of giving birth and nursing her babies. This a sound that only domesticated guinea pigs do for their adoring pet parents. Pneumonia can occur with torticollis and can be fatal. Following delivery, your guinea pig mama will be exhausted and hungry. This way they can easily confuse their predator and a group of guinea pigs doing this is known as a stampede.. A male guinea pig eats the babies only by a strange occurrence. 3 hours ago WebBaby Guinea Pig Diet The first week of life is critical. Remember to remove any they leave, as it will spoil quickly. The act of cannibalism in guinea pigs is usually the mother trying to protect the rest of her litter from predators. Although pet guinea pigs eating their pups is a very rare incident, it does happen sometimes. Place one hand under their tummy and one behind their bottom, and hold the little guy close to you. A female needs to give birth for the first time before the age of 7 months. Guinea pigs are different from many other species; they are born with teeth and fur, and almost immediately they can see and walk around. Make sure that your guinea pig babies are able to reach the water bottle sipper. Also, male guinea pig may kill the babies if he doesnt recognize them as his own offspring. If your guinea pig becomes acquainted with someone they don't trust, they may become quiet or hide when that person is nearby. Watch after your guinea pig while she gives birth. RSPCA Knowledgebase Let Australias most trusted animal welfare charity help you answer the big questions. Will Your Guinea Pig Eat Her Babies? (What You Need To Know) So your guinea pig is pregnant. It is essential for guinea pigs to have social contact with other guinea pigs. They will continue to nurse from mom for somewhere between three and six weeks. Neutering is A LOT less risky for males than spaying is for females. Guinea pigs can typically handle labor and delivery without intervention; however, guinea pigs can die during the birthing process. While it is certainly possible that guinea pigs may experience separation anxiety after their babies have been taken away, there is no definitive evidence to suggest that this is the case. This was the most surprising thing to me! CLICK HERE to check the price. The name pup calls to mind baby dogs, but guinea pigs actually belong to a family of rodent species called cavies. And baby guinea pigs are capable of joining in from a very young age. This way, your guinea pig will not feel the need for extra nutrition. Yes, guinea pigs do eat their babies. Do Guinea Pigs Recognize Their Owners? (How to Tell) The above is important because it allows the mother to continue feeding and grooming her young. Female guinea pigs have a Y-shaped opening close to their anus. 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. (What Owners Need To Know), What Fruits Can Guinea Pigs Eat? And of course, when you run a finger over the area, you wont feel a penis! It is rare, but it does happen. Unlike many other animals in the animal kingdom, guinea pigs are not self-sufficient. This is especially true for mammalian animals, who often form strong attachments with their young. One of the ways they do this is through "wheeking". the babies are doing so well and are so healthy.#guineapig #babies #cuteSong: Sapphe. 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. For example, guinea pigs are born with their eyes open, and their ears which look huge at the moment can already hear. You can also give them a comfortable place to sleep, like a bed or hammock. Guinea Lynx :: A Medical and Care Guide for Your Guinea Pig. 25 Sweet & Silly Guinea Pig Names - wideopenspaces.com Guinea pigs are also notorious communicators, and they start vocalising from babyhood. Keep an eye on their weight, and youll be able to observe them steadily gaining ounces until around their first birthday. Theyve learned all the skills they need for independence, and theyre ready to leave the nest. If you have an affectionate male guinea pig, you can introduce the babies when they are in the same cage. 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. (And yes, its one of the more gruesome animal interactions in the wild.).